Arrive in Taipei and settle into your hotel — aim for a central base in Xinyi or Zhongshan to make transit easy. After dropping bags, take a relaxed stroll through Daan Park to stretch your legs and grab a coffee at a nearby café, then pop into a local convenience store (7-Eleven or FamilyMart) to pick up an EasyCard for the week’s transport.
Explore the nearby National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to absorb Taiwan’s modern history and watch the changing of the guard, then walk or take the MRT to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the shopping streets around Taipei 101. Pause for lunch at the Taipei 101 food court or try Din Tai Fung for xiaolongbao, and if time allows ride the high-speed elevator up to Taipei 101 Observatory for panoramic views of the city and distant mountains.
As dusk falls, dive into Taipei’s night market culture starting at Raohe or Ningxia Night Market for grilled squid, pepper buns (hu jiao bing), and mango shaved ice; wander the stalls and sample local street snacks. Finish the night with a rooftop drink or dessert near Xinyi district while admiring Taipei 101 lit up — a relaxed first-night ritual to set the tone for the week ahead.
Start your day with a short MRT ride to the National Palace Museum to see its world-class collection of imperial artifacts and jade carvings — arrive early to avoid crowds and join a highlights tour or audio guide. Afterward, take the scenic bus or taxi down to Shilin neighborhood for a relaxed brunch at a local café, then wander the nearby Shilin Old Street market stalls for traditional sweets and souvenir finds, keeping the pace gentle after yesterday’s flight and Taipei 101 outing.
Head to the historic heart of Taipei: visit Longshan Temple to admire intricate wood and stone carvings and observe local worship rituals, then stroll through Bopiliao Historic Block to see preserved Qing-era architecture and interpretive displays. Continue into the adjoining Huaxi Street and Mengjia neighborhoods to explore the Old Streets — pop into a tea house for a tasting of oolong or tieguanyin and sample Taiwanese snacks like peanut candy or herbal jelly.
As evening falls, make your way to Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area for a lively mix of old-world charm and hip boutiques; browse dried-good shops, Chinese medicine stores, and artisanal tea shops before dinner. Finish with a traditional Taiwanese meal at a nearby restaurant (try braised pork rice and oyster omelet) and a relaxed riverside walk along the Tamsui River or a short tram to the historic Ximending nightlife district if you want a livelier nightcap.
Take an early MRT and bus up to Yangmingshan National Park to breathe in cool mountain air and see the seasonal blooms — hike a section of the Qingtiangang grassland loop or the shorter Xiaoyoukeng volcanic fumaroles trail for dramatic landscapes and sulfur vents. Stop at the Yangmingshan flower clock and a local mountain café for a simple breakfast and tea while enjoying views back toward Taipei, keeping the pace relaxed after two busy city days.
Descend to Beitou for an afternoon devoted to hot-spring culture: visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the area’s history, then stroll through the verdant Beitou Park and the Thermal Valley (Geothermal Valley) to glimpse milky-blue hot spring pools. Finish with a soak at a public or private onsen-style bathhouse such as Mill Valley or a ryokan-style private room to unwind — this restorative pause ties the nature morning to the coming cultural days.
After your soak, explore Beitou’s local eateries for a comforting dinner of braised dishes and steamed seafood, or sample Taiwanese comfort food at a nearby izakaya-style spot; pause for tea at a riverside café as twilight falls. Return to central Taipei in the evening — if energy remains, stop by Shilin Night Market for a late snack, keeping the itinerary’s gentle rhythm as you prepare for the Jiufen day trip tomorrow.
Catch an early train or join a guided minibus from Taipei to Ruifang, then transfer to the winding roads up to Jiufen to arrive before the crowds. Wander the lantern-lit alleyways of Jiufen Old Street, sample local snacks like taro balls and herbal rice cake, and pause for a tea ceremony with mountain-and-sea views at A-Mei Tea House or one of the other atmospheric teahouses perched above the harbor.
Head down the coast to the nearby gold-mining museum at Jinguashi to explore the Gold Ecological Park and the historic Benshan Fifth Tunnel, learning about the area’s mining past against dramatic cliffside scenery. Continue to Pingxi by train or shuttle in the mid-afternoon, stroll the quaint railway town and its old station platforms, and choose a scenic spot along the tracks to write and release a hand-painted sky lantern with wishes for the trip.
After the lantern release, linger in Pingxi or Shifen for local street eats like peanut ice cream rolls before returning to Taipei as dusk falls, watching the coastline recede on the train. Back in the city, keep the evening relaxed with dinner in the Xinyi or Zhongshan district — try a small izakaya or a Taiwanese bistro — and reflect on the day’s mountain vistas, coastal history, and the magical glow of your lantern-lit send-off.
Board an early HSR or express train from Taipei to Taichung (around 1-1.5 hours) and check into a centrally located hotel near the Calligraphy Greenway; drop your bags and head straight to the National Taichung Theater to admire Toyo Ito’s striking architecture and catch a mid-morning coffee at the theater café. From there, stroll the nearby Calligraphy Greenway toward the CMP Block Museum of Arts and the small galleries along the route to get a first taste of Taichung’s creative scene.
After a leisurely lunch at Chun Shui Tang or a local bento shop, spend the afternoon in the sprawling Taichung Park and then visit the National Museum of Natural Science for interactive exhibits and the serene botanical gardens. Continue to the Rainbow Village to see the bright, folk-art murals and learn the heartwarming story of its creator, a vivid local contrast to the city’s modern museums.
As dusk falls, make your way to Fengjia Night Market — Taiwan’s largest night market — to sample must-try street foods like stinky tofu, big sausage wrapped in small sausage, and bubble tea while browsing fashion stalls and quirky gifts. If you prefer something calmer, cap the night with a craft beer or dessert at one of the lively cafés along Yizhong Street, reflecting on the shift from Taipei’s urban bustle to Taichung’s artsy, relaxed vibe.
Take an early train or bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake and rent bicycles at Ita Thao or near Shuishe Pier to cycle a scenic section of the lakeside path — aim for the flat, family-friendly stretch toward Xuanguang Temple for panoramic views. Pause at Ci'en Pagoda for a short climb and sweeping vistas back over the lake, then enjoy a lakeside coffee or a comforting Taiwanese breakfast at one of Ita Thao’s cafés before boarding the next sightseeing boat.
Catch the regular boat shuttle between Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao to experience the lake from the water and hop off to explore Lalu Island views and the Wenwu Temple’s ornate courtyards and towering gates; climb the steps past the statues for excellent photo angles. For a deeper cultural taste, visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village if time allows (or browse the craft stalls in Ita Thao) and sample local aboriginal-style dishes such as wild vegetable tempura or millet wine for lunch.
As late afternoon light softens, take one last leisurely lakeside stroll toward the pier or rent a tandem bike for a gentle return ride, then catch the bus or train back to Taichung feeling refreshed by the mountain-lake air. Back in the city, reward yourself with dinner at a Taichung bistro or the lively Yizhong Street food scene — try a bowl of beef noodle soup or local seafood — and reflect on the tranquil contrast between Sun Moon Lake’s nature and the urban days before continuing to Tainan tomorrow.
After an early train from Taichung, begin your Tainan day at the Chihkan Tower and nearby Confucius Temple to feel the city’s centuries-old scholarly and civic roots; linger over the carved beams and quiet courtyards before sampling a traditional dan zai noodles breakfast at a nearby stall. From there, stroll the narrow lanes of the historic Anping district, visiting Anping Fort and the tree-lined Anping Old Street to taste local snacks like shrimp rolls and coffin bread while learning about Tainan’s Dutch and maritime past.
Spend the afternoon exploring the atmospheric Dadaocheng-style streets around Shennong Street and the blueprint-like Koxinga Shrine, popping into small museums and antique shops; pause at a teahouse for a cup of locally grown oolong and people-watching. Later, head to the Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park or the Hayashi Department Store for a blend of restored colonial architecture and contemporary crafts, then try famous Tainan specialties for lunch—such as oyster omelet and milkfish—at a well-regarded local eatery.
As evening falls, dive into Tainan’s night-market scene at Garden Night Market (or if timing differs, the smaller Wusheng Night Market) to sample standouts like coffin bread, mango shaved ice, and local grilled skewers while browsing lively stalls. Finish the night with a slow riverside walk along the Anping Canal or a relaxed drink in a converted teahouse, reflecting on the day’s deep-dive into Taiwan’s oldest city before you return to Taipei tomorrow.
Travel back to Taipei by HSR or express train and drop your luggage at your Xinyi- or Zhongshan-area hotel; then ease into the day with a leisurely walk through Daan Park or a final coffee at a neighborhood café. Head to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or the National Palace Museum (if you missed highlights earlier) for one last cultural fix, focusing on a few favorite galleries or artifacts rather than trying to see everything.
Spend the afternoon shopping and collecting souvenirs in the Xinyi shopping district and Taipei 101 Mall—pick up local tea from a specialist shop, browse boutique designers, or visit the Eslite Bookstore for travel mementos and Taiwanese crafts. If you prefer markets, wander Dihua Street for dried goods and artisanal snacks or return to Ningxia/Raohe Night Market stalls to restock favorite treats before packing.
