Scenic Taiwan Exploration: Taipei to Alishan 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Taipei Arrival

Taipei, Taiwan on October 18, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in to hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Taipei to relax after your arrival and prepare for the upcoming busy days.
C0, 1h

3:30PM

Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Explore this iconic landmark and its beautiful gardens, showcasing Taiwan's history and impressive architecture. Open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
C0, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi)

Enjoy world-famous Taiwanese xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other delicacies. Open until 9:30 PM.
C500 TWD, 1h

7:30PM

Stroll Xinyi Shopping District

Experience Taipei’s modern shopping and nightlife scene near Taipei 101 with illuminated city views.
C0, 1h30m
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Day 2: Taipei Highlights

Taipei, Taiwan on October 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yong He Soy Milk

Start your day with classic Taiwanese breakfast including soy milk and fried dough sticks. Open 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
C100 TWD, 1h

9:30AM

Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit the iconic skyscraper to enjoy panoramic views of Taipei city from the world’s fastest elevator. Open 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
C600 TWD, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Raohe Street Night Market

Taste diverse Taiwanese street food classics such as pepper buns and bubble tea. Open daily 5:00 PM - midnight; some vendors open earlier around noon.
C200 TWD, 1h

1:30PM

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and art. Open 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
C350 TWD, 2h30m

4:30PM

Relax at Daan Forest Park

Take a peaceful walk or rent a bike in Taipei's largest urban park before dinner.
C0, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in this popular market-style dining spot. Open until 10:00 PM.
C800 TWD, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Alishan

Taipei to Alishan, Taiwan on October 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast before your journey south to Alishan.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Travel from Taipei to Chiayi by High-Speed Rail

Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail from Taipei to Chiayi, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours travel time.
C700 TWD, 2h

10:30AM

Chiayi Station to Alishan Shuttle Bus

Take the direct bus to Alishan National Scenic Area, approximately 2.5 – 3 hours.
Buses typically start in early morning; check schedules in advance.
C300 TWD, 3h

2:00PM

Check in Alishan hotel

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for afternoon exploration.
C0, 1h

3:00PM

Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Explore walking trails through ancient cypress forests and scenic viewpoints. Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
C300 TWD, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Taste local mountain cuisine featuring fresh and organic ingredients with a tranquil atmosphere.
C600 TWD, 1h
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Day 4: Alishan Sunrise & Hiking

Alishan, Taiwan on October 21, 2025

4:00AM

Alishan Sunrise Viewing

Wake early to catch the famous Alishan sunrise at Zhu Mountain, a spectacular natural event. The scenic area is accessible from about 3:00 AM onwards.
C0, 2h

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast after sunrise while preparing for your hiking day.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Alishan Giant Tree Trail

Hike along a trail featuring massive cedar trees over a thousand years old, with depth of nature and tranquility. Trail open all day.
C0, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Alishan House Restaurant

Savor local specialties such as mountain vegetables and wild boar in an elegant setting.
C700 TWD, 1h

1:30PM

Alishan Sister Ponds

Visit these two serene ponds surrounded by forest – a peaceful spot for photography and relaxing walks. Open all day.
C0, 1h

3:00PM

Shouzhen Temple

Explore a historic temple with intricate wood carvings emphasizing local religious culture.
C0, 45m

5:00PM

Relaxation and Leisure

Return to hotel to rest or enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere before dinner.
C0, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at local eatery

Try local mountain cuisine dishes and fresh produce with a rustic setting.
C500 TWD, 1h
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Day 5: Alishan to Taipei

Alishan to Taipei, Taiwan on October 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before the trip back to Taipei.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Shuttle bus back to Chiayi

Return from Alishan to Chiayi station by bus, approx. 3 hours. Check bus timetable beforehand.
C300 TWD, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch near Chiayi Station

Enjoy Chiayi specialties such as turkey rice at a local eatery near station.
C200 TWD, 1h

2:30PM

High-Speed Rail from Chiayi to Taipei

Travel back on Taiwan's fast rail to Taipei, taking about 1.5 – 2 hours.
C700 TWD, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in Taipei hotel

Settle back into your Taipei accommodation to rest and prepare for evening plans.
C0, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Explore Taiwan's largest night market featuring a vast variety of street food, games, and souvenirs. Open 4:00 PM - midnight.
C300 TWD, 2h
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Day 6: Taipei Cultural Day

Taipei, Taiwan on October 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Try one of Taipei's most beloved breakfast joints for soy milk and fan tuan (rice rolls). Open 5:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
C100 TWD, 1h

9:30AM

Longshan Temple

Visit Taipei’s oldest and most famous temple, rich in cultural and religious significance. Open 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
C0, 1h

10:45AM

Bopiliao Historical Block

Walk through this restored Qing Dynasty street with shops, cafes, and exhibitions. Open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
C0, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Modern Toilet Restaurant

Dine at the quirky themed restaurant serving Taiwanese dishes with fun presentation. Open 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM.
C400 TWD, 1h

1:30PM

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Discover art galleries, designer shops, and cafes in a repurposed industrial area. Open 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
C0, 2h

4:00PM

Relax at Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Explore contemporary Taiwanese art in this modern museum. Open 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM; closed Mondays.
C30 TWD, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Sample Taiwan’s beloved braised pork rice, a local comfort dish. Open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
C150 TWD, 1h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Jiufen

Jiufen, Taiwan on October 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your day trip to the charming mountain town of Jiufen.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Travel to Jiufen

Take a two-hour bus or organized tour from Taipei to Jiufen, famous for its old streets and tea houses.
C150 TWD, 2h

10:30AM

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Wander through narrow alleys with street snacks, souvenir shops, and stunning views. Open all day.
C0, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Savor traditional Taiwanese tea and snacks with breathtaking views over the mountains and sea.
C400 TWD, 1h30m

2:00PM

Visit Gold Museum and Jiufen Museum

Learn about the gold mining history in this area. Museums open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
C100 TWD, 1h30m

4:00PM

Return to Taipei

Travel back to Taipei to rest before dinner.
C150 TWD, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development (repeat option)

Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies, a great choice for your last dinner night in Taipei.
C800 TWD, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure

Taipei, Taiwan on October 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Taipei before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Spend any remaining time exploring nearby markets or relaxing at your hotel.
Variable, 2h

12:00PM

Check-out and transfer to airport

Arrange transport to Taoyuan International Airport for your departure.
Variable, 1h
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