9-Day Comprehensive Taiwan Exploration in March

Day 1: Arrival & Taipei Intro

Taipei, Taiwan on March 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start your Taiwan journey with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring soy milk, fried dough sticks, and egg pancakes at this popular local eatery open from early morning.
TWD100, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Explore this iconic historical landmark and its beautiful gardens, a symbol of Taiwan’s history and culture, open from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung Xinyi

Enjoy world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at this renowned Michelin-starred restaurant located near Taipei 101, open 11:00am to 9:30pm.
TWD400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit Taipei’s iconic skyscraper and enjoy panoramic city views from the observatory, open daily from 9am to 10pm.
TWD600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Elephant Mountain Trail

Hike this short but scenic trail for stunning views of the city and Taipei 101 especially during late afternoon, the trail is open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Experience authentic street food including pepper buns, grilled squid, and stinky tofu at one of Taipei’s vibrant night markets open from 5pm to midnight.
TWD250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Taipei Culture & Art

Taipei, Taiwan on March 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Sample traditional Taiwanese breakfast staples like soy milk and Chinese pancakes at this famous breakfast spot open from 5am to noon.
TWD90, 1h0m

10:00am

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world, open from 8:30am to 6:30pm excluding Tuesdays.
TWD350, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shuanglian Market

Enjoy authentic Taiwanese street food and fresh produce in this traditional market setting, open until early afternoon.
TWD200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Visit this cultural and arts hub featuring galleries, shops, and cafes set in a renovated industrial park, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Feast on fresh seafood at this unique market and dining complex open until 10pm, featuring sushi, hot pots, and grilled options.
TWD600, 1h30m
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Day 3: Jiufen & Pingxi Day Trip

Taipei, Taiwan on March 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local Taipei cafe

Grab a quick and light breakfast at a local cafe before heading out, with options like sandwiches and coffee from 7am onwards.
TWD150, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Jiufen

Take a train or bus to the historic mountain town of Jiufen, famous for old streets, tea houses, and gold mining history.
TWD100, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Wander the lantern-lit streets, try local snacks like taro balls, and visit tea houses with views of the sea. Shops typically open 9am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Enjoy tea and light Taiwanese cuisine in this iconic tea house set overlooking mountains and ocean.
TWD400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Pingxi

Head to the town of Pingxi, famous for sky lantern releases and old railway town charm.
TWD120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sky Lantern Experience

Write wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the air, a magical cultural experience held daily during daylight hours.
TWD150, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Taipei

Travel back to Taipei city and relax after the day's excursion.
TWD120, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Try the famous Taiwanese braised pork rice (lu rou fan) in this casual eatery open till 10pm.
TWD150, 1h0m
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Day 4: Taichung Highlights

Taichung, Taiwan on March 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Taipei

Grab a quick breakfast at Taipei Main Station before departing to Taichung, open from 6am.
TWD150, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Taichung by High-Speed Rail

Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail from Taipei to Taichung, a quick 1-hour journey.
TWD700, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Rainbow Village

Explore this colorful and whimsical artistic village painted by a former soldier, open daily with free access.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

National Taichung Theater

Admire the architecture and possibly catch a matinee performance at this modern theater, open 10am to 9pm.
Free to enter building, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House

Dine where bubble tea originated and enjoy Taiwanese tea-infused dishes, open 11am to 10pm.
TWD400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Taichung Park

Relax at this historic park with a picturesque lake and pavilion, open daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

National Museum of Natural Science

Explore exhibits on natural history, space, and ecology, open 9am to 5pm.
TWD100, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Experience one of Taiwan’s largest night markets with diverse street food like grilled meats, fried chicken, and desserts, open from 5pm late into the night.
TWD250, 2h0m
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Day 5: Sun Moon Lake Relax

Nantou County, Taiwan on March 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Taichung

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe before departing for Sun Moon Lake.
TWD150, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

Take a direct bus or drive to Sun Moon Lake, about 1.5 hours from Taichung.
TWD300, 1h30m

10:00am

Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat ride visiting key stops around the lake including Ita Thao and Xuanguang Temple, operating 9am to 5pm.
TWD300, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ita Thao Village

