The 10 Best Beaches in Taipei 台北前10名的沙灘

7/8/2024

Taipei is not usually known for its beaches, but there are some great beaches just outside the city on Taiwan's Northern Coast, all within an hour's journey from the city center. Popular activities on these beaches include swimming, surfing, wind surfing, SUPing, paragliding, snorkeling, and more. Here is our guide to the very best beaches in Taipei.

When should you visit Beaches in Taipei?
In my opinion, the best beach weather in Taipei is from April-November, when the temperatures stay above 26 degrees Celsius. Summer is the best time to go when it is hottest and taking in the dip in the ocean is the most refreshing.
Winters can be cold (but not below freezing) and usually wet, but you can still enjoy the beaches or surfing in a wet suit.

Hotels Near Beaches Taipei:
We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Safety and Etiquette at Beaches Taipei:
Taiwan has a unique beach culture that may be different than other countries. Please be aware of the following general information:

Except for designated swimming areas that have a lifeguard, you are technically not allowed to swim anywhere else.
The above rule can be avoided if you have a surfboard or fins.
If you can't swim, bring a life jacket and consider bringing fins and a board too. Don't go out in open water above chest height without safety gear. This can save your life.
Don't go to the beaches when there are typhoons, strong winds, huge waves, or if a sea warning is in effect.

Tours in Taipei:
There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taipei that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here, which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you.
Here are some of the post popular tours of Taipei on Tripadvisor:

Water and Beach Activities in Taipei:
Hiking, Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Diving, Snorkeling Kayaking, Canoeing, sailing, Water Biking, River Tracing / Canyoneering, River Tracing, River Rafting, River Tubing, Pack Rafting, ATVing, Horse Riding, Glamping, Motorcycling, Motorbike Tour, Dragon Boat Racing, and more on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here.

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. Some of the Klook links may not work if you are using an Ad blocker.
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase.

How to get to beaches in Taipei:
Taipei's transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below:
By Train: Gets you to beaches like Hepoinh Island, Fulong, and Wai'ao. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here.
By Bus: Buses can be tricky. Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. Most city buses will get you to the beaches along the north coast but it may take a while. You can also book tickets to travel to Shifen via inter-city bus on Klook h ere. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here.
By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire/charter a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD. You can search for options on Klook here or KKday here.
By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Click here or here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike bike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.

Map of Beaches:
Check out our map below of the beaches we will cover in this blog.

In this blog, we will cover the following beaches in geographic order:

After we have introduced the beaches, will also rate the beaches from 1-5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best) on the following criteria:
1. Sand quality
2. Crowds of people
3. Shower facilities
4. Ease of transportation
5. Lifeguards
6. Water Quality
7. Price
8. Waves
9. Activities
10. Overall cleanliness

We will also provide a ranked list of the top ten beaches further below.

Introduction to Taiwan's top Beaches:

Qianshuiwan Beach 淺水灣

Qianshuiwan (aka Qianshui Bay) in Sanzhi District of New Taipei is a popular beach destination, which includes a pristine bike path that goes all the way to Baishawan. There is also a nice sandy beach, pier, and lots of beach side restaurants nearby. It is a great beach destination along the northeast coast of Taiwan...(read more)

You can check out our full guide to Qianshuiwan here.

Baishawan Beach 白沙灣

Baishawan is one of the nicest beaches in northern Taiwan. The sand is white, the water shallow (and warm in the summer), and it is relatively well kept and clean. Due to its proximity to Taipei, it sees lots of visitors especially from foreigners. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kite surfing are all popular activities at this beach...(read more).

You can book a Private Laomei Green Reef Day Tour from Taipei on TripAdvisor here.

You can check out our full guide to Baishawan here.

Zhongjiao Bay Beach 中角灣

Zhongjiao Bay (aka Zhongjiaowan 中角灣, or Zhongjiao Shazhu Wan 中角沙珠灣) is a long sandy beach in Jinshan District of New Taipei, known as the most popular surfing location in Northern Taiwan. It is popular for surfing and swimming, and nearby there are also hikes, interesting rock formations, and the nearby Jinshan Old Street and Jinshan Hot Springs. It is definitely a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Nearby you can also find other sandy beaches such as Jinshan Beach and Xialiao Beach 下寮灣 (Jinshan Ocean Waterpark)...(read more)

You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here.

Check out our full blog on Zhongjiao Bay here.

Emerald Bay (Feitsuiwan) 翡翠灣

Emerald Bay is another popular beach along the northern Coast. Paragliding is the most popular activity at this beach but people also swim and surf here too.

You can also book a SUP / Paddle Board experience here on KKday.

