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Taiwan City Highlights Itinerary

Day 1 · Mon, Nov 1
Taipei

Taipei arrival and city center

  1. Taipei Main Station — Zhongzheng; arrive, collect luggage, and transfer to your hotel, allowing ~1.5–2 hours door-to-door.
  2. National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — Zhongzheng; see Taipei’s grand landmark and plaza, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Yongkang Street — Da’an; browse boutiques and enjoy dinner at a noodle or dumpling restaurant, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person.
  4. Shida Night Market — Da’an; sample snacks and shop among student-oriented stalls, ~1.5 hours.

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive atTaipei Main Station**, where the MRT, Taiwan Railways, and airport express lines meet beneath one enormous complex. Collect your luggage and allow roughly 1.5–2 hours door-to-door to navigate the station, reach your hotel, and check in. If you are coming from Taoyuan Airport, the Airport MRT is the simplest option; the express takes about 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station, followed by a walk or short MRT/taxi connection. Keep your EasyCard topped up—an MRT ride is usually NT$20–65, and taxis start around NT$85.

Late Afternoon

Once settled, take the MRT to National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The wide plaza and monumental white-and-blue hall are best appreciated in the softer late-afternoon light; allow about 1.5 hours to walk through the grounds and, if open, visit the main hall and exhibition spaces. Entry to the grounds is free, while special exhibitions may charge separately. The complex is generally open during daytime hours, but check the official schedule if you want to see the honor guard ceremony, as timings can change.

Evening

Continue by MRT or taxi to Yongkang Street, a compact, lively neighborhood of tea shops, small boutiques, and Taiwanese comfort food. This is a good place to settle into dinner rather than rush: expect roughly NT$300–700 per person at a noodle or dumpling restaurant, with queues common at popular spots. Browse the side lanes after eating, and leave room for a sweet snack or fruit juice.

Finish at Shida Night Market, reached by a short walk or taxi from Yongkang Street. Its student crowd gives it a more local, less souvenir-focused feel, with clothing stalls and snack stands spread around Lane 1, Shida Road, and the surrounding lanes. Allow about 1.5 hours; bring cash and expect many vendors to close around 10:00–11:00 pm, with individual hours varying. This is an easy first-night outing, but keep the pace gentle after the journey—Taipei’s MRT usually runs until around midnight, while a late taxi back to your hotel is the simplest fallback.

Day 2 · Tue, Nov 2
Taipei

Taipei neighborhoods

  1. Taipei Fine Arts Museum — Zhongshan; explore Taiwan’s major modern-art museum, morning, ~2 hours.
  2. Taipei Expo Park — Zhongshan; stroll the landscaped grounds and nearby pavilions, ~45 minutes.
  3. Dihua Street — Datong; browse traditional shops, tea merchants, and heritage façades, early afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Dadaocheng Wharf — Datong; enjoy riverside views around sunset, ~1 hour.
  5. Ningxia Night Market — Datong; eat classic Taiwanese street food, evening, ~1.5 hours, NT$250–600 per person.

Morning

Start at Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Zhongshan, arriving close to its 9:30am opening so you have an unhurried couple of hours for the contemporary galleries and rotating exhibitions. Admission is typically around NT$30–60, though special exhibitions may cost more; check the museum’s official schedule because it is usually closed on Mondays. From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT to Yuanshan Station, then walk about 10 minutes. The museum is spacious and cool inside, making it a good place to begin before the day warms up.

Afterward, spend about 45 minutes wandering through Taipei Expo Park, directly beside the museum. Follow the paths past the exhibition pavilions and gardens toward the surrounding Zhongshan streets. For a light lunch or coffee, stop at one of the nearby independent cafés rather than eating heavily before the market crawl later; allow roughly 15–20 minutes to reach Dihua Street by MRT and foot, or about 10 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

Afternoon and Evening

Explore Dihua Street in Datong from early afternoon, when its preserved shophouses, fabric stores, tea merchants, dried-goods shops, and temple-side lanes are lively but not yet crowded. Give yourself around 90 minutes to browse without rushing. Individual shops generally set their own hours, with many opening around 10am and closing in the early evening. Continue north toward Dadaocheng Wharf—roughly a 15-minute walk from the central part of the street—for sunset over the Tamsui River. The riverside promenade is especially pleasant in the last hour of daylight; arrive before sunset rather than relying on the exact time, since the best light can disappear quickly. If you prefer not to walk, a short taxi ride is inexpensive, but traffic around Dadaocheng can be slow.

