From the glowing lanterns of Jiufen to the sleek modern shops inside Taipei 101, Taiwan blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge creativity. The island’s markets, boutiques and cultural villages are filled with souvenirs that reflect its rich heritage and dynamic energy. Whether you’re sipping tea in the mountains or exploring a street market in the city, shopping in Taiwan is an experience full of discovery.
Here are 10 of the best Taiwan souvenirs to bring home.
1. Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes, or feng li su, are Taiwan’s most beloved edible souvenir. These buttery, golden pastries are filled with sweet pineapple jam and often come packaged in elegant gift boxes. You’ll find them in bakeries throughout Taipei, especially at famous spots like Chia Te and SunnyHills. Many shops offer free samples so you can taste before buying. These treats are easy to pack and make delicious gifts for friends and family.
2. Taiwanese Oolong Tea
Tea is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture, and the island’s high-mountain oolong teas are among the best in the world. The leaves are grown in misty regions like Alishan and Lishan, producing a fragrant, slightly floral brew. Visit a traditional tea house in Jiufen or a specialty shop in Taipei to sample different varieties. Many stores offer beautifully packaged tins and traditional teaware, making it easy to take home a piece of the island’s tea culture.
3. Handcrafted Taiwanese Ceramics
Taiwan’s pottery scene is rich with tradition and artistry. In areas like Yingge, a town just outside Taipei, ceramic studios produce everything from modern minimalist teapots to hand-painted bowls and vases. Each piece is made with care and often reflects local aesthetics or calligraphy. Lightweight and beautifully glazed, Taiwanese ceramics make elegant souvenirs for the home.
4. Indigenous Handicrafts
Taiwan is home to 16 recognized Indigenous tribes, each with its own distinct artistic style. Look for handwoven textiles, beadwork and wood carvings that showcase tribal patterns and symbols. These crafts are often sold in cultural centers or artisan shops in towns like Hualien and Taitung. Buying Indigenous crafts supports local communities and offers a deeper connection to the island’s heritage.
5. Paper Lanterns & Calligraphy
The tradition of paper lanterns runs deep in Taiwan, especially in mountain towns like Pingxi, where visitors write wishes on lanterns and release them into the night sky. You can bring home miniature versions of these lanterns, along with scrolls or bookmarks featuring Chinese calligraphy. These lightweight, colorful items make charming keepsakes and reminders of your journey.
6. Taiwanese Beauty Products
Taiwan has quietly earned a reputation for high-quality skincare and beauty products. Facial sheet masks, serums with natural ingredients like rice wine or seaweed and cruelty-free cosmetics are widely available in pharmacies and beauty shops. Brands like My Beauty Diary and Naruko are popular among locals and travelers alike. These products are affordable, effective and travel-friendly — perfect for a little post-trip pampering.
7. Iron Eggs & Local Snacks
For more adventurous palates, Taiwan’s unique street snacks are worth exploring. Iron eggs are a specialty of Tamsui — eggs simmered in soy sauce and spices until they turn dark, chewy and flavorful. Other popular edible souvenirs include nougat, dried mango, taro chips and mochi. These snacks are often sold in vacuum-sealed packages that are easy to transport, and sampling them adds a fun culinary twist to your shopping experience.
8. Jade & Stone Jewelry
Jade has long been considered a symbol of health, wealth and protection in Chinese culture. In Taiwan, you’ll find jade pendants, bangles and beaded bracelets at markets and jewelry shops. Some pieces incorporate other local stones like rose quartz or agate, adding variety and color. For the best quality, visit reputable sellers or jade markets like those in Jianguo Flower Market in Taipei.
9. Chinese Knots & Lucky Charms
Brightly colored and beautifully knotted, these traditional decorations are often gifted for good luck and prosperity. You’ll find them in temples, souvenir stalls and night markets, shaped into dragons, coins or zodiac animals. Some include bells or tassels and are meant to be hung near doorways or windows. These small but meaningful Taiwan souvenirs are perfect for bringing a little extra luck into your home.
10. Taiwanese Stationery
Taiwan is known for its love of cute and clever design and nowhere is this more obvious than in its stationery shops. From illustrated notebooks and washi tape to quirky pens and stickers, Taiwan’s paper goods are both playful and practical. Popular local brands like TOOLS to LIVEBY and 23Design offer minimalist styles, while stores like Eslite and small indie boutiques stock a wide variety of themed collections. It’s a paradise for journaling enthusiasts, artists and gift givers.
Shopping Excursions in Taiwan
These curated excursions offer the perfect opportunity to browse Taiwan souvenirs while discovering the island’s scenic beauty and cultural highlights:
- Half Day Chiufen Village Tour
- Explore the cliffside charm of Chiufen (Jiufen), a former gold-mining town with narrow alleys, tea houses and artisan shops. Enjoy a traditional Gongfu tea service and browse for local crafts in a setting that feels frozen in time.
- Taipei on Your Own
- Spend a full day discovering Taiwan’s capital at your own pace. Shop for souvenirs inside Taipei 101, stroll antique shops and herbal medicine stores along Dihua Street or snack your way through the city’s famous street food markets.
Discover the Best Souvenirs in Taiwan for Unique Finds
If you're wondering what to buy in Taiwan, start with oolong tea, pineapple cakes, handmade ceramics and Indigenous crafts. These items each reflect a piece of Taiwan’s story, from its mountainous tea farms and bustling city streets to its rich cultural roots. Whether you're lighting a paper lantern in Jiufen or sipping tea from a porcelain cup at home, these souvenirs carry the spirit of the island with them.
