A 7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Taiwan

• Day 1: Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola
  30 minutes (7 miles) from Taoyuan International Airport

  Start your trip in Taipei by visiting the Taipei Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Asia, home to over 400 species. Afterward, take a scenic gondola ride to nearby Maokong and enjoy tea and snacks while you take in the incredible views of the city.

• Day 2: Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs
  40 minutes (10 miles) from Taipei Zoo

  Experience nature at its finest at Yangmingshan National Park, famous for its volcanic geography and hot springs. Afterward, head to Beitou Hot Springs to relax in one of the many public or private hot spring baths.

• Day 3: Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung
  30 minutes (8 miles) from Beitou Hot Springs

  Visit the iconic Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, and take in the breathtaking views from the observatory. Afterward, head to Ding Tai Fung, one of the city's most famous restaurants, for a taste of the world-renowned xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings).

• Day 4: Taichung Rainbow Village and Fengjia Night Market
  2 hours (80 miles) from Taipei 101

  Take a day trip to Taichung to visit the incredibly colorful Rainbow Village, which is filled with vibrant artwork. Afterward, head to Fengjia Night Market, one of the most popular night markets in Taiwan, and indulge in delicious street food and shopping.

• Day 5: Kaohsiung Lotus Pond and Cijin Island
  2 hours (150 miles) from Taichung Rainbow Village

  Visit the scenic Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, home to several pagodas and temples. Afterward, take a ferry to nearby Cijin Island to relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

• Day 6: Taroko Gorge and Night Market in Hualien
  4 hours (144 miles) from Kaohsiung Lotus Pond

  Take a day trip to Hualien to see the stunning Taroko Gorge, known for its marble cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests. Afterward, head to the Hualien Night Market to sample local delicacies.

• Day 7: Jiufen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall
  2 hours (75 miles) from Taroko Gorge and Night Market in Hualien

  Finish your trip by visiting the picturesque Jiufen Old Street, famous for its traditional architecture and stunning views. Afterward, head to nearby Shifen to see the majestic waterfall and release a lantern into the sky for good luck.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Taipei Zoo (3-4 hours, NT$60/ adult, NT$30/ child)
• Maokong Gondola (2-3 hours, NT$120/ adult round-trip, NT$70/ child round-trip)
• Yangmingshan National Park (2-3 hours, free admission)
• Beitou Hot Springs (2-3 hours, prices vary by hot spring)
• Taipei 101 (2-3 hours, NT$600/ adult, NT$540/ youth, NT$480/ child)
• Din Tai Fung (1-2 hours, prices vary by dish)
• Rainbow Village (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Fengjia Night Market (2-3 hours, prices vary by vendor)
• Kaohsiung Lotus Pond (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Cijin Island (3-4 hours, NT$50/ round-trip ferry)
• Taroko Gorge (half-day, free admission)
• Hualien Night Market (2-3 hours, prices vary by vendor)
• Jiufen Old Street (2-3 hours, free admission)
• Shifen Waterfall (2-3 hours, free admission)
• Total Estimated Costs: NT$1,930-2,070 per person ($70-76 USD)

Transportation

Travelers can use Taiwan's efficient and extensive public transportation system, including the MRT, public buses, and high-speed rail, to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Expect to spend about NT$1,500-2,000 ($55-74 USD) on transportation during the trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the cultural landmarks of Tainan, the food heaven of Tamsui, or the natural hot springs of Wulai. For a shorter trip, skip the day trip to Taichung and spend an extra day exploring Taipei.

Airports

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main airport serving Taipei and is located about 25 miles south of the city center. Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is a smaller airport located just a few miles from the city center that mainly serves domestic flights.