If you believe that Taipei is only known to be a manufacturing city then you are wrong. Taipei also has several beautiful locales that offer fun activities to the visitors. Visiting Taipei during summers is meant to experience the heat of the blazing sun and a sweltering temperature. Though you may get relaxed with air-con on for 24 hours, you definitely will look forward to spend some time near water, especially during weekends. The article introduces you to some destinations in Taipei, good to beat the heat.

Kenting
Located on the island’s southernmost tip, Kenting beach resort is the best in island. During winters it is perhaps the only place in Taiwan where you view a glimpse of beach culture but during the long days of hot summers, Kenting does not make very good destination. Obviously there is not much rush here during summers.

But do not lose your heart as there are a collection of beaches within an hour or so from Taipei and most of them serve your purpose quite well.

Fulung Beach
Situated on the northeast coast, Fulung beach is very popular among tourists as it is one of those few remaining beach resorts in northern Taiwan. Reaching the beach is quite easy as there are regular train services from Taipei. The beach offers you facilities of parasols, deck chairs and lifeguards. Even the beginners too need not to worry as there are good arrangements made for safety. The moment someone gets deeper than waist in water, you hear furious sounds of whistles made by the lifeguards. Next to the main beach in Fulung, there is also a smaller but free public beach for the visitors.

Chinshan
When you move further up the coast, you find other big beaches of the area. Chinshan is one such beach, known as the noisy family beach with piped music. As it is also a hot springs resort (another attraction in Taipei), this beach is quite an attraction in Taipei. A large park situated behind the beach makes it a good choice for barbecues. Remember that everything here remain close on Mondays so do not plan a trip on that day.

Then there are some other beaches that are quite large in size but less-visited by people. Most of these beaches are located at walking distances from Chinshan beach. You may find strong water currents at some of them, so be careful while having fun.

Green Bay
If you are visiting Taipei in summers, then you must go to this place called Green Bay, located near the tourist Mecca of Yehliu. Though the admission charges are a little high here but you get to enjoy adventurous water sports and the facilities of Howard Beach Resort. Since it is a resort where you can also practice the sports, you do not need to bother about the safety. You will be taken full care of.

Ilan County
Another place where you can enjoy a large variety of water sports is Ilan County (90 minutes train ride). Visit at the Honeymoon Bay for the premier surfboarding as there are several surf shops around the area. Enjoy the tasty and inexpensive Vietnamese delicacies while watching the waves playing. However swimming is not a good option here.

The grassy campus of a school closely located to the beach makes a good option for camping also but remember to ask for the permission from the school janitor first. The water currents are fairly strong at the beach so non-surfers are suggested to stay in shallow water only.

White Sand Beach
Located on the north coast, the White Sand Beach is a good choice for swimming. This clean beach with pale sand is not far from Tamshui, so you can easily reach there. Watching sunset over the East China Sea is a real pleasure to the eyes. Recently the beach has been developed tastefully and now you can enjoy more on the coral sands.

Just explore a little further and you will find several other beaches too around Taipei. People do not visit them so most of them do not have regular visitors until some adventurous soul finds them. Be a little courageous and walk around Taipei to enjoy the trip to the fullest.