Chinese Immersion to Taiwan With Ms. Dong

" Thank you so much, Polly and Iris, for working with me tirelessly preparing for the itinerary and getting everything ready for my students.

Coming from a rural and suburban place in America, most of my students have not had any opportunities to travel at all. Their world has been very small, and what they had seen in their life was what's around them. Many of them are so young, only going to be 10th graders next school year. I am again grateful that this trip provided them with the opportunity to see the world, and honestly, this trip has opened their eyes about the world. They have learned to communicate with people from different background and learned to understand and embrace diversity and differences in people. Our Superintendent, Dr. Scott, has told me multiple times, that this trip has been life-changing for him. "

Ms. Chou, Chinese teacher

DAY 1 – DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (-)
Depart from Los Angeles to Taipei.

DAY 2 – ARR. TAIPEI (-)
Arrive in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Meet your local representative and begin an orientation of Taiwan.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan, it was erected in honor and memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. You may have an opportunity to watch the change of guards.
Long Shan Temple has over 200 years of history, represent the pride of Taiwanese temples and worship houses, worshiping a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and deities like Mazu.
Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center. It was the world's tallest inhabited building. It reaches the top of Taipei with the fastest elevator. Watch Taipei under your feet.

Check in hotel. Lunch and dinner included.

DAY 3 – TAIPEI (B)
Today, explore the unique experience of Taipei.

Beitou Thermal Valley is also known as Beitou Hot Spring Park, the hot springs here have the highest temperatures of any in the Datunshan volcano group. In recent years, the “Beitou Rock Conservation Area” has been established to ensure the protection of these natural rarities.
Laomie Green Reef-A unique spot in Taiwan.
Yeliu Geo Park- experience the force of nature by walking through mushroom like rocks.
Shifen Old town – explore the old town with tradition to release hot air paper lantern to the sky and make a wish.
Night market at Ximending, a shopping district nearby your hotel. It was the first pedestrian zone in Taiwan. Night market is an excellent place for purchase your dinner. .

DAY 4 – TAIPEI TO NANTOU TO CHIAYI (B,D)

Proceed to Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s largest fresh water lake, surrounded by lush forests,
hillside bamboo. It is the most visited site in Taiwan.
Admire the beauty of Sun Moon Lake by taking a boat ride and cycling the top ten cycling route listed by CNN
Learn about the local culture and local tribe.
After lunch continue to Chiayi.

DAY 5 – CHIAYI TO ALISHAN TO CHIAYI (B,D)

Proceed to Alishan, a beautiful national scenic area.
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway (Zhaoping line) through Zhaoping Park and the Giant Tree Trail. The Alishan Forest Railway is an 86 km network of 2 ft 6 in narrow gaug railways running up to and throughout the popular mountain resort.
Alishan Tea Plantations - Alishan Oolong Tea is the perfect introduction to Taiwan’s acclaimed high mountain oolongs. Enjoy tea picking and making experience.

DAY 6 – CHIAYI TO TAINAN (B)

Proceed to Tainan by coach.
Anping Fort – built by Dutch people during colonial time 1620s. It was the highest administration institution in Taiwan.
Anping Tree House – a warehouse covered by banyan tree witness the glory past of Tainan seaport.
Stroll down Anping Old Street – a long tight alley full of delicious traditional Taiwanese foods and trinkets. It is the first shopping street in Taiwan since 1620s.
Discover Sicao Green Tunnel is the very first canal developed more than 200 years ago. Admire the scenic site while cruising along the canal.
Learn about the history of Tainan at the Hiyashi Department Store, Taiwan’s first culturally innovative department store. The store is a historical site in the local area and has a long history.
Walking at Sheonning Street Tainan – take you back to the old good times of Tainan. Roaming in the alley with all the small shops selling street food and gifts.

DAY 7 – TAINAN TO KAOHSIUNG (B)

Chihkan Tower – the first government institution in Taiwan. You will hear about the story about how Chinese General Koxinga defeated Dutch soldiers.
Winnie the Pooh Village – explore the town’s street art, which includes Hello Kitty, Marvel Universe, and other cartoon characters as well as Winnie and Piglet themselves.
Possible school exchange opportunity or participate in a pineapple cake DIY workshop.
Visit the famous Ruifeng night market, it is full of creative local food and even games to play.

DAY 8 – KAOHSIUNG (B,D)

Forguanshan Monastery (Buddha Museum) – one of the largest Buddhist temples in Taiwan. Home to a 100 meter (328 foot) statue of a golden Buddha, as well as 500 smaller versions of the religious deity.
Cijin Island where you see the harbor of Kaohsiung, visit the Temple of Queen Heaven.
Lotus Lake – a beautiful artificial lake surrounding by temples. All temples are with giant colorful Taoist or Buddhist statues.
Pier 2 Art Center – see many modern art pieces in this center.
Formosa MRT station – rank second the most beautiful train station in the world
Enjoy a farewell dinner.

DAY 9 – KAOHSIUNG DEPT. (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to home.