Shalun Beach
Tamsui, New Taipei · Taiwan
Asia's best-known gay clothing-optional beach, by the ruins of an old resort north of Taipei. Tolerated, not official, and busy on summer weekends.
Updated
- Status
- Tolerated
- Crowd
- Gay-popular
- Country
- Taiwan
- City
- Taipei
- Water
- Sea
- Rank
- #22 where the boys go
- Best time
- May to October
- Confidence
- Medium
Find it
25.1890° N, 121.4215° EGood to know
Clothing-optional use is technically illegal in Taiwan and the beach is policed from time to time. Read the mood.
The gay end
The stretch by the abandoned resort, north of the signed public beach. The public beach itself is swimwear only.
Crowd A clothing-optional beach for everyone with a gay end everyone knows about. Walk in the direction the guide says and you will find the boys.
Getting there
MRT to Tamsui, then bus or taxi to Shalun. Walk north along the sand past the old resort buildings.
The rules
Tolerated. Not designated, but going without swimwear has been the custom for years and is left alone. Rules and patrols can change, so read the signs when you arrive.
No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the clothing-optional stretch, and head home with the light. Sunbathe, swim and keep the beach respectful for everyone.
Questions people ask
Beach questions
Where exactly is Shalun Beach?
Tamsui, New Taipei, Taiwan. The map pin is 25.1890° N, 121.4215° E.
What is Shalun Beach like?
Asia's best-known gay clothing-optional beach, by the ruins of an old resort north of Taipei. Tolerated, not official, and busy on summer weekends.
Which section of Shalun Beach is on the atlas?
The stretch by the abandoned resort, north of the signed public beach. The public beach itself is swimwear only.
How do I get to Shalun Beach?
MRT to Tamsui, then bus or taxi to Shalun. Walk north along the sand past the old resort buildings.
What access or enforcement note applies to Shalun Beach?
Clothing-optional use is technically illegal in Taiwan and the beach is policed from time to time. Read the mood.
Where does Shalun Beach rank?
Tamsui, New Taipei. #22 in the gay-popular beach ranking.
Method
Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.