4-Day Family-Friendly Taiwan: Nature, City, and Culinary Adventures on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Exploring Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk, scallion pancakes, and fried dough sticks.
Take the MRT to Dongmen Station and walk 10 minutes.
NT$120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Taipei 101

Explore the iconic tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
Take MRT to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
NT$600 for adults; NT$540 for children, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Savor the world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at this popular restaurant.
Directly walk from Taipei 101; it's 5 minutes away.
NT$300 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Taipei Botanical Garden

Wander through beautiful gardens filled with native plants, perfect for a family stroll.
Take MRT to Xiaonanmen Station and walk 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shilin Night Market

Experience the vibrant street food scene; sample local snacks like grilled corn and stinky tofu.
Take MRT to Jiantan Station and it's a few minutes walk.
NT$200 (varies based on food choices), 2 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Walk to Jiantan MRT Station.
30 minutes
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Day 2: Day Trip to Jiaoxi

Jiaoxi, Taiwan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel or local bakery

Quick grab-and-go pastries or sandwiches to fuel your day.
NT$80, 1 hour

8:30AM

Take train to Jiaoxi

Enjoy the scenic ride through beautiful landscapes.
Catch the train from Taipei Main Station to Jiaoxi (approx. 1 hour).
NT$170, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax in Public Hot Springs

Enjoy Jiaoxi's famous hot springs; it's a perfect way to unwind.
Walk 10 minutes from the train station to the hot springs area.
NT$100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local food stall

Savor local specialties like beef noodles or herbal rice dumplings.
Explore along the main street in Jiaoxi.
NT$150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Wufengqi Waterfall

Hike to see stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation; great for family photos.
Take a local bus (NT$30) or taxi (NT$200) to the waterfall site.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Taipei

Head back to Taipei for the night.
Take the train back to Taipei Main Station.
NT$170, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Enjoy a variety of street food options; don’t miss the famous pepper buns!
Take MRT to Songshan Station and walk 5 minutes.
NT$300, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Taroko National Park

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan

6:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Refuel with toast and fruit before the travel day.
NT$100, 1 hour

7:00AM

Take train to Hualien

Scenic train ride that showcases beautiful coastal landscapes.
Catch the train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien (approx. 2 hours).
NT$400, 2 hours

9:30AM

Join a guided tour of Taroko National Park

Discover rugged gorges and stunning cliffs; a memorable experience for the whole family.
Join a group tour at Hualien train station.
NT$1,200 per person; NT$800 for children, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a local eatery in the park

Enjoy a packed lunch or local bento box amidst nature.
Included in tour package.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue exploring Taroko National Park

Hike through beautiful trails and admire the natural beauty.
Follow the guide during the tour.
Included in tour package, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hualien

Wrap up the day's adventure with a relaxing ride back.
30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Dongdamen Night Market

Sample Hualien's diverse cuisine; try the local sandwich 'Gua Bao'!
Walk from train station, about 10 minutes.
NT$250, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Hualien

Hualien, Taiwan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy fresh Taiwanese pastries and coffee to start the day.
Walk to a nearby café from your accommodation.
NT$150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Taroko Gorge Visitor Center

Learn about local culture and natural history through informative exhibits.
Take a local bus or taxi from Hualien.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hualien Forest Park

Enjoy a morning stroll along the trails, perfect for all ages.
Take a short bus ride from the visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Try local delicacies such as seafood or traditional rice dishes.
Find a restaurant nearby in Hualien.
NT$200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park

Discover local art and crafts in this creative space.
Take a bus or walk from the restaurant.
NT$50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take the train back to Taipei

Enjoy breathtaking views during your return journey.
Board the train from Hualien Station.
NT$400, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner in Taipei

Conclude your amazing trip with dinner at a casual local restaurant.
Choose a nearby restaurant once back in Taipei.
NT$300, 1.5 hours
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