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Taipei, Taiwan
Start in the capital and explore Ximending for nightlife and street food — it's lively and cheap. Hike Elephant Mountain for free skyline views and hit Shilin Night Market for NT$50-100 meals. The MRT is affordable and connects you to Beitou hot springs for a budget soak.
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Jiufen, Taiwan
This atmospheric hillside village inspired Studio Ghibli's aesthetic and is stunning at dusk when the red lanterns glow. Wander the Old Street for taro balls and fish balls under NT$100. Stay overnight to beat the daytime crowds and enjoy the misty mountain scenery.
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Hualien, Taiwan
Gateway to Taroko Gorge, one of Asia's most dramatic landscapes with marble cliffs and turquoise rivers — entry is free. Rent a scooter for around NT$400/day to explore at your own pace. The Dongdamen Night Market is excellent for cheap local eats like beef noodles and oyster omelettes.
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Taitung, Taiwan
A laid-back surf town with stunning Pacific coastline and the dramatic East Rift Valley inland. Rent a bicycle and ride the coastal bike path for free — it's one of Taiwan's most scenic rides. The Zhiben hot springs area offers affordable soaks and the region is rich in Indigenous Puyuma culture.
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Kenting, Taiwan
Taiwan's southernmost tip has tropical beaches, coral reefs, and a famous beach party scene on weekends. Kenting National Park is free to enter and great for snorkeling and hiking. The Kenting Night Market runs nightly and is one of the most festive in the south.
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Tainan, Taiwan
Taiwan's oldest city is the street food capital of the island — try coffin bread, milkfish congee, and shrimp rolls all for under NT$100 each. Explore free historic temples like Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort. The Hayashi Department Store and Blue Highway canal boat tours are great low-cost cultural experiences.
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Alishan, Taiwan
This sacred mountain range has ancient cypress forests, cloud-sea sunrises, and the famous narrow-gauge forest railway. Wake at 4am to hike to Zhushan Sunrise Peak — it's free and absolutely unforgettable. Stay in a simple guesthouse in the village and explore the tea plantations that produce world-famous high mountain oolong.
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Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Taiwan's largest alpine lake is jaw-droppingly beautiful and surrounded by forested mountains. Rent a bicycle for NT$200-300 and circle the lake on the dedicated bike path, stopping at Wenwu Temple for free. The area is also a hub for Thao Indigenous culture and famous for its unique sun moon lake black tea.
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Taichung, Taiwan
Taiwan's coolest second city has a thriving arts scene, great nightlife, and the famous Rainbow Village street art for free. The Fengjia Night Market is the largest in Taiwan and perfect for budget eating at NT$50-150 per dish. By day, explore the free National Taichung Theater and the creative Calligraphy Greenway parks.