8-Night Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Taiwan

Day 1: Taipei Arrival

Taipei, Taiwan on May 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yong He Soy Milk King

Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast known for fresh soy milk and crispy youtiao. It provides a perfect authentic local breakfast experience.
TWD100, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Explore this iconic monument dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader, with impressive architecture and changing of the guard ceremony, open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Branch)

Enjoy world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese delights at this Michelin-starred restaurant, open until 10pm.
TWD350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Taipei 101 Observatory

Head up to the observatory in one of the world's tallest buildings for stunning panoramic views of Taipei, open from 9am to 10pm.
TWD600, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll Daan Forest Park

Relax in Taipei’s largest urban park, ideal for leisurely walks amid greenery and lakes, open daily from 5am to 11pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Raohe Night Market

Sample a variety of Taiwanese street foods including pepper buns and bubble tea at this lively night market, open until midnight.
TWD200, 1h30m

Day 2: Taipei Culture

Taipei, Taiwan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Try the renowned Taiwanese traditional breakfast items like thick soy milk and sesame flatbread. Opens at 5am, best to come early to avoid queue.
TWD120, 1h

9:30am

National Palace Museum

Marvel at one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, located about 30 minutes from Taipei city centre, open 8:30am-6:30pm.
TWD350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Silks Palace

Enjoy refined Chinese cuisine inspired by the National Palace Museum’s treasures, located adjacent to the museum, open 11:30am-2pm.
TWD700, 1h30m

2:00pm

Longshan Temple Visit

Visit this historic and beautifully ornate temple dedicated to Guanyin, a major spiritual site in Taipei, open all day.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Bopiliao Old Street

Walk through this preserved historic area dating back to Qing Dynasty, showcasing traditional architecture and culture, open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Elephant Mountain Hike

Take an easy 20-30 minute hike for breathtaking views of Taipei cityscape and Taipei 101, open any time although better before sunset.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Experience fresh seafood and sushi at this modern market-style eatery, open until 10pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

Day 3: Jiufen & Pingxi

Northern Taiwan, Taiwan on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast to fuel for a day trip, as restaurants open early generally from 7am.
TWD150, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Jiufen

Drive or take the train and bus east from Taipei to Jiufen, a charming old mining town with hillside tea houses; approx 1.5 hours travel.
TWD100, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shops, try local snacks like taro balls and enjoy scenic views over the ocean.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Enjoy Taiwanese tea and light lunch in a classic setting with mountain and sea views, open from 11am.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Pingxi

Short drive or bus ride to Pingxi, famous for sky lantern releases.
TWD100, 1h

2:30pm

Pingxi Old Street and Sky Lantern Launch

Walk along the old railway and release a sky lantern with wishes written on it, a unique cultural experience.
TWD200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Taipei

Travel back to Taipei for evening rest or optional exploration.
TWD100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Explore the largest night market in Taipei and sample an array of street food including fried chicken and oyster omelette, open until midnight.
TWD250, 1h30m

Day 4: Taichung Exploration

Taichung, Taiwan on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Taipei hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to prepare for train departure.
Included in accommodation, 30m

8:00am

Train to Taichung

High-speed rail from Taipei to Taichung, approximately 1 hour.
TWD700, 1h

10:00am

Rainbow Village

Visit this colourful vibrant village painted by a former soldier creating an artistic landmark, open daily.
Free, 1h

11:30am

National Taichung Theater

Admire this modern architectural masterpiece and catch an exhibition or performance if timing allows, open 10am-9pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang Tea House

Enjoy famous Taiwanese bubble tea and traditional dim sum in the birthplace of bubble tea, open 11am to 9pm.
TWD350, 1h

2:30pm

Taichung Park

Relax in this centrally located park featuring a beautiful pavilion and lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll, open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Fengjia Night Market

One of the largest night markets in Taiwan, bustling with food stalls and shopping, open from around 5pm till midnight.
TWD200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Try local specialties such as grilled squid and stinky tofu while exploring the market.
Included in market budget, 1h30m

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Nantou, Taiwan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before travel to scenic Sun Moon Lake.
TWD150, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

