Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and take the MRT to your hotel in Downtown Taipei. After settling in, enjoy a quick brunch at a local Yonghe Soy Milk stall.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall and stroll through its expansive gardens. Continue to the bustling Ximending Shopping District for street snacks and trendy boutiques.
Evening: Head up to Elephant Mountain for a short hike that offers panoramic night views of the city and Taipei 101. Finish the day with dinner at a night‑market stall in Raohe Street Night Market.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the historic Longshan Temple and sip tea at the nearby Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Participate in a short calligraphy workshop.
Afternoon: Discover Taiwan’s history at the National Palace Museum, home to priceless Chinese artifacts. Afterwards, relax in the nearby Shilin Residence Gardens.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese dinner at Dadaocheng and wander along the illuminated Tamsui River waterfront before returning to your hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a scenic drive to the mountain town of Jiufen. Wander its narrow lanes, tasting taro balls and tea at the famous A-Mei Tea House.
Afternoon: Continue to Pingxi to release sky lanterns on the old railway tracks, a beloved local tradition. Visit the historic Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s Little Niagara.
Evening: Return to Taipei and unwind with a foot massage in the Beitou Hot Springs area, followed by a light dinner at a nearby izakaya.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the early train to Hualien and rent a scooter for the day. Drive to the entrance of Taroko National Park and start the Shakadang Trail alongside crystal‑clear rivers.
Afternoon: Hike the spectacular Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) and marvel at the marble cliffs. Stop for a picnic near the Eternal Spring Shrine.
Evening: Return to Hualien city, enjoy fresh seafood at the Dongdamen Night Market, and stay overnight in a cozy guesthouse.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel by bus to Sun Moon Lake. Rent a bicycle and ride the scenic lakeside path, stopping at the Wenwu Temple for breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely boat cruise to Lalu Island and visit the Ci'en Pagoda. Enjoy tea at the historic Tea Museum showcasing local Oolong.
Evening: Dine on native Aboriginal cuisine at a lakeside restaurant and watch the sunset from the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway before checking into a lakeside hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the high‑speed rail to Kaohsiung. Begin with a visit to the futuristic Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, exploring its massive Buddha statues.
Afternoon: Stroll through the colorful Pier‑2 Art Center and browse its galleries and installations. Grab a quick lunch at the nearby Liuhe Night Market (open early for snacks).
Evening: Ride the Lihpao Land Ferris Wheel for city views, then enjoy a riverside dinner at Love River promenade, watching the lights reflect on the water.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city. Visit the historic Chihkan Tower and the nearby Confucius Temple, soaking in centuries‑old architecture.
Afternoon: Sample local delicacies such as danzao (egg pancakes) at the bustling Guohua Street Night Market (operating in the afternoon). Explore the quaint alleys of Anping Old Fort and its harbor.
Evening: Return to Taipei by high‑speed rail for your flight home, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and cultures experienced throughout Taiwan.
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, add an extra night in Hualien to explore additional Taroko trails or a sunrise visit to Qixingtan Beach. If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping Day 6 (Kaohsiung) and spending that time exploring more of Taipei’s surrounding areas, such as a day trip to Yehliu Geopark or the coastal town of Tamsui.