Return inland for dinner at Ningxia Night Market, about 15–20 minutes on foot from the wharf or a short taxi ride. Plan 1–1.5 hours and roughly NT$250–600 per person, depending on how much you sample. Try oyster omelet, pork pepper buns, fried taro balls, grilled seafood, and the market’s famous shaved-ice or sesame-filled desserts; stalls are cash-first, and queues are normal at the popular vendors. Ningxia Night Market is generally busiest after 6pm and runs into the late evening, so arriving around 5:30–6pm gives you a little more breathing room before the crowds build.

Day 3 · Wed, Nov 3
Hualien

Taipei to Hualien

Getting there from Taipei
TRA Taroko or Puyuma Express via Taiwan Railways booking (3–3.5 hours, about NT$440). Depart around 7:00–8:00am; reserve seats as early as sales open, typically 14 days ahead.
  1. TRA Taipei–Hualien train — Taipei to Hualien; take a reserved express service, allowing ~3.5–4.5 hours door-to-door including station access and check-in; depart morning.
  2. Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park — Hualien city center; explore galleries, studios, and restored warehouses, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Dongdamen Night Market — Hualien city center; sample aboriginal, Taiwanese, and seafood specialties, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person.
  4. Hualien Railway Culture Park — Downtown Hualien; see preserved railway-era buildings, ~45 minutes before dinner.

Morning: Taipei to Hualien

Take your reserved TRA Taroko or Puyuma Express from Taipei Main Station in the morning, ideally around 7:00–8:00am. Allow 3.5–4.5 hours door-to-door once you include getting to the station, finding the correct platform in the large underground complex, and arriving in Hualien. Seats should be booked through Taiwan Railways as soon as sales open—usually 14 days ahead—since this is a popular route. After arriving, leave your luggage at the hotel or a station-area locker and have a simple lunch nearby; keep the afternoon easy after the train ride.

Afternoon: Creative Hualien

Walk or take a short taxi ride into central Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park, a group of restored warehouses now used for galleries, design studios, craft shops, and small exhibitions. Set aside about 1.5 hours to browse without rushing; opening hours vary by studio, and some spaces may close on particular weekdays, so treat the visit as a relaxed outdoor-and-gallery stop rather than relying on one exhibition. From here, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to Hualien Railway Culture Park, where preserved railway-era buildings and equipment offer a compact look at the city’s transport history. Allow around 45 minutes, checking same-day access since individual buildings may have limited hours.

Evening: Dongdamen food stalls

Continue on foot or by a short taxi ride to Dongdamen Night Market for dinner. Give yourself about two hours to wander through the sections devoted to Taiwanese snacks, indigenous flavors, grilled seafood, and sweet treats; a realistic tasting budget is NT$300–700 per person. Look for millet-based indigenous dishes, grilled squid, scallion pancakes, and local sausage, ordering several small portions rather than committing to one large meal. Bring cash, expect crowds later in the evening, and keep some room for browsing the surrounding downtown streets before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 · Thu, Nov 4
Hualien

Hualien and Taroko area

  1. Taroko Gorge National Park — Taroko; take a prearranged guided vehicle or taxi tour, departing early and allowing a full day for access, trail conditions, and weather.
  2. Shakadang Trail — Taroko; enjoy a scenic riverside walk if officially open, ~2–3 hours.
  3. Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail — Taroko; view marble cliffs and gorge scenery if officially open, ~1 hour.
  4. Qixingtan Beach — Hualien coast; finish with a Pacific shoreline walk, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. Seafood restaurant near Hualien harbor — Hualien; have a relaxed dinner, evening, ~NT$600–1,200 per person. Check Taroko closures before travel; several iconic trails may remain restricted.

Morning: Taroko Gorge National Park

Arrange a guided vehicle or taxi tour from Hualien for an early departure, ideally around 7:00am. Allow a full day: the drive into Taroko Gorge National Park takes roughly 45–60 minutes before stops, and road controls, rockfall work, and weather can add delays. Your driver should confirm the day’s permitted route before leaving; access to the gorge and individual trails can change with little notice, and some sections may remain restricted. A private vehicle is much more practical than trying to piece together infrequent buses, especially if you want to continue to the coast later.

If officially open, make Shakadang Trail your first substantial stop, allowing about 2–3 hours for the riverside walk. The turquoise water, forested slopes, and polished marble are the reward, but bring water, sun protection, and shoes with good grip. Continue afterward to Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail for about an hour, where the gorge narrows dramatically around the road and cliffs. Hard hats may be required in areas affected by rockfall; follow barriers and your guide’s instructions rather than treating old guidebook access as current. Pack breakfast or ask your driver to stop for takeaway, since food options inside the park are limited and opening hours vary.

