Allow roughly 6–8 hours door-to-door from Singapore Changi Airport to Twinstar Hotel Taichung, including the flight, immigration, luggage collection and the journey onward from Taoyuan International Airport. After clearing customs, the most straightforward public-transport option is the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station, followed by the high-speed train to Taichung HSR Station and a taxi or local train into the city centre; budget about 2–2½ hours after leaving the airport, plus waiting time. A pre-booked private transfer is easier with luggage but usually costs considerably more. Keep the afternoon flexible, as immigration and hotel check-in can vary.
Once settled at Twinstar Hotel Taichung, take an easy walk to Taichung Park, one of the city’s oldest green spaces. The lakeside paths and traditional pavilion are a pleasant way to stretch your legs after the flight; allow around 45 minutes. The park is open throughout the day and is free to enter. From the hotel, it is close enough to walk, or you can use a short taxi ride if you are tired.
Continue to Miyahara, the beautifully restored former ophthalmology clinic near Taichung Station. Its grand wood-and-brick interior is part shop, part dessert stop, and the ice cream is the main attraction—expect roughly NT$150–300 per person depending on toppings and serving size. Afterward, walk to Second Market for an early dinner, choosing local favourites such as braised pork rice, noodles or simple soup dishes; allow about NT$100–250 per person. Many stalls finish earlier than night-market restaurants, so aim to arrive before about 7:00 PM and check individual stall hours.
Finish with a relaxed stroll along Liuchuan Riverside Walk, where the canal lighting makes the centre feel especially atmospheric after dark. It is a good first-night activity because there is no admission fee and you can leave whenever jet lag catches up. Return to Twinstar Hotel Taichung on foot or by a short taxi ride; keep the evening unhurried rather than adding another attraction.
Leave Twinstar Hotel Taichung around 6:30–6:45 AM for the planned 7:00 AM Nantou Bus departure from Gancheng Station; allow extra time for the short taxi ride and boarding. The direct coach takes roughly 2–2.5 hours, so confirm the Christmas Eve timetable and reserve seats if possible. A private transfer is more comfortable for two adults but costs about NT$3,000–4,500 one way. Arrive at Shuishe Visitor Center, leave larger bags there if the facility permits, then walk to Shuishe Pier for about 45 minutes of lake views and orientation. The pier area is busiest from late morning, so enjoy the waterfront first and buy your boat and ropeway tickets before queues build.
From Shuishe Pier, take the scheduled lake boat to Ita Thao Pier—usually around 15–20 minutes depending on the service and weather—then walk or use the local shuttle toward the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway station. Allow about 1.5 hours for the gondola ride, including queues; the cabins offer the best broad views of the lake and surrounding forest. The ropeway is weather-dependent, so check operating status before committing, particularly if it is windy or misty. Ropeway fares are commonly around NT$300 round trip, but verify the current Christmas-period price.
Afterward, spend about 1.5 hours wandering the Ita Thao Shopping District. Try grilled wild-boar sausage, millet-based snacks, black-tea eggs and indigenous-style mochi from the small stalls rather than sitting down for a long meal; budget roughly NT$200–400 per person. The district is compact and atmospheric, with souvenir shops and occasional Indigenous cultural performances. Keep your boat ticket and check the final return boat time carefully—services are limited and can change with weather.
Take the Sun Moon Lake boat tour between Ita Thao, Xuanguang Temple and Shuishe, allowing about 1.5 hours including waiting. This is the most relaxed way to see the lake after the ropeway, although departures and routes are subject to weather and ticket availability. Aim to be back at Shuishe by about 4:00–4:30 PM for the return Nantou Bus to Taichung; the journey again takes around 2–2.5 hours, and the final departures should be checked in advance. Once back near the hotel, keep dinner simple at Miyahara’s nearby area or the Taichung Second Market precinct if still open, rather than adding another long outing after the full day.
After returning from Sun Moon Lake, allow time for the Nantou Bus journey and a short taxi ride from the Taichung stop to National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. A realistic arrival is around 10:00–10:30 AM, depending on the bus departure and traffic. Spend about two hours with the Taiwanese modern-art collection; admission to the main museum is generally free, though special exhibitions may charge separately. Check the Christmas Day opening notice before leaving, as museum hours and exhibition access can change on public holidays.
