Begin at Longshan Temple around 8:30 AM, when the incense-filled courtyard is lively but not yet crowded. Allow about an hour to appreciate the carved dragons, Buddhist and Taoist deities, and the quiet rhythm of local worship; modest clothing and low voices are appreciated. The temple is generally open from early morning until late evening, and entry is free. From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Bannan Line to Longshan Temple Station—the temple is directly outside Exit 1.
Walk a few minutes east to Bopiliao Historical Block, a compact group of preserved Qing- and Japanese-era buildings along Bopiliao Historic Block. Spend roughly 45 minutes wandering the red-brick arcades and small exhibition spaces; most buildings open around 9:00 AM and close on Mondays, with free entry to the historic streets and modest fees for some exhibits. This is an easy, atmospheric introduction to Taipei before the city’s modern districts take over.
Take the MRT from Longshan Temple Station toward Dihua Street, changing at Beimen Station or using a short taxi ride of about 10–15 minutes if you prefer to avoid backtracking. Give Dihua Street around 1.5 hours for tea shops, fabric stores, herbalists, and traditional dried-goods merchants. The street is more enjoyable late morning than at night, when many small businesses close; stop for a cup of Taiwanese tea and browse without feeling obliged to buy. When ready for lunch, take the MRT from Daqiaotou Station or Beimen Station toward Xinyi. At Din Tai Fung (Xinyi branch), expect a queue, especially around noon—take a numbered ticket and browse nearby while waiting. Budget approximately NT$600–1,200 per person for xiaolongbao, noodles, greens, and dessert.
After lunch, keep the afternoon flexible in Xinyi rather than adding another major attraction. Browse the department stores around Taipei City Hall or take a relaxed coffee break before heading to the Taipei 101 Observatory for sunset and the evening skyline. The observatory is usually open until around 9:00 PM, with last admission roughly 45 minutes before closing; tickets are commonly about NT$600, though prices and hours can change. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best chance of seeing the mountains and city lights in one visit. November evenings can feel cool and damp, so bring the lightweight jacket or packable rain layer, and wear the water-resistant walking shoes—the day involves substantial pavement walking.
Start early for Yehliu Geopark, ideally leaving central Taipei around 7:30 AM. The easiest public-transport route is the Kuo-Kuang bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station toward 金山 Jinshan, getting off at Yehliu; allow roughly 1½–2 hours depending on traffic. A taxi or private car is considerably faster, around 45–60 minutes, and useful today because the route later crosses back toward Tamsui. The park generally opens from about 8:00 AM, with admission around NT$120. Give yourself two hours to follow the marked coastal paths past the honeycomb rocks, sea-eroded pedestals, and the famous Queen’s Head. It can be windy and surprisingly wet by the water, so wear your water-resistant walking shoes and pack the light jacket or umbrella. Stay behind the barriers—waves occasionally reach farther than expected.
From Yehliu Geopark, continue by taxi toward Tamsui Old Street—roughly 50–70 minutes in light traffic—or return by bus toward Keelung and connect onward, though the public-transport option can take considerably longer. Spend about 90 minutes wandering Tamsui Old Street, trying local favorites such as iron eggs, fish balls, and ah-gei stuffed tofu; Ah-Gei Wenhua A-gei is a dependable stop near the old street. Continue along the waterfront rather than rushing through the lanes, then take a local bus or taxi to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. Allow an hour for the harbor, wooden boardwalk, and Lover’s Bridge; November sunsets are often best viewed from the wharf around 5:00–5:30 PM. If you use buses, an EasyCard is simplest, but check the last return connections before settling in for the sunset.
After the sunset, take the Tamsui–Xinyi MRT line from Tamsui Station to Beitou, then change one stop for Xinbeitou; the ride is about 35–45 minutes. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum first, usually open Tuesday–Sunday approximately 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and closed Mondays, with free admission; allow 45 minutes to see the preserved Japanese-era bathhouse. Then walk to Beitou Public Hot Spring, generally open into the evening but with changing hours and occasional maintenance closures. Admission is usually only about NT$60, and it is a communal outdoor bath, so bring swimwear, your compact towel, and a change of clothes; rinse before entering and keep valuables locked away. Finish at Marshal Zen Garden, a peaceful hillside restaurant reached by a short taxi ride from Xinbeitou rather than a steep walk. Reserve ahead if possible, and budget roughly NT$1,200–2,500 per person for dinner. The hillside can feel cool after bathing, so put on your fleece or jacket before heading back to the MRT.
