8-Day Taiwan Conventional TRA Train Itinerary from Taoyuan to Taipei via Chiayi, Alishan and Kaohsiung

Arrival and transfer to Chiayi

After immigration and baggage collection at Taoyuan International Airport, allow roughly 30–45 minutes to reach the Airport MRT. Take the express train to A18 Airport Terminal 2 or A12 Airport Terminal 1, then continue to A18 HSR Taoyuan Station; the ride is about 15–20 minutes, with a short walk between the MRT and HSR platforms. Reserve a Taiwan High Speed Rail seat in advance if possible, ideally on a train heading south toward HSR Chiayi Station. From the airport, the complete journey usually takes around 3–3½ hours, depending on immigration and your connection. At Chiayi, take a prearranged taxi or hotel transfer into central Chiayi City—the HSR station is outside town, and the drive is approximately 20–30 minutes.

Late afternoon at the cultural park

After checking in and taking a short break, head to Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park, a former railway-related warehouse area in the West District. The converted buildings house small design stores, craft studios, exhibitions, and occasional pop-up events; it is an easy first stop after a travel day and gives the children room to look around without a fixed museum-style schedule. Plan about an hour, with the exact shop and gallery hours varying by day. From central hotels, it is generally a 5–10-minute taxi ride, or around 15–20 minutes on foot. Check the park’s current event listings before leaving, since individual venues may close earlier than the outdoor areas.

Evening on Wenhua Road

Continue by taxi or walk toward Wenhua Road Night Market, which becomes livelier from around 5:30 or 6:00 PM and is usually busiest after 7:00 PM. Start with Chiayi-style turkey rice at Lin Congming Turkey Rice or another busy local counter, then let everyone choose small portions of grilled seafood, fried snacks, sausages, fruit drinks, and shaved ice as you wander. A useful family budget is about NT$250–500 per person, depending on how much you share. Most stalls operate into the late evening, but queues grow quickly on weekends, so arriving before 7:00 PM is more comfortable with children. Keep cash handy, bring tissues, and avoid filling up at the first stall—Wenhua Road is best enjoyed as a slow tasting walk rather than one large meal.

Morning

Start at Hinoki Village around 9:00, when the restored Japanese-era cypress buildings are quieter and the children can explore without the midday heat. Wander through the small craft shops, woodwork displays, and former railway-related residences for about 1½ hours. Most shops open around 10:00, so treat the first half-hour as a relaxed walk and photo stop; entry to the village area is generally free, though individual exhibitions and workshops may charge separately. From Chiayi Station, it is roughly a 10-minute taxi ride, or about 20 minutes by local bus. Avoid visiting Chiayi Tower today, as it sits near this area and would make the morning too crowded.

Continue by taxi—about 10 minutes—to Chiayi Art Museum, housed in a handsome former government building in the West District. Allow around 1½ hours for its rotating modern Taiwanese art exhibitions and architecture. Check the museum’s official page before setting out because opening days and exhibitions can change; a late-morning visit is usually comfortable for families, and children often enjoy the building itself as much as the galleries. Admission is commonly free or modestly priced, with discounts sometimes available for children.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at Smart Fish, a practical family stop for Chiayi-style seafood and local dishes. Expect roughly NT$400–700 per person, depending on how many shared dishes and seafood items you order. Ask the staff to serve some dishes mild for the children, and allow about an hour. After lunch, take a short taxi ride to Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park in the West District. The historic locomotives and railway displays make this a good hands-on introduction to the mountain railway before your Alishan day; plan for about an hour. The outdoor areas are most pleasant before late-afternoon heat, and children should stay within marked paths around the equipment.

Late Afternoon and Sunset

Finish at Lantan Lake Scenic Area, around 15–20 minutes by taxi from the garage park. Take the easy lakeside walk, pause at the viewpoints, and let the children have some unhurried outdoor time before sunset. The area is free and open throughout the day, but bring mosquito repellent, water, and a light layer—the lakeside can feel cooler after dark. Aim to arrive roughly 60–90 minutes before sunset; in early October, sunset is usually around 17:45–18:00, though confirm the exact time locally. Taxis can be less immediate here than in central Chiayi, so ask your driver to wait, arrange a return pickup through your hotel, or use a taxi app before leaving.

