Taiwan is one of Asia’s hidden gems. It’s a perfect blend of bustling cities, lush nature, and a fascinating culture. But how do you capture that essence for when you look back on your trip? Whether you’re using a smartphone or a high-end camera, with a bit of planning, technique, and creativity, you can take stunning photos and videos here.
Best Locations for Photography in Taiwan
Taipei 101
You can’t visit Taiwan without taking a shot of Taipei 101. The building is iconic. If you want a good view of it, try heading to Elephant Mountain. It’s a short, uphill hike with amazing panoramas of the city. You can snap that postcard-perfect shot once you reach the viewpoint. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, or come by late afternoon when the twilight adds an extra layer of magic.
Jiufen
If you’ve seen “Spirited Away,” you’ll feel the familiar vibe when you visit Jiufen. This town is famous for its winding alleys, bright lanterns, and tea houses. Go in the late afternoon as the lanterns start to light up the streets, creating a warm glow that looks incredible in photos. Be respectful though—a lot of locals live here, so avoid taking close-up shots without asking permission.
Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder, with its dramatic cliffs and winding rivers. One of the best trails for photos is the Shakadang Trail. The path follows clear blue streams, with lush greenery and the gorge’s stone walls making for the perfect nature shot. Sunrise is the best time to avoid harsh lighting—you’ll get softer colors and serene surroundings.
Sun Moon Lake
This is Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, and it’s stunning at any time of day. For jaw-dropping sunrise shots, head to Cien Pagoda. You’ll see the light slowly break over the lake’s misty waters. A drone can come in handy here since the lake’s size is hard to capture from the ground. Just be sure to follow drone regulations if you’re flying one.
Rainbow Village
Located in Taichung, Rainbow Village is a colorful, quirky little art spot. Every wall is covered in vibrant murals, making it a great place to snap fun, happy photos. Go in the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is high, ensuring all those colors pop in your photos. Just remember, it’s still a village—show respect towards the locals while exploring.
Best Times of Day to Shoot
Golden Hour

The hour right after sunrise and the hour before sunset offers the best natural lighting. The light is soft and golden, making your photos look warm and professional with minimal editing needed. Any place in Taiwan looks better in this light, from cityscapes to mountain shots.
Blue Hour
Blue hour is the period before sunrise or after the sun has just set, when the sky takes on a deep blue color. If you’re capturing city lights or landscapes, this is when you’ll get that moody, cinematic feel. It’s a great time to photograph Taipei 101, Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), or Jiufen.
Midday
Midday can be challenging because of the harsh sunlight, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. If you’re shooting at this time, try positioning yourself in shaded areas or shooting in places where the light naturally reflects, like in narrow city streets or forested areas. You’ll need to dial down the exposure on your phone or camera to avoid overexposing your shots.
Smartphone Tips for High-Quality Photos
Use HDR Mode
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is great for bright daylight photos. It can help bring out details in both the shadows and the bright areas of your photo. Most smartphones have an automatic setting for this; just make sure it’s enabled when you’re snapping photos in places like nature spots or sunny days at Taroko Gorge.
Clean Your Lens
This sounds simple but makes a massive difference. Even a small smudge on your phone’s lens can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Always wipe your lens with a microfiber cloth before taking photos, especially if you’ve been trekking around in the humid areas of Taiwan.
Play with Composition
Don’t just shoot everything from eye level. Get creative. Try crouching low or finding higher vantage points to add depth to your photos. Use the rule of thirds by placing points of interest off-center for more dynamic shots. This trick works great when capturing landscapes like Sun Moon Lake or Taroko Gorge.
Manual Focus and Exposure
You don’t have to rely on the automatic settings. Switch to manual focus if your phone allows it, and take control of the exposure. If you’re shooting in low light, reduce exposure to avoid grainy photos. Play around with these settings to get the best results in different lighting conditions, especially during the golden hour or blue hour.

Professional Camera Tips
Shoot in RAW Format
If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, make sure to shoot in RAW format. RAW files give you far more control during post-processing. This is especially useful when you’re photographing places with mixed lighting, like the vibrant Rainbow Village or the shadowy areas of Taroko Gorge.
Use a Tripod for Night Photography
A tripod is essential for night photography or when you’re taking long exposure shots. If you plan to capture stars or city lights in Taiwan, you’ll need one to keep your camera steady. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and it’ll help you nail those sharp, clear night photos, especially from Elephant Mountain or Taipei 101 at dusk.
Use a Polarizing Filter
If you plan to shoot landscapes or water, like at Sun Moon Lake, a polarizing filter is your friend. It helps reduce glare and enhances the natural colors in your shot, especially the blues of the sky or the greens of trees. It also helps cut down on reflections in water, which is perfect for getting those crisp lake shots.
Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos
Be Mindful in Temples
Temples in Taiwan are often very active places of worship. While many allow photography, be respectful. Avoid using flash inside, since it disrupts the peaceful atmosphere. If there are events or prayers happening, simply observe and enjoy the scene rather than snapping tons of photos. When in doubt, ask someone if it’s okay to take pictures.

Ask Permission Before Photographing People
When taking photos of people, especially in smaller towns or traditional markets like Shilin Night Market, it’s polite to ask first. Even if you’re in a public space, showing people respect goes a long way. A quick smile will often get you a nod of approval, and you might end up discovering more about their story.
Avoid Drones in Crowded Areas
Drone photography is amazing for capturing the vast beauty of Taiwan’s landscapes, but make sure to follow the rules. Many places limit drone use, especially around popular spots like Taipei 101 or cultural sites like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Always check the local drone regulations for Taiwan before flying.
Essential Gear for Your Taiwan Photography Adventure
For Smartphone Users
If you’re using a smartphone, consider bringing along a few accessories:

- Portable Power Bank: Taiwan has so many amazing photo spots that you’re bound to drain your battery quickly. A power bank ensures your phone has juice all day long.
- Clip-On Lenses: A wide-angle or macro lens can improve your smartphone photography. Wide angles are perfect for capturing Taiwan’s landscapes, while macro lenses are great for close-ups of flowers or detailed temple carvings.
- Small Tripod: Great for long exposures or shooting videos of the nighttime cityscapes.
For Professional Cameras
- Lightweight Travel Tripod: Taiwan has a lot of hiking opportunities. A compact travel tripod will make less of a burden as you trek through nature spots like Alishan or Taroko Gorge.
- Extra Memory Cards: There’s so much beauty in Taiwan that you’ll fill up memory cards fast. Bring extras to avoid having to delete photos mid-trip.
- Protective Camera Bag: Taiwan can be humid, and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter rain. Keep your gear safe with a water-resistant camera bag.
Taiwan is a dream for photographers and videographers. Whether you’re in the middle of busy night markets or up in the serene mountains, with some thoughtful planning and the right equipment, you’ll leave with a collection of stunning shots from this incredible island.
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