Taiwan Exploration

8-DAY TAIPEI, NANTOU, CHIAYI, ALISHAN, TAINAN, KAOHSIUNG

OVERVIEW

In 9-day, discover the hidden gem of Asia - Taiwan with its bustling cities, tasty night markets, delicious cuisines, and its incredible natural landscapes.  Begin your journey in Taipei, view the Taipei 101, ride the Alishan Forest Railway to see the beautiful national scenic area, and experience cultural activity.

Photography
Wellness
Easy Pace

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – TRAVEL TO TAIPEI (-) Fly to Taipei via your flight. 
DAY 2 – ARR. TAIPEI (-) Arrive in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Meet your local representative and check-in hotel.  Explore the famous 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 purchasing your dinner. 
DAY 3 – TAIPEI (B,D)  Today, explore the unique experience of Taipei.
  • Begin your journey at the Presidential Office, and learn more about Taiwan's colonial past and cultural heritage, as well as Taiwan's cultural and political development over the past 60 years.
  • Visit Dingshan Shell Temple, which is completely made of seashells and corals.  You will feel like visiting a palace under the sea.  Walk through the tunnel to receive blessing.   
  • Visit the picturesque mountain town of Jiufen Old Street, which many people view as a real-life twin to the town in the anime movie Spirited Away.  Discover the Old Street and Gold Museum. 
  • Make a wish and release the traditional hot air paper Shifan sky lantern.
  • Evening, enjoy an evening view of Taipei 101 followed by a group dinner. 
DAY 4 – TAIPEI TO LUKANG TO CHIAYI (B,D)
  • Discover Taiwan’s enigmatic history as you stroll through Lukang Old Street. 
  • Admire the traditional architecture with arched doorways and red brick walls.
  • Stroll down the sweetly scented osmanthus lane and visit an art village.
  • Travel to Chiayi Hinoki Village, the doorway to Alishan. 
DAY 5 – CHIAYI TO ALISHAN TO TAINAN (B)
  • 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.
  • Continue to Tainan.
DAY 6 –  TAINAN (B)
  • Chihkan Tower – the first government institution in Taiwan. You will hear about the story about how Chinese General Koxinga defeated Dutch soldiers.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
  • Discover Sicao Green Tunnel is the very first canal developed more than 200 years ago. Admire the scenic site while cruising along the canal.
  • 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.

WHAT’s INCLUDED

  • All admission fees as noted in the itinerary
  • All meals as noted in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guided 
  • Hotel accommodations 
  • Ground transportation

WHAT’s NOT INCLUDED

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners apart from those included in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers