Land at Kaohsiung International Airport and transfer to your hotel; many hotels allow early luggage drop — confirm check-in times. This gives you time to refresh before exploring.
Take the 10–15 minute ferry from Gushan Pier to Cijin Island, walk the promenade, and try fresh seafood. Ferry runs roughly 6:00am–10:00pm; the island is breezy and scenic.
Take a short sightseeing boat (seasonal) or stroll the Love River promenade, especially pleasant in late afternoon light; cruises typically run 9:00am–9:00pm.
Sample Kaohsiung specialties like papaya milk, seafood porridge, and braised pork rice at Liuhe Night Market; stalls usually open from ~5:00pm–11:00pm.
Visit park highlights including Eluanbi Lighthouse and Longpan for dramatic coastal views; Eluanbi area and park trails are accessible 9:00am–5:00pm for facilities.
Relax or swim at popular beaches (Nanwan/White Sand Bay); lifeguards and rental stands are seasonal — December waters are brisk but sunny days are common.
Visit Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort) and the photogenic Anping Tree House; forts typically open 8:30am–5:00pm. Anping area is great for strolling and snacks.
Take an early bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake (~1.5–2 hours) to maximize daylight; buses run frequently but check exact schedules in advance (first buses often 7:00–8:00am).
Hop boat between key piers and visit Wenwu Temple (boat services generally 8:30am–5:00pm). The temple offers panoramic lake views and cultural scenery.
Enjoy lunch at a famous dumpling spot (Din Tai Fung or a smaller local eatery) to taste xiaolongbao and Taiwanese staples; most open noon–14:00 and evening service after 17:00.
Join a tour or take local buses to Taroko Gorge (Visitor Center open typically 8:00am–5:00pm) to see Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, and scenic viewpoints.
Hike a scenic trail in Taroko (Shakadang Trail recommended for relatively flat riverside hiking); trails are open year-round but check weather and trail closures due to rockfall.
Optional short morning visit to Qixingtan Beach for coastal views and a relaxed start (good for sunrise photos); public access is open but amenities vary by season.
In Taipei, choose lively Ximending for shopping and street food or take the MRT to Tamsui for seaside sunset walks and riverside snacks (Tamsui attractions often open all day, vendors vary).
Use the morning to visit any last Taipei spots (e.g., National Palace Museum opens ~8:30am–6:30pm) or pick up souvenirs; museum tickets recommended in advance.
Board an afternoon/evening THSR to Kaohsiung (~1 hour 50 minutes). To celebrate NYE in Kaohsiung, depart Taipei early enough to arrive before evening crowds — book ahead for Dec 31 trains.
Join Kaohsiung's New Year's Eve events (usually held around Pier-2, Love River, or Dream Mall) for live music and countdown fireworks at midnight. Public events vary yearly — check the official Kaohsiung city NYE program and transport arrangements.
Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café; many businesses may open later on New Year's Day, so check opening times (hotels typically serve breakfast normally).
If time allows, visit Lotus Pond (scenic temples and dragon/dragon boat bridges) or Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (opens ~8:30am–5:00pm) depending on your flight time; choose one and allow ample transit time to the airport.
Head to the airport for your outbound flight; Kaohsiung International Airport operates normally on Jan 1, but arrive 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights.