5-Day Taiwanese Adventure: Taipei, Mountain Villages & Scenic Forests via Public Transit

Day 1: Taipei Arrival & Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on July 9, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport

Land in Taipei and take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then a quick MRT ride to the LaVita Hotel Ximending for check-in and freshening up.
TWD160, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Enjoy classic Taiwanese beef noodle soup at this famed local spot, open 11AM-9PM, perfect for your first meal in Taipei.
TWD300, 1h

1:30PM

Explore Ximending Shopping District

Walk around the lively Ximending area known for trendy shops, street performances, and snack stalls, a great introduction to Taipei culture.
Free, 2h

3:30PM

Visit Longshan Temple

Experience traditional Taiwanese spirituality at this historic temple located within walking distance from Ximending.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Snack at Huaxi Street Night Market

Try exotic and popular Taiwanese street foods in this famous market; open until late evening.
TWD200, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Savor fresh seafood dishes at this upscale fish market and dining spot, open till 9PM, great for an early dinner.
TWD600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Shufen and Jiufen Adventure

Taipei / New Taipei City, Taiwan on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Start the day with a light breakfast in Ximending before heading out to the mountains.
TWD150, 30m

8:00AM

Travel to Shufen by Taipei MRT to Ruifang, then shuttle bus

Take the MRT Blue Line to Taipei Main Station, transfer to the train to Ruifang Station (approx. 40 mins), then take a local bus (approx. 15 mins) to Shufen Old Street.
TWD90 + TWD30 (bus), 1h30m

10:00AM

Explore Shufen Old Street

Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, try street food and view the historic mining ruins.
Free, 1h30m

11:30AM

Travel to Jiufen by local bus

Short bus ride (approx. 15 mins) to Jiufen, a picturesque mountain village with charming streets and tea houses.
TWD30, 15m

12:00PM

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House, Jiufen

Relish traditional Taiwanese tea and light meals while enjoying stunning views from this famous tea house.
TWD400, 1h30m

1:30PM

Walk Jiufen Old Street

Stroll through narrow alleyways filled with shops, snacks, and cultural sights - open all day.
Free, 2h

3:30PM

Return to Taipei hotel

Take local bus to Ruifang, then train back to Taipei Main Station and MRT to hotel.
TWD90 + TWD90, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Din Tai Fung, Xinyi Dist.

Enjoy world-renowned xiaolongbao dumplings at Din Tai Fung, near Taipei 101, open till 9PM.
TWD700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Xitou Monster Village Exploration

Nantou County, Taiwan on July 11, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast and prepare for a full-day trip to the Xitou area.
TWD150, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Xitou Monster Village via bus

Take Taipei Bus 6670 or 6501 from Taipei Bus Station to Taichung High Speed Rail Station (approx. 1 hr), then HSR train to Taichung, then bus to Xitou (approx. 1.5 hrs).
TWD300 + TWD700 + TWD150, 3h

10:30AM

Explore Xitou Monster Village

Visit this unique theme village featuring nature, folklore, and whimsical monster-themed attractions.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at village restaurants

Try local mountain cuisine at one of the village's eateries open midday.
TWD400, 1h

1:30PM

Explore nearby Xitou Nature Education Area

Walk forest trails and enjoy Taiwan’s rich mountain ecology, open 9AM-5PM.
TWD100, 2h

3:30PM

Return to Taipei by bus and HSR

Head back to Taichung HSR station by bus, then train to Taipei Main Station and MRT to hotel.
TWD150 + TWD700 + TWD90, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Enjoy diverse Taiwanese street foods and vibrant night market atmosphere; open until midnight.
TWD300, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sun Link Sea Forest Day Trip

Nantou County, Taiwan on July 12, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for another nature-focused day adventure.
TWD150, 30m

6:30AM

Travel to Sun Link Sea Forest by bus

Take HSR from Taipei to Taichung (about 1 hour), then a local bus toward Sun Link Sea Forest (approx. 3 hours total bus journey).
TWD700 + TWD200, 3h30m

10:00AM

Hike and explore Sun Link Sea Forest

Enjoy hiking trails and stunning alpine scenery; the forest is open daily from 8AM to 5PM.
TWD150, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Sample local mountain dishes at restaurants near the forest area.
TWD400, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Taipei

Bus to Taichung then HSR back to Taipei; MRT back to hotel.
TWD200 + TWD700 + TWD90, 3h30m

6:00PM

Relax at hotel or casual dinner nearby Ximending

Try local casual dining around the hotel featuring Taiwanese snacks and dishes, open till late.
TWD300, 1h30m
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Day 5: Departure Day

Taipei, Taiwan on July 13, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before checking out.
TWD150, 30m

7:30AM

Travel to Taoyuan Airport

Take MRT from Ximending to Taipei Main Station, then Taoyuan Airport MRT to airport; allow 1.5 hours.
TWD160, 1h30m

10:00AM

Flight Departure

Departure from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.
Included in flight ticket, N/A
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