×

Taiwan🇹🇼 | beachesShimen Beachwide sands, wind turbines, northern coast | things to do and best time to go

Explore Longdong BayExplore Cijin Beach

Backpacking in Shimen Beach
👌 Worth visitingbeach ranked #17
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated September 4, 2026

Most people only realize after they leave that Shimen Beach is where you go to actually hear waves, not Bluetooth speakers. On the north coast of Taiwan in New Taipei City, it’s a wide, wind-swept stretch that feels more roadside rest stop than resort. Pros: easy bus access from Taipei, mellow crowds, dramatic rock formations, cheap eats nearby. Cons: meh cleanliness, rougher water, limited swimming, and almost no backpacker scene. Surf is inconsistent, snorkeling is pointless, and nearby beaches like Baishawan or Fulong are better if you want classic “day at the beach” payoff.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Taiwan Travel Guide.


Get your Taiwan guide
113 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (407 pages)
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #17 beach in Taiwan
Why Shimen Beach should be on your travel list

Shimen Beach is a must-stop for backpackers in Taiwan, and here’s why: the laid-back atmosphere feels like a warm hug after a long trek. It’s affordable, so you can splurge on that cold beer without guilt. The social scene is buzzing, with fellow travelers swapping stories and locals sharing laughs. Plus, the water access is perfect for a refreshing dip or just lounging around. Think of it as a connector along the coastal route, a place to recharge before diving back into the adventure. It’s not just a beach; it’s a pit stop for the soul.
Want to include Shimen Beach in your Taiwan route?
Create a personalized Taiwan itinerary that includes Shimen Beach and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Shimen Beach

  • Top 5 daytime highlights
  • Laomei green reef at low tide — a narrow basalt shelf that lights up with bright green algae when the tide pulls back; it’s a photographer’s dream and a rare coastal ecosystem you won’t find on every stretch of sand.
  • Sunrise from the northern cape and lighthouse — stand on Taiwan’s northern edge for a broad, unobstructed sunrise over the ocean; the lighthouse and rocky headland give you dramatic foregrounds for photos and a real “edge of the island” feeling.
  • Exploring basalt platforms and tide pools — the coast here is made of stepped volcanic rock rather than soft sand, so you get unique rock formations, natural pools full of small marine life, and long lines of sculpted stone to walk and scramble over.
  • Fresh-harvest seafood at the local harbor — fishermen bring
read more 👉
  • Top 5 daytime highlights
  • Laomei green reef at low tide — a narrow basalt shelf that lights up with bright green algae when the tide pulls back; it’s a photographer’s dream and a rare coastal ecosystem you won’t find on every stretch of sand.
  • Sunrise from the northern cape and lighthouse — stand on Taiwan’s northern edge for a broad, unobstructed sunrise over the ocean; the lighthouse and rocky headland give you dramatic foregrounds for photos and a real “edge of the island” feeling.
  • Exploring basalt platforms and tide pools — the coast here is made of stepped volcanic rock rather than soft sand, so you get unique rock formations, natural pools full of small marine life, and long lines of sculpted stone to walk and scramble over.
  • Fresh-harvest seafood at the local harbor — fishermen bring their catch straight in; small stalls and seafood vendors nearby let you sample ultra-fresh dishes without the tourist price tag or fuss.
  • Coastal cycling and short cliff-side walks — the seaside roads and paths hug the cliffs for uninterrupted ocean views; it’s ideal for a relaxed bike ride or a few short cliff trails that reward you with different perspectives of the coastline.
  • Top 5 nighttime highlights (limited but worthwhile)
  • Lighthouse and long-exposure photography — after dark the lighthouse becomes a solid compositional element; on clear nights you can combine its glow with star trails for striking shots.
  • Harbor atmosphere at dusk — when the day’s catch comes in the lights and activity around the harbor make for a lively, authentic scene—eat local seafood, sip something warm, and watch the nighttime rhythms of a working coast.
  • Moonlit coastal walks — the basalt platforms and headlands feel completely different at night: quieter, more atmospheric, and perfect if you want to listen to the surf and avoid crowds (bring a headlamp and watch your step).
  • Watching fishing vessels and their lights — small boats working at night cast a scattering of lights on the water that’s oddly hypnotic and very local—good for contemplative photography or just observing coastal life after sunset.
  • Stargazing away from city glare — while not pristine dark-sky territory, the northern cape reduces urban light enough for a decent view of constellations on clear nights; pair it with the lighthouse or rocky shore for a memorable scene.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Shimen Beach

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Shimen Beach


  • Topic: Weather – Best time is spring to early summer when the skies clear up and humidity is bearable. Avoid typhoon season (July to September) unless you’re into adrenaline and soggy gear.

