Arrive Terminal 1/2 (you land 12:55pm). Expect 45–90 minutes for immigration, luggage and customs — allow time for mobility needs for the senior. Consider buying an EasyCard at the airport for MRT and buses.
Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (~35–50 mins) or book a private transfer (recommended for group comfort and luggage). Check in and rest. Recommended Taipei bases: Amba Taipei Ximending (family rooms, right in Ximending), Grand Hyatt Taipei (luxury, near Taipei 101), or CityInn Hotel Plus (mid‑range, good accessibility).
Walk the pedestrian shopping district full of youth fashion, street food, and family‑friendly shops — a great easy first afternoon (shops typically 11:00–22:00). Good for the child and senior with plenty of seating stops.
Try Ah‑Chung Mian Xian (thick vermicelli soup) or other famous stalls in Ximending — quick, tasty and easy for the child. Most stalls operate until ~9:00–10:00pm.
Head to Raohe (Songshan MRT) or Ningxia (Shilin area) for classic Taiwanese snacks — try pepper buns, oyster omelette and shaved ice. Night markets usually operate 5:00pm–midnight.
A simple, classic Taiwanese breakfast (soy milk, fried dough, steamed buns) — convenient and gentle for the senior and child. Shops typically open from 6:00am.
See one of the world’s greatest Chinese art collections — jade, ceramics and imperial treasures. Plan 2–3 hours; the museum usually opens 8:30am–6:30pm (Friday evenings sometimes extended). Check the official site for special closures or exhibition times.
Iconic landmark with changing of the guard and wide plazas; accessible and good for photos. Open 9:00am–6:00pm; gardens and square are open outside museum hours.
Visit Longshan Temple (active, atmospheric temple) and the restored Bopiliao street for a short cultural walk; both are easy to reach by MRT (open generally 6:00–22:00).
Large night market with huge variety — great for trying a selection (fried chicken, stinky tofu, grilled corn). Stalls from late afternoon to midnight.
Book a private driver or small group day tour for ease with a senior and child — travel time ≈1–1.5 hours to Jiufen by car; public transport requires transfers and more walking. Private driver increases comfort and flexibility.
Historic hillside tea‑street with narrow alleys, teahouses (A‑Mei Tea House is famous for views), snacks and artisan shops; many stores open from ~10:00–21:00. Great for photos and local snacks.
Try braised pork rice, taro balls and tea service at a teahouse overlooking the coast — good cultural experience, but note stairs in old teahouses for the senior.
Release a sky lantern on the railway street (check rules and weather) and visit the waterfall. Lantern releases typically cost around TWD150–300 per lantern; Shifen Waterfall area open ~9:00–18:00.
Take Taiwan High Speed Rail (approx 1 hour). Prebook seats for the group — HSR is the fastest, most comfortable option to Taichung for a party with a senior and child.
Colourful, photo‑friendly painted village created by a veteran artist — compact and easy to visit (approx 9:00–17:00). Great for children and quick visit.
Largest night market in Taichung — enormous variety of snacks and small shops. Open roughly 5:00pm–midnight; plan what to try and be mindful of crowds for the senior.
Both hotels are family friendly, comfortable, and central with good accessibility; book twin/family rooms and request a ground floor or lift access for the senior.
Book a private transfer for comfort (≈2–2.5 hours depending on route). Public buses exist but require transfers — private vehicle is easiest for senior and child.
Open roughly 08:00–17:00; watch the sheep/dog herding shows (often around 11:00 and 15:00) — scenic, family‑friendly and one of the main reasons to visit Cingjing.
Stroll the manicured gardens (small admission possible) and browse local shops; pick up local dried fruits and souvenirs. Gardens typically open 09:00–17:00.
Many Cingjing hotels and guesthouses serve hearty dinners; if staying in a recommended place like Old England Manor (or similar family friendly B&B), they often offer dinner or can recommend nearby restaurants.
Choose a comfortable property with lift access or ground floor rooms for the senior. Book early — Cingjing has limited rooms and many fill at weekends.
Short walk or revisit a favourite spot; if the group is energetic you can do a short nature trail. Keep luggage packed and ready for departure mid‑day.
Return by private car to Taichung HSR station (approx 2–2.5 hours). This allows a comfortable schedule and avoids back‑to‑back transfers on the day of departure.
Take HSR to Taoyuan HSR station (≈40–50 minutes). From Taoyuan HSR station either take the Taoyuan Airport MRT or a short taxi to Taoyuan Airport (allow 30–45 minutes total transfer). Aim to arrive at the airport ~3 hours before departure because you are an international group with a senior/child.