Taipei's popular beaches are located in New Taipei City and Yilan County, accessible as day trips within 1-2 hours by public transport. No beaches are within the city itself.
Good to know
Good to Know
- Fulong is by far the most developed and visited beach near Taipei—lifeguards, food stalls, and water-activity rentals make it family-ready, but expect crowds in peak season. Free beaches exist nearby if you want to avoid the entry fee.
- Baishawan is a local favorite for its proximity, free access, and quiet atmosphere—ideal if Fulong feels too busy, though water can be choppy on certain days.
- April–June and September–October are genuinely the best months: warm enough for comfortable swimming, fewer typhoons, and lighter crowds than July–August.
- July–August peak summer brings intense heat (32–35°C (90–95°F)), humidity, and crowds; typhoons possible. Still swimmable but plan early mornings and seek shade.
- Northern beaches are subtropical and genuinely too chilly for swimming December–February (though water stays above 20°C (68°F) year-round). Best for this period is a wetsuit or the warmer south.
- Wai'ao on the east coast has a strong local surf community and a laid-back vibe different from the family beaches; beginners can take lessons, and nearby Turtle Island offers dolphin-spotting.
- Shalun is the closest to Taipei city center but less suitable for actual swimming due to urban proximity and water quality—better as a sunset spot than a swim beach.
- Typhoon season (June–October) averages 3–4 direct or near-direct hits per summer. Flexible itineraries and weather monitoring are essential; beach closures can occur with little notice.
- Free beach areas exist at Fulong; entrance fees cover facilities (showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, amenities). Without the fee, you can still access the sand and water.
- Parking costs negligible (around 30 TWD/hour on weekdays), but weekends can be congested at major beaches. Arrive early or use public transport.
- Eateries and snack vendors are abundant at developed beaches; local railway-station biandang (lunch boxes) are famous near Fulong. Bring your own picnic to save on vendor markup.
Beaches
Fulong Beach
- Location
- Gongliao District, New Taipei City
- Designation
- family-friendly, full-service
- Parking Cost
- NT$30
per hour on weekdays; free parking usually available
- Operating Hours
- 08:30–18:00 daily; extended hours during events
- Distance From City Center
- ~1.5 hours by train
- Description
- Golden-sand beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and water activities. Features the annual Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival (May–October) and Ho-Hai-Yan Rock Festival (July). Known for biandang (railway lunch boxes). Divided by Rainbow Bridge over Shuangxi River.
Entry Fee
- Adults
- NT$220
- Children 3 12
- NT$145
- Seniors 65 Plus
- NT$110
- Children Under 3
- free
- Note Access
- Free beach area exists nearby; paid area includes facilities access
Facilities
- public showers and changing rooms
- food stalls and restaurants
- equipment rentals (chairs, umbrellas, boats, kickboards)
- visitor center
- parking
- camping sites nearby
Water Activities
- swimming (designated lifeguard zones)
- canoeing
- kayaking
- windsurfing
- para-sailing
- water-skiing
Baishawan Beach
- Location
- Shimen District, New Taipei City (northern tip)
- Entry Fee
- free
- Designation
- quiet, family-friendly
- Operating Hours
- dawn to dusk
- Distance From City Center
- ~45 minutes to 1 hour by bus or taxi from Tamsui
- Note
- Strong currents and tidal changes can restrict swimming; check local conditions before entering water
- Description
- Soft golden sand framed by rocky volcanic headlands. Calm waters suitable for swimming on quieter days, though currents can be strong. Less crowded than Fulong. Free entry. Summer facilities include tent canopies for sun protection.
Facilities
- cafés and restaurants nearby
- summer tent canopies for rent
- beach access easy from main parking area
Water Activities
- swimming
- sunbathing
- relaxation
- surfing/kite surfing (on some sections)
Qianshuiwan Beach
- Location
- Sanzhi District, New Taipei City (northern coast)
- Entry Fee
- free
- Designation
- family-friendly, quiet
- Distance From City Center
- ~40 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by taxi from Tamsui
- Note
- Popular with sunset watchers; close proximity to city makes it convenient for quick getaways
- Description
- Shallow waters with small waves, ideal for families with children. Clear water and scenic setting. Less crowded than Fulong. Accessible via new Danhai LRT infrastructure.
Facilities
- restaurants and snack stands
- beach facilities
Water Activities
- swimming
- shallow-water play for kids
- sunbathing
Wai'ao Beach
- Location
- Yilan County, northeastern coast
- Entry Fee
- free
- Designation
- party/active, beginner-friendly surfing
- Distance From City Center
- ~45 minutes by train from Taipei
- Note
- Surfers occupy the southern end; mountain coast views and Turtle Island visible
- Description
- Black volcanic-ash sand beach, soft and unique. Popular for surfing with beginner classes available. Laid-back local vibe with food and drinks. Nearby Turtle Island offers dolphin-spotting opportunities.