From the museum, walk north for roughly 10 minutes to Calligraphy Greenway, a pleasant tree-lined stretch between the art museum area and the Civic Square. Take your time browsing small galleries, design stores and cafés rather than treating it as a point-to-point attraction. Continue to Audit Village, where former government dormitories now house creative boutiques and small cafés. Allow about an hour here and budget approximately NT$150–300 per person for coffee or a light snack; individual shops may have irregular holiday hours.
Have a light lunch around the Greenway, then take a taxi to National Museum of Natural Science in North District—usually about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The museum is large, so focus on the natural-history galleries and the exhibits that interest you most, allowing around two hours. General admission is commonly in the NT$100 range, with special galleries or theatre experiences costing extra; confirm the current Christmas Day schedule and ticket arrangement before visiting.
From the museum, a taxi to Yizhong Street Night Market normally takes about 10–15 minutes. Arrive from around 5:30 PM, when the stalls begin filling but the crowds are still manageable, and spend roughly two hours eating and wandering. Try pepper buns, fried chicken, grilled snacks, sweet potato balls and Taiwanese-style shaved ice if available, budgeting approximately NT$250–500 per person. The market is busiest later in the evening, so keep wallets and phones secure in the crowd; after dinner, return to Twinstar Hotel Taichung by taxi or local bus, allowing extra time for Christmas traffic.
Check out of Twinstar Hotel Taichung early and allow roughly 3–4 hours door-to-door for the hotel transfer, high-speed train, Taipei station transfer, luggage drop and check-in at Check-inn Taipei. A taxi to Taichung HSR Station is the easiest option with luggage; the train itself takes about 50–60 minutes. Book your Taiwan High Speed Rail seats in advance if possible, especially during the year-end holiday period. After arriving at Taipei HSR Station, take the MRT or a short taxi ride to the hotel, then continue to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Allow about 1.5 hours for the vast memorial square, white-and-blue halls and changing-of-guard ceremony, if scheduled during your visit.
From Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, take a short MRT ride or walk toward Yongkang Street for lunch. This is a good place to slow down after the transfer: try a traditional beef noodle shop, steamed dumplings or a small Taiwanese café, followed by shaved ice or tea. Budget around NT$300–600 per person. Browse the side lanes for tea, stationery and local desserts before taking a taxi or MRT toward Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Spend around 1.5 hours among the converted warehouses, design shops and temporary exhibitions. Exhibition hours and admission fees vary, so check the specific exhibition schedule rather than assuming every gallery is open.
Continue by MRT to Ximending Walking District, where your hotel is conveniently placed for an easy evening on foot. Explore 西門町’s neon streets, pedestrian lanes and independent shops, then snack as you wander—grilled meat, scallion pancakes, fried chicken and bubble tea are easy choices. Allow about two hours and roughly NT$250–500 per person for casual food. Keep the evening flexible: the area is busiest after dinner, and some shops stay open late, making it a pleasant first taste of Taipei without adding another long journey.
Take the MRT Red Line from central Taipei to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station; the journey is usually 20–30 minutes. Start at Taipei 101 Observatory around 9:00–9:30 AM, before the Xinyi shopping district becomes busy. Allow about 1½ hours for the elevators, indoor observation decks and the outdoor section when weather permits. Reserve an entry time in advance if available, especially as this is a Sunday and the year-end holiday period can bring queues. Admission is commonly around NT$600 per adult, but check the official ticket site for the current price and timed-entry rules.
Walk directly into Taipei 101 Mall for lunch and a little browsing. The food court is useful for a quick, varied meal, while the upper floors have restaurants if you prefer to sit down; budget roughly NT$400–800 per person. After lunch, walk about 15 minutes north to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, following the broad pedestrian routes around the Xinyi shopping complex. The former tobacco-factory buildings, brick warehouses and ponds make this a pleasant change of pace, and temporary design exhibitions are often more interesting than the permanent displays. Allow around 1½ hours, but check individual exhibition opening times because they vary.
