If you are planning a trip to Taiwan, March is one of the best months to visit Taiwan! With pleasant spring weather, stunning cherry blossoms, and exciting festivals, the island comes alive with vibrant energy. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, Taiwan in March has something special for you. In this guide, we’ll cover the best activities, must-visit spots, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.
March in Taiwan brings warm, blossoming landscapes, making Taiwan in March perfect for spring outings with friends. Imagine sitting in a quiet tea house, savouring fragrant tea leaves, and enjoying laid-back conversations with friends—pure relaxation.
March is also the perfect season for strawberry picking. You can hand-pick fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the farms, and many shops launch limited-edition strawberry treats this time of year—strawberry ice cream, cakes, and snacks are all the rage. It’s also a fun activity for kids, making it a great addition to a family trip.
Of course, beyond tea culture and strawberry picking, March in Taiwan has even more to offer—like Calla Lily Season and birdwatching—waiting for you to explore!
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Table of Contents
Things to Do in Taiwan in March
Exploring Taiwan’s Tea Culture & Tea Plantations
Taiwan has a rich and long-standing tea culture—tea isn’t just a drink here; it’s a daily ritual and a deep-rooted tradition. Walk down any street in Taiwan, and you’ll find countless tea shops selling everything from the ever-popular bubble tea to a variety of fruit-infused teas. But today, we’re exploring a different side of Taiwan’s tea culture—the one that has been passed down for centuries.
For generations, tea has been considered an art form, with some people dedicating their lives to mastering tea ceremonies and the etiquette that comes with them. Traditional gongfu tea focuses on the quality of the leaves, precise brewing techniques, and the overall experience of savoring each sip. Of course, there’s no right or wrong between traditional tea culture and modern tea shops—they each have their own charm. But Taiwan’s high mountain tea, oolong tea, and Oriental Beauty tea are especially renowned for their unique flavors and aromas, earning high praise from tea lovers around the world.
Taiwan’s tea plantations are scattered across the island, with some of the most famous ones located in Nantou, Alishan, and Maokong. These regions have the perfect conditions for growing premium tea—high altitudes, large temperature differences between day and night, and nutrient-rich soil. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, learn about the tea-making process, and even try their hand at picking and processing tea leaves. Many tea farms also offer tea appreciation and tea ceremony experiences, though some require advance reservations—so it’s always a good idea to book ahead before visiting.
Thinking of exploring tea culture in Taipei? Don’t miss this! This Klook tour is a great pick for who’re looking for a flexible DIY-style trip with the added bonus of a knowledgeable local guide,. You’ll visit tea plantations, experience a traditional tea ceremony, taste locally grown tea, and explore the Pinglin Tea Museum—all with insights from a local guide.
👉 Pinglin and Maokong Tea Culture Day Tour from Taipei
If you’re short on time, this half-day tour offers a similar experience—tea farm visit, tea tasting, tea ceremony, and a stop at the Pinglin Tea Museum—guided by a bilingual local expert. The only difference? It doesn’t include Maokong.
👉 Shiding Tea Township Half-Day Tour from Taipei
5 Tea Plantations to Visit in Taiwan
1. Pinglin Tea Plantation (New Taipei City)
Pinglin is one of Taiwan’s major tea-producing regions, known as the “hometown of Wenshan Pouchong tea.” With vast tea fields and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s one of the best places to experience Taiwan’s tea culture.
The Pinglin Tea Museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s rich tea culture, and their hands-on tea-making workshops are a must-try for visitors. You’ll get to experience the entire process—from picking fresh tea leaves and traditional processing methods to mastering the art of brewing an authentic cup. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, book a Pinglin tea workshop here and immerse yourself in Taiwan’s famous tea heritage. I think it’s good that there are convenient tours and transport options available to make your trip hassle-free.
Tea Variety & Features: Pinglin is famous for Wenshan Pouchong tea, a lightly fermented tea with a delicate floral aroma. The tea has a pale golden hue, a smooth taste, and a lingering sweetness, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts.
2. Alishan Tea Plantation (Chiayi County)
Located over 1,000 meters above sea level, Alishan is known for its high-quality high mountain tea and breathtaking landscapes. The frequent mist and significant temperature differences between day and night give the tea its distinctive flavor. Visitors can take guided tours through the tea fields, stroll along scenic trails, and even participate in hand-picking and tea-making experiences.
