14-Day Ultimate Taiwan Adventure: From Taipei Cityscapes to Scenic Sun Moon Lake

Day 1: Explore Taipei Sights

Taipei, Taiwan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, enjoying fresh soy milk and crispy youtiao, an iconic local morning meal staple.
TWD100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Taipei 101 Observatory

Ascend the famous Taipei 101 for panoramic city views, a must-see architectural marvel that held the title of world’s tallest building for years.
TWD600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi branch)

Savor world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung, known for its exquisite Taiwanese dumpling craft and fast service.
TWD400, 1h30m

2:00pm

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world's greatest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, revealing over 5,000 years of history.
TWD350, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Experience Taiwan's vibrant night market culture with a variety of street foods like stinky tofu, oyster omelet, and bubble tea.
TWD300, 2h0m
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Day 2: Taipei Cultural Day

Taipei, Taiwan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Famous for fresh soy milk and Taiwanese breakfast classics, this spot is perfect for an authentic breakfast experience early in the morning.
TWD100, 1h0m

9:00am

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Visit this grand monument featuring impressive architecture, historical exhibits, and changing of the guard ceremony.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Lunch at Addiction Aquatic Development

Feast on fresh seafood at this modern market and restaurant offering sushi, grilled seafood, and more in a lively atmosphere.
TWD600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail

Hike this short but steep trail for stunning city views including Taipei 101, great for photos and sunset watching.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Explore a less touristy night market with delicious food stalls offering pepper buns, grilled squid, and sweet Taiwanese treats.
TWD300, 2h0m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen & Pingxi

Jiufen & Pingxi, Taiwan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Quick and light breakfast to prepare for a day outside the city.
TWD150, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Jiufen

Take a bus or taxi north to Jiufen, the picturesque mountain town known for its narrow streets and tea houses.
TWD200, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Wander through winding alleys and sample street snacks like taro balls and herbal rice cake while soaking in ocean views.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony paired with light Taiwanese snacks while admiring scenic mountain vistas.
TWD350, 1h30m

2:30pm

Travel to Pingxi

Continue by train or taxi to Pingxi District, famous for its sky lantern releases and old railway line.
TWD250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Sky Lantern Experience in Pingxi

Write your wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky, a treasured local tradition symbolizing good luck.
TWD150, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Taipei

Travel back to Taipei to relax for the evening.
TWD250, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Try the famous Taiwanese comfort food of braised pork rice in a humble and highly rated local eatery.
TWD150, 1h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Hualien & Explore Taroko

Hualien, Taiwan on May 21, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departure to Hualien.
Included, 0h45m

7:30am

Train to Hualien

Take the scenic train ride from Taipei to Hualien along Taiwan’s beautiful east coast.
TWD440, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in hotel in Hualien

Drop off luggage and freshen up for Taroko Gorge adventure.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dongdamen Night Market (daytime stalls)

Try local Hualien specialties such as muaji (rice cakes) and fresh seafood.
TWD300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Taroko Gorge National Park Visit

Explore stunning marble gorges, trails like Shakadang and Swallow Grotto offering breathtaking natural scenery.
TWD200, 4h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hualien Gongzheng Baozi

Delight in steamed buns filled with fresh local ingredients, a local favorite spot in Hualien.
TWD150, 1h0m
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Day 5: Hualien to Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to start your day trip.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel from Hualien to Sun Moon Lake by train and bus

Make your way to the central Taiwan gem, traveling via Taichung with public transport connections.
TWD800, 5h30m

1:30pm

Check in to Sun Moon Lake accommodations

Rest and prepare for afternoon activities.
Included, 0h30m

2:00pm

Boat tour of Sun Moon Lake

Take a scenic boat ride to visit key spots such as Ita Thao Village and Lalu Island with beautiful lakeside views.
TWD300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ita Thao Local Restaurant

Enjoy indigenous cuisine with fresh fish and local flavors at a lakeside eatery in Ita Thao Village.
TWD450, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sun Moon Lake Nature & Culture

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Cycle around Sun Moon Lake

Bike the well-maintained cycling path to enjoy stunning views and several cultural spots around the lake.
TWD200 for bike rental, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a lakeside café

Relax with light Taiwanese dishes and tea at a cozy café near the water.
TWD350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Wenwu Temple

Explore this beautiful temple with ornate architecture and fantastic lake views, an important cultural landmark.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Discover Taiwan’s aboriginal heritage and enjoy amusement park rides and gardens here.
TWD850, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant

Rest with a local menu or international dishes at your accommodation or nearby.
TWD500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Alishan Scenic Railway

Alishan, Taiwan on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for the mountain journey ahead.
Included, 0h45m

7:00am

Travel to Alishan by bus from Sun Moon Lake

Enjoy a scenic bus ride ascending the mountains to Alishan National Scenic Area.
TWD300, 3h0m