Afternoon and Evening: Coast and Harbor Dinner

After leaving the gorge, head back toward Hualien and continue to Qixingtan Beach for a late-afternoon Pacific shoreline walk. Allow around an hour, longer if you want to sit among the distinctive dark stones; this is a beach for scenery rather than swimming, and the exposed coast can be windy. From Qixingtan, it is roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi to the harbor area, though your tour vehicle may return you directly to your hotel first. Finish at a seafood restaurant near Hualien harbor, budgeting about NT$600–1,200 per person. Choose the day’s catch and share several dishes, and check whether the restaurant takes reservations or closes early—many seafood places operate on a lunch-and-dinner schedule rather than staying open continuously.

Day 5 · Fri, Nov 5
Taitung

Hualien to Taitung

Getting there from Hualien
TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express via Taiwan Railways booking (about 2.5–3 hours, NT$400–500). Depart around 8:00am to allow time for Taitung Forest Park and evening activities.
  1. TRA Hualien–Taitung train — Hualien to Taitung; allow ~5–6 hours door-to-door including station access and hotel check-in; depart morning.
  2. Taitung Forest Park — Taitung city; cycle or walk through coastal wetlands and woodland, late afternoon, ~2 hours.
  3. Taitung Night Market — Taitung city center; sample local snacks and browse stalls, evening, ~1.5 hours, NT$250–600 per person.
  4. Tiehua Music Village — Downtown Taitung; see Indigenous-inspired art and evening performances, ~1 hour, subject to programming.

Morning: Hualien to Taitung

Take your reserved TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express from Hualien Station in the morning, ideally around 8:00am. The train itself takes roughly 2.5–3 hours, but allow about 5–6 hours door-to-door for reaching the station, waiting, the ride, transferring to your hotel, and leaving luggage. A taxi from Taitung Station into central Taitung generally takes 15–20 minutes; local buses are cheaper but infrequent enough that a taxi is usually worth it after a travel morning. Train reservations normally open 14 days ahead, and this route can sell out around weekends. Once checked in, have lunch near Zhengqi Road or Tiehua Music Village rather than trying to fit in a major sightseeing stop before the afternoon.

Late Afternoon: Forest and Wetlands

Head to Taitung Forest Park for a relaxed two-hour outing, preferably from about 3:30pm when the light softens. It is roughly 10 minutes by taxi from central Taitung; bicycle rental near the park entrance is the easiest way to cover the broad paths, though walking works if you prefer a slower pace. The route passes coastal wetlands, shady woodland, and open views toward the sea, with Pipa Lake a particularly pleasant pause. Bring water and sun protection—there is limited shade on some stretches—and check the closing time when renting a bicycle, as it varies seasonally. Admission is usually around NT$30, with bicycle rental extra.

Evening: Music and Market Food

Return downtown for Tiehua Music Village, where Indigenous-inspired craft displays, small creative shops, and an outdoor performance area give the evening a distinctly Taitung feel. Allow about an hour, but check the official program before going: performances are schedule-dependent and some events may be ticketed or affected by weather. From there, walk toward Taitung Night Market for around 1.5 hours of grazing. Stalls commonly offer grilled seafood, sausages, scallion pancakes, fruit drinks, and regional snacks; budget roughly NT$250–600 per person. The market’s exact operating days and layout can change, so confirm locally with your hotel—if it is not running that evening, Zhengqi Road’s food stalls and nearby restaurants are the practical fallback.

Day 6 · Sat, Nov 6
Taitung

Taitung coast

  1. National Museum of Prehistory — Fengshan, Taitung; learn about Taiwan’s archaeology and Indigenous cultures, morning, ~2 hours.
  2. Taitung Seashore Park — Taitung coast; walk the Pacific-facing shoreline and coastal sculptures, early afternoon, ~1 hour.
  3. Xiaoyeliu — Chenggong coast; see unusual coastal rock formations, afternoon, ~1 hour.
  4. Sanxiantai — Chenggong; walk toward the arched bridge and offshore islets, late afternoon, ~2 hours.
  5. Seafood restaurant in Chenggong Fishing Harbor — Chenggong; eat fresh local fish before returning, evening, ~NT$500–1,000 per person.

Morning

Start at National Museum of Prehistory in Fengshan, allowing about two hours for its archaeology, natural-history, and Indigenous-culture galleries. It is roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi from central Taitung; buses are possible but infrequent, so a taxi or hired car is much easier for today’s coast-bound schedule. Check the museum’s current opening hours before leaving—regular museums in Taiwan often close one weekday, and holiday schedules can change. Admission is generally modest, around NT$40–100 depending on exhibitions.