March is also cherry blossom season in Alishan, making it an ideal time to visit. Plus, Alishan is famous for its sea of clouds, so if you want to experience stunning scenery along with a deep dive into Taiwan’s tea culture, Alishan is a top choice.
Tea Variety & Features: Alishan specializes in lightly fermented oolong tea, which has a natural floral and fruity aroma, a smooth and rich taste, and a lasting sweet aftertaste. It’s considered one of Taiwan’s finest teas.
3. Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Plantation (Nantou County)
Situated near the famous Sun Moon Lake, this tea plantation is a must-visit for Taiwanese black tea lovers. Visitors can join guided tours and participate in hands-on tea-making workshops, learning about the craftsmanship behind Taiwan’s renowned black teas.
What makes this place special is the stunning lakeside scenery, adding a sense of tranquility to the experience. The combination of a serene lake view and rich tea culture makes this a perfect getaway for relaxation and exploration.
Tea Variety & Features: The most famous tea here is Red Jade Black Tea (Taiwan Tea No. 18), known for its bright red tea liquor and a unique blend of cinnamon and mint aromas. It has a rich yet smooth taste, earning it the title of “King of Taiwanese Black Tea.”
4. Maokong Tea Plantation (Taipei)
Just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei, Maokong is one of the most convenient tea destinations. Originally Taipei’s largest tea-producing area, it has since transformed into a popular tourist spot, known for its scenic mountain views and relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can take the Maokong Gondola to enjoy panoramic views along the way. If you come at night, you’ll also be treated to a stunning view of Taipei’s skyline. Maokong still has many traditional tea houses, where you can enjoy authentic tea and tea-infused cuisine. For restaurant recommendations, check out this post: 6 Romantic Taipei Restaurants with a View: Great Spots for Dating or Anniversary Celebrations.
Tea Variety & Features: Maokong is best known for Tieguanyin tea, a lightly fermented tea with a rich, floral aroma, a golden-hued tea liquor, and a smooth, well-rounded taste.
5. Shiding Thousand Island Lake Tea Plantation (New Taipei City)
Named after its proximity to the Feitsui Reservoir, this tea plantation is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lake views. The tea fields blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can enjoy a cup of local tea while admiring the serene beauty of the lake, making it a fantastic spot for a laid-back tea experience.
The tea plantation also offers tea ceremony experiences, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth of Taiwan’s tea culture. And the tea grown here is Pouchong tea, which remains smooth even after being steeped for a long time. It’s one of my personal favorites.
Tea Variety & Characteristics: Primarily producing Pouchong tea, the tea liquor is mellow and naturally sweet, making it a perfect pairing with traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Strawberry Picking in Taiwan & Strawberry Farms
March marks the peak of strawberry season in Taiwan, and farms all over the island welcome visitors eager to pick their own fresh, juicy berries. With bright red strawberries hanging from the vines, it’s the perfect weekend activity for families, couples, or anyone who loves fresh fruit. Beyond picking strawberries, many cafés and dessert shops across Taiwan roll out seasonal strawberry-themed treats, like strawberry smoothies, cakes, and jams—making this a dream season for strawberry lovers.
Just like tea-picking experiences, many strawberry farms require reservations, so it’s best to book in advance. While you’re at it, check with the farm about the current crop conditions—weather can affect strawberry growth, and nothing would be more disappointing than showing up to an empty field!
Looking for a sweet countryside escape near Taipei? This immersive experience at Donglin Strawberry Farm combines ecology education with hands-on activities. You’ll learn about strawberry cultivation, pick fresh strawberries, and participate in making your own strawberry jam (200g) and delicious muffins. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and indulge in some homemade treats.
👉 Strawberry picking experience at Donglin Strawberry Farm
For those with a sweet tooth, this activity offers the chance to pick fresh strawberries and make your own strawberry small cake. A delightful blend of outdoor fun and culinary creativity, perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy a tasty day out.
👉 Taipei: Daluntou Strawberry Farm
Where are The Strawberry Farms Located?
1. Dahu Strawberry Farms (Miaoli)
Dahu is Taiwan’s most famous strawberry-growing region, known for its high-quality berries like the sweet and juicy “Benihoppe” and the vibrant “Sweet Charlie.” Strawberries here are large, plump, and intensely flavorful. Beyond fresh strawberries, visitors can also find unique local products like strawberry wine, dried strawberries, and strawberry preserves—perfect as souvenirs.
- Pick your own strawberries
- Visit the Dahu Strawberry Culture Museum
- Try making strawberry-based treats
Location: Near Minsheng Road, Dahu Township, Miaoli County. Look for landmarks like the Dahu Strawberry Culture Museum to find your way.
2. Guanxi Strawberry Farms (Hsinchu)
Guanxi’s strawberry farms are known for eco-friendly and organic farming practices, using natural fertilizers to grow sweet, fragrant berries. This makes it a great destination for those who appreciate sustainability and natural farming.
- Pick your own strawberries
- Join a DIY strawberry jam-making workshop
- Taste fresh strawberry ice cream
Location: Near Caoyuan Street, Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County. You can find multiple farms in the area by searching for Guanxi’s eco-friendly strawberry farms.
3. Houli Strawberry Farms (Taichung)
Houli’s strawberries may not be the largest, but they are incredibly aromatic. The scenic farmland setting makes it a relaxing getaway for families. Besides strawberry picking, visitors can enjoy the surrounding countryside and take part in fun farm activities.
- Pick fresh strawberries
- Enjoy homemade strawberry desserts
- Join farm activities like DIY strawberry candy-making for kids
Location: Near Strawberry Road, Houli District, Taichung. Look for farms along this route.
4. Puli Strawberry Farms (Nantou)
Puli’s mild and humid climate produces soft, moderately sweet strawberries with a delicate texture. In addition to picking strawberries, visitors can also sample local specialties like Puli wine and handmade desserts, which pair perfectly with fresh strawberries.
- Pick your own strawberries
- Taste strawberry-infused wines
- Join a DIY strawberry pastry-making workshop
Location: Near Donghu Road, Puli Township, Nantou County. There are multiple farms to choose from, so it’s best to check farm names before heading out.
Yangmingshan Calla Lily Season
Yangmingshan is one of Taiwan’s most famous scenic spots, offering something unique in every season. But from March to May, it becomes especially popular for the calla lily bloom. During this time, the Zhuzihu area of Yangmingshan is covered in vast fields of blooming calla lilies—a breathtaking sight that draws countless visitors. Known as “ma ti lian” (馬蹄蓮) in Chinese, calla lilies symbolize purity and elegance, making them one of the most iconic spring flowers. The Calla Lily Festival isn’t just about stunning flower fields—it also features themed events and local delicacies, creating a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds (though, just a heads-up, calla lilies are not edible!).
The Zhuzihu calla lily fields are built along the mountain slopes, forming layered terraces of flowers—a dream for photography lovers. The blooming season lasts quite a while, with large, lush flowers peaking in early spring. If you want the best photos, it’s best to visit on a sunny morning when the light is just right. Try to avoid coming in the late afternoon, as the lighting won’t be as flattering.
Besides flower viewing, Zhuzihu is also known for its local farm-style cuisine. Some must-try dishes include taro-based dishes, wild vegetable hot pot, and white-cut chicken—all fresh, flavorful, and unique to the area.
Since most of the calla lily fields are privately owned farms, they’re not entirely open to the public for free. Visitors usually need to pay a small fee to enter the fields for photos or pick flowers, which helps support the farmers and maintain the flower fields. Some farms allow free entry for sightseeing but charge per flower or by weight if you want to pick calla lilies. Others may have a set entrance fee to control visitor numbers and protect the flowers.
These fees are usually affordable, and sometimes, your ticket can be used as credit toward flower picking. If you don’t want to pay an entrance fee, there are also public viewing areas nearby, where you can still enjoy expansive views of the flower fields for free.
Since the Calla Lily Festival attracts a lot of visitors, it’s best to avoid weekends and visit on a weekday to skip the crowds. Also, be mindful of the farmers’ hard work—stay on the designated paths and avoid stepping on or damaging the flowers. The farm trails can get muddy, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is a good idea. And since spring weather can be unpredictable, don’t forget sun protection and rain gear just in case!
Birdwatching in Taiwan & Best Spots to watch
Taiwan is an important stopover for migratory birds, especially during spring and autumn when flocks rest in wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas. Some of the best birdwatching spots include Bagua Mountain, Tamsui River Estuary, Cijin, Chishang in Taitung, Dongshi in Chiayi, Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung, and Daliao Wetlands in Kaohsiung. Every September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring), these places attract birdwatchers and researchers eager to catch a glimpse of the seasonal visitors.
If you’re planning to go birdwatching, be sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, binoculars, lightweight outdoor clothing, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Now, if you’re new to birdwatching, don’t worry! Trying to spot rare species right away might be frustrating, and in the worst case, you might not see any birds at all. So, to make things easier, here are some of Taiwan’s top birdwatching spots, ranked by difficulty. If it’s your first time, you might want to start with an easier location where sightings are almost guaranteed!