10:00am

Explore Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Walk through ancient cypress forests, visit Sisters Ponds and Giant Tree Plank Trail for nature immersion.
TWD300, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Alishan restaurant

Taste indigenous mountain cuisine and fresh vegetable dishes unique to Alishan.
TWD350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ride Alishan Forest Railway to scenic spots

Take the narrow-gauge train for spectacular views, including a stop at Zhu Mountain for sunset.
TWD150, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner and overnight in Alishan accommodation

Enjoy a quiet evening in the cool mountain air with local food specialties.
TWD600, 1h0m
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Day 8: Alishan to Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and sunrise viewing at Alishan

Catch Alishan’s famous sunrise at Zhushan Observation Deck before breakfast.
Included, 2h0m

8:00am

Travel to Tainan by train via Chiayi

Descend the mountain and take train south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city known for culture and street food.
TWD600, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tainan Danzai Noodles

Try iconic bowl of aromatic Tainan style noodles with shrimp and minced pork sauce.
TWD150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Chihkan Tower and Confucius Temple

Explore these historic and beautiful sites showcasing Tainan’s rich heritage and architecture.
TWD200, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Garden Night Market

Spend your evening experiencing the bustling night market scene with great Taiwanese street food.
TWD300, 2h0m
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Day 9: Tainan Food & Culture

Tainan, Taiwan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fu Lou Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast in one of the oldest local eateries in Tainan.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Anping Old Street and Fort Zeelandia

Visit the historic Dutch fort and then stroll through the charming Anping Old Street full of unique shops and snacks.
TWD100, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Anping Tree House café

Light lunch surrounded by giant banyan tree roots engulfing the old warehouse building.
TWD350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Your Hotel or explore local markets

Rest or explore the vibrant local markets and tea shops.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant

Sample authentic danzai noodles and other Tainan specialties at a renowned historic restaurant.
TWD400, 1h0m
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Day 10: Tainan to Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local market

Enjoy street breakfast specials with fresh soy milk, rice rolls and steamed buns.
TWD100, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kaohsiung by train

Short and comfortable train ride south to Taiwan’s bustling port city.
TWD150, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Pier-2 Art District

Explore colorful warehouses converted into art galleries, shops, and cafés showcasing local creativity.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ruifeng Night Market (day stalls)

Try local seafood and Kaohsiung snacks like muaji and papaya milk in a lively food market.
TWD350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

A spectacular Buddhist complex featuring beautiful architecture, giant Buddha statues, and cultural exhibitions.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Liuhe Night Market

Sample famous seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Taiwanese desserts at one of Kaohsiung’s bestselling night markets.
TWD300, 2h0m
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Day 11: Kaohsiung City & Beaches

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Light breakfast including Taiwanese rice ball or scallion pancake to start your day.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cijin Island

Take a short ferry ride to Cijin for beaches, seafood, and the Cijin Lighthouse and windmill park.
TWD100 ferry, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a seafood restaurant on Cijin

Fresh seafood platters right by the ocean are a perfect midday treat.
TWD500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kaohsiung and visit Lotus Pond

Explore the famous temples, pavilions, and dragon and tiger pagodas surrounding the tranquil Lotus Pond.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local bento shop

Try a Taiwanese style boxed meal with rice, meat, and side dishes, popular among locals.
TWD200, 1h0m
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Day 12: Kaohsiung to Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your train ride back to Taipei.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

High-speed train to Taipei

Travel north quickly by Taiwan High Speed Rail, allowing more time for last day sightseeing.
TWD1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Check into Taipei hotel and relax

Drop luggage, freshen up and prepare for the afternoon city activities.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Savor some of the best beef noodles in Taipei, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for midday.
TWD300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Enjoy art exhibitions, design shops, and cafes in this vibrant cultural space central to Taipei’s creative scene.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Tonghua Night Market

End your trip with casual street food tasting, famous for grilled squid, fried chicken, and mango shaved ice.
TWD300, 2h0m
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Day 13: Taipei Leisure Day

Taipei, Taiwan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Try fresh Taiwanese pastries and coffee to start a relaxed day.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Soak in therapeutic hot springs and visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum to learn about the area’s geothermal history.
TWD100 for public hot springs, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Millé Crepe

Delight in sweet and savory crepes in a quaint café near the hot springs area.
TWD300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping at Ximending

Experience Taipei’s trendy shopping district, great for souvenirs, fashion, and street performances.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Modern Toilet Restaurant

Have a fun themed dinner at this quirky popular restaurant serving Taiwanese hot pots and snacks in bathroom-themed decor.
TWD400, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure Day

Taipei, Taiwan on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Pack and enjoy a final breakfast before your departure flight.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Taoyuan Airport

Allow plenty of time to arrive for check-in and security for your flight home or next destination.
TWD160 by airport MRT, 1h0m
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