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Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Discovering Taiwan

Day 1: Taipei – Explore the Capital

Taipei is where most travelers start their adventure. After landing, head to your accommodation and settle in. Once you’re ready, start by visiting one of the city’s highlights: Taipei 101. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the world, and the views from the observation deck are fantastic.

Then, head over to Longshan Temple. This is one of the most important temples in Taipei and is a perfect introduction to Taiwanese culture. Spend some time wandering through the temple complex, admiring the architecture and observing the locals practicing their faith.

In the evening, grab a bite at Shilin Night Market, one of the biggest and most popular night markets in the city. Try local snacks like stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea. You’ll want to come hungry because there are so many delicious things to try!

Day 2: More Sights in Taipei

Dedicate another day to Taipei’s cultural and historical sights. Start with a visit to the National Palace Museum. Its vast collection of Chinese artifacts is one of the most important in the world. You can spend a few hours here—there is a lot to take in.

Next, check out the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s a stunning historical site with beautiful architecture and impressive gardens. Watch the changing of the guard, and then take a stroll through the surrounding park.

For dinner, venture out to Ningxia Night Market. It’s smaller and less crowded than Shilin but is just as tasty. Try oyster omelets, pork buns, and mochi desserts to end your day on a sweet note.

Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen

Leave Taipei today for a day trip to Jiufen. It’s just an hour away and is filled with old-world charm. This small town is famous for its narrow alleys, tea houses, and stunning views.

Walk through the winding streets, stop in a tea house, and take in the atmosphere. Spend some time at the Jiufen Old Street, where local vendors sell handmade goods and Taiwanese snacks.

On your way back, you can stop at the Golden Waterfall, which is a quick side-trip, or check out the Nanya Rock Formations along the coast. Both are photogenic spots and worth visiting if you’re a fan of natural beauty.

Day 4: Taichung – Art and Parks

Catch an early train from Taipei to Taichung (it’s about an hour by high-speed rail). When you arrive, head straight to Rainbow Village. This colorful village is famous for its vibrant walls painted by a local veteran named “Grandpa Rainbow.”

Afterward, spend some time in Gaomei Wetlands, just outside Taichung. This area is perfect for a peaceful walk, especially in the late afternoon when the light is softer. You’ll see people walking along elevated paths with wind turbines in the background.

In the evening, visit Fengjia Night Market. Like Taipei’s markets, this is another great place to eat delicious food. Try grilled squid, Taiwanese sausage, and bubble ice.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Take a bus to Sun Moon Lake, which is a 2-hour ride from Taichung. It’s one of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural attractions and gives you a chance to relax a bit after a few days of sightseeing.

Start by renting a bike and riding around the lake. It’s a very scenic area, and the bike paths are easy to navigate. You can make stops along the way to visit temples or take pictures of the lake’s serene landscape.

Consider taking a boat trip after your ride. The lake is peaceful, and the boat gives you a different perspective. End your day here with some local fish dishes from one of the nearby restaurants before heading back to Taichung.

Day 6: Tainan – Taiwan’s Old Capital

Hop on a morning train to Tainan (around 1.5 hours from Taichung). Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is full of history. Start your visit with Anping Fort. This site dates back to the 1600s when the Dutch colonized the area. Walk around the ruins and imagine what life was like back then.

Nearby, visit Anping Tree House, where banyan trees have taken over an old warehouse. It’s a unique sight and quintessentially Tainan.

Later in the day, explore some of Tainan’s temples. This city has a rich Buddhist and Taoist history, and Chihkan Tower and the Confucius Temple are two must-see spots.

For dinner, sample some of Tainan’s famous dishes. Tainan is known for its eel noodles and danzai noodles, so don’t leave without trying them.

Day 7: Kaohsiung – The Last Stop

Take a quick train ride from Tainan to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city (just 40 minutes by train). Start at Lotus Pond, where you’ll find the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Climbing through these unique structures offers cool views of the surrounding lake.

Next, head to Pier-2 Art Center, a creative district built from old warehouses. It’s filled with cool street art, sculptures, and galleries. You can spend a couple of hours exploring this alternative side of the city.

Finally, visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan. It’s a peaceful place and a good way to end your trip. After seeing the Great Buddha statue and walking the serene walkways, head back to the city for some delicious Kaohsiung-style hot pot.

That wraps up a week of adventures through Taiwan, giving you a mix of history, culture, and nature. This itinerary hits several of Taiwan’s highlights while keeping things flexible so you can enjoy the trip at your own pace.

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