Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Taiwan, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
When people hear about Taipei's beaches, many frown—no dramatic vertical drop like Hsinchu's coastline, nor the vibrant energy of Kaohsiung with its water activities. But if you're a geology enthusiast, a surfer, or simply want to escape the artificial scenery of resort beaches, Taipei's north coast is precisely that underrated treasure.
What makes Taipei's coast unique? The answer lies in the geological layers. The north coast stretches from Keelung through Jinshan to Tamsui, spanning 2 million years of geological history, with sandstone, mudstone, and volcanic rock stacked unpredictably atop one another. This means every 5 kilometers heading west, the beach's character transforms completely—some carved by tides into honeycomb-like rock walls, others are surfing paradise with both sand and hard bottom, and some retain the authentic scenery of fishing villages. These features hold little appeal for resort-goers, but for travelers who want to "read" a beach, this is Taiwan's most complex open-air earth science classroom.
Add to this the surf culture that's flourished around Linshanbi and Jinshan in recent years—more and more young people no longer ask "where's the beach club" but rather "how's the surf." There's no resort bombardment here, no tourist-swarmed utopia fantasy—just the real ocean, including its dangers and limitations.
Yehliu Geopark: Taiwan's Most Famous Sea Erosion Platform
If you only visit one place, make it Yehliu. This park encapsulates the essence of the north coast geology: the Queen's Head (Queen Rock) neck narrows by 2 cm every year, symbolizing the eternal process of erosion; inside the Swallow Cave, black sandstone bedding is clearly visible; and there are honeycomb rocks, tofu rocks, and dissolution pans everywhere you look. Admission NT$80 (adults), filming fee additional, open 08:00–17:00 (winter until 16:30).
To be honest, Yehliu on weekends is suffocatingly crowded—tourists concentrate within 500 meters of the parking area, trying to take selfies with the Queen's Head. But if you arrive at 6 AM on a weekday, or visit on a gloomy winter rainy day, you'll see a completely different Yehliu: geologists measuring core samples, retired earth science teachers murmuring beside rock formations, waves crashing against authentic erosion landscapes. Transportation: Take Keelung Bus (from Keelung Station, routes 1051 or 1052) to Yehliu, approximately 25 minutes, fare NT$60–80.
Linshanbi: North Taiwan's Surfing Mecca
Linshanbi is located east of Fuguijiao Lighthouse; over the past five years, it has gradually become a pilgrimage site for surfers. The surf conditions here are stable—during autumn and winter, wave height often maintains 1.5–2.5 meters—with moderate beach slope, suitable for beginner to advanced surfers. Several affordable surf shops near the beach offer board rentals (daily rental NT$300–500), with lessons at approximately NT$1,200–1,500/hour.
Linshanbi's greatest feature is the "sunrise view." On clear winter mornings, the sun rises from the eastern sea, turning the spray golden. It sounds cliché when described, but witnessing surfers riding the dawn waves actually creates a breathtaking beauty—not the cartoonish resort kind, but the instinctive beauty of an athlete pursuing flow. Operating hours: no fixed restrictions (outdoor beach), recommended to surf from 5:30–9:00 AM to avoid crowds. Transportation: From Taipei MRT Tamsui Station, take Tamsui Bus (toward Fuguijiao), disembark at Linshanbi Stop, approximately 40 minutes, fare NT$50.
Jinshan Old Street and Jinshan Beach: The Fishing Village's Dual Faces
Jinshan combines hot springs and beaches, but the two are distinctly separate. Jinshan Old Street (located near Jinbaoli Street in Jinshan District) preserves the street layout from the late Qing dynasty; existing temples, general stores, and small eateries are authentic slices of local life—not heritage sites turned into attractions, but old buildings still in use by residents. The old street is mainly famous for food: duck meat, taro balls, red heart sweet potatoes; most stalls have no menu, you order what you want and the chef prepares it, estimated cost NT$80–150/person.