Sample local indigenous cuisine and freshwater fish dishes in this lively village, open all day.
TWD350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bicycle Ride Around Sun Moon Lake

Rent a bike and cycle part of the beautiful 30km lakeside trail, bikes available from 9am to 6pm.
TWD200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Local Hot Springs

Unwind at your hotel or nearby hot springs to soothe the muscles after cycling.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local specialties and lake fish at your accommodation.
TWD500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Alishan Mountain Day

Chiayi County, Taiwan on March 6, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Sun Moon Lake

Eat an early breakfast before heading to Alishan to catch views and the fresh mountain air.
TWD150, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Alishan

Depart by bus or car for the mountain area of Alishan, approximately 2 hours away.
TWD400, 2h0m

9:30am

Alishan National Scenic Area

Explore famed scenic spots including Giant Tree Plank Trail, Sisters Ponds, and the Alishan Forest Railway, open 8am to 5pm.
TWD300, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Alishan House

Dine amidst nature at this hotel restaurant offering local mountain cuisine.
TWD450, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Alishan Sunset Viewing Platform

Catch spectacular sunset views over the mountains, a must-see paradise for photographers.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Sun Moon Lake or Stay Overnight in Alishan

Depending on preference, either head back for overnight stay or remain in Alishan area.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local eatery

Enjoy a warm meal with local flavors, ideal after a day of hiking and sightseeing.
TWD400, 1h0m
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Day 7: Historic Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan on March 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near Alishan or Sun Moon Lake

Have a nutritious breakfast before setting out to Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan.
TWD150, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Tainan

Journey via bus or train to Tainan, approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on transit choice.
TWD500, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Chihkan Tower Street Food

Taste famous Tainan snacks like danzai noodles and oyster omelette in the area around Chihkan Tower, shops open until evening.
TWD250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Chihkan Tower

Explore this historical fortress with lovely gardens and detailed architecture, open from 8am to 5pm.
TWD50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Anping Old Street and Fort Zeelandia

Walk the charming old street renowned for snacks and souvenirs and visit the Dutch fortress open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
TWD80, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hotel and Rest

Relax in your accommodation after a day exploring historical Tainan.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Garden Night Market

Savor Tainan’s famous night market offerings from 5pm to midnight, ideal to sample multiple local street foods.
TWD250, 2h0m
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Day 8: Kaohsiung Urban Tour

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on March 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Tainan

Start with a local Taiwanese breakfast before traveling to nearby Kaohsiung, open from 6am.
TWD150, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Kaohsiung

Take a train or bus south to the modern port city of Kaohsiung, around 1-1.5 hours from Tainan.
TWD200, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Pier-2 Art Center

Visit this hip art hub with galleries and shops in revitalized warehouses, open 10am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Liuhe Night Market Food Stalls

Try famous street food such as papaya milk and seafood dishes at the daytime stalls, opening around noon.
TWD300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Explore a sprawling Buddhist complex with a giant Buddha statue, museums, and serene grounds, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Love River Walk

Take a peaceful stroll along Love River with cafes and river views open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ruifeng Night Market

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and many street food options at one of Kaohsiung’s most popular night markets, open 6pm to midnight.
TWD250, 2h0m
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Day 9: Return to Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on March 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Kaohsiung

Have a nourishing breakfast before catching the high-speed train back to Taipei, open from 6am.
TWD150, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Taipei by High-Speed Rail

Return via Taiwan High-Speed Rail, journey takes around 1.5 hours.
TWD1350, 1h30m

10:00am

Relax and Shopping at Ximending

Enjoy last-minute shopping and people-watching in this vibrant shopping district with many shops open by 11am.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Modern Toilet Restaurant

Dine at this quirky themed restaurant serving Taiwanese dishes with a fun twist, open 11am to 10pm.
TWD350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Longshan Temple

Experience one of Taipei’s oldest temples, open 6am to 10pm, rich in culture and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Departure Preparation

Head back to your hotel to prepare for departure or continue exploring Taipei if time allows.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Shilin Night Market

End your trip with diverse Taiwanese street food from the largest and most famous night market in Taipei, open till midnight.
TWD300, 2h0m
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