Afternoon

After the museum, head into Taitung Seashore Park for an easy one-hour walk along the Pacific-facing edge of town. Follow the paved paths and coastal sculptures rather than trying to cover the entire park; the wind can be strong, so bring water, sun protection, and a light layer. From here, allow roughly 45–60 minutes by car to Xiaoyeliu on the Chenggong coast. Spend about an hour exploring the weathered sandstone and unusual rock formations, staying on marked paths and avoiding the wave-cut platforms when the sea is rough.

Continue a few minutes north to Sanxiantai, where the distinctive arched footbridge leads toward the offshore islets. Set aside nearly two hours: the bridge looks close from the entrance, but the walk is exposed and the steps, wind, and tide can make the return slower than expected. This is best reached by private car or pre-arranged taxi, as public transport along this coast is limited and infrequent. Check the latest visitor information before going, since strong surf or maintenance can restrict bridge access.

Evening

Finish at the seafood restaurants around Chenggong Fishing Harbor, ordering from the day’s catch—steamed fish, grilled squid, clams, or seasonal sashimi are reliable choices. Expect roughly NT$500–1,000 per person, more if choosing a large whole fish. After dinner, arrange a driver or taxi back to Taitung; the return takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and the exact restaurant. Do not rely on finding a last-minute taxi at the harbor, particularly on a Saturday evening—book the return in advance or have your hired car wait.

Day 7 · Sun, Nov 7
Kaohsiung

Taitung to Kaohsiung

Getting there from Taitung
TRA South Link Line Tze-Chiang Limited Express via Taiwan Railways booking (about 2.5–3.5 hours, NT$350–450). Take a morning train; this is more practical than flying because Taitung Airport transfers add time.
  1. TRA Taitung–Kaohsiung train — Taitung to Kaohsiung; allow ~4.5–5.5 hours door-to-door including station access and hotel arrival; depart morning.
  2. Pier-2 Art Center — Yancheng; explore converted warehouses and outdoor installations, afternoon, ~2 hours.
  3. Kaohsiung Music Center — Love River waterfront; admire the contemporary architecture and harbor setting, ~1 hour.
  4. Liuhe Tourist Night Market — Sinsing; sample seafood, fruit, and local snacks, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–800 per person.

Morning: Taitung to Kaohsiung

Take your reserved TRA South Link Line Tze-Chiang Limited Express from Taitung Station on a morning departure. The train ride is roughly 2.5–3.5 hours, but allow about 4.5–5.5 hours door-to-door for getting to the station, boarding, collecting luggage, and reaching your hotel in Kaohsiung. After checking in or leaving bags, use the Kaohsiung MRT—the Orange Line is especially useful for today—or a taxi if you are traveling with larger luggage. Train reservations are important on this scenic but limited route, particularly on weekends; budget approximately NT$350–450 for the fare.

Afternoon: Yancheng and the harbor

Head to Pier-2 Art Center in Yancheng, where former port warehouses now hold design shops, galleries, cafés, and large outdoor installations. Give yourself around two hours to wander rather than trying to see every building; the area is spread along the waterfront and is pleasant for an unhurried walk. The nearest MRT stop is Yanchengpu, with Dayi Pier-2 light-rail station convenient for the farther warehouses. Most outdoor areas are freely accessible, while individual exhibitions may charge around NT$50–250. On a Sunday, some smaller galleries may have different hours, so treat indoor visits as optional and focus on the public art if anything is closed.

Continue east along the waterfront or take the light rail toward the Kaohsiung Music Center beside the Love River. Allow about an hour to admire its distinctive wave-like buildings, pedestrian paths, and harbor views; late afternoon gives the architecture warmer light. This is mainly an exterior stop, so it works well without a fixed admission booking. If you want a short break, stop at a riverside café around Dayong Road, but keep some appetite for the evening.

Evening: Liuhe snacks

After dark, take the MRT from Yanchengpu toward Formosa Boulevard, then walk a few minutes to Liuhe Tourist Night Market in Sinsing. Spend around two hours grazing rather than ordering one large meal: try grilled seafood, peppered meat, papaya milk, and the market’s various oyster and squid dishes. A realistic budget is NT$300–800 per person, depending on how much seafood you choose. It is busy and tourist-oriented, but still convenient on an arrival day; carry cash, keep valuables secure in the crowd, and avoid arriving too late if you want the widest food selection.

Day 8 · Mon, Nov 8
Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung city

  1. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum — Dashu; visit the large Buddhist complex and museum, morning to early afternoon, ~3 hours.
  2. Lotus Pond — Zuoying; see Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and lakeside temples, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Ruifeng Night Market — Zuoying; eat among one of Kaohsiung’s largest food markets, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person.
  4. Kaohsiung Arena — Zuoying; browse the surrounding commercial district after dinner, ~45 minutes.