5 Best Spots to watch
1. Guandu Nature Park (Taipei)
One of northern Taiwan’s most important wetlands, Guandu Nature Park is easily accessible by MRT, making it a great choice for casual visitors and families. The park has well-maintained trails and birdwatching pavilions, and you can even rent binoculars on-site. (But binocular rentals are available in limited quantities, so bringing your own is recommended.)
The best season to visit is from September to March, when migratory birds such as the Dunlin, Little Egret, and Black-crowned Night Heron can be observed. The rich wetland ecosystem makes it perfect for beginners and family trips.
2. Qigu Wetlands (Tainan)
Qigu Wetlands are a birdwatcher’s paradise, renowned for their rich waterbird population. The best birdwatching season is from November to March, when species like the Black-faced Spoonbill, Pied Avocet, and Black-winged Stilt can be spotted. Unlike other birdwatching sites with walking trails, Qigu primarily offers boat tours through the Qigu Lagoon, providing a unique way to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Getting there can be tricky, as public transportation is limited and requires multiple transfers, so self-driving is the most convenient option. The wetland terrain can be slippery, making non-slip shoes essential for those exploring on foot.
3. Kinmen National Park (Kinmen)
If you’re up for an adventure, Kinmen is a dream destination for birdwatchers. The island is famous for the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, a strikingly beautiful species that’s harder to spot elsewhere. Kinmen is also home to species like the Black-faced Spoonbill, Terns, and Cormorants. The peak migration season is from October to April. Birdwatching spots like Cihu, Shuangli Lake, and Taihu have relatively flat terrain, making them suitable for walking, while certain mudflat and hill areas are better for experienced birders.
Getting there requires extra planning—you’ll need to take a flight or ferry from Taiwan’s main island. Some of the best birdwatching spots are remote, so renting a car is recommended. If you’re serious about bird photography, bring a telephoto lens for close-up shots of rare species.
4. Zengwen Estuary Wetlands (Tainan)
This wetland is home to the famous Black-faced Spoonbill, a rare and majestic bird species, with November to March being the optimal viewing period. The area has several walking trails, though some require a longer trek, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
Easy to reach by car, public transport options are available but not very convenient. Early morning or late afternoon for optimal sightings and photography.
5. Wushe Mountains (Nantou)
If you’re into high-altitude birdwatching, Wushe is a fantastic choice. Wushe Mountain is a haven for high-altitude bird species, including the Taiwan Blue Magpie, Mikado Pheasant, White-whiskered Laughingthrush, and White-eared Sibia.
Getting there is tough—public transport is limited, so self-driving is best. The mountain trails are steep, making this location more suitable for experienced birdwatchers. Winter temperatures can be low, and fog is common, which may affect visibility. Proper hiking gear and warm clothing are recommended. The effort is worth it, stunning landscapes and rare bird species make this a rewarding destination.
Pro Birdwatching Tips for an Amazing Experience 🦜🔭
- Pack Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars helps you spot intricate details and observe birds from a distance without disturbing them.
- Use a Telephoto Lens: If you love bird photography, a long zoom lens is essential to capture sharp images of fast-moving birds.
- Best Time for Birdwatching: Plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when birds are most active, especially in Taiwan’s wetlands and nature reserves.
How to Respect Nature While Birdwatching 🌿
- Stay Quiet: Birds are sensitive to noise, so keep your voice low to avoid scaring them away.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Use binoculars instead of approaching too closely, ensuring the birds remain undisturbed.
- Protect Nesting Birds: Never touch or remove eggs or chicks, as this can disrupt their survival.
- Avoid Disturbance: Refrain from throwing objects or making sudden movements to scare birds out of hiding—let them appear naturally.
Whether you’re birdwatching in Taiwan’s forests, mountains, or wetlands, following these tips will enhance your experience while protecting the wildlife.
Final Thoughts for Taiwan in March
Most of the activities recommended for March are great for couples or family trips. If you’re traveling alone, experiences like tea culture, strawberry picking, or enjoying farm-style meals on Yangmingshan might not be the best fit, as the portion sizes are usually meant for sharing.
However, birdwatching is a perfect solo activity. Strolling through nature, listening to the sounds of the wild, and patiently waiting for birds to appear can be a peaceful and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with nature in your own way.
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