Check out our full guide to Emerald Bay here.

Dawulun Beach 大武崙沙灘

Only a 20 minute car drive away, Dawulun Beach in Keelung is the closest sandy ocean beach to Taipei City. Although it is small, it has a calm shallow swimming area and the sand looks like it was shipped straight from Kenting. It is definitely worth a visit for all beach lovers in Taipei...(read more)

Check out our full guide to Dawulun Beach here.

Heping Island 和平島

Heping Island Park is a geo-park and water park on Heping Island, just outside of downtown Keelung. Here you can find many interesting rock formations in the sedimentary rock along the seashore. There are also salt water swimming pools, amazing places to go diving, a playground, hiking trails, and historical sights. Some would say this island is the world's best kept secret. It is definitely worth stopping here along Taiwan's northern coast...read more.

Price:
80 NT per person
You can buy a discount entrance ticket to Heping Island Park on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also book a tour to Heping Island on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here.

Check out our full guide to Heping Island Park here.

Jinshawan Beach (Golden Bay) 金沙灣

Jinshawan (aka Golden Bay) is one of the nicest beaches in northern Taiwan. The sand is golden, the water shallow (and warm in the summer), and it is relatively well kept and clean. Due to its lack of public transportation and small size, it sees not so many visitors compared to other beaches in the area. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kite surfing are all popular activities at this beach...(read more)

Check out our full guide to Jinshawan here.

Fulong Beach 福隆海水浴場

Fulong Beach is my favorite beach in greater Taipei. It is easily accessible by public transportation (TRA Gongliao Station) and has beautiful golden sand, a large shallow swimming area, and tons of food options within walking distance. The paid part of the beach features sand sculptures and lifeguards, while the free part of the beach is less clean but there are no annoying lifeguards to whistle at you all the time, making it a foreigners paradise...(read more)

There are many activities available here at Fulong Beach such as Windsurfing, SUP /paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also book tickets to the international Sand Sculpture Art festival on Klook here or KKday here.

You can also book a Private Full Day Fulong International Sand Sculpture Tour on TripAdvisor here.

We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, TripAdvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, TripAdvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).

Check out our full guide to Fulong Beach here.

Wai'ao Beach 外澳沙灘

Wai'ao Beach (aka Gangao Beach 港澳沙灘, or Wai'ao Ocean Recreation Area 外澳海水浴場) in Toucheng township of Yilan County is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Taiwan. It features a long flat sandy beach and constant waves. It is also a special beach in Taiwan because you have a constant view of another island in the distance, Turtle Island. It is definitely a great beach worth visiting...(read more)

You can purchase tours and tickets for many activities in Yilan such as Surfing, Kayaking, Horse Riding, River Tracing, River Rafting, River Tubing, Pack Rafting, Water Biking, Snorkeling, Canoeing, and many others through Klook here or KKday here.

You can check out our full guide to Wai'ao Beach here.

Su'Ao Neipi Beach 蘇澳內埤海灘

Su'Ao's Neipi Beach in the Nanfangao area (Yilan County) is perhaps the most beautiful beach in northeast Taiwan. It is known for its romantic atmosphere and large waves, which attract surfers from all around. Popular activities here include surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and watching the sunrise...(read more)

Check out our full guide to Su'Ao Neipi Beach here.

Ranking the Beaches:

Now that we have introduced the beaches, will also rate the beaches from 1-5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best) on the following criteria:
1. Sand quality
2. Crowds of people (as in too many people is bad)
3. Shower facilities
4. Ease of transportation
5. Lifeguards (as in they harass you if you put your toe in the water)
6. Water Quality
7. Price (some beaches require a fee)
8. Waves
9. Activities
10. Overall cleanliness

Qianshuiwan Beach 淺水灣
1. Sand quality - 5
2. Crowds of people - 1
3. Shower facilities - 3
4. Ease of transportation - 3
5. Lifeguards - 3
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 3
9. Activities - 2
10. Overall cleanliness - 3
Total Score: 28

Baishawan Beach 白沙灣
1. Sand quality - 5
2. Crowds of people - 1
3. Shower facilities - 5
4. Ease of transportation - 2
5. Lifeguards - 2
6. Water Quality - 4
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 4
9. Activities - 3
10. Overall cleanliness - 5
Total Score: 36

Zhongjiao Bay Beach 中角灣
1. Sand quality - 4
2. Crowds of people - 3
3. Shower facilities - 4
4. Ease of transportation - 3
5. Lifeguards - 3
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 5
9. Activities - 4
10. Overall cleanliness - 4
Total Score: 38