Morning: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Take a taxi or pre-booked car from central Kaohsiung to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Dashu, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes each way depending on traffic. Public transport is possible but involves a slower combination of train and local bus, so a hired car is much more practical for this day. Arrive around opening time—typically 9:00am, though confirm the current schedule before setting out—and allow about three hours for the grand gateway, long central avenue, shrine halls, and museum galleries. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, keep voices low, and note that some halls may have photography restrictions. Admission is generally free; bring water and comfortable shoes, as the complex is extensive and exposed in places.

Afternoon: Lotus Pond

Have lunch around Dashu or on the way back toward Zuoying, then continue to Lotus Pond for the late afternoon when the light is softer and the heat is easier to manage. A taxi from Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum usually takes 30–40 minutes; ask to be dropped near Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, then walk the lakeside route past the colorful temple architecture and other shrines. Allow about 1½ hours, keeping in mind that the pagodas and temple interiors may have individual opening times and weather-related closures. The area is spread out, so taxis are more useful than trying to cover every temple on foot; use a map pin when requesting your next ride.

Evening: Ruifeng Night Market and Kaohsiung Arena

From Lotus Pond, take a short taxi ride or local bus to Ruifeng Night Market, ideally after 5:00pm when more stalls are operating. Set aside around two hours to browse the dense lanes and share several small dishes—grilled seafood, pepper buns, fried chicken, Taiwanese sausages, and fruit drinks are good choices—with a realistic food budget of NT$300–700 per person. The market is usually closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so because this itinerary places it on a Monday, verify the 2027 operating schedule before committing; if it is closed, you will need to move this stop to another evening rather than assume the stalls will be open. After dinner, spend about 45 minutes around Kaohsiung Arena and the surrounding commercial district, which is livelier after dark and convenient for browsing shops before returning by MRT or taxi.

Day 9 · Tue, Nov 9
Tainan

Kaohsiung to Tainan

Getting there from Kaohsiung
TRA local or Puyuma/Tze-Chiang train from Kaohsiung Station to Tainan via Taiwan Railways booking (35–55 minutes, about NT$70–150). Depart around 8:00am. Kaohsiung Zuoying–Tainan HSR is faster onboard but less convenient for central Tainan.
  1. TRA Kaohsiung–Tainan train — Kaohsiung to Tainan; allow ~2–3 hours door-to-door including station transfers and hotel check-in; depart morning.
  2. Chihkan Tower — West Central District; explore one of Tainan’s most important historic sites, late morning, ~1 hour.
  3. Hayashi Department Store — West Central District; see a restored Japanese-era landmark and rooftop shrine, ~1 hour.
  4. National Museum of Taiwan History — Annan; trace Taiwan’s history through engaging exhibits, afternoon, ~2 hours.
  5. Garden Night Market — North District; enjoy a major Tainan street-food market, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person. Verify its weekly operating schedule.

Morning: Kaohsiung to Tainan

Take a morning Taiwan Railways train from Kaohsiung Station to Tainan Station, allowing roughly 2–3 hours door-to-door for reaching the station, the 35–55-minute ride, collecting bags, and transferring to your hotel. A departure around 8:00am gives you time to leave luggage at the hotel before sightseeing; central Tainan is about 10–15 minutes from the station by taxi, while buses are cheaper but slower. Expect approximately NT$70–150 for the train and around NT$100–200 for the taxi, depending on traffic.

Late morning, head into the West Central District for Chihkan Tower, one of Tainan’s essential historic stops. Allow about an hour to wander among the stone fortifications, temple buildings, and quiet courtyards; opening hours are commonly around 8:30am–9:30pm, with admission generally around NT$50, but check current details before setting out. From there, it is roughly a 10-minute walk through old lanes to Hayashi Department Store on Chenggong Road. The restored 1930s building is best enjoyed slowly—browse its design and local-goods floors, then go upstairs to the small rooftop shrine and city views. It generally opens late morning and closes in the evening, so confirm the day’s hours if you arrive early.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch in the surrounding West Central District, take a taxi toward National Museum of Taiwan History in Annan, allowing about 20–30 minutes each way from central Tainan depending on traffic. Give the museum roughly two hours for its thoughtfully arranged galleries on Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures, colonial periods, migration, industry, and everyday life. It is typically open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime hours and closed Mondays; admission is usually around NT$80, with the museum’s official website the best place to verify current hours and exhibitions. Return to central Tainan afterward to rest before dinner.

