Day 1 – Taipei
As former director of the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Chin Hsiao-yi, once said, “The beauty of China lies in its culture and art, and the beauty of culture and art is fully embodied in the Palace Museum.”
The National Palace Museum houses over 700,000 rare treasures collected by emperors from the Song to the Qing dynasties spanning more than 1,000 years. Listed as one of the world’s top five museums, it is the largest museum in Taiwan and is well worth spending a morning exploring to appreciate the unique charm of these cultural treasures.
In the afternoon, take the MRT to Beitou to visit the Hot Spring Museum. Located at No. 2, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, about 20 kilometers from Taipei City, the Beitou Hot Spring Museum was originally built in 1913 as the Taipei Beitou Hot Spring Public Bathhouse. The entire building adopts a Japanese-style wooden structure, backed by green mountains, with a novel and distinctive design reminiscent of an antique country villa.
The moment you step into the museum, it feels as if you have traveled back in time. Everywhere you look, you can see the traces left by time. Touch with your hands and feel with your heart the era that once was.
After a day of museum visits, take the MRT to the Tamsui District under the soft glow of the sunset to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea and the setting sun. Then, transfer to a nearby town to taste authentic Taiwanese cuisine, ending the day’s itinerary.
If you still feel unsatisfied, you can also take the MRT to the Japanese-style izakaya on Yongkang Street for a few drinks of light wine, feeling the leisurely and comfortable atmosphere of the city, and relieving the fatigue of the day.
Day 2 – Taipei
You often hear about Ketagalan Boulevard in movies and TV shows, and it’s like a democracy square. In fact, Ketagalan is the name of the Taipei Boai Special District where it is located.
The buildings in the district record the 122-year history of Taipei’s city construction, each with its own unique characteristics. Time flies, but the old glory remains. Walking through it, you can deeply feel the unique charm of the fusion of history and culture.
At dusk, move to Dadaocheng, find a cafe to leisurely order a cup of coffee, and borrow the warm light of the sunset to play a favorite song. The relaxed mood and the current scene, the combination of meaning and scenery, complement each other and create a unique Taiwanese landscape painting belonging to yourself.
In the evening, go to the nearby bustling Ningxia Night Market to try authentic Taiwanese sesame oil chicken and Liu Yuzai salted egg yolk taro cake, and experience the heat of Taiwan’s night markets.
After nightfall, climb to the top of Taipei’s landmark building, “Taipei 101,” and look out over Taipei. Where the lights are bright, a city night scene in full bloom is captured in your eyes.
Day 3 – Taichung
Take the high-speed rail to transfer to Taichung, go to Tunghai University to visit the famous Luce Memorial Chapel, and then go to Gaomei Wetlands to enjoy the ecological beauty.
Although the Gaomei Wetlands are not large, they include tidal creeks, marshes, beaches, mudflats and other ecological habitats due to the coexistence of mud and sand beaches, coupled with being interspersed with river mouth swamps, thus nurturing a rich and complex wetland ecology, as well as the largest known Yunlin reed area in Taiwan, forming a complex topography with alternating wet and dry areas accompanied by plant growth.
Due to the diverse topography, the ecological species are also quite complex, mainly including birds, fish, crabs and other invertebrates. The special geological features and the original ecological features make it a viewing paradise for nature lovers.
Taking advantage of the night, head straight to Taichung’s most famous Fengjia Night Market, a night market that gathers the essence of Taiwanese snacks, which will surely satisfy your appetite.
After dinner, you can also go to the Fourth Credit Union to purchase exquisite souvenirs and give yourself a small touch of emotion.
Day 4 – Sun Moon Lake
You can take a bus directly from the vicinity of Taichung Railway Station to the treasure of Taiwan tourism – Sun Moon Lake.
Sun Moon Lake has long been famous, and its beauty no longer needs too many words to describe. The magnificence and tranquility of nature, the traditional characteristics and customs of the surrounding indigenous people, and the many historic sites, Wenwu Temple, Cien Pagoda, and the historical atmosphere all highlight the unique charm of Sun Moon Lake.
