Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Your journey starts in Taiwan’s vibrant capital, Taipei. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, check into your accommodation. Take it easy today to recover from your flight or explore nearby areas like Ximending, Taipei’s hip shopping district filled with street food, cafes, and quirky stores.
If you’re up for it, head to Longshan Temple to soak in some local culture. It’s Taipei’s oldest temple, and its intricate architecture is a sight to see. Grab dinner at a nearby night market like Ningxia, where you can sample bites like oyster omelets and stinky tofu.
Day 2: Explore Taipei’s Highlights
Start your day with a visit to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a historical monument that commemorates Taiwan’s former president. It’s an easy way to learn about Taiwan’s political history.
Next up, explore the National Palace Museum to dive into a world-class collection of Chinese artifacts. It’s a huge museum, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.
Wrap up the day with a visit to Taipei 101. Go up to the observation deck for stunning views of the city (especially around sunset). If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Din Tai Fung restaurant inside the building for top-notch dumplings.
Day 3: Hike Elephant Mountain and Explore Modern Taipei
In the morning, take a short hike up Elephant Mountain for panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline. It’s a moderate hike, and the view up top is well worth it.
Then, take a walk through the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, formerly a tobacco factory turned art space. It’s a cool blend of industrial and modern art where you can explore exhibitions or chill in cafes.
During the evening, visit Raohe Night Market for dinner. Try the famous black pepper buns and other Taiwanese street snacks.
Day 4: Day Trip to Jiufen and Shifen
Today, head out of the city to the picturesque town of Jiufen, which inspired scenes in the movie “Spirited Away.” Explore the narrow, winding streets filled with tea houses and street vendors.
From Jiufen, make your way to Shifen, a charming area famous for its waterfalls and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Walk along the Old Street, and if you’d like, light up a lantern for good luck!
Day 5: Beitou Hot Springs and Tamsui
Start your day in Beitou, Taipei’s hot spring district. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, and soak in one of the many public hot springs to relax.
In the afternoon, explore Tamsui, a coastal town just a short MRT ride away. Walk along the Tamsui River, visit Fort San Domingo, and enjoy sunset views over the water. Try some fresh seafood and street food at Tamsui Old Street.
Day 6: Travel to Taichung and Explore
Take the high-speed rail to Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. It’s a relaxing 45-minute ride from Taipei.
Once in Taichung, visit the Rainbow Village, a colorful neighborhood painted by an elderly local artist. It’s an Instagram-worthy stop!
End your day by exploring Taichung’s Fengjia Night Market, one of the biggest and most diverse night markets in Taiwan. Don’t miss the chicken cutlets and the popular wheel pies for dessert.
Day 7: Explore Sun Moon Lake
Take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake, a stunning freshwater lake about an hour from Taichung. Take a boat cruise to experience the scenic views around the lake, stopping at spots like Xuanguang Temple and Ita Thao Village.
If you’re up for it, rent a bike and ride along the easy cycling paths, which offer peaceful views of the lake. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local tea farms to try some of Taiwan’s famous oolong tea.
Day 8: Visit Lukang
On Day 8, take a trip to Lukang, one of Taiwan’s oldest towns. You’ll walk through charming narrow lanes and see temples like Mazu Temple and Longshan Temple, both known for their beautiful architecture.
Lukang’s Old Street is filled with vendors selling traditional crafts and local snacks. Try the ox-tongue pastry (it’s sweet, despite the name). This is a quieter day and a perfect way to experience more of Taiwan’s historic side.
Day 9: Travel to Tainan
Hop back on the high-speed rail to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and its former capital. Tainan is a foodie’s paradise, so stop by a local stall to try dishes like beef soup and oyster omelets.
Start your sightseeing at Anping Fort and Anping Treehouse, where banyan trees have grown into and around old buildings. Wander through Anping Old Street for street food and unique souvenirs.
Day 10: Tainan Temples and History
Tainan has over 200 temples, so today’s a temple day! Start with Chihkan Tower, then head over to Confucius Temple.
If you still have energy, visit Koxinga Shrine, a shrine to a historical figure in Taiwan. After exploring temples, take a break with a visit to Tainan’s famous Garden Night Market for dinner.
Day 11: Alishan Forest
Travel to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, known for its stunning vistas and picturesque sunrise views. Spend the day hiking through the many trails or taking the famous Alishan Forest Railway, which winds through dense forests before offering incredible views at higher altitudes.
Don’t miss a stop at the Sacred Tree, a 3,000-year-old cypress. Spend the night in the Alishan area to catch the sunrise early in the morning.
Day 12: Sunrise in Alishan
Wake up for one of the most memorable experiences: sunrise at Alishan. Most people trek to Zhushan for the best views, but you can also try shooting from other nearby spots if they’re too crowded.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing or exploring some more trails. Make your way back to Taipei in the evening.
Day 13: Taipei’s Markets and Old Streets
Now that you’re back in Taipei, spend the day visiting some more unique areas of the city. Wander through Dihua Street, Taipei’s old street famous for shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, and fabrics.
Explore the Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market or one of the many local markets to get a feel for daily life in Taipei. In the evening, head to the Shilin Night Market to try even more delicious Taiwanese foods like bubble tea and pork buns.
Day 14: Departure
On your final day, make time for last-minute shopping or visiting a relaxing coffee shop before heading to the airport.
If you can squeeze it in, consider visiting a 24-hour hot spring in Beitou or relaxing with tea at Maokong, accessible by a fun gondola ride. Have a safe flight!
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