Finish at Garden Night Market, a large open-air market in North District known for grilled seafood, oyster omelets, pepper buns, fried chicken, and fruit drinks. Set aside about two hours and NT$300–700 per person, depending on how much you sample. Its operating days can change, so verify the weekly schedule on the day—if it is not operating, do not assume the stalls will simply be there. From central Tainan, a taxi is usually the easiest option; arrive around opening time to beat the largest crowds, and bring cash, tissues, and comfortable shoes.

Day 10 · Wed, Nov 10
Tainan

Tainan historic districts

  1. Anping Tree House — Anping; walk through banyan-covered warehouse ruins, morning, ~1 hour.
  2. Anping Fort — Anping; visit the remains of the Dutch-era stronghold, ~1 hour.
  3. Anping Old Street — Anping; try shrimp rolls, oyster dishes, and traditional snacks, lunch, ~1.5 hours, NT$250–600 per person.
  4. Sicao Green Tunnel — Annan; take the mangrove boat ride, afternoon, ~2 hours; advance reservation and weather availability may apply.
  5. Blueprint Culture & Creative Park — West Central District; browse design shops and illuminated installations, evening, ~1 hour.

Morning

Start in Anping around 9:00am, ideally by taxi from central Tainan—the ride usually takes 20–30 minutes, while buses are slower and less convenient for fitting in the boat departure later. Begin at Anping Tree House, where banyan roots have grown through a former warehouse complex; allow about an hour for the raised walkways and shaded corners. Continue on foot to Anping Fort, another hour through the remains of the Dutch-era stronghold and later colonial additions. Entry to each site is generally inexpensive, commonly around NT$50–70, but opening hours and ticket arrangements can change, so check locally before setting out.

Lunch in Anping

Spend roughly 1½ hours wandering Anping Old Street for lunch rather than sitting down for a long formal meal. Look for shrimp rolls, oyster omelets, grilled oysters, and bowls of milkfish or eel noodles; Jincheng Haichan is a dependable local-style stop, while the surrounding lanes are good for comparing snacks. Budget about NT$250–600 per person, depending on how much you graze. Keep an eye on the clock: Sicao Green Tunnel is in Annan, and its mangrove boats operate by scheduled departures rather than whenever visitors arrive.

Afternoon and Evening

Take a taxi from Anping Old Street to Sicao Green Tunnel, allowing around 20–30 minutes in normal traffic. The boat ride and surrounding wait time can easily occupy two hours; advance reservation may be required, and departures can be suspended or altered for weather, tides, or operational reasons, so confirm the sailing before committing to the afternoon. Afterward, return toward central Tainan—allow around 30–40 minutes by taxi—and finish at Blueprint Culture & Creative Park in the West Central District. Spend about an hour browsing the small design shops and photographing the illuminated installations, then stay nearby for dinner around Hai’an Road or Shennong Street. The park is best after dark; shops often close around 9:00–10:00pm, and admission is typically free.

Day 11 · Thu, Nov 11
Taichung

Tainan to Taichung

Getting there from Tainan
Taiwan High Speed Rail from HSR Tainan to HSR Taichung via the THSR website or T-EX app (about 50–60 minutes, NT$860). Allow roughly 3 hours door-to-door for transfers; depart around 8:00am.
  1. Taiwan High Speed Rail Tainan–Taichung — Tainan to Taichung; allow ~3–4 hours door-to-door including access to HSR Tainan Station, the train, and Taichung transfer; depart morning.
  2. National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts — West District; explore Taiwan-focused contemporary art, afternoon, ~2 hours.
  3. Audit Village — West District; browse a compact creative-retail complex, ~1 hour.
  4. Calligraphy Greenway — West District; walk through Taichung’s central arts corridor, early evening, ~1 hour.
  5. Taichung Second Market — Central District; eat traditional dishes if arriving before closing, ~1 hour, NT$200–500 per person.

Morning: Tainan to Taichung

Take your reserved Taiwan High Speed Rail service from HSR Tainan Station in the morning, ideally around 8:00am. Although the train ride to HSR Taichung Station is only about 50–60 minutes, allow roughly three hours door-to-door for reaching the station, finding the correct platform, boarding, and transferring onward into the city. From HSR Taichung, the convenient link is the Taichung MRT Green Line to Shui-an Temple Station, followed by a short taxi ride or walk toward the West District; leave luggage at your hotel or use a station locker before sightseeing.