Jinshan Beach is adjacent to the west side of the old street—a typical fishing harbor bay—with fishing boats entering and leaving frequently, and large amounts of driftwood and fishing net debris in the harbor. This isn't a beach suitable for swimming, but excellent for observing the current state of Taiwan's fisheries. From 6–8 AM, trawlers dock to unload catches; you can watch fishermen sort their catch and haggle with fish vendors. Honestly, this scene doesn't offer much "aesthetic appeal," but it reflects economic activities many urbanites have never witnessed. Transportation: From Taipei Main Station, take Keelung Bus toward Jinshan, disembark at Jinshan High School Stop or Jinshan Stop, approximately 50 minutes, fare NT$80. Jinshan Hot Spring Area can also be visited, but is not directly related to the beach.
Shen'ao Fishing Port: New Favorite of Photographers and Fishing Village Enthusiasts
Shen'ao Fishing Port was little known in the past, but over the past two years, driven by photography communities, it has gradually become an Instagram hotspot. Dozens of small fishing boats are moored in the harbor, backed by the chimneys of Pingxi Power Plant—this "industrial ruins aesthetic" is extremely rare on Taiwan's coast, holding great appeal for visual creators.
But you need to know this is an actively operating fishing port, not a theme park. Fishermen's working areas are off-limits; taking photos in the water will get you chased away. The best shooting location is the breakwater on the harbor's north side; lighting is best from 6–8 AM, and boat activity is most frequent then. Transportation: From Taipei, take Tamsui Bus to Ruifang Ruifu or Keelung Bus to Shen'ao Stop, transfer to local minibus, approximately 1 hour total. No admission fee, limited parking (approximately 8–10 spaces), often full on weekends.
Practical Information
Transportation: Public transit to Taipei's north coast primarily relies on Keelung Bus and Tamsui Bus. If renting a car, the National Highway No. 1 to Keelung then Route 2 (coastal highway) takes approximately 40 minutes to Yehliu, continuing west another 20 minutes to Jinshan. Autumn and winter seasons are windy; mountain roads occasionally have falling rocks—recommended to check tire pressure and brakes.
Costs: Yehliu Geopark admission NT$80; most beaches and fishing ports are free. Surf lessons and board rentals are additional. Dining: Jinshan Old Street meals NT$80–200; seaside eateries (herb jelly, fish ball soup) approximately NT$40–80/bowl.
Season and Safety: March–May and October–November are the best visiting periods with mild weather and stable surf conditions. Summer (June–August) has warm water but murky sea surface, prone to jellyfish blooms (large amounts of jellyfish deaths). Winter has big waves—surfers welcome this, but non-surfers should avoid entering the water. In all beach areas, respect local fishing activities; do not linger in fishing boat lanes or fishing net stacking areas.
Accessibility: Yehliu Geopark parking has accessible spaces (8 spots); trails within the park have no elevators or stair lifts. Jinshan Old Street and Shen'ao Fishing Port have no special accessibility facilities; road surfaces are uneven.
Travel Tips
Don't come on weekends. Taipei's beaches' true value can only be experienced on weekdays and off-seasons—you need time to linger, observe how tides reshape the rocks, watch fishermen inspect their nets, feel the real force of winter's northeast monsoon. Weekend visits only mean parking difficulties, swarming crowds, and burden on the local community.
Don't dress in resort mindset attire. The north coast is windy and sunny; recommended to wear a hat, sun-protective jacket, and bring non-slip shoes (rock terrain is very uneven and dangerous when wet). Winter temperatures can drop to 5°C; windproof jacket is necessary.
Take away your trash. North coast marine life faces dual threats from fishing nets and plastic; extra garbage from visitors troubles local fishing communities. Marine debris can often be seen around Shen'ao Fishing Port and Linshanbi—instead of photographing and uploading it, join a beach cleanup.
Respect local economic activities. Fishing port areas, boat mooring spots, and floating platform and fishing net stacking areas are fishermen's workspaces. You are a visitor; they are people making their living here. Avoid entering during working hours, don't move any fishing equipment, don't photograph fishermen.