Emerald Bay (Feitsuiwan) 翡翠灣
1. Sand quality - 4
2. Crowds of people - 1
3. Shower facilities - 1
4. Ease of transportation - 3
5. Lifeguards - 5
6. Water Quality - 2
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 3
9. Activities - 5
10. Overall cleanliness - 1
Total Score: 30

Dawulun Beach 大武崙沙灘
1. Sand quality - 5
2. Crowds of people - 1
3. Shower facilities - 5
4. Ease of transportation - 4
5. Lifeguards - 5
6. Water Quality - 2
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 1
9. Activities - 3
10. Overall cleanliness - 3
Total Score: 34

Heping Island 和平島
1. Sand quality - 4
2. Crowds of people - 2
3. Shower facilities - 5
4. Ease of transportation - 3
5. Lifeguards - 2
6. Water Quality - 4
7. Price - 1
8. Waves - 1
9. Activities - 3
10. Overall cleanliness - 4
Total Score: 29

Jinshawan Beach (Golden Bay) 金沙灣
1. Sand quality - 4
2. Crowds of people - 2
3. Shower facilities - 2
4. Ease of transportation - 2
5. Lifeguards - 5
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 4
9. Activities - 3
10. Overall cleanliness - 3
Total Score: 33

Fulong Beach 福隆海水浴場
1. Sand quality - 5
2. Crowds of people - 2
3. Shower facilities - 5
4. Ease of transportation - 5
5. Lifeguards - 3
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 3
8. Waves - 4
9. Activities - 4
10. Overall cleanliness - 3
Total Score: 37

Wai'ao Beach 外澳沙灘
1. Sand quality - 2
2. Crowds of people - 4
3. Shower facilities - 4
4. Ease of transportation - 5
5. Lifeguards - 5
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 5
9. Activities - 4
10. Overall cleanliness - 4
Total Score: 41

Su'Ao Neipi Beach 蘇澳內埤海灘
1. Sand quality - 1
2. Crowds of people - 4
3. Shower facilities - 2
4. Ease of transportation - 2
5. Lifeguards - 5
6. Water Quality - 3
7. Price - 5
8. Waves - 5
9. Activities - 4
10. Overall cleanliness - 4
Total Score: 35

Final Rankings:
#1 Wai'ao Beach 外澳沙灘
#2 Fulong Beach 福隆海水浴場
#3 Zhongjiao Bay Beach 中角灣
#4 Baishawan Beach 白沙灣
#5 Su'Ao Neipi Beach 蘇澳內埤海灘
#6 Dawulun Beach 大武崙沙灘
#7 Jinshawan Beach (Golden Bay) 金沙灣
#8 Emerald Bay (Feitsuiwan) 翡翠灣
#9 Heping Island 和平島
#10 Qianshuiwan Beach 淺水灣

According to the above, Wai'ao is the winner, but the others are close behind. But not all categories have equal importance; some things might be more important to you than others. You really have to visit all the beaches to know how each beach makes you feel.

Twitter Online Poll:

What is the best beach near Taipei?
台北附近最好的沙灘是那一個?

If none of the above, please leave a comment.
— Foreigners in Taiwan □□ 外國人在台灣 (@foreignersinTW) August 28, 2023

Facebook Online Poll:

Final Conclusion:
We like Fulong the best, especially the part of the beach near the temple that has no lifeguard. It has awesome waves and shallow water, as well as showers and lots of food options nearby. However, Wai'ao and Baishawan are also awesome. Dawulun is cool too because it is so close to Taipei. These are the beaches that we frequent the most.

The above mentioned beaches may not be your favorite beach near Taipei. Luckily we have a much larger list of beaches and places to visit along the North Coast for your reference in our guide to Taiwan's North Coast here.

Guide to Taiwan's Northern Coast 台灣北海岸

There is much more to discover on Taiwan's northern coast, which is an amazing, beautiful area with unique geology and rocks, lots of sandy beaches, amazing mountain views and hikes, old streets, night markets, historical sites, and much more to discover...(read more)

You can book a tour to Taiwan's North Coast on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here.

Check out our full guide to Taiwan's Northern Coast here.

Don't forget, there are tons of activities and fun to be had in Taiwan such as Hiking, Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Diving, Snorkeling Kayaking, Canoeing, sailing, Water Biking, River Tracing / Canyoneering, River Tracing, River Rafting, River Tubing, Pack Rafting, ATVing, Horse Riding, Glamping, Motorcycling, Motorbike Tour, Dragon Boat Racing, and more that you can book on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here.

Also be sure to check out our guide to Taipei here.

You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.

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