Afternoon: Art and Creative Taichung

Begin at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, a spacious, light-filled museum focused on Taiwanese modern and contemporary art. Allow about two hours for the permanent displays and current exhibitions; admission to the main museum is generally free, while special exhibitions may charge around NT$50–150. Check the exhibition schedule and opening status before setting out, as museum closing days and special-gallery hours can vary. From the museum, it is a pleasant 10–15-minute walk through the West District to Audit Village, a compact former government-housing complex now filled with small design shops, illustration studios, cafés, and temporary installations. One hour is enough for a relaxed browse, though many shops keep shorter or irregular hours.

Early Evening: Greenway Walk and Local Dinner

Continue north along the Calligraphy Greenway, a landscaped arts corridor linking galleries, cafés, public sculptures, and independent shops. Give yourself about an hour to wander rather than treating it as a point-to-point attraction; the stretch around Section 1, Meicun Road is particularly easy for browsing and people-watching. Finish at Taichung Second Market, reached by a short taxi ride or roughly 20–25 minutes on foot from the Greenway. Arrive before the traditional stalls wind down—many close in the afternoon or early evening—and try the market’s classic dishes such as braised pork rice, noodles, steamed pork balls, or fish soup. Budget about NT$200–500 per person, and carry cash; if the food stalls have closed, the surrounding Central District has plenty of casual noodle shops and Taiwanese restaurants open later.

Day 12 · Fri, Nov 12
Taichung

Taichung city

  1. National Museum of Natural Science — North District; explore astronomy, science, and natural-history galleries, morning, ~2.5 hours.
  2. Taichung Park — Central District; relax around the historic lake and pavilion, early afternoon, ~1 hour.
  3. Miyahara — Central District; visit the famous heritage confectionery shop for tea or desserts, ~1 hour, NT$250–600 per person.
  4. Rainbow Village — Nantun; see the colorful painted residential lanes, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. Fengjia Night Market — Xitun; finish with Taichung street food and shopping, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person.

Morning

Start at the National Museum of Natural Science in North District when it opens, allowing about 2½ hours for the astronomy, science, and natural-history galleries. The complex is large, so choose a few sections rather than trying to see everything; the Space IMAX and special exhibitions may require separate tickets, typically bringing the total to roughly NT$100–300 depending on what you add. From central Taichung, take the MRT to Wenxin Zhongqing Station and walk, or use a taxi for about 10–15 minutes. A café stop along Zhonggang Road is sensible before continuing.

Early Afternoon

Take a taxi or local bus toward Taichung Park, allowing around 20 minutes depending on traffic. Spend an hour walking beside the lake and historic pavilion, particularly pleasant in the softer afternoon light. Continue on foot or by a short taxi ride to Miyahara, the beautifully restored former ophthalmology clinic near Taichung Railway Station. The heritage interior is worth seeing even if you only order tea, ice cream, or a pastry; budget about NT$250–600 per person, and expect queues at peak times. The shop is generally open through the day, but check its current hours before setting out.

Late Afternoon and Evening

From Miyahara, take a taxi to Rainbow Village in Nantun—roughly 20–30 minutes in normal traffic. The painted lanes are compact, and an hour is enough for photographs and a relaxed look around; be respectful, as this remains a residential site, and opening access can change. Finish at Fengjia Night Market in Xitun, about 25–35 minutes away by taxi. Arrive around 5:30–6:00pm before the busiest crowds, then graze through oyster omelets, grilled seafood, fried chicken, scallion pancakes, and sweet snacks while browsing the surrounding clothing and accessory stalls. Allow two hours and roughly NT$300–700 per person; the market is liveliest into the evening, with many stalls accepting cash only.

Day 13 · Sat, Nov 13
Taipei

Taichung to Taipei

Getting there from Taichung
Taiwan High Speed Rail from HSR Taichung to Taipei via the THSR website or T-EX app (about 1 hour, NT$700). Depart around 8:00am to arrive in time for Taipei 101 and afternoon sightseeing.
  1. Taiwan High Speed Rail Taichung–Taipei — Taichung to Taipei; allow ~3–4 hours door-to-door including hotel transfer; depart morning.
  2. Taipei 101 Observatory — Xinyi; take in panoramic city views, early afternoon, ~1.5 hours; book an admission time in advance.
  3. Xinyi Shopping District — Xinyi; browse flagship stores and public art around Taipei 101, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Elephant Mountain Trail — Xinyi; hike to a classic Taipei skyline viewpoint, late afternoon, ~2 hours.
  5. Raohe Street Night Market — Songshan; enjoy pepper buns, seafood, and other stalls, evening, ~2 hours, NT$300–700 per person.

