Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Welcome to Taiwan! You’ll most likely arrive in Taipei, the capital city. Once you’re through the airport, take an easy airport transfer to the city center. Taipei Main Station is super well-connected to the rest of the city, so it should be your central hub.
After checking in and dropping off your bags, your first stop should be Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s an important landmark with beautiful gardens and an iconic white and blue building. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony.
In the afternoon, head to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest and most active temples. Watch the locals burn incense and offer prayers in this vibrant space. The artwork here is incredible, so take your time wandering around.
Lastly, end your evening at Ningxia Night Market. It’s one of the smaller night markets but has a really local vibe. Try delicacies like oyster omelets and shaved mango ice. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go ahead and sample stinky tofu.
Day 2: Explore Taipei’s Culture
Today, deep-dive into Taipei’s cultural experiences. Start by visiting the National Palace Museum. This museum is filled with ancient Chinese artifacts from the Qing Dynasty era. It’s a great place to escape the city hustle while still being immersed in the culture.
Afterward, make your way to Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). It’s an easy 20 to 30-minute hike. From the top, you’ll get one of the best views of Taipei 101, Taiwan’s iconic skyscraper. Perfect for that Insta-worthy shot!
In the evening, step into one of Taipei’s hot spring areas. Beitou is recommended for its public baths. Relaxing in these natural hot springs after a day of exploring is a great way to unwind and get rid of any jet lag!
Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen and Shifen
Take a breather from Taipei city life by visiting traditional mountain villages. In the morning, head to Jiufen, a beautiful old town inspired by its gold-mining past (and even the movie Spirited Away). Wander the narrow streets, taste the traditional taro balls, and enjoy sipping tea with a view.
Later, move on to Shifen, famous for its waterfalls and sky lanterns. You’ll have the opportunity to write your dreams on a lantern and release it into the sky. Make sure to visit Shifen Waterfall while you’re there; it’s often called “Taiwan’s Little Niagara.”
Return to Taipei in the evening and grab some snacks from another night market, such as Raohe Night Market. The pepper buns here are crazy delicious!
Day 4: Explore Taroko National Park
Wake up early and hop on a train to Hualien, a coastal city about a two-hour ride from Taipei. From here, you’ll be visiting the stunning Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s most famous natural wonders.
Spend the day exploring the gorge’s dramatic cliffs, marble rock formations, and lush forests by hiking one of its many trails. The Shakadang Trail is a popular choice for beginners, with its turquoise blue water views.
Stay overnight in Hualien for some downtime. Grab local street food, such as fried tempura or beef noodles along Dongdamen Night Market, and relax after a long day of nature.
Day 5: Hualien to Sun Moon Lake
Start your day with a scenic train ride from Hualien to Taichung, from where you’ll make your way to the beautiful Sun Moon Lake. The lake is something out of a postcard, surrounded by misty mountains and dotted with temples along the shore.
Once you’re there, visit the Wenwu Temple, which sits right on the lake and offers beautiful views. Another easy but relaxing activity is taking the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire area.
If you’re up for it, you could even rent a bike and circle the lake. They’ve got a great, easy-to-follow bike path. Spend the night nearby for a peaceful getaway from the bustle of larger cities.
Day 6: Relax at Sun Moon Lake
Treat this day as a “slow day” on your trip. Use it to unwind and fully enjoy what Sun Moon Lake has to offer. Start off with a morning boat ride—you’ll see the lake from a different perspective while stopping at a few small islands.
For something spiritual, visit the Xuanzang Temple, named after the Buddhist monk whose relics are kept here. It’s a calming spot for reflection and a chance to soak in the serene atmosphere.
End your day by watching the sunset over the lake while sipping on some Taiwanese tea. After rolling through cities and hiking mountains, today should be about recharging in a truly peaceful spot.
Day 7: Taichung and the Rainbow Village
Next up: Taichung. After about an hour’s bus ride, you’ll arrive in this laid-back city popular for its mix of old and new. Begin with one of Taichung’s most colorful attractions—the Rainbow Village. It’s a quirky, vibrant space where a local elderly artist hand-painted the entire village with colorful characters and patterns.
Then, head to the National Museum of Natural Science. It’s not just a great place for kids; adults will enjoy learning about Taiwan’s ecosystems and cultures here too.
Finish your day off with traditional Taiwanese bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang, the original birthplace of this popular drink. You have to try it at least once from the place where it all started!
Day 8: Tainan – Taiwan’s Oldest City
Tainan is rich in history, filled with temples and historic buildings. Head there by train from Taichung (two hours). Once you arrive, your first stop should be the Anping Fort, built during the Dutch colonization period. It’s a glimpse into Taiwan’s colonial past.
Then, stroll through the Confucius Temple, one of the most important historical temples in Taiwan and known for its peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to walk around the narrow alleys nearby—there are quirky boutiques and street food stalls that will keep you entertained.
Afterward, check out “Chihkan Tower,” an iconic red building that was once the center of government during the Qing Dynasty. Tainan has a slower pace compared to Taipei, so enjoy this chill side of Taiwan.
Day 9: Taijiang National Park
Start your morning with a trip to Taijiang National Park. It’s a marsh-like, water-logged landscape where you can explore mangroves by boat. Definitely a different vibe compared to what you’ve seen so far—an example of Taiwan’s diverse ecosystems.
Spend your afternoon wandering around the Anping Tree House. It’s an old warehouse taken over by massive banyan roots. While it’s becoming more popular with tourists, it’s still worth a visit for the unusual combination of nature and architecture.
If you’re a foodie, finish your day with a Tainan classic: beef soup or coffin bread (it’s a fried bread bowl filled with creamy chicken broth).
Day 10: Return to Taipei
Hop back on the high-speed rail to Taipei (or fly in). Use this last day to catch up on anything you might’ve missed. Spend the morning relaxing by wandering through Taipei’s various streets or maybe grab any last-minute souvenirs.
Head to Huashan 1914 Creative Park to check out local artists’ works and exhibitions. It’s a hub for creativity in the city, sitting inside an old winery complex.
In the evening, finish your trip with a glorious sunset from the Taipei 101 observatory. It’s the best way to end your journey by soaking in the panoramic views of Taipei one last time.
Afterward, grab a final street food feast, then head back to your accommodation and prepare for your departure.
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