Start around 7:00 AM from Taipei so you reach Shifen Waterfall before the tour groups arrive. Take the MRT to Ruifang, then the Pingxi Line to Shifen; check the morning train timetable because services are infrequent, and keep an EasyCard topped up. From Shifen Station, it is roughly a 20–25-minute walk along the river and through the forest to the waterfall. The park generally opens around 9:00 AM, with admission about NT$100; allow 1½ hours for the waterfall, viewing platforms, and the pleasant riverside path. Wear your water-resistant walking shoes—the steps and spray can make the approach slippery in November.
Walk back to Shifen Old Street for about an hour. The railway runs directly through the village, so stand well clear of the tracks and wait for the warning signals before trains pass. Try grilled sausage, peanut ice cream rolls, or a cup of local tea, but avoid lingering too long over breakfast if you want to keep the day moving. Around midday, take the next Pingxi Line train—usually about 15–20 minutes, depending on the timetable—to Pingxi Old Street, a quieter former mining settlement. Explore the narrow lanes, old shopfronts, and small temple-lined streets for about an hour; most snack shops open by late morning, though individual hours vary.
From Pingxi, return toward Ruifang by train, then take a local bus or taxi up to Jiufen; the road journey from Ruifang is typically 15–25 minutes, while a taxi is more comfortable if the weather is wet. Allow roughly 2 hours for Jiufen Old Street, including time to wander Jishan Street, browse the covered lanes, and pause at a lookout over the coast. November afternoons can turn misty and cool, so bring the light down or fleece layer and a compact rain jacket. Finish at A-MEI Tea House, where a traditional tea set usually costs about NT$300–800 per person. Arrive before sunset if possible for the best hillside views, though the lantern-lit teahouse atmosphere is lovely after dark too; reserve or expect a short wait on weekends. Take a direct bus back to Taipei or a taxi down to Ruifang for the train, allowing extra time after rain because the mountain road can slow considerably.
After your reserved train reaches Hualien Station around late morning, take a taxi into the city—roughly 10 minutes and about NT$150–200. Drop your bags at the hotel, then walk or taxi to Hualien Railway Culture Park, a compact site of preserved railway offices, workshops, and exhibits explaining the city’s role in eastern Taiwan’s rail network. Allow about an hour; opening is generally from late morning to early evening, though individual exhibition spaces can vary. It is an easy first stop after the journey, with mostly level paths and no need for special gear.
From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park, where old sake-distillery warehouses now hold galleries, studios, design shops, and occasional craft exhibitions. Spend around 1½ hours browsing rather than trying to see everything. For lunch, look around nearby Zhongzheng Road and Guangfu Street for Hualien-style wonton noodles, dumplings, or a simple bento—budget approximately NT$150–300 per person. Keep your afternoon relaxed; the weather can turn breezy or wet in November, so your water-resistant shoes and light jacket will be useful.
Take a taxi, around 10 minutes and NT$150–200, to Pine Garden, a former Japanese military facility set on a low hill above the coast. The shaded paths, old camphor trees, and views toward the Pacific make this one of Hualien’s best quiet stops; allow about an hour, and bring your umbrella if the forecast is unsettled. It is usually open during daytime into the late afternoon, but check locally before setting out because hours can change. Return toward the center by taxi or on foot if you feel like wandering, then spend the evening at Dongdamen Night Market, generally lively from about 5:30 PM until 10:00 PM. Try indigenous flavors such as millet wine dishes and grilled meats alongside scallion pancakes, seafood, and pepper buns; NT$300–700 per person is comfortable for a full tasting meal. Bring cash, and browse the adjacent streets rather than stopping at the first stall—queues often indicate the better-known local favorites.
Start early—around 6:30 AM—with a taxi from Hualien to Qixingtan Beach (about 20 minutes, roughly NT$400–600). The broad pebble shore is especially beautiful in the morning, when the Pacific is clear and the Central Mountain Range rises behind you. Walk north or south along the coast for about an hour, but wear proper shoes rather than sandals: the stones are rounded and uneven, and waves can surge unexpectedly. There are small breakfast shops near the beach, though opening times vary, so pick up soy milk or a rice roll in Hualien before leaving if you want something dependable.
Continue by taxi toward the Taroko National Park Visitor Center near Xincheng—allow 35–45 minutes from Qixingtan, depending on traffic. Spend about 45 minutes checking the latest notices, shuttle information, weather, and trail closures; conditions in the gorge can change after rain or earthquakes. The center generally operates from around 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with park facilities sometimes adjusting hours, so confirm locally before setting out. A taxi for the full morning and gorge visit is the most practical option; otherwise, use the Hualien–Taroko shuttle where operating, but services are limited and trail access is not always synchronized.