At the same time, there is a beautiful legend about the naming of Sun Moon Lake. It is said that a long time ago, a fisherman discovered a shining pearl on the surface of the lake while fishing by the lake. Following the guidance of the pearl, he finally found a golden boy and a jade girl in the center of the lake, who said they were the incarnations of the sun and the moon. Since then, the lake has been called “Sun Moon Lake”.
There are three ways to play at Sun Moon Lake for you to choose from:
- Cycling around the lake;
- Taking a boat or cable car to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery;
- Climbing the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the alpine lake.
Day 5 – Sun Moon Lake
From Sun Moon Lake, head to Jiji and take the Jiji train line, with a possible stopover at Checheng.
After returning to Changhua by train, transfer to Tainan.
In the evening, you can go to Anbao Road for a bowl of pig heart vermicelli to nourish your body and relieve the fatigue of a day’s journey.
Day 6 – Tainan
Visit Anping Old Fort, Tree House, and Old Street in Anping District, Tainan. Taste tofu pudding, stroll around the surrounding streets and alleys, and experience the unique flavor of Taiwanese alleys.
In the afternoon, return to the city center to tour featured buildings such as Chihkan Tower (one of the oldest historical buildings in Taiwan), Tianhou Temple, and Wenwu Temple.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful food tour by heading to the popular Garden Night Market in Tainan for braised dishes and spicy duck blood.
Day 7 – Kenting
Take a train from Tainan to Kaohsiung, where buses depart from Kaohsiung Railway Station to Kenting, taking about 2.5 hours.
Kenting, known as Taiwan’s seaside paradise! This seaside resort located in southern Taiwan is renowned for its beautiful beaches and clear seawater.
Here, tourists can fully enjoy the wonders of sunshine, sandy beaches, and waves, and participate in various water activities such as surfing and diving.
You can also explore in a different way, such as renting an electric scooter for a leisurely ride to quietly enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the east and west coasts. If you like dolphins and white whales, these amazing marine creatures, then you must not miss the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium!
At night, the sea reveals another unique beauty. The gentle sea breeze brushes your fingertips, waves hitting the sandy beach, the intermingling of seawater, perfectly blending together to play an elegant symphony. Linger by the seaside to feel the tranquility of the moment and taste delicious snacks, washing away the day’s fatigue.
Day 8 – Hualien
The beauty of Hualien in Taiwan can be described as a paradise on the east coast of Taiwan!
The magnificent Taroko National Park, Qixingtan Scenic Area, Hualien Cultural Village, Yuli Windmill Village, and countless other attractions showcase the unique tourism landscape of Hualien, formed by the fusion of natural scenery and cultural charm.
Here, you can trace the imprints of time, experience Hualien’s cultural heritage, and immerse yourself in Hualien’s daily life to truly feel its diverse facets.
Here are two recommended itineraries for your Hualien trip:
Option 1: During the day, hire a car to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the east coast. In the evening, be sure to visit the Dongdamen Night Market located in downtown Hualien, the perfect place to taste authentic Hualien delicacies.
The night market offers a dazzling array of food stalls selling various delectable dishes such as flat noodles, chicken cutlets, and fried cakes. Here, you can fully indulge in the joys of a food tour.
Option 2: Take a train through the Huadong Valley directly to Hualien and head straight to your destination – Taroko National Park in Hualien.
Majestic mountain peaks, clear streams, and unique geological landscapes await you.
Here, you can admire the beauty of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and enjoy the stunning scenery of Tianxiang, Shakadang Trail, strange rocks, and rapids.
Check into accommodations near Qixingtan in the late afternoon.
Day 9 – Hualien
Wake up early to enjoy the most spectacular sunrise at Qixingtan in Hualien.
This scenic area near Hualien City presents a tranquil coastal landscape against the backdrop of emerald sea, golden sandy beaches, and azure sky.
Qixingtan is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a great place for couples to stroll along the beach.
You can also cycle along the coast or go whale watching at Hualien Port.
Before concluding the 9-day round-island tour, enjoy a plate of oyster omelets on Ziyou Street.
This round-island journey by cycling, self-driving, or taking public transportation is relaxing and leisurely, allowing you to experience slow living and enjoy a carefree time. Do you want to come and experience it?
