7-Day Taiwan Adventure: Taichung to Taipei Cultural and Scenic Highlights

Day 1: Explore Taichung

Taichung, Taiwan on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Miyahara

Enjoy a unique breakfast experience at Miyahara, known for its exquisite pineapple cakes and beautifully designed vintage interiors.
TWD300, 1h

10:30am

National Taichung Theater

Visit this architectural marvel, famous for its organic design and unique acoustics; explore its theater spaces and art exhibitions.
TWD200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang

Taste original bubble tea alongside traditional Taiwanese dim sum at Chun Shui Tang, credited with inventing bubble tea.
TWD350, 1h

2:30pm

Taichung Park

Relax and enjoy scenic views at Taichung Park featuring a serene lake, historic pavilion, and lush greenery.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Rainbow Village

Explore this colorful miniature village, a community art project famous for its vibrant street art by a local veteran.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Savor a variety of Taiwanese street foods at Taiwan’s largest night market, open until midnight, perfect for sampling local delicacies.
TWD200, 2h

Day 2: Cultural & Creative Depth

Taichung, Taiwan on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sugar & Spice

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at this popular bakery that embodies Taichung’s vibrant café culture.
TWD250, 1h

10:00am

National Museum of Natural Science

Explore Taiwan’s leading science museum featuring interactive exhibits, botanical gardens, and a dinosaur exhibit.
TWD150, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang Historic Store

Delight in traditional Taiwanese dishes and freshly brewed tea in the historic setting where bubble tea originated.
TWD350, 1h

2:30pm

Calligraphy Greenway

Take a stroll along this green corridor featuring art installations, boutique shops, and cafes, perfect for leisure and shopping.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Taichung Second Market

Experience traditional Taiwanese market food with fresh local ingredients and authentic flavors in a historic market setting.
TWD200, 1h30m

Day 3: Sun Moon Lake Exploration

Nantou, Taiwan on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung

Depart early by bus or car to Sun Moon Lake, approximately 1.5 hours journey, to maximize the day’s sightseeing.
TWD150, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at a lakeside café

Enjoy fresh local produce and lake views at a café overlooking Sun Moon Lake before heading out to explore.
TWD300, 1h

10:30am

Boat tour of Sun Moon Lake

Take a scenic boat ride around the lake, visiting key spots like Lalu Island and the iconic temples along the shore.
TWD300, 1h

12:00pm

Walk the Xiangshan Visitor Center trail

Visit the architecturally stunning Xiangshan Visitor Center and enjoy a leisurely walk along the nearby scenic trails.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ita Thao Village

Sample indigenous Taiwanese cuisine at the local market and food stalls in Ita Thao village near the lake.
TWD350, 1h

3:00pm

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

Take the cable car to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village for panoramic views and cultural exhibits.
TWD450, 2h

5:30pm

Travel to Alishan

Drive or take a bus to Alishan area, approximately 2 hours, for an overnight stay near the famous mountain range.
TWD300, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Alishan local restaurant

Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine with fresh local vegetables and tea-based dishes to conclude your day.
TWD400, 1h

Day 4: Alishan Mountain

Alishan, Taiwan on May 22, 2025

4:00am

Alishan Sunrise Viewing

Wake early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the sea of clouds from Alishan’s viewing platform, a must-see experience.
TWD100, 1h30m

7:00am

Breakfast at Alishan House

Refuel with a warm breakfast at the historic Alishan House hotel cafe with mountain views.
TWD350, 1h

8:30am

Alishan Forest Railway

Take the heritage train ride through the forested trails, spotting ancient cypress trees and scenic vistas.
TWD150, 2h

11:00am

Hiking Alishan Trails

Explore trails such as the Sisters Ponds and Shouzhen Temple, appreciating the serene natural environment and cultural sites.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Alishan local eatery

Sample local mountain specialty dishes, including bamboo rice and wild greens.
TWD350, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Tainan

Depart for Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, approximately 3.5 hours south by bus or car.
TWD400, 3h30m

6:00pm

Check in and Dinner at Tainan

Check into accommodation and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant famous for Tainanese cuisine, such as Danzai noodles.
TWD400, 1h30m

Day 5: Historic Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Start your day with traditional Taiwanese breakfast foods like soy milk, fried dough, and egg pancakes at this beloved spot.
TWD150, 1h

9:30am

Chihkan Tower

Visit this well-preserved 17th-century Dutch fort showcasing Tainan’s colonial history and beautiful architecture.
TWD50, 1h

11:00am

Confucius Temple

Explore Taiwan’s oldest Confucius temple and its tranquil gardens, a hub of cultural heritage in Tainan.
TWD50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tainan Street Food Stalls

Taste famous local dishes like coffin bread and oyster omelets at popular market stalls.
TWD300, 1h30m

2:00pm

Anping Old Street

Stroll through this historic district with traditional shops, souvenir stalls, and historic forts.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chimei Museum Café

Dine at the museum’s café offering western and Taiwanese fusion meals amidst elegant surroundings.
TWD400, 1h30m

Day 6: Modern Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Taipei from Tainan

Take a high-speed train to Taipei, approximately 1.5 hours, arriving mid-morning to start exploring Taiwan’s capital.
TWD1,200, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk

Try a local Taiwanese breakfast of fresh soy milk, egg crepes, and scallion pancakes at this renowned spot.
TWD100, 1h

10:30am

Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit one of the world’s tallest buildings and enjoy sweeping views of Taipei from the observation deck.
TWD600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Indulge in world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Taiwanese cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
TWD600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Explore the imposing memorial and lush gardens dedicated to the former president of the Republic of China.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk through Ximending

Experience Taipei’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district known as the ‘Harajuku of Taipei’.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Raohe Night Market

Sample a wide range of Taiwanese street food specialties including pepper buns and grilled squid at this lively night market.
TWD300, 2h

Day 7: Culture & Nature

Taipei, Taiwan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Lobby of Simple Kaffa

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and artisan pastries at this award-winning coffee shop in Taipei.
TWD400, 1h

9:30am

National Palace Museum

Discover one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks in a world-class museum.
TWD350, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shilin Market Food Court

Feast on diverse Taiwanese street foods and snacks in the largest and most famous night market food court by day.
TWD300, 1h

2:30pm

Yangmingshan National Park

Explore scenic hiking trails, hot springs, and seasonal flower blooms within this beautiful national park near Taipei.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Taipei and Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Dine on fresh seafood and sushi at this unique seafood market and restaurant hub, highly regarded for quality and atmosphere.
TWD700, 1h30m