Early Morning and Alishan

Leave Chiayi City around 05:00–05:30 in your prearranged private car or minibus for Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The mountain road usually takes about 2½–3 hours, with a short comfort stop along the way; motion-sickness medicine is sensible for children, and bring a light jacket because Alishan is much cooler than Chiayi. After entering the recreation area, walk the relatively manageable Giant Trees Trail and continue toward Sister Ponds. Allow about four hours at an easy family pace, with plenty of time for photographs and rest. The forest paths can be damp, so wear shoes with good grip. The recreation area entrance is approximately NT$300 per adult, with reduced or free admission for some children depending on age and documentation.

Lunch and Descent

Have lunch inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area before leaving the mountain, ideally between 13:00 and 14:00. The restaurants around the visitor center generally serve simple mountain-style set meals featuring seasonal vegetables, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, tofu, and chicken or pork; expect roughly NT$300–600 per person. Choices are practical rather than gourmet, so this is a good place to keep the order straightforward and allow time for the descent. Leave by about 14:00–14:30 for the prearranged vehicle to Chiayi HSR Station. Confirm the driver’s meeting point and keep a generous buffer: the winding road can be slowed by sightseeing traffic or rain, and you should aim to reach the station at least 30 minutes before the reserved train.

Late Afternoon and Evening in Kaohsiung

Take the reserved HSR from Chiayi HSR Station to Zuoying HSR Station, then continue into central Kaohsiung by MRT or taxi. The HSR ride itself is short, but allow roughly 30–45 minutes for the station transfer and onward journey. After checking in and resting, head to Liuhe Tourist Night Market in Sinsing District for an easy first evening in the city. Browse the stalls along Liuhe 2nd Road, trying grilled seafood, oyster omelets, pepper buns, and the famous papaya milk; budget about NT$250–500 per person. It is most pleasant after 19:00, when the market is lively but before the later crowds. Formosa Boulevard Station, served by the red and orange MRT lines, is the easiest access point, and its colorful Dome of Light is worth a brief look before returning to the hotel.

Morning

Begin around 9:00 at Pier-2 Art Center in Yancheng District, one of Kaohsiung’s easiest family outings: a former warehouse district now filled with giant sculptures, colorful murals, design shops, and playful installations. Allow about two hours, but let the children set the pace—there is no need to visit every gallery. The area is mostly flat and open, though the October sun can still be strong. Take the Kaohsiung MRT Orange Line to Dayi Pier-2 Station or Yanchengpu Station; taxis are worthwhile for five people, especially if your hotel is farther away. Individual indoor exhibitions generally cost around NT$50–200, while much of the outdoor art is free. Many shops open around 10:00, so arriving shortly after opening works well.

Walk or take a short taxi ride east along the waterfront to Kaohsiung Music Center, where the striking honeycomb-like buildings and broad Love River promenade make a good, unhurried late-morning stop. Spend about an hour photographing the architecture and watching harbor traffic; the outdoor areas are free, while any indoor exhibition fees vary. For lunch, stay near Pier-2 rather than crossing the city—look around Dayong Road and the warehouse lanes for Taiwanese set meals, seafood, beef noodles, or dumplings. Allow NT$300–600 per person, and expect popular restaurants to have a short queue between noon and 13:00. With five people, a taxi between the waterfront stops is often simpler than waiting for separate MRT connections.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take a taxi to Gushan Ferry Pier—roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic—and board the short ferry to Cijin Island. Ferries run frequently during the day; the crossing takes about 5–10 minutes, and fares are only a few dozen Taiwan dollars per person, payable with an EasyCard or cash. On Cijin, rent bicycles or an electric family bike near the terminal if available, then follow the waterfront through Cijin Seaside Park for around three hours. Keep the afternoon relaxed with time for the beach, sea breeze, and cold drinks; swimming conditions and facilities can vary, so treat this primarily as a coastal walk and cycling outing. Return before sunset if the children tire, as the ferry queue can become busier on weekends. Finish with seafood dinner along Cijin Old Street, close to the ferry terminal. Choose a busy restaurant with clearly priced dishes or a menu showing seafood weights, and ask about serving sizes before ordering; budget approximately NT$500–900 per person. The ferry returns to Gushan, where taxis or the MRT from Sizihwan Station provide the easiest route back to your hotel.