From the visitor center, continue to Shakadang Trail, allowing 2–3 hours if the route is open. This is the day’s best immersive walk: the path follows vivid blue-green water beneath steep marble walls, with shaded sections and occasional exposed stretches. Checkpoint access and trail length can change, so follow the ranger’s current advice rather than assuming the full route is available. Sturdy, water-resistant walking shoes, a light rain layer, and a small amount of water are ideal; avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain. Next, drive farther into the gorge to Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail for about an hour, where the road hugs dramatic cliffs above the Liwu River and the rock formations resemble swallows’ nests. Helmets may be required in exposed sections—use them, and stay alert for falling-rock warnings. Allow extra time for traffic and road controls, which can create short waits in the gorge.
Finish at Jin Chun Restaurant in Xincheng, ideally arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM before the dinner rush. Expect straightforward regional Taiwanese cooking—rice, vegetables, seafood, and shared meat dishes—for approximately NT$400–800 per person. It is a good place to eat early after the trails rather than trying to return to Hualien first; arrange your return taxi afterward, since drivers and public transport become less frequent in the evening. Keep plans flexible today: Taroko National Park access and individual trails can close without much notice, and the Visitor Center’s updates should take priority over the itinerary.
After the long transfer from Hualien, expect to reach Shuishe in the mid- to late afternoon. Drop your bags at the hotel or arrange a taxi from the bus stop—Sun Moon Lake’s roads are hilly, and luggage is awkward on foot. Walk first to Shuishe Pier, the most convenient introduction to the lake: the waterfront promenade opens onto broad views of the dark-green hills and calm water. Allow about 45 minutes for a relaxed stroll and photographs. If you arrive after roughly 4:00 PM, check the last Sun Moon Lake Ropeway departure before walking onward; hours are commonly around 10:30 AM–4:00 PM on weekdays, but seasonal schedules can change.
Take the local lake bus or a taxi from Shuishe around the lake to Ita Thao, allowing approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. From there, the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway climbs over thick forest toward the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, with excellent aerial views back across the lake; you do not need to enter the park if you are only taking the gondola. Budget around NT$350–400 for a return ride and about 1½ hours including the walk to the station, ticketing, and photographs. Bring your light jacket—the ride can feel cooler than the lakeshore, especially near sunset—and keep your water-resistant shoes handy if the platforms are damp.
After the ropeway, spend about 1½ hours wandering Ita Thao Old Street, where small food stalls stay lively into the evening. Try grilled 刺蔥香腸 ci cong sausage, wild-boar sausage, millet-based snacks, or a cup of Assam black tea from the Sun Moon Lake area; most bites cost roughly NT$50–150. The street is compact, so browse slowly rather than treating it as a checklist, and carry some cash because smaller vendors may not accept cards. Finish with a refined lakeside dinner at The Lalu, back in Shuishe—take a taxi rather than relying on the infrequent evening bus. Reserve ahead if possible, dress in your nicer outfit, and expect approximately NT$1,500–3,000 per person; confirm the restaurant’s current dinner hours and menu when booking.
Take the first practical Nantou Bus from Yuchi around 7:30 AM, allowing 1½–2 hours to reach Taichung Station. Reserve if possible, especially on a weekend, and keep your EasyCard and some cash ready; buses can fill up. Leave your luggage in a station locker or arrange an early drop at your hotel, then take a taxi or local bus to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in the West District. Allow about two hours here: the galleries are spacious, air-conditioned, and a good place to slow down after the long journey. Admission to the main collections is generally free, though special exhibitions may charge around NT$100–300; check the museum’s current Wednesday–Sunday opening hours before setting out.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Shen Ji New Village, a compact former government dormitory compound now filled with independent studios, stationery shops, small design stores, and cafés. One hour is enough for a relaxed browse, though many shops open closer to late morning than the museum, so this order works best if you arrive after 11:00. From there, head east by taxi—roughly 10 minutes—to Taichung Second Market. Come hungry and try the market’s classic braised pork rice, fresh noodles, fish soup, or assorted Taiwanese small plates; budget about NT$150–400 per person. It is busiest around noon, and individual stalls may close once their food sells out, so don’t arrive too late.
After lunch, collect your bags if needed and take a taxi across town to the National Taichung Theater in Xitun, usually 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about an hour appreciating its dramatic flowing concrete interiors and unusual “sound caves”; the building is worth visiting even without a performance, and the rooftop garden offers a brief city pause. If you are continuing to Taoyuan International Airport, leave Taichung Station at least four hours before an international flight: take the high-speed rail to HSR Taoyuan Station, then follow the signs to the Airport MRT, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours door to terminal with transfers and luggage. For a morning departure, skip the theater and arrange a Taichung hotel or airport-area stay instead—this final connection is not one to attempt on a tight schedule.