Taiwan on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
   30 minutes from Taipei Main Station via MRT

   The memorial honors the former President of the Republic of China and offers exhibits on Taiwanese history and culture.

2. Day 2: Jiufen Old Street
   1 hour (38 km) from Taipei via bus

   Explore the traditional narrow streets filled with local food and handmade souvenirs while enjoying the mesmerizing mountain view.

3. Day 3: Taroko Gorge
   2.5 hours (145 km) from Jiufen by train

   One of the most magnificent natural sights in Taiwan - this canyon offers breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and temples.

4. Day 4: Hualien Dongdamen Tourist Night Market
   20 minutes (5 km) from Taroko Gorge via taxi

   A local food haven consisting of 200 stalls serving traditional Taiwanese cuisine, beverages, and snacks.

5. Day 5: Sun Moon Lake
   4 hours (164 km) from Hualien Station via train

   A peaceful natural landscape surrounded by mountain peaks offering stunning sunrises, bike rides, and Chinese temples.

6. Day 6: Rainbow Village
   3 hours (133 km) from Sun Moon Lake via train

   A colorful hidden art gem within a military-owned village which underwent an artistic transformation to promote tourism in Taiwan.

7. Day 7: Lotus Pond
   1 hour (14 km) from Rainbow Village via bus

   A scenic artificial pond home to many temples with extravagant and unique architecture in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

8. Day 8: Fo Guang Shan Monastery
   30 minutes (13 km) from Lotus Pond via car

   This historic monumental Buddhist monastery houses various pavilions and museums appealing to visitors of all religions.

9. Day 9: Anping Old Street
   1 hour (50 km) from Fo Guang Shan Monastery via train and bus

   This old street offers local traditional Taiwanese street food, unique cultural sites, and shopping opportunities.

10. Day 10: Taipei 101
    3.5 hours (246 km) from Anping Old Street via train

    The iconic skyscraper in Taiwan offering panoramic views, luxury shopping, and world-class dining experiences.

Time & Cost Estimates

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (1.5 hours, free entry)
• Jiufen Old Street (3 hours, TWD 200 for street food and souvenirs)
• Taroko Gorge (8 hours, TWD 600 for tour bus and entrance fee)
• Hualien Dongdamen Tourist Night Market (2 hours, TWD 300 for street food)
• Sun Moon Lake (6 hours, TWD 400 for boat ride)
• Rainbow Village (2 hours, free)
• Lotus Pond (3 hours, free)
• Fo Guang Shan Monastery (4 hours, TWD 50 for admission fee)
• Anping Old Street (2 hours, TWD 200 for street food and souvenirs)
• Taipei 101 (4 hours, TWD 500 for admission fee and food)
Total Estimated Costs: TWD 2250

Useful Tips

If you have more time, check out Taipei's night markets such as Shilin Night Market or Raohe Street Night Market. If you have less time, consider skipping Anping Old Street or Rainbow Village. Make sure to check the opening hours and days of your desired destinations as some locations may be closed on certain days of the week.