Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, a dense and walkable city of night markets, hot springs, temples, and mountain trails set in a basin ringed by green hills. Its skyline is anchored by Taipei 101, while the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's great collections of Chinese imperial art. Taipei pairs an efficient metro, a famously food-obsessed street culture, and easy access to hot springs and tea-growing hills within the city limits.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Taipei.
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- Swimming area with lifeguards in season
- Showers and changing rooms
- Beach bars and seafood restaurants
- Bike rental and the Old Caoling Tunnel cycle path
- Free entry outside the paid swimming zone
Fulong Beach
A long golden-sand beach on the northeast coast and the site of the annual Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival. It is one of the closest proper sand beaches to Taipei, with swimming zones, a bike trail and a train station just behind the shore.
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- Lifeguarded swim area in season
- Showers and changing rooms
- Surfboard and SUP rental
- Snack vendors and small restaurants
- Paid parking
Baishawan Beach
A crescent of fine white sand at Taiwan's northern tip near Shimen, one of the most popular swimming beaches on the north coast. It has a lifeguard-watched swim area, surf and water-sports operators, and a long promenade.
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- Lifeguarded swimming area in season
- Showers and changing rooms
- Parking
- Beach-side food stalls
- Camping area nearby
Qianshuiwan Beach
A sheltered bay on the northern coast near Sanzhi, known for its calmer waters and gentler crowds than Baishawan. The beach sits below the Sanzhi coast road with views of Fugui Cape.
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- Surfboard rental and lessons
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers and changing rooms
- Seafood restaurants
- Nearby Jinshan Old Street and hot springs
Jinshan Beach (Chinshan)
A black-sand beach on the north coast near Jinshan, popular for surfing lessons and bathing and known for Jinshan hot springs nearby. The area offers a lively surf culture and seaside cafes.
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- Sandy swimming area (seasonal)
- Sea-view lawn and play area
- Showers and changing rooms
- Parking
- Snack vendors
Shalun Beach (Tamsui)
A broad sandy beach on the Taiwan Strait beyond Tamsui, popular for sunsets, kite flying and family outings. It sits near the Shalun station and a large lawn park, a popular alternative to crowded north coast beaches.
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- Waterfront promenade
- Cafes and restaurants
- Lover's Bridge viewpoint
- Ferry boarding
- Parking nearby
Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront (Tamsui)
Not a true beach but a seaside promenade at the mouth of the Tamsui River, known for the Lover's Bridge and sunset views over the Taiwan Strait. Swimming is not recommended; the wharf suits strolls, cafes and evening photography.
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- Cycle and walking path
- Bike rental
- Riverside cafes
- Restroom facilities
- Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology nearby
Bali Left Bank Riverside Park
A riverside park across the Tamsui River from the old town, with bike paths, mangrove views and the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology nearby. It is not a swimming beach but a pleasant waterfront for cycling and sunset walks.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.