A Week in Taiwan

  • Day 1: Taipei 101
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Taoyuan International Airport

    The Taipei 101 tower is an iconic landmark in Taiwan and offers visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the city from its observation deck on the 89th floor. Visitors can also shop at the mall at the bottom of the tower and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.

  • Day 2: Taroko Gorge National Park
    2 hours (79 miles) from Taipei 101

    Taroko Gorge National Park is one of Taiwan's most beautiful natural wonders, with marble cliffs, tunnels, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the park's scenic spots by car or bike, and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful scenery.

  • Day 3: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    1 hour (35 miles) from Taroko Gorge National Park

    The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national monument in honor of the former President of the Republic of China. Visitors can learn about the history of the country and the president's life, see the changing of the guards, and take a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

  • Day 4: Sun Moon Lake
    2 hours (80 miles) from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful, crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains and dotted with temples, pagodas, and pavilions. Visitors can take a boat ride or cycle around the lake, visit the temples, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • Day 5: Kenting National Park
    3.5 hours (145 miles) from Sun Moon Lake

    Kenting National Park is a beautiful, natural wonderland located on the southern tip of Taiwan. Visitors can hike through the park's forests, swim in the clear waters, visit the ancient temples, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

  • Day 6: Jiufen Old Street
    3 hours (125 miles) from Kenting National Park

    Jiufen Old Street is a charming, traditional street filled with tea houses, souvenir shops, and delicious street food. Visitors can explore the narrow alleys and lanes, see stunning views of the ocean, and enjoy the local delicacies.

  • Day 7: Yehliu Geopark
    1.5 hours (45 miles) from Jiufen Old Street

    Yehliu Geopark is a unique geological landscape with towering rock formations, eroded by the wind and sea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and see the famous rock formations, such as the Queen's Head and the Fairy Shoe.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Taipei 101 Observation Deck (1-2 hours, NT$600)
  • Taroko Gorge National Park (4-6 hours, free)
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sun Moon Lake (4-6 hours, NT$300)
  • Kenting National Park (4-6 hours, NT$300)
  • Jiufen Old Street (2-4 hours, free)
  • Yehliu Geopark (2-4 hours, NT$80)

  • Total Estimated Costs: NT$1,280 (~$45 USD)

Transportation

Most travelers to Taiwan will arrive at Taoyuan International Airport, which is about 20 minutes from Taipei by car or train. Traveling between cities in Taiwan is best done by train, which is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the country. For shorter distances, you can take a taxi or rent a bike. Travel costs will vary, but a one-way train ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around NT$1,000 (~$35 USD) and takes about 4.5 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider checking out other popular attractions in Taiwan, such as the National Palace Museum, the Shilin Night Market, or the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions on this itinerary or choose to only visit one or two cities in Taiwan.

Airports

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's main international airport and is located in Taoyuan City, about 25 miles from Taipei. Other airports in Taiwan include Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), located in Kaohsiung City, and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), located in Taipei City. Both Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan airports serve domestic flights within Taiwan and some international flights to neighboring countries.

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