Morning: Taichung to Taipei

Take a morning Taiwan High Speed Rail service from HSR Taichung Station to Taipei Station, ideally around 8:00am. The train ride is about an hour, but allow roughly 3–4 hours door-to-door for checking out, reaching the station, waiting on the platform, collecting luggage, and transferring to your Taipei hotel. The simplest onward connection is the Taipei Metro or a short taxi ride; leave your larger bags at the hotel before heading into Xinyi. Have lunch around Taipei 101—the food court is convenient, while Yong Kang Beef Noodles is a better choice if you want a classic local meal and do not mind a short taxi or MRT ride.

Afternoon: Taipei 101 and Xinyi

Arrive at the Taipei 101 Observatory for your pre-booked admission slot, allowing about 1½ hours for the high-speed elevators, indoor viewing floors, and outdoor observation area when weather permits. Book through the official ticketing channel in advance, especially for a Saturday; admission is generally around NT$600, subject to the current ticket type. Afterward, spend about 1½ hours wandering the Xinyi Shopping District, moving through the malls and open plazas around Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and Songzhi Road. This is an easy area for coffee, air-conditioning, and a little unplanned browsing before the hike.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Walk or take a short taxi ride to the Xiangshan Trail entrance for Elephant Mountain. Allow about two hours including the climb, viewpoint stops, and descent; the main staircase is steep, so carry water and wear shoes with good grip. Aim to reach the classic skyline platforms before sunset, but check the forecast because haze can obscure the mountains and city lights. After descending, take the MRT from Xiangshan Station toward Songshan Station—the route takes roughly 25–35 minutes depending on the connection.

Finish at Raohe Street Night Market, entering near Songshan Ciyou Temple and browsing toward the riverside end. Plan around NT$300–700 per person for a generous tasting-style dinner: try the famous pepper buns, grilled seafood, herbal pork rib soup, and fruit drinks. Saturday evenings are lively and crowded, so keep wallets and phones secure, and note that individual stalls vary in opening days and hours; arriving around 6:30–7:00pm usually gives you the best balance of atmosphere and manageable queues.

Day 14 · Sun, Nov 14
Taipei

Taipei departure

  1. National Palace Museum — Shilin; view major Chinese art collections, morning, ~2.5 hours.
  2. Zhishan Garden — Shilin; stroll the museum’s quieter landscaped garden, ~1 hour.
  3. Beitou Hot Spring Museum — Beitou; learn about the district’s bathing history, early afternoon, ~45 minutes.
  4. Beitou Thermal Valley — Beitou; see the steaming volcanic landscape, ~45 minutes.
  5. Hot-spring lunch or bath in Beitou — Beitou; reserve a private bath or dine near Xinbeitou before departure, ~2 hours, NT$800–2,000 per person.

Morning

Begin at National Palace Museum in Shilin, arriving near opening time so you can see the main Chinese imperial-art galleries before the crowds build. Allow about 2½ hours, focusing on the headline ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and painting collections rather than trying to cover every room. Admission is usually around NT$350, with special exhibitions sometimes costing extra; verify the current schedule and ticket policy before going. From central Taipei, a taxi is simplest, while the MRT to Shilin followed by a museum bus or taxi is more economical. The museum is uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and leave bags in the lockers if needed.

Late Morning and Lunch

Walk across to Zhishan Garden, the museum’s quieter landscaped retreat, for roughly an hour among ponds, pavilions, and traditional planting. It is a good decompression stop after the dense galleries; check whether the garden is open on the day of your visit, as access can occasionally vary with museum operations. For lunch, keep things light near Shilin before continuing north—noodle shops and simple Taiwanese cafés around the MRT station are more practical than returning into central Taipei. A taxi from the museum to Beitou generally takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; by public transport, take the MRT to Beitou and change for the short branch line to Xinbeitou.

Afternoon

Spend the early afternoon at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a compact former public bathhouse that explains the district’s Japanese-era bathing culture. About 45 minutes is enough, and admission is generally free, though opening days and hours should be checked because small cultural sites can close for maintenance. Continue on foot toward Beitou Thermal Valley, following the signs through the park area; allow another 45 minutes to view the steaming, sulfurous volcanic basin from the designated paths. Stay behind barriers and avoid lingering directly over the vents—the heat and fumes are stronger than they look.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish with a reserved private bath or hot-spring lunch in Beitou, allowing about two hours. Choose a facility near Xinbeitou so you can walk from the MRT and avoid spending the final part of the day in taxis; private-room bathing commonly runs about NT$800–2,000 per person, while a meal and bath package may cost more. Book ahead, especially for a private bath or a weekend-style evening slot, and confirm whether towels, shower time, and meal service are included. Afterward, return from Xinbeitou via Beitou on the MRT; allow roughly 40–60 minutes to central Taipei, with extra time if you need to collect luggage or catch a timed evening reservation.

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