Bus or drive from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, approximately 1.5 hours.
TWD200, 1h30m

10:00am

Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

Enjoy a circular boat tour across the lake, visiting key piers and scenic spots, boats run 9am to 5pm.
TWD300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ita Thao Village

Sample indigenous aboriginal cuisine and street food in this lakeside village.
TWD350, 1h

1:30pm

Ci'en Pagoda & Walking Trail

Climb up to the pagoda for panoramic lake views and explore nearby nature trails, accessible all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Wenwu Temple

Explore the beautiful lakeside temple dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu, open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Taichung or stay near lake for evening

Travel back to Taichung or choose lakeside accommodation for tranquil evening.
TWD200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taichung

Dine at Chun Shui Tang or local restaurant offering Taiwanese cuisine.
TWD400, 1h30m

Day 6: Historic Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Taichung hotel

Light breakfast before morning train.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Tainan

Travel to Tainan by high-speed rail, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
TWD700, 2h

10:30am

Visit Anping Old Street

Explore historical streets with colonial architecture and sample local snacks, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Anping Tree House Cafe

Dine near the famous banyan tree-covered warehouse for a memorable experience.
TWD300, 1h

1:30pm

Chihkan Tower

Visit this historic 17th-century fortress featuring gardens and exhibitions, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
TWD50, 1h

3:00pm

Confucius Temple

Explore Taiwan’s oldest Confucius temple and surrounding cultural park, open 8am-8pm.
TWD50, 1h

5:00pm

Shennong Street

Stroll along this charming historic street with cafes and boutiques, perfect for afternoon tea or coffee.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Du Hsiao Yueh

Enjoy Tainan’s famous dan zai noodles at this historic eatery open until 9pm.
TWD250, 1h

Day 7: Kaohsiung City

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tainan

Fill up for travel to Kaohsiung.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Kaohsiung

Travel by train from Tainan to Kaohsiung, approximately 45 minutes.
TWD300, 45m

10:00am

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Visit this impressive Buddhist complex with enormous Buddha statue and cultural exhibits, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Liuhe Night Market Area (daytime eateries)

Taste local seafood and street food specialties in a lively but relaxed atmosphere, open day and night.
TWD300, 1h

2:00pm

Pier-2 Art Center

Explore contemporary art exhibitions in repurposed warehouses along the harbour, open 10am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Love River Cruise

Take a relaxing boat ride along Love River to see city light reflections and sculptures, tours run until evening.
TWD300, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ruifeng Night Market

Sample diverse Taiwanese street food offerings at this popular night market, open from 5pm to midnight.
TWD250, 1h30m

Day 8: Kenting National Park

Kenting, Taiwan on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kaohsiung hotel

Get a hearty breakfast to prepare for a nature day.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Kenting National Park

Drive or bus south to Kenting National Park, about 2 hours.
TWD300, 2h

9:30am

Explore Kenting Beach and Coastal Trails

Relax on the golden beaches and walk scenic coastal paths, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at a beachside seafood restaurant

Enjoy fresh catches of the day with views over the Pacific Ocean.
TWD450, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse and Park

See the southernmost lighthouse in Taiwan and explore nearby parkland and viewpoints, open 8am-6pm.
TWD80, 1h

3:00pm

Hengchun Old Town

Walk the historic old town walls and streets, absorbing local history, open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kaohsiung

Travel back to Kaohsiung for final night stay.
TWD300, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at a Harbour-view Restaurant

Celebrate your Taiwan journey with seafood and local dishes overlooking the harbour.
TWD700, 1h30m

Day 9: Return to Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Kaohsiung hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Train to Taipei

Take the high-speed rail back to Taipei, travel time approximately 1.5 hours.
TWD1200, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Taipei Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Explore trendy shops, galleries and cafes in this converted factory complex, open 9am-9pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Yongkang Street

Diverse eateries with Taiwanese and international options along a lively street.
TWD350, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure time or shopping in Ximending

Spend your afternoon shopping or relaxing in Taipei’s popular youth-oriented district.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Modern Toilet Restaurant

End your trip with a quirky dinner experience at this themed restaurant, open until 10pm.
TWD400, 1h