Our Taiwan Family Adventure: Lanterns, Hot Springs, and Night Markets

Taiwan gave us the good, the wild, and the wonderfully weird—all packed into one epic family trip. Just three of us: two teens, myself, and a plan written in sticky notes and local snack wrappers. From Yehliu’s alien rock formations to Jiufen’s lantern-lit maze, we darted between sights, snacks, and a few laugh-out-loud hurdles along the way.

If you picture hiking in Taiwan as muddy boots and tangled trails, guess again. Most hikes here meant climbing up clean cement steps, dodging grandmas with selfie sticks, and stopping for steamed buns mid-summit. Elephant Mountain’s famous skyline views? Stunning. Qixing’s hot springs? Steamy and perfect after a long climb.

We tackled lantern wishes in Pingxi, made a quick dash to the yellow waterfall, and took in every quirky detail Jiufen had to offer. The night market? Forget it—poor Phillip noped out fast, proving not everyone is built for crowds. Sharing these real moments is sort of our thing at Roam and Grow, because every family adventure comes with its own mix of delight, drama, and a dash of chaos. Ready for your own story? Let’s get started.

From Taipei to North Coast: Our Whirlwind Day Trips

Some days in Taiwan feel like you’re moving on fast-forward, and our North Coast road trip fit that perfectly. Yehliu, Pingxi, Shifen, and Jiufen all in one wild day? Absolutely. Each place had its own quirks, tastes, and wow moments, plus a handful of silly mishaps (because that’s how family travel works). Here’s how we zipped between bizarre geology, floating wishes, roaring waterfalls, and lantern-stuffed mountain towns—snacks in one hand, camera in the other.

Marveling at Yehliu’s Alien Landscapes

Yehliu Geopark looks like it was designed by aliens with a flair for mushrooms and chess pieces. Giant honeycomb rocks, the famous Queen’s Head, and “ginger” stones pop up everywhere. Every time we rounded a corner, we would gasp or giggle at a new formation.

For families, Yehliu makes things easy. The walkways are mostly flat, so strollers roll without drama. We found plenty of restrooms and shady spots for snack breaks—or quick cool-downs when the sun hits. The pathways stick close to the action, so your little geologist can touch the stones or ponder the weirdness up close.

Practical tips:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen: It’s hot, windy, and there’s little shade.
• Bathrooms are near the entrance and mid-park—skip the frantic toddler dash.
• Get kids excited: Show them photos from Yehliu Geopark’s Tripadvisor page or read stories about the Queen’s Head while you walk. Keeps the “are we there yet?” at bay.
• Don’t miss extra quirky shapes! “Fairy’s Shoe” and mushroom rocks make awesome photo ops.

Sky Lanterns and Shifen Waterfall: A Day of Wishes

Lighting a sky lantern together was that slow-motion, everybody smiles moment we’ll never forget. We squished around the table at Pingxi, grabbed the wide calligraphy brush, and scribbled wishes big and small. Even Phillip, usually too cool for “mushy stuff,” wanted to write his name twice. Watching our lantern lift off over the train tracks, brushed by wind and hopes, felt almost magical.

Then we hustled over to Shifen Waterfall—Taiwan’s own Niagara, if Niagara were bright green and full of selfie-takers. The path to the falls is stroller-accessible, with gentle slopes and safe railings everywhere, so nobody had to get carried (or bribed). The thunder and spray of water, plus walkways right above the falls, made every kid stop and stare. We squeezed past crowds holding up neon umbrellas, but the view was worth a hundred elbows.

Family-tested tips:

• Lanterns: Write messages together before you’re coaxed into line. Brush ink stains—be warned!
• Safety first: Watch out for trains along Pingxi’s tracks, and stick together. Lanterns fly fast.
• Shifen crowds: Get there early or late in the afternoon, when there’s a bit of breathing room.
• Why it’s a hit with kids: Lanterns mean instant art project, explosions of color, and a flying science lesson. Shifen Waterfall is almost as good as a theme park ride for little adventurers.
• Learn more about the waterfall and access options on this helpful guide.

Winding Alleys and Teahouses in Jiufen

Jiufen Old Street is a real-life treasure hunt—spiraling alleys, red lanterns, and more snack stands than should fit on one mountain. We drifted past smoky grilled mushrooms, shops selling candy kits, and the world’s tiniest claw machines. Every step brought a new smell: pepper buns, herbal jelly, fried taro balls.

About halfway through Jiufen, we found ourselves winding through charming alleys and steep staircases that felt like something out of a dream. The glowing red lanterns, hillside teahouses, and misty green valleys gave the whole town a cinematic quality—Spirited Away fans, you’ll feel right at home. And while it’s a popular spot, it never felt too crowded to enjoy the magic.

Sensory highlights:

• Sticky-sweet air from mochi and pineapple cakes.
• Soft clinks from teacups mingling with the rain outside.

