The 8 best Taiwan beaches

We’ll start our guide to the best Taiwan beaches on the South East coast, between Taitung and Kenting, where the weather is dryer and the surf is choppy. Discover Taimali Beach just half an hour south of Taitung, a place made famous for sightings of the first aurora on the Pacific Ocean. The beach itself rolls on endlessly; shaded by palms and met by crashing waves. Although the waters are prone to riptides and considered unsafe, the stunning Pacific views and piles of driftwood perfect for a campfire will keep you inspired. Come during August to participate in the Harvest Festival, an event run by indigenous groups of the nearby Bunun village.

Staying within Kenting, we head next to the most scenic of Taiwan beaches, based next to Longpan Park near the island’s southern tip. Fengchuisha is known widely among Taiwanese but less among tourists as it only goes by its Chinese name 風吹沙, meaning ‘wind blows sand’. It’s fair to say the name is warranted as the sand dunes are numerous and the wind is strong; there’s even sand covering the road above. Take the dirt track down to the beach, dodging local fishermen on their scooters, to reach the shore. While you’re here, enjoy the trail along the beach which leads towards a number of swimming and snorkelling opportunities, as well as some potential wild camping spots.

At the opposite end of the island, close to Taiwan’s northernmost point, lies Laomei beach. Dotted with uniquely carved volcanic cliffs and rock trenches formed from millions of years of tidal forces, Laomei Beach is very much a photographer’s dream. An expansive sand beach about an hour’s drive from Taipei, where the rock formations turn a vivid green in April and May as algae thrives, Laomei Beach is also served by a scenic path leading to Fuguijiao Lighthouse, which looks out over the East China Sea and the stunning coastal countryside surrounding.

In Hualian meanwhile, Chihsingtan Beach wins the award to most spectacular sights. While our previous East coast mentions all boast unobstructed Pacific Ocean views,  the curved pebbled beach of Chihsingtan allows visitors to gaze upon turquoise blue waters complimented by cloud-shredded mountains in the distance. All this beauty has its limits however and swimming in these waters is not recommended; the strong currents are deadly! If arriving by train, alight at Beipu Station and walk to Chihsingtan.

If you like your sand both fine and golden, then Fulong Beach can deliver. This impressive 3km stretch of coastline lies on the northeast coast of Fulong Village, easily explored via a day trip from Taipei city. As well as activities such as wind gliding, sailing, surfing and swimming, Fulong Beach is famous for its annual Sand Sculpture Festival, with its own visitor’s centre for information on the surrounding National Scenic Area and local cultural and natural resources. Rock music fans should plan their visit for July and August when the famous HoYaiYan Gongliao Rock Festival descends on the beach. During the event, rock and pop music is played continuously, across several days, attracting music lovers and young people from Taipei and distant towns.

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