From the park, take a taxi for roughly 10 minutes to the Elephant Mountain Trail entrance near Xiangshan, or use the MRT to Xiangshan Station and walk onward. The climb is short but steep, with many steps; allow 1½–2 hours including rests and the viewpoints. Go only if the weather is reasonably clear, and bring water and shoes with good grip. For an easier outing, turn around after the first main lookout rather than trying to complete the full trail.
Finish with coffee or dessert at Simple Kaffa Sola, where you can slow down over specialty coffee and enjoy the Xinyi skyline. Budget about NT$250–500 per person. Because seating and opening hours can change, check the branch’s same-day hours and expect a wait at sunset. From here, return by MRT from Xiangshan or Taipei 101/World Trade Center; an EasyCard is the simplest way to pay, and the ride back to your hotel generally takes 20–30 minutes.
From central Taipei, take the MRT Red Line to Beitou, then transfer one stop to Xinbeitou—allow about 45–60 minutes door to door. Begin at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a compact Japanese-era building where you can learn how Beitou developed as Taipei’s bathing district; allow around 45 minutes. Check its current weekly closure before setting out, as it is not open every day. From there, walk uphill through the leafy lanes to Beitou Thermal Valley, where the sulfur spring steams dramatically below the viewing paths. Stay about 30–45 minutes, and avoid touching the water or leaning over the railings.
Continue through Beitou Park toward Plum Garden, allowing roughly an hour for an unhurried walk. This is a pleasant break from Taipei’s traffic, especially in winter, when the park feels cool and quiet. A short walk then brings you to Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, whose timber structure and green-roof design make it one of the city’s most distinctive libraries; keep voices low and allow 30–45 minutes for a look inside. For lunch, choose a simple noodle or rice shop around Xinbeitou rather than leaving the district—most casual meals cost about NT$120–250 per person.
Finish at Xinbeitou Historic Station, a beautifully preserved former railway station beside the pedestrian shopping area. Browse the small shops and snack stalls for around 45 minutes before your bath. For a reliable public hot-spring experience, consider Beitou Public Hot Spring or a well-reviewed hotel bathhouse nearby; expect about NT$300–1,500 per person depending on whether you choose a basic communal pool or a more comfortable private facility. Bring a towel, toiletries and swimwear if required, and check whether the bathhouse separates sessions by gender or has set entry times. Allow about two hours to soak, dry off and change before returning to Xinbeitou Station for the MRT back to Taipei.
Leave Beitou around 6:00–6:30 AM for Taipei Main Station, then take a Taiwan Railway train to Ruifang and change to the Pingxi Line for Shifen. The full journey usually takes about 2–2½ hours, and trains on the mountain branch line are infrequent, so check the Taiwan Railway timetable the night before. This route is scenic but not especially flexible; a private taxi from Beitou to Shifen takes roughly 1–1¼ hours and may be worthwhile if you prefer a later start, at approximately NT$1,500–2,000.
From Shifen Station, follow the riverside path and suspension bridge to Shifen Waterfall, allowing about 1½ hours including the walk and viewpoints. Wear shoes with good grip, particularly if the paths are damp. Return to Shifen Old Street for a relaxed snack stop—try grilled Taiwanese sausages, peanut ice cream rolls and taro balls—and browse the railway-side shops for about an hour. Budget around NT$200–400 per person, and be mindful of trains passing directly through the center of the street.
Use the Pingxi Railway for a short ride or simply enjoy the historic mountain route around Shifen; allow about 1½ hours including waiting time. If you continue by train, return to Ruifang and take a local bus or taxi onward to Jiufen Old Street. The bus can be crowded and slow in the afternoon, while a taxi from Ruifang is usually around 10–15 minutes and is convenient for two adults with day bags.
Spend roughly two hours wandering Jiufen Old Street, where the narrow hillside lanes are best explored without a strict route. The area becomes atmospheric toward dusk, but queues and traffic also increase, so keep enough time for your tea stop. At A-MEI Tea House, settle in for Taiwanese tea and mountain views—allow about 1½ hours and expect roughly NT$300–600 per person. Reservations are useful, but if none are available, expect a queue and choose a quieter table away from the busiest entrance.