Tips for families with crowd-averse or sensitive kids:

• Visit early to beat the afternoon rush.
• Bring noise-canceling headphones if crowds or loud noises stress your child.
• Take snack breaks in quieter corners or teahouses, away from main arteries.

For more about what makes Jiufen special, and how to dodge the worst of the crowds, you can check out great firsthand tips from travel blogs and local guides.

Our day was packed, tiring, and oddly magical—just the way we like it.

Family-Friendly Hiking: Steps, Not Scrambles!

Hiking in Taiwan flips the usual script. Instead of wild dirt trails, think endless tidy steps, kids zipping up concrete staircases, and snack stands waiting just when little legs need a break. It’s part cardio workout, part urban playground, all with that signature Taiwanese mix of nature and comfort. Here’s how our trio—me, William, and Phillip—handled two of Taipei’s best-for-families hikes.

Scaling Elephant Mountain: Taipei from Above

Right in Taipei’s backyard, Elephant Mountain promises a fast track to skyline views—with no ropes, and barely a hint of mud. The path is all wide, neat steps, zigzagging straight up through the trees. It isn’t long (just about half a mile up), but it’s steep enough to leave even adults a little breathless. As we climbed, Phillip got quiet and focused, while William switched between racing ahead (“Bet you can’t catch me!”) and dramatic sighs at every landing.

Getting to the lookout platforms, the whole city stretches out like a LEGO set: Taipei 101 front and center, tiny yellow taxis on the grid below. Phillip was wowed enough to pull out his phone, and William admitted even he needed a break at the top. Both boys ended up smiling, cheeks pink, trading jokes while we snapped about a hundred photos.

Here’s what worked for us:

• Go early morning or at sunset. The temperature is cooler, and you dodge the midday crowds (and most of the serious joggers).
• Bring plenty of water. There’s nowhere to refill until you’re back at the base.
• Photo ops: Don’t stop at the first platform—you’ll find less crowded ones a bit higher, plus the famous “rock seat” where everyone takes their Taipei 101 shot.
• Step counts: Prepare for a lot. The joy is watching your family (and half of Taipei) climb alongside you, all ages, all paces.

Qixing’s Hot Springs and Heavenly Peaks

Yangmingshan’s Qixing Mountain mixes big nature—peekaboo mountain views, wind-blasted ridges—with true comfort: steaming hot springs and clean trails all the way up. The climb is steady, with stairs and a few boardwalks weaving through grassy hills. If you smell rotten eggs, that’s part of the charm (thanks, sulfur steam vents!). William found the bridges fascinating: one minute hiking past hot clouds, the next crossing a chugging wooden span over a bubbly stream.

Vegging out in the hot springs halfway up was our family’s no-brainer highlight. Shoes off, toes in, and everyone instantly recharged. The area is well-developed: rest stops, real toilets, and a snack stand for hungry hikers—plus easy access for strollers or tired feet.

What made it perfect for us and stands out for families:

• Gentle steps instead of rocky scrambles. Even on rainy days, you won’t slide.
• Hot spring foot baths: Bring a towel and sink your feet for a built-in “spa moment” mid-hike.
• Clean public bathrooms and regular resting points take stress off for anyone hiking with younger kids.

Hiking in Taiwan stacks nature, snacks, and plenty of wows—one well-built step at a time.

Hot Springs, Waterfalls, and Unexpected Moments

Taiwan knows how to keep families guessing: waterfalls that shimmer gold, hot springs for tired toes, and the kind of surprises you can’t find in a guidebook. Every sightseeing stop seemed to throw a new curveball—sometimes a good one (free foot soak!), sometimes a weird one (sulfur steam faces anyone?). Next up: our finest splashy stops and those memorable moments that had us laughing, dodging crowds, and pretending not to look cold in our swimsuits.

Getting Splashy at Golden Waterfall

Golden Waterfall sounds like a treasure hunt—and in a way, it is. Rolling up, we joined the conga line of cars winding up the hill. Traffic crawled just enough for us to sing off-key to pop songs and spot street vendors hawking sweet potatoes from the roadside.

Once we parked, we joined the crowd that always seems to flock here—selfie sticks at the ready, kids dodging puddles, buses unloading tour groups straight into the shot. It gets busy (sometimes elbow-to-elbow), so patience is required if you want a solo picture in front of those sparkling, striped falls.

Golden Waterfall itself? It really does glimmer, thanks to the minerals in the water from old mines. Think rusty gold and bright copper streaks, tumbling in a lush green valley. Most families grab a few photos, but we found ways to make it special:

Snack Picnic: Vendors nearby sell steamed buns or roasted corn, perfect for an impromptu snack by the falls.