Morning

Start around 9:00 at National Science and Technology Museum, where the large hands-on galleries are ideal for preteens. Allow roughly three hours for the science, engineering, transport, and technology exhibits; children can try the interactive displays rather than simply moving through a traditional museum. The museum is usually open from about 9:00 to 17:00 and is closed on Mondays, though exhibition hours can vary. From central Kaohsiung, take the MRT to Aozihdi or Houyi and continue by taxi, or use a taxi directly if traveling as five people. Admission is generally modest, with separate charges possible for special exhibitions.

Lunch and Afternoon

After the museum, take a taxi or MRT toward Dadong Arts Center in Fengshan, allowing about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Have lunch at Dadong Arts Center’s surrounding neighborhood before exploring: Fengshan Old Street has approachable noodle shops, dumpling restaurants, and Taiwanese set-meal places, generally costing NT$250–500 per person. For an easy family choice, look for busy local restaurants near Dadong Park rather than eating inside a shopping mall. After lunch, spend about 1½ hours admiring the center’s striking wave-shaped architecture and checking its rotating exhibitions; galleries commonly operate from late morning into the afternoon, but confirm the day’s program before setting out.

Continue by taxi to Shoushan Zoo, usually 25–35 minutes from Fengshan. The hillside zoo involves some walking and slopes, so bring water and comfortable shoes; late afternoon is cooler and often better for animal viewing. Allow around 2½ hours, and check the closing time when booking because seasonal hours can change. Finish at Ruifeng Night Market in Zuoying, reached by taxi or MRT toward Kaohsiung Arena. Arrive around 17:30–18:00 before the busiest period, then let everyone choose small portions of pepper buns, grilled seafood, fried chicken, scallion pancakes, fruit drinks, or Taiwanese desserts. Budget NT$250–500 per person, carry cash, and use the market as a relaxed finale rather than trying to cover every stall.

Morning — HSR to Taipei and a quiet first walk

Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Zuoying HSR Station to Taipei Main Station, aiming for an 08:30–09:30 departure. The ride takes about 2–2½ hours; reserve five seats together if possible, especially for a Monday morning. Adult tickets are approximately NT$1,490 one way. After arriving, leave larger bags in station lockers or use your hotel’s luggage storage. From Taipei Main Station, Taipei 228 Memorial Park is about a 10-minute walk, making it a pleasant first stop rather than adding another train ride. Spend around an hour among the banyan trees, ponds, and historic buildings; the park is open around the clock and free.

Continue a few minutes on foot to the National Taiwan Museum, one of Taipei’s most approachable museums for children, with natural-history displays, animals, geology, and cultural exhibits. Allow about 1½ hours. It is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from 09:30 to 17:00 and closed Mondays, so because this date is Monday, check the official schedule before relying on the visit; if closed, enjoy the park and nearby Taipei Main Station area instead. Museum admission is usually modest—roughly NT$30–100 depending on the current ticket arrangement.

Lunch and afternoon

Walk back toward Shin Kong Life Tower beside Taipei Main Station for an easy food-court lunch. This is useful with children because everyone can choose separately: expect Taiwanese rice dishes, noodles, dumplings, fried chicken, and Western options, with a budget of about NT$200–400 per person. After lunch, take the Taipei Metro Bannan Line from Taipei Main Station to Ximen Station—only one stop—or walk for roughly 20 minutes if everyone still has energy. Spend the afternoon and early evening in Ximending Walking District, where pedestrian streets, capsule-toy shops, sneaker stores, character merchandise, claw machines, and street performers give preteens plenty to browse. Most shops become livelier from mid-afternoon and stay open into the evening; keep some time unplanned for snacks and shopping.

Evening

Finish with a quick bowl at Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle, a famous Ximending stand near Emei Street. The thick rice noodles are served in a savory broth with oysters and intestines; children who prefer something milder can share a small bowl or choose one of the many nearby snack shops instead. A typical serving costs around NT$70–100, though budget NT$100–200 per person if adding drinks or another snack. It is usually open from late morning until late evening, but queues vary—go before the main dinner rush if possible. From Ximen Station, the Taipei Metro makes it easy to return to your hotel, while taxis are convenient if the children are tired and luggage is still being carried.