Facilities
- surf board rentals
- beginner surfing classes
- cafés and restaurants (e.g., Drifters Pizza Pub with regular concerts)
- beach bars and food stalls
Water Activities
- surfing (beginners to intermediate)
- paragliding
- kitesurfing
Shalun Beach
- Location
- Tamsui District, New Taipei City (near Fisherman's Wharf)
- Entry Fee
- free
- Designation
- quiet
- Distance From City Center
- ~30 minutes via MRT + LRT (closest beach to city)
- Note
- Better for sunsets and leisure than actual swimming; no showers or changing rooms
- Description
- Closest beach to Taipei City, near the mouth of the Tamsui River. Known for beautiful sunsets. More urban setting; water quality is less ideal due to proximity to city. Not recommended for serious swimming. Horse riding available (Luye Equestrian Center). No changing facilities.
Facilities
- nearby fisherman's wharf with restaurants
- horse riding center
Water Activities
- wading
- sunset watching
- casual beach walks
Laomei Beach
- Location
- New Taipei City, northern coast
- Entry Fee
- free
- Designation
- quiet, scenic/photographers
- Distance From City Center
- ~50 minutes to 1 hour by bus
- Note
- Visit in spring to see green algae at brightest; peak photography conditions at sunrise/sunset
- Description
- Rocky volcanic shoreline famous for bright green algae-covered reefs (best in spring). Tidal pools and unusual geological formations. Not ideal for swimming but excellent for photography and nature observation. Popular with tourists seeking unique coastal scenery.
Facilities
- parking
- basic facilities
Water Activities
- tide pool exploration
- photography
Overview
Northern Taiwan's beaches are easily accessible from Taipei by train or bus, offering a mix of swimming, water sports, and family-friendly venues. Most beaches are quieter outside peak summer (July–August) and typhoon season (June–October).
Transport
- Fulong
- Direct train from Taipei Main Station (~75–90 min). Parking free but congested on weekends.
- Shalun
- MRT to Hongshulin → Danhai LRT to V27 Shalun; or river ferry from Tamsui to Fisherman's Wharf (10 min walk)
- Wai Ao
- Train from Taipei to Wai'ao Station (~45–70 min depending on train type)
- Baishawan
- MRT to Tamsui → Bus 862/863 (45 min) or taxi (30 min)
- Qianshuiwan
- MRT to Hongshulin → Danhai LRT Blue Coastal Line (V27 Shalun stop); or bus from Tamsui (40 min)
- General Note
- Public transport highly convenient; scooter rental available at major beaches for exploring coastline
Best Seasons
- Ideal Months
- April–June, September–October
- Reason
- Pleasant weather (air 20–26°C (68–79°F)), water 22–27°C (72–81°F), smaller crowds, lower typhoon risk. May–June: meiyu (plum rain) period has occasional drizzle but passes. April ideal with spring warmth and no major rain.
Winter
- Months
- November–February
- Conditions
- Northern beaches chilly for comfortable swimming (air 12–18°C (54–64°F)). Water 20–22°C (72°F) (wetsuit recommended for water activities). Crowds minimal, prices lower. Best for surfers seeking waves.
- Note
- Still swimmable (water stays above 20°C (68°F) year-round near Taipei) but less appealing to casual beach-goers.
Peak Summer
- Months
- July–August
- Conditions
- Air 32–35°C (90–95°F), water 28–29°C (84°F). Very crowded on weekends. High humidity (sauna-like). Typhoon season begins; 3–4 direct/near-direct hits average per summer.
- Family Note
- Still excellent for water activities and family beach days; plan for crowds and heat mitigation (early mornings, shaded areas).
Shoulder Season
- Months
- Late September–October
- Note
- Water still warm (27°C (81°F)), school resumed so weekday beaches quieter, typhoon frequency decreases. Excellent for both relaxation and activities.
Swimming Safety
- Hazards
- Ocean currents (especially after typhoons or during big surf). Monsoon/typhoon season brings heavy rain, strong currents, occasional jellyfish blooms. Heavy rainfall temporarily reduces water quality near river mouths.
- Designated Areas
- Lifeguards on duty typically June–August. Swimming marked with ropes and buoys. Outside flagged beaches/seasons, swimming discouraged but not banned.
- Lifeguard Closures
- Fulong Beach closed for lifeguards October 1–May 31. Free beach access still available.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.nickkembel.com
- 2.taiwanstartshere.com
- 3.eng.taiwan.net.tw
- 4.lonelyplanet.com
- 5.getyourguide.com
- 6.taiwanobsessed.com
- 7.asianwanderlust.com
- 8.fullon-hotels.com.tw
- 9.newtaipei.travel
- 10.guidetotaipei.com
- 11.travel.taipei
- 12.taiwanmerch.co
- 13.taiwantravelblog.com
- 14.asiaodysseytravel.com
- 15.seatemperatu.re
- 16.seatemperature.info
- 17.taiwanobsessed.com
- 18.nickkembel.com
- 19.en.wikipedia.org
- 20.rate.bot.com.tw
- 21.finance.yahoo.com
- 22.wise.com
- 23.tradingeconomics.com
- 24.investing.com
- 25.xe.com
- 26.seatemperatu.re
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.