• DIY Family Portraits: Skip the awkward “stranger takes our photo”—take turns snapping goofy selfies, or let the kids direct a photoshoot with silly faces and all.
• Tiny Treasure Hunt: The lookout paths have little nooks and benches that are prime for a quick game of hide-and-seek, or for kids to find “lucky rocks.”

Crowded? Yes. Still magical? Also yes—especially if you make a game of dodging the selfie sticks.

Soaking Up Local Hot Springs

Visiting Taipei 101: Skyscraper Thrills for Everyone

Taipei 101 is more than a landmark—it’s a family adventure sky-high above the city. We shot straight up on one of the world’s fastest elevators, ears popping and hearts racing, to the dizzying observation deck. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, we pointed out tiny parks, cranes, and even mountains in the distance. Phillip loved the “big wind damper,” a massive ball that keeps the building from swaying during storms. We snapped photos with the city spread below and grabbed bubble tea at the gift shop. The mix of tech, height, and unbeatable views made Taipei 101 a must-do for all ages. If you want to skip long lines, buy tickets online and go early or on a weekday.

Making Family Memories: Food, Culture, Surprises

If there’s one thing Taiwan knows how to do, it’s keeping families on their toes—tastebuds tingling with new snacks, feet dodging crowds, and brains busy learning local quirks. From rainbow-lit night markets to giggle-worthy vending machines, every day brought small surprises and chances to try something completely weird (but sort of wonderful). Here’s where the flavors, chaos, and kindness made us feel like locals—if only for a minute.

Night Markets and Snack Attacks

Taiwan’s night markets are a wild, wonderful mashup of sizzling street food, neon lights, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Imagine a carnival crossed with a food fair and fast-paced chaos, and you’re getting close. We wandered past flame-torched beef cubes, golden fried chicken, chewy boba, pork pepper buns, and every sugary-smoky scent imaginable. But as soon as we reached the entrance, Phillip took one look at the packed, pulsing walkway and said, “Nope. Can’t go in there. Way too claustrophobic for me.” Honestly? Fair call. The energy is part of the charm, but it’s not for everyone, an it was pretty stinky (all the stinky tofu). Also, I have never seen so many claw machines in my life.

Quick tips for families braving the night market chaos:

• Go early, before sunset, when crowds are smaller and lines go faster.
• Scope out quieter markets or side alleys for less sensory overload. Not every market is a madhouse. If Taipei’s biggest spots are too much, try neighboring night markets instead. Check out this detailed guide to Taipei night markets with kids.
• Clip a small flashlight or glow stick on younger kids for easy spotting.
• Plan backup: Pick a nearby café or food court as your “safety zone” if it all gets too much.
• Let everyone pick one snack to track down, then bolt for quieter turf and do your taste test picnic-style.

If your child is sensitive to crowds or noise, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Some kids, like Phillip, need a fast exit and extra hugs. Pick up night market treats to go and make a mini feast back in your hotel room. Or, swap the wild night for a trip to a family-run restaurant, where you can still sample Taiwan’s best flavors without drama.

Little Wins and Local Customs

Every street corner in Taiwan turns into a cultural scavenger hunt. Locals love to fuss over visiting families, greeting us with wide smiles, gifts of fruit, or even surprise rain ponchos when clouds roll in.

If the wild snack machines don’t get you, the vending machines will. We lost count of the number of coin-operated gadgets full of Hello Kitty tissues, steamed buns, and mystery toys.

Temple stops brought their own rules. We learned:

• Always use the incense sticks gently, bow before shrines, and keep noise low.
• Don’t point at statues or block paths for others—basic respect, but easy to forget with kids.
• Shoes off means shoes off, no excuses (leave them by the entrance with everyone else).

Ordering food was mostly easy. If they didn’t speak english they would hand us a paper with the menu items and we would mark down how many of items we wanted to order.

Family memories in Taiwan: sticky, silly, surprising, and always better when shared out loud.

Conclusion

Taiwan left us grinning, sticky-fingered, and just the right kind of worn out. With safe streets, easy transport, friendly faces, and more snack stands than a state fair, it’s a playground for families who want color and comfort with a twist of the unexpected. The hikes came with smooth concrete steps (our knees thank you, Taipei!), lanterns drifted over Pingxi, and even our night market misadventures turned into long-running inside jokes.

Traveling here, we discovered that picky eaters always find something to love, nervous parents find calm in how easy it is to get around, and even the trickiest moments (like escaping that night market crush) just add to the story. There’s no need to stress over safety or surprises—Taiwan welcomes families with open arms, a big laugh, and pockets full of treats.

Try it for yourselves, then come back and trade stories with us. Did your crew make it through Jiufen’s crowds? Did the hot springs make your kids cackle? We’re rooting for all your future adventures, and we’re already hungry for round two. Thanks for wandering along with us!

Where to Stay In Taipei

Destination Vs Cruising

Tropical Vacations for Families

Where to Stay in Riviera Maya

Updated June 2025