For your final evening, savor a farewell dinner in Ximending or the Xinyi food scene—try a refined Taiwanese tasting menu or return to a favorite night-market stall for a last bowl of beef noodle soup and mango shaved ice. Finish with a calm rooftop or riverside stop near the Tamsui River to reflect on the trip and confirm logistics for your departure the next day, allowing time to reconfirm airport transfers and gather essentials.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arrival / Airport to Taipei city (Taoyuan Airport MRT or taxi) | NT$160-180 (Taoyuan MRT + city MRT) or NT$1,000-1,500 (taxi, variable by traffic and tolls) |
| EasyCard purchase (7-Eleven / FamilyMart) | NT$100 deposit (refundable) + top-up as needed (recommend NT$800-1,500 for 8 days) |
| Daan Park stroll & café | NT$80-250 (coffee/snack) |
| Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall | Free (some special exhibitions may charge NT$50-200) |
| Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall / Taipei 101 shopping area | Free to enter grounds; shopping/food variable (NT$150-800 for lunch) |
| Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101 branch) — meal | NT$350-900 per person (depends on dishes and drinks) |
| Taipei 101 Observatory | NT$600-900 per adult (standard ticket; discounts sometimes available online) |
| Raohe Night Market or Ningxia Night Market (street food sampling) | NT$200-600 per person (snacks and small dishes) |
| Rooftop drink / dessert in Xinyi | NT$200-600 per person |
| National Palace Museum | NT$350 per adult (general admission); audio guide extra NT$100 |
| Shilin Old Street / brunch | Brunch NT$150-400; souvenirs/snacks NT$100-500 |
| Longshan Temple | Free (donations accepted) |
| Bopiliao Historic Block | Free |
| Tea house (tea tasting, e.g., on Dihua Street) | NT$200-600 per person (depends on tea set) |
| Dihua Street browsing & dinner | Dinner NT$200-600; shopping variable NT$100-800 |
| Yangmingshan National Park (transport + short hikes) | Bus NT$15-90 each way (depends on route) or taxi NT$700-1,200 each way; entrance is free |
| Yangmingshan café / snack | NT$100-300 |
| Beitou Hot Spring Museum & Thermal Valley | Museum NT$10-NT$50 (small fee sometimes) ; Thermal Valley free to view |
| Public hot spring bath | NT$40-150 per person (public baths) |
| Private onsen / ryokan-style room | NT$800-3,000 per private room/session (depends on venue) |
| Jiufen Old Street (transfer from Taipei via Ruifang) | Train to Ruifang NT$50-100; local bus or taxi NT$40-NT$300; guided minibus tours NT$800-1,500 per person (round-trip) |
| A-Mei Tea House / tea ceremony in Jiufen | NT$200-600 per person (tea + snack) |
| Jinguashi / Gold Ecological Park (museum & tunnels) | NT$80-150 for entrance (varies by exhibit); local bus/taxi NT$50-300 from Jiufen |
| Pingxi / Shifen sky lantern experience | Train NT$30-120 (scenic branch); lantern NT$150-400 each (depends on size and painting service) |
| Peanut ice cream roll and local snacks in Pingxi/Shifen | NT$60-150 |
| HSR/express train Taipei to Taichung | HSR NT$700-900 one-way; express train (TRA) ~NT$300-450 depending on class |
| National Taichung Theater visit & café | Free to enter some areas; guided tours or performance tickets vary (NT$250-1,500). Café NT$120-300 |
| Calligraphy Greenway / CMP Block Museum of Arts | Most galleries free; some special exhibits NT$100-300 |
| Taichung Park & National Museum of Natural Science | Museum NT$100-200; botanical gardens often free |
| Rainbow Village | Free (donations encouraged) |
| Fengjia Night Market | NT$200-700 per person (food & small purchases) |
| Taichung to Sun Moon Lake (bus/train + local transport) | Bus NT$150-250 one-way; package or tour more expensive (NT$600-1,500) |
| Bicycle rental at Sun Moon Lake | NT$150-400 per person per day/hour-based rentals available |
| Sightseeing boat between piers | NT$120-300 per ride |
| Wenwu Temple / Xuanguang Temple / Ci'en Pagoda visits | Free or small donation; some pagoda access NT$50-150 |
| Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (optional) | NT$800-1,200 (admission + transport if combined) |
| Taichung to Tainan (train) | HSR NT$700-900; TRA NT$300-500 |
| Chihkan Tower & Confucius Temple (Tainan) | Chihkan Tower NT$50-100; Confucius Temple free or small fee |
| Anping Fort & Anping Old Street | Anping Fort NT$50-100; snacks NT$100-300 |
| Shennong Street / Koxinga Shrine / Hayashi Department Store | Mostly free to wander; small museum fees NT$50-150 |
| Tainan Garden Night Market (or Wusheng Night Market) | NT$200-600 per person |
| Return train to Taipei (from Tainan) | HSR NT$900-1,200; TRA NT$300-600 |
| Shopping in Xinyi / Taipei 101 Mall / Eslite / Dihua Street | Souvenirs/tea/clothes NT$300-3,000+ depending on purchases |
| Final dinner / rooftop stop | NT$300-1,200 per person depending on venue |
| Airport transfer (return) | Taoyuan MRT NT$160-180 + MRT to station; taxi NT$1,000-1,500 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | NT$23,000-48,000 per person (approximate) |