Difficulty travelling: easy
Distances between photo spots: relatively short, Taiwan is small and has good infrastructure
Safety: generally very safe
Language: Mandarin (traditional)
Photo spots: lots of urban life and lots of nature (mountains, beaches)
Drones: generally permitted, regional no-fly zones (including national parks) HERE is the website of the aviation authority
Taiwan is a country full of diversity and contrasts, offering photographers a wide range of opportunities. From bustling metropolises to peaceful mountain villages, from spectacular coastlines to dense rainforests, Taiwan is a paradise for anyone who loves their camera. In this article, we take a look at some of the best places and tips for photographing Taiwan.
Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean, east of China, and covers an area of approximately 36,000 square kilometres. With a population of around 24 million, Taiwan is one of the most densely populated regions in Asia. The capital, Taipei, is an important economic and cultural centre. Taiwan offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from mountains and national parks to tropical beaches.
The capital of Taiwan is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Here you will find futuristic skyscrapers alongside historic temples and traditional night markets.
•Must-sees: Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Elephant Mountain and Shilin Night Market.
•Tips: Photograph Taipei 101 at sunset from Elephant Mountain to capture the city skyline perfectly.
Hualien is located on the east coast and is the gateway to the spectacular Taroko Gorge. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes with steep cliffs, turquoise blue rivers and impressive hiking trails.
•Must-sees: Taroko National Park (as of 2025: closed, current information HERE), Qingshui Cliffs and Sakul Waterfall (lots of monkeys).
•Tips: Take a telephoto lens with you on your hikes to photograph monkeys and birds.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city, offers an interesting mix of modern architecture, art scene and relaxed harbour flair.
•Must-sees: Lotus Lake with its dragon and tiger pagodas, Pier-2 Art Centre and the harbour with the Music Centre.
•Tips: Photograph the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas reflected in the lake for unique compositions. Formosa Boulevard Station features an impressive ceiling mosaic – ideal for wide-angle shots.
Ren’ai is a small community in the mountains, known for the picturesque landscapes of Cingjing Farm and its proximity to Hehuanshan Mountain, which offers spectacular sunrises.
•Must-sees: Cingjing Farm, Hehuanshan and the small mountain villages.
•Tips: Hehuanshan is a fantastic place for landscape and night photography. Pack a tripod to capture the stars or the sunrise.
Taiwan offers countless opportunities for photographers, from vibrant cityscapes to stunning nature. Whether you prefer architecture, street photography or breathtaking landscapes, this island will inspire you. Pack your camera and discover Taiwan’s diversity through your lens!
Generally speaking, yes, but there are exceptions:
•Photography is sometimes prohibited in museums, temples and religious sites. Look out for signs or ask on site.
•Special rules sometimes apply in nature reserves to protect the environment.
It is polite to ask permission beforehand, especially in rural areas. However, many people in Taiwan are friendly and do not mind being photographed.
•Wide-angle lens: For landscapes such as mountains or temples.
•Telephoto lens: Perfect for details and nature photography, e.g. birds or flowers.
•Tripod: Ideal for night photography or long exposures, especially when capturing the starry skies in Ren’ai.
•Drone: For aerial photography, but please observe the drone regulations (see next question).
Yes, but with restrictions:
•Flying drones is prohibited in national parks such as Taroko or Kenting.
•You must not fly drones near airports or populated areas.
•Find out about specific rules in advance and licence your drone if necessary.
•Spring (March–May): Perfect for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
•Summer (June–August): Tropical landscapes and festivals – but be aware of the high humidity.
• Autumn (September–November): Clear air and autumn colours, especially in the mountains.
•Winter (December–February): Opportunity for snow photography on higher mountains such as Hehuanshan.
•Taiwan can be very humid, especially in summer. Use silica gel to keep your equipment dry.
•Protect your camera from rain with a waterproof cover.
•Temperatures can fluctuate greatly in the mountains, so be prepared.
