Lihpao Land

Travelers usually visit Lihpao Land from Taichung: It’s only really practical as a day trip from Taipei with your own transport or on a tour. Buy tickets for the Discovery World theme park and Mala Bay water park individually, as a combo, or as part of a package. Some include extras such as a ride on the 394-foot-tall (120-meter-tall) Sky Dream Ferris wheel or a visit to the escape-room complex, which has nine different games. Prices are significantly cheaper than Western theme parks, but at the high end for Taiwan. Save money by booking online for early bird discounts.

• Lihpao Land is a must for roller-coaster junkies and a great family choice.

• Do not expect park staff to speak much English.

• Lihpao Land is wheelchair-accessible, with disabled bathrooms, but travelers who rely on wheelchairs will have limited access to rides.

Lihpao Land is in Houli, a rural suburb to the north of Taichung City. It’s about a 17-mile (28-kilometer) drive from Taichung Station. Alternatively, catch the slow train to Houli Station, then take the free shuttle that runs hourly throughout the day. Buses 155 and 811 also link Houli Station to the park.

Lihpao Land is open from morning until late afternoon Monday to Friday, and into the evening on Saturdays and Sundays. To beat the lines, visit during the working week. It’s worth spending the whole day here as there’s plenty to do, particularly between May and October, when Mala Bay is operational.

For most travelers, the main draw at Lihpao Land is the Discovery World theme park, with three sections. Exciting Paradise is the most adventurous, Magic Forest is gentler, and POPA Kingdom caters to little kids. The star attraction is the Gravity Max tilt coaster, which flips a dramatic 90 degrees onto an entirely new set of tracks, but rides run from flumes to carousels.