It can be a bit confusing figuring out what is and isn’t ‘supposed’ to be a wonder of the world. It seems there’s a new list all the time, detailing the ancient wonders, the new wonders, the natural wonders, the underwater wonders…there’s even a list for the 7 wonders of the solar system! It’s understandable that the lists keep changing and expanding—with so much to marvel at in the world, how can it possibly be narrowed down to a seven-point list?

Even Taiwan, a small island the size of Maryland, possesses such a vast diversity of landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas that it is difficult to list only seven of its natural wonders. However, I gave it a go, and here is what made my list:

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is Taiwan’s biggest tourist attraction, boasting 22 kilometers of majestic mountains dropping off into steep ravines. Most visitors opt to rent scooters in Hualien and drive to and through the gorge in a day trip. I recommend spending a weekend camping in the park at one of the designated campsites—and leaving plenty of time for hiking—to fully appreciate Taroko’s beauty. Entrance to the National Park is amazingly free of charge. Click for our guide to visiting Taroko Gorge.

East Rift Valley

To be honest, it’s not just the East Rift Valley itself that is a wonder, but the entire area surrounding it. The dramatic peaks and gorges of the East Rift Valley tower on one side, the glistening Pacific Ocean stretches on for miles on the other, and verdant green rice paddies surround on either. One of the best ways to experience the East Rift Valley is via a multi-day cycling trip, beginning in Ruishui (a scenic town primarily visited for its Japanese-style hot springs) and ending in Dulan (a small beach town about 20 kilometers outside of Taitung City, filled to the brim with expat surfers and artists).

The Islands

There are numerous small islands surrounding Taiwan; no matter what you are looking for —culture, beauty, history—there is something for you. Green Island (click for hotel rates and availability) is world-renowned for possessing one of the only natural saltwater hot springs in the world, while Penghu Island has ancient temples and some of Taiwan’s most pristine beaches. The islands take a bit of work to get to, but are well worth the reward.

Long Dong

Located on the Northeast coast of Taiwan, Long Dong (Dragon Cave) gets its name from the shape of the coastline, which resembles the body of a dragon. Spectacular sandstone crags rise 70 meters to the sky while crystal-clear waves crash upon the rugged, sun-baked rocks. Access to the base of the cliffs is only granted after following lengthy footpaths, which promise seclusion and isolation. Long Dong is well known to the rock-climbing community in Taiwan and all of Asia, who flock to the cliffs to take on over 500 climbing routes. Additionally, hiking and scuba diving are popular activities. If ever there was a place for soul searching, it’s here.

Hot Springs

Okay so this isn’t just one natural wonder, as there are around 150 hot springs throughout Taiwan. In Asia, hot springs are believed to raise energy levels while possibly treating chronic fatigue, eczema, and arthritis—a pretty good reason to give the popular Taiwanese pastime a go. Be aware that some hot springs are separated by gender. If this is the case, you’ll need to don your birthday suit—and your birthday suit alone (well, plus the super-trendy shower cap that’s required). Some hot springs are still completely in the wild, while others have been developed into resorts and spas.

Ali Mountain

Although a daunting task, try to time your visit to Ali Mountain with a clear and cloudless day, because the main wonder here is the sunrise. Follow the hoards of other tourists that head to the top of Zhushan at 4 a.m. to watch the golden rays of the sunrise above the mountains, sweeping out over a sea of clouds. For the rest of the day there are numerous light hiking trails, waterfalls, tea plantations, and of course the opportunity to soak in the beauty of Alishan and its surrounding mountains.

Kenting

If you're looking for white sand beaches, Kenting National Park is the place for you. Located in the southernmost part of Taiwan, Kenting is the tropical vacation spot for Taiwanese and foreigners alike. There are a few good surf spots here, as well as decent scuba diving. Take a break from the sun and sand to rent a scooter and drive along the length of the peninsula and you’ll quickly understand why this is a wonder. Along the way you’ll see Baisha Bay, where scenes in Life of Pi were filmed; the Maobitou Scenic Area, known for its unique and rugged coastline, resembling that of a crouching cat; and Eluanbi, the southernmost part of the peninsula.

As noted earlier, these are just seven of Taiwan’s many natural wonders. One could easily spend years living in Taiwan and not discover all of its beauty and awe-inspiring scenes!

Have you been to Taiwan before? What would you add to the list?

MORE Taiwan travel goodness:

A guide to visiting Taiwan’s biggest attraction: Taroko Gorge

5 Reasons to Take a Road Trip on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast

9 Unique Bucket List Experiences in Taiwan

Beehive Fireworks Festival: Taiwan’s Most Dangerous Event

Burning Boat Festival: An Encounter with Traditional Taiwanese Folklore

9 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid in Taiwan

Taiwanese Night Market Culture: Eat, Drink, and Be Daring

Casey Siemasko, the Taiwan Editor for Wandering Educators, is a freelance writer, blogger, and avid traveler. She finds her life inspiration by exploring new places and meeting new people, and seeks to find magic in the most ordinary of places. When she's off the computer, she enjoys practicing yoga, training for marathons and scuba diving. Somewhere in there she also found time to write an eBook, 101 Tips to Living in Taiwan. 

All photos courtesy and copyright Casey Siemasko