After tea, return from Jiufen to Ruifang by taxi or bus, then take a Taiwan Railway train back to Taipei Main Station. Allow approximately 1½–2 hours, with extra time for evening traffic and the less frequent local connections. Keep the evening simple after this long day: from Taipei Main Station, continue by MRT or taxi to your hotel, and avoid relying on a late Pingxi Line connection—the branch railway does not run frequently at night.
After returning from Shifen, allow about 1½–2 hours by Pingxi Line to Ruifang, followed by a TRA train to Taipei. Because the Pingxi trains are infrequent, check the Taiwan Railway timetable before leaving and keep your ticket until the end of the journey. From Taipei Main Station, the simplest option with luggage is a taxi to Check-inn Taipei; otherwise, use the MRT and allow extra time for station corridors and transfers.
Check out, collect your luggage, and transfer it to Ximen Xining Hotel—a taxi is easiest, while the MRT is cheaper if you are travelling light. Allow roughly an hour for the transfer and use the new hotel’s luggage storage if your room is not ready. Have lunch around Wanhua before sightseeing; Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle near Ximending is a quick local choice, though expect a queue and eat standing or at nearby shared seating.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Longshan Temple, Taipei’s most atmospheric working temple. Spend about an hour observing the incense rituals and worshippers, keeping voices low and avoiding photographs during private prayers. From there, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to Bopiliao Historical Block, where restored red-brick buildings and covered lanes show the older Qing- and Japanese-era character of Wanhua. Allow an hour to wander; some interiors and exhibition spaces may have changing opening days, so treat them as optional rather than guaranteed.
Continue toward Ximending and stop at Taipei Tianhou Temple, tucked beside the busy shopping streets. This compact temple is dedicated to Mazu and feels especially striking after the bustle outside; 30 minutes is enough. If you are hungry, pick up a small snack such as pepper buns or grilled skewers nearby rather than having a full meal yet.
Spend the early evening in the Ximending Walking District, browsing 西門町’s pedestrian streets, independent shops, claw machines and street performers. Budget around NT$250–500 per person for snacks and small purchases. Good casual stops include Modern Toilet Restaurant for a novelty break or the long-running Taiwanese fried chicken stalls around the pedestrian area; keep portions modest because the main food stop is later.
Around 7:00 PM, take the MRT from Ximen Station on the Green Line to Taipei Main Station, change to the Red Line, and continue to Jiantan Station—use Jiantan rather than Shilin Station for the most convenient walk to Shilin Night Market. Allow 2–3 hours for oyster omelettes, grilled seafood, sausage in sticky rice, fruit drinks and the market games; budget roughly NT$300–600 per person. It is busiest from about 7:30 PM onward, so keep phones and wallets secure in the crowds. Return by the Red Line from Jiantan and walk or take a short taxi back to Ximen Xining Hotel.
Take the MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to Taipei Zoo and arrive close to opening time—roughly 30–40 minutes from central Taipei, plus the walk from the station to the entrance. Allow about four hours for the zoo rather than trying to cover every enclosure; the grounds are large and slightly hilly, so comfortable shoes are essential. Spend part of the morning at the Giant Panda House, where viewing time can depend on the pandas’ activity, feeding schedule and crowd-control arrangements. Check the zoo’s official notices before leaving, particularly because operating arrangements can change around public holidays. General admission is usually inexpensive, with the zoo’s official ticketing information the best reference for the current price.
From Taipei Zoo, walk to the nearby Taipei Zoo South Station for the Maokong Gondola. The ride itself is short, but allow around an hour including queues; standard cabins are usually cheaper than the crystal-bottom cabins. Check the gondola’s weather and maintenance notices first, as strong wind, rain or scheduled inspections can suspend service. At Maokong, follow a short hillside route through the Maokong tea plantations, where the city gives way to wooded slopes and small plots of tea. Avoid treating this as a strenuous hike—the best part is the quiet walk between viewpoints and tea fields.
Settle into a traditional Maokong tea house for locally grown tea and a simple meal, allowing about 1½ hours. Look for a house with an open valley-facing terrace and order one of the locally produced oolong teas alongside dishes such as tea-oil chicken, seasonal vegetables or noodles; expect approximately NT$400–800 per person depending on the tea and food selected. Begin heading back before the last gondola service, and confirm the day’s operating hours on arrival—if the gondola is closed or queues become excessive, local buses and taxis connect Maokong with the zoo area, though the winding road takes longer. Use the MRT from Taipei Zoo to return to central Taipei, keeping some extra time for the New Year’s Eve crowds.