  • Topic: Temperature – Comfortable temps hover around 22-28°C (72-82°F) in spring and fall. Summer can scorch you at 30°C+ (86°F+), while winter chills down to 15°C (59°F), too brisk for beach lounging.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Longer days from April to September give you more beach time, but sunset crowds can get intense. Winter days are short, so plan your swim accordingly.

  • Topic: Crowds – Weekends and holidays pack the place like sardines. Early weekdays in shoulder seasons offer a quieter vibe and better photo ops.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Spring and summer bring local festivals and water
read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather – Best time is spring to early summer when the skies clear up and humidity is bearable. Avoid typhoon season (July to September) unless you’re into adrenaline and soggy gear.

  • Topic: Temperature – Comfortable temps hover around 22-28°C (72-82°F) in spring and fall. Summer can scorch you at 30°C+ (86°F+), while winter chills down to 15°C (59°F), too brisk for beach lounging.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Longer days from April to September give you more beach time, but sunset crowds can get intense. Winter days are short, so plan your swim accordingly.

  • Topic: Crowds – Weekends and holidays pack the place like sardines. Early weekdays in shoulder seasons offer a quieter vibe and better photo ops.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Spring and summer bring local festivals and water sports, adding flavor beyond just sand and surf. Off-season means fewer distractions but also fewer amenities.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Peak season (summer) hikes prices on accommodation and food. Shoulder seasons offer the best bang for your buck without sacrificing the experience.


Pro-tip: Aim for late spring or early fall—when the weather’s kind, crowds thin, and your wallet breathes easy.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: good for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutTaiwan Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Taiwan
The digital guide (407 pages) contains:
113 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
How to get around
Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
Month by month travel advice
Festivals & national holidays
Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
Honest pros & cons of destinations
Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
Lesser-known places most travelers miss
Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
Best areas to stay
Transport systems explained simply
Common scams & safety advice
SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
Culture & traditions
52 Essential phrases & customs
Festivals worth planning around
Traveler-friendly historical context
Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
Fully downloadable PDF
Works completely offline
Optimized for phone use
Useful in remote areas & buses
Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just €6.50

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Shimen Beach is a backpacker’s playground, but not all spots are created equal.

Head to the area around the beach for a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. You’ll find a lively vibe, perfect for meeting fellow wanderers. The proximity to the sand means you can roll out of bed and into the waves—no need for a morning commute.

Look for places with communal spaces; they’re gold for swapping stories and tips. Safety isn’t a concern here, so you can relax and enjoy the local seafood stalls without a second thought.

Avoid the overly commercialized spots further inland; they’re just … read more 👉
Shimen Beach is a backpacker’s playground, but not all spots are created equal.

Head to the area around the beach for a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. You’ll find a lively vibe, perfect for meeting fellow wanderers. The proximity to the sand means you can roll out of bed and into the waves—no need for a morning commute.

Look for places with communal spaces; they’re gold for swapping stories and tips. Safety isn’t a concern here, so you can relax and enjoy the local seafood stalls without a second thought.

Avoid the overly commercialized spots further inland; they’re just a hassle. Stick close to the beach, and you’ll be golden.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Shimen Beach

Shimen Beach is generally a safe spot for a dip, but keep your wits about you. Currents can surprise you, especially when the tide shifts, so stick to where the locals swim. They know the lay of the land, and it’s usually marked by flags.

Watch for jellyfish in warmer months; they can be sneaky little stingers. As for sun exposure, the midday rays are relentless, so slather on that sunscreen early and often. Theft isn’t rampant, but don’t leave your valuables unattended while you’re chasing waves. Enjoy the surf, but respect the sea—it’s a dance, not a wrestling match.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Take a bus from Taipei Main Station to Shimen District, New Taipei City, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or drive; Shimen Beach is approximately 70 kilometers from Taipei city center.
Shimen Beach is good for swimming and beginner surfing due to its gentle waves, but it is not ideal for snorkeling because the water is often murky and lacks coral reefs. Surfing conditions are best from October to March when the waves are more consistent.
Yes, Shimen Beach is free to visit. There are no entrance fees, but parking fees apply if you arrive by car, typically around 100 to 150 TWD per day.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Taiwanese beaches near Shimen Beach

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Taiwan including Shimen Beach and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all Taiwan has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Country photo of Taiwan

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Shimen Beach is a quirky mix of local charm and tourist chaos. The best surprise? Those beachside stalls serving fresh seafood that’ll make your taste buds dance. Just a heads-up: the crowds can feel like a sardine can on weekends. Go early, and savor the vibe.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Taiwan. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Get full Taiwan guide •
Instant download • 113 highlights • Full Offline guide