Morning — Taipei Zoo

Have breakfast near your hotel, then take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station on the Wenhu (Brown) Line. Enter when the zoo opens—typically around 9:00—and spend about three hours exploring the spacious grounds, including the panda house, Formosan animal exhibits, and the children’s areas. The zoo is large, so wear comfortable shoes and consider the internal shuttle train if the children tire; check the operating status on the day, as some sections or the shuttle may occasionally close. Admission is inexpensive, generally around NT$100 per adult, with reduced fares for eligible children.

Midday — Maokong Gondola and lunch

From the zoo, walk to the nearby Taipei Zoo South Station and ride the Maokong Gondola uphill. The journey takes about 30 minutes, longer if there is a queue; a crystal cabin is fun for children but can involve a separate wait. The gondola generally operates from late morning into the evening but is commonly closed on Mondays for maintenance, so verify the schedule before committing. At Maokong, stroll between the tea farms and viewpoints, then settle into a family-run tea house for noodles, bamboo shoots, stir-fried mountain vegetables, and locally grown tea. Allow about 1½ hours for lunch and the views; budget roughly NT$400–800 per person. Bring cash, as smaller tea houses may not accept cards.

Afternoon and evening — National Palace Museum and Shilin Night Market

Return by gondola and MRT, then take a taxi from Taipei Zoo or Taipei Main Station to the National Palace Museum—the taxi is much easier than combining several buses after a full morning. Allow around 2½ hours for the main collection, focusing on highlights such as jade carving, ceramics, calligraphy, and rotating family-friendly displays rather than trying to see everything. The museum is usually open until early evening, with adult admission commonly around NT$350; check current exhibition hours and ticket rules before visiting. Finish at Shilin Night Market, reached most conveniently by taxi or bus, where you can graze on oyster omelets, pepper buns, fried chicken, sausages, shaved ice, and fruit drinks. Allow about two hours and budget NT$300–600 per person; arrive around 17:30–18:00 for easier browsing before the busiest crowds. Use the Jiantan MRT Station exit for the main market area, and keep phones and wallets secure in the densest lanes.

Morning — Beitou’s hot-spring quarter

Take the Taipei Metro Tamsui–Xinyi Line to Xinbeitou Station after breakfast; the short branch-line ride from Beitou Station is easy with children. Start at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, usually open from 9:00 to 17:00 and closed Mondays, where a restored Japanese-era bathhouse explains Beitou’s spa history. Admission is generally free. Walk onward to Beitou Thermal Valley, about 10 minutes away, for the steaming turquoise geothermal pool; stay on the marked paths, as the water and surrounding rocks are dangerously hot. Continue to Beitou Public Library, whose timber architecture and shaded garden make a pleasant, quiet stop. Allow around 45 minutes at each attraction and bring water—the short walks can still feel warm in October.

Lunch and afternoon — From Beitou to Tamsui

Have lunch in Beitou before leaving the hot-spring district. Manlai Hot Spring Ramen is a convenient casual choice for noodles and dumplings, while small eateries around Guangming Road offer Taiwanese set meals and hot-spring-area comfort food; allow about NT$300–600 per person. From Xinbeitou Station, return to Beitou Station and take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line all the way to Tamsui Station, roughly 35–40 minutes. Spend the afternoon wandering Tamsui Old Street, sampling agei, fish-ball soup, iron eggs, and other snacks rather than sitting down for a long meal. Budget approximately NT$250–500 per person, and keep some cash ready for small vendors.

Late afternoon and sunset — Tamsui waterfront

From Tamsui Old Street, walk or take a short local bus or taxi toward Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf; allow about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Stroll along the boardwalk and cross Lover’s Bridge, where the children have room to move and the river opens toward the sea. Sunset is usually the best time to arrive, but check the forecast because the waterfront can become breezy and rain arrives quickly. Return to Tamsui Station by local bus or taxi, then take the MRT back to Taipei; the direct ride usually takes about 40 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes, and note that the final MRT trains are generally late enough for an unhurried dinner in central Taipei.