From the Taipei Zoo area, take the MRT Wenhu Line to Nanjing Fuxing, change to the Green Line, and continue to Beimen or Taipei Main Station; allow about 40–50 minutes, plus a 10–15-minute walk to Dihua Street. Start around 10:30 AM, when the traditional shops are opening. Spend roughly two hours browsing tea merchants, dried-fruit shops, herbal stores and festive New Year goods. The old shophouses are especially atmospheric around Yongle Market, and small purchases such as Taiwanese tea, pineapple cakes or preserved fruit travel well. Note that individual shop hours vary, so treat this as a relaxed browsing stop rather than a fixed shopping appointment.
Walk or take a short taxi ride north to Taipei Confucius Temple, allowing about an hour for the courtyards, carved details and peaceful grounds; opening arrangements can vary, so check the official notice before setting out. Continue next door to Dalongdong Bao’an Temple for about 45 minutes. Its richly decorated façade and roof figures are best appreciated slowly, and visitors should keep voices low and avoid blocking worshippers. For lunch, look around Dalongdong and Jiantan for a simple bowl of beef noodles, dumplings or a rice dish—this area is more local and less polished than central Taipei, which is part of its charm.
From Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, allow around 10–15 minutes by taxi or approximately 20 minutes on foot to the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute Taipei Branch. Allow about an hour for the craft and design displays, subject to the current exhibition schedule. This is a good quieter pause after the temple visits, with ceramics, textiles and contemporary Taiwanese craft often providing a more thoughtful souvenir option than the busier shopping streets. Keep the late afternoon unhurried; returning toward Songshan by MRT takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on your connection.
Alight at Songshan Station and enter Raohe Street Night Market through its illuminated gateway. Give yourselves around two hours to eat your way along the market: begin with a pepper bun, then share seafood, grilled snacks, oyster omelette or shaved ice rather than ordering full portions at every stall. Budget approximately NT$300–600 per person, and carry some cash because many vendors do not accept cards. After dinner, walk east toward Rainbow Bridge for about 15–20 minutes and enjoy the quieter riverside promenade for roughly 45 minutes. The bridge is a pleasant way to end the night, but check the last MRT connection and avoid lingering too late if you are relying on the Green Line.
Keep the last morning easy: have breakfast around Ximending near Ximen Station, then spend about 1½ hours collecting edible souvenirs and small gifts. Don Don Donki Ximen is convenient for packaged pineapple cakes, tea, snacks and travel-sized items, while the side streets around Chengdu Road and Emei Street are better for browsing local boutiques and Taiwanese stationery. Budget roughly NT$200–400 per person for breakfast and snacks. Leave room in your luggage for liquids and avoid buying anything that may be restricted at Singapore customs.
A short walk brings you to Red House Theater, the historic octagonal landmark beside Ximen Station. Allow around 45 minutes to see the building and browse the surrounding creative-market area; market stalls and cultural events vary, so treat them as a bonus rather than something guaranteed. It is worth taking a few final photos here before the crowds build. The outdoor area is generally easiest to visit in daylight, while indoor galleries and individual shops keep their own schedules.
Return to Ximen Station and take the MRT one stop to Taipei Main Station, then allow about an hour for the Taipei Main Station underground mall. This is useful for practical last-minute shopping—packaged food, socks, travel accessories and inexpensive gifts—without making another long detour. Keep your departure buffer generous: from Taipei Main Station, the Airport MRT takes about 35–40 minutes on the express service, but allow roughly 1½–2 hours overall from the hotel area to Taoyuan International Airport for walking, ticketing, platform changes and possible waiting.
Leave Ximending at least 4–5 hours before your flight, especially during the New Year holiday period. Take the MRT from Ximen Station to Taipei Main Station, transfer to the Airport MRT, and complete check-in, security and immigration at the airport before heading to your gate. After landing procedures and the airport journey, the trip concludes with your flight back to Singapore.
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