8-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Taiwan

Day 1: Taipei Arrival & Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on April 28, 2025

2:00pm

Check-in & Rest

Arrive at your accommodation in Taipei and relax after your journey to prepare for an exciting week.
N/A, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Taipei 101

Explore Taipei 101, the iconic skyscraper with an observatory offering panoramic views of the city. It’s a must-see landmark and a symbol of modern Taiwan.
TWD600, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Xinyi Shopping District

Walk around Taipei’s fashion and lifestyle hub with numerous shops, cafes, and street art, ideal for shopping and people-watching.
N/A, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung Xinyi Branch

Enjoy authentic Taiwanese xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and noodles at this world-famous restaurant. It opens until 9:30pm, perfect for an early dinner.
TWD400, 1h0m

Day 2: Jiufen & Pingxi Day Trip

Taipei, Taiwan on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start with traditional Taiwanese breakfast like soy milk, fried dough sticks, and egg pancakes to energize your day.
TWD100, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Jiufen Old Street

Explore the charming mountainside village known for its teahouses, lanterns, and narrow alleys. Opens from 9am and less crowded early morning.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Have lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and sea at the famous A-Mei Tea House, offering traditional tea snacks.
TWD350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience

Travel to Pingxi to release a sky lantern with your wishes written on it, a traditional and magical experience. The area is lively until sunset.
TWD150, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Taipei

Head back to Taipei to rest or explore more local nightlife if desired.
N/A, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Savor street food gems like fried chicken, oyster omelette, and stinky tofu at Taipei’s largest night market, open until midnight.
TWD250, 1h30m

Day 3: Taichung Urban and Nature

Taichung, Taiwan on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Taichung

Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei to Taichung to reach central Taiwan quickly, journey about 1 hour.
TWD700, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Miyahara

Enjoy breakfast or sweet treats at this beautifully restored building famous for its pineapple cakes and ice cream.
TWD350, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Rainbow Village

Explore this brightly painted, quirky village originally created by a veteran, offering colorful murals and photo ops. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Taichung Park

Relax at Taichung Park with its lovely lake and historic pavilion, perfect for a stroll or a short boat ride.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang

Have authentic Taiwanese lunch and try the original bubble tea invented here. They serve traditional dishes and tea.
TWD400, 1h0m

2:00pm

National Taichung Theater

Visit this architectural marvel designed by Toyo Ito, which hosts performances and showcases modern design. Open 10am-9pm.
Free to explore lobby; shows vary, 1h0m

3:30pm

Leisure at Calligraphy Greenway

Walk along this artsy green belt full of boutiques, galleries, and cafes ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Experience one of Taiwan’s largest night markets with diverse street food, open from 4pm to midnight, perfect for vibrant evening vibes.
TWD300, 1h30m

Day 4: Sun Moon Lake Adventure

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

Take a bus or taxi from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, a stunning scenic area offering boat tours and hiking.
TWD200, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast near Sun Moon Lake

Enjoy a local breakfast with fresh local produce in a lakeside cafe to start your day with calming views.
TWD200, 0h45m

10:00am

Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour to visit key spots around the lake, including Ita Thao and Xuanguang Temple.
TWD300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Hiking and Cycling

Explore part of the bike trails or hike trails around the lake to enjoy nature and serene landscapes.
Free or bike rental TWD200, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ita Thao

Dine on aboriginal-style cuisine in the Ita Thao village area, featuring unique indigenous flavors.
TWD350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Wenwu Temple

Explore Wenwu Temple, a magnificent lakeside temple with beautiful architecture and lake views, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into a nearby hotel or guesthouse to relax and enjoy sunset at the lake.
N/A, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy dinner overlooking Sun Moon Lake serving local and Taiwanese specialties.
TWD500, 1h0m

Day 5: Alishan Mountain Forest

Alishan, Taiwan on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Alishan

Take a bus from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, a famous mountain area with forests and iconic sunrise spots.
TWD300, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast in Alishan

Eat a hearty breakfast with mountain views to prepare for a day of hiking and sightseeing.
TWD250, 0h45m

10:30am

Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Explore trails through ancient cypress trees, visit Sisters Ponds, and enjoy fresh mountain air. Open daily from 6am to 6pm.
TWD300, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Alishan Visitor Center

Light lunch featuring local specialties at the visitor center cafe.
TWD300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Alishan Train Ride

Ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway from the visitor center to main spots, a nostalgic and scenic experience.
TWD150, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel

Rest overnight at an Alishan hotel to prepare for sunrise viewing next day.
N/A, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy warm local cuisine after a day outdoors at your hotel restaurant.
TWD450, 1h0m

Day 6: Tainan Historical Tour

Tainan, Taiwan on May 3, 2025

5:00am

Alishan Sunrise View

Early start to witness the famous Alishan sunrise from the viewing platform, an unforgettable scenic experience.
Free, 1h0m

7:00am

Breakfast at Alishan

Light breakfast before departure to Tainan.
TWD200, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Tainan

Take the train or bus from Alishan area to Tainan, a city renowned for its rich history and temples. Journey about 3 hours.
TWD600, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch at Chihkan Tower Area

Check in at your hotel then enjoy lunch at local eateries near Chihkan Tower offering classic Tainan snacks.
TWD300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Chihkan Tower

Explore one of Tainan’s historic landmarks dating back to the 17th century with beautiful gardens and cultural exhibitions. Open 8am-5pm.
TWD50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Confucius Temple

Visit Taiwan’s oldest Confucius Temple, a peaceful site to learn about traditional architecture and history, open until 5pm.
TWD50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Anping Old Street

Walk through Anping Old Street to enjoy historic buildings and sample famous Tainan street food like shrimp rolls.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Du Hsiao Yueh

Taste Tainan’s renowned danzai noodles and other specialties at this iconic restaurant open until 9pm.
TWD250, 1h0m

Day 7: Kaohsiung City Tour

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kaohsiung

Take a short train ride from Tainan to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Liuhe Night Market Morning Stalls

Enjoy breakfast items at Liuhe Market morning stalls to fuel your sightseeing day.
TWD150, 0h45m

10:00am

Pier-2 Art Center

Visit the vibrant arts district with galleries and quirky installations showcasing local creativity, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ruifeng Night Market

Sample diverse Taiwanese street food in a lively market environment, open 11am to midnight.
TWD300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Explore one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Taiwan with impressive sculptures and cultural exhibits. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Love River Walk

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the scenic Love River with cafes and bridges, ideal for sunset views.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bamboo Tubes Cuisine Restaurant

Try Bamboo Tubes Cuisine, a unique dining experience native to Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, open till 9pm.
TWD500, 1h0m

Day 8: Return to Taipei & Departure

Taipei, Taiwan on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Taipei

Take the High-Speed Rail from Kaohsiung back to Taipei in the morning to allow time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
TWD1300, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Enjoy one last traditional Taiwanese Taiwanese breakfast at the famous Fu Hang Soy Milk, open from 5:30am to 12pm.
TWD150, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and art, open 8:30am–6:30pm on weekdays.
TWD350, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Try the iconic Taiwanese braised pork rice, a simple yet beloved dish at Jin Feng, open until 9pm.
TWD150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last Minute Shopping at Taipei Main Station Underground Mall

Shop for souvenirs and snacks at this convenient underground mall near the high-speed rail station before your departure.
N/A, 1h0m

3:30pm

Head to Airport

Make your way to Taoyuan International Airport for your departure flight, ensuring ample time for check-in.
N/A, 2h0m