Example Itinerary

Charming Taiwan: Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien, and more

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture
Destinations
Taiwan

Discover just how charming Taiwan can be on this 11-day journey through its most pleasant areas, old and new. Starting in the capital of Taipei, you’ll traverse Jiufen, Hualien, Taitung, and Tainan, taking in the natural beauty and historic charms that permeate these cities and towns. See ancient temples, shrines, markets, museums, and forts, while taking in mountains, parks, rainforests and even a Gorge. You’re sure to fall in love with Taiwan after experiencing this delightful expedition. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Hot Springs: A day trip from Taipei brings travelers to Wulai and its natural hot springs, which have been used by the indigenous Atayal people since they first inhabited the region.
  • Taroko Gorge: This impressive landmark is a deep gorge carved by the Liwu River and an excursion around Taroko National Park shows off Taiwan's oft-overlooked natural beauty.
  • Confucian Heritage: The Taiwan Confucian Temple in Tainan dates back to 1665 and was the first of its kind to be built in Taiwan. The temple is still used for Confucian ceremonies today.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Taipei »

Fly into Taiwan Taoyuen International Airport, and head to Taiwan’s capital and largest city, Taipei. Once settled in to your hotel, spend some time shopping in Ximending, a retail district buzzing with activity. Continue your shopping excursion into the evening, moving on to Shilin Night Market. Grab some tasty bites for dinner while you’re there, and head back to your hotel.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Taipei »

Wake up and enjoy a gourmet breakfast, before stepping back into Taipei’s bustling streets. Your first stop today will be the National Palace Museum, where you can view a vast collection of artefacts from Taiwan’s past. Move on to the centuries-old Longshan Temple, followed by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for the ultimate juxtaposition of Taiwan’s past and present. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Taipei
Taipei

Day 3

Map

Taipei »

Take a daytrip to Jiufen today, a charming small, one-time gold-mining town with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore the city at your leisure - the Historic Commercial District, nestled into the side of the coastal hills, Songde Park, and Xiaojingua Peak atop Mt Jilong, are all must-see spots. Return this evening to your Taipei hotel.

Day 4

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Taipei »

Enjoy Taipei’s great outdoors today. Yangmingshan National Park is your first port-of-call. Marvel at its blanket of tall silvergrass amidst the sub-tropical rainforest. Next, you’ll submerge your body in Wulai’s hot springs - a treat for the muscles and the mind. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, return to your luxury hotel for the night.

Day 5

Map

Taroko Gorge »

Check out and depart Taipei once again, this time for Hualien. This is considered one of Taiwan’s most pleasant cities. Explore the seaside city's ancient temples, museums, and gardens. Check out its night market before heading to your hotel inside Taroko Gorge. 

Hotel Options
Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge

Day 6

Map

Taroko Gorge »

Spend the day exploring Taroko Gorge. This long canyon is made up of metamorphic rocks, rugged coastal cliffs, and thick throngs of rainforest, rising from sea-level to 3,400 meters. Take deep breaths and lots of photos, this is one place of natural beauty you’ll want heavily imprinted on your mind.

Day 7

Map

Taitung

Continue your journey onwards to Taitung today. The city is known for its warm, tropical weather, ocean breeze, and stunning scenery. Check in to your local hotel of choice, and get settled in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure - perhaps exploring the town’s sights by bicycle, or on foot. The Museum of Prehistory provides an indepth look at Taiwan’s aboriginal groups, and the converted Taitung Railway Art Village is a great place to explore local artworks.

Hotel Options

Day 8

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Tainan »

Today you’ll arrive in Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, once a trading base for Dutch merchants. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and freshen up. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Hotel Options
Tainan
Tainan

Day 9

Map

Tainan »

Spend some time exploring ancient Tainan today. The area is bursting at the seams with Buddhist, Taoist, and even Confucian sites. Learn more about Taiwan’s history at the National Museum of Taiwan History, as well as the National Museum of Taiwan Literature. If you’re up for it, round off the day with a visit to the reconstructed and historically-significant Fort Provintia. Return to your hotel for a five-star dinner and a comfortable sleep this evening.

Day 10

Map

Tainan »

For the final full day of your journey today, you may explore more of Tainan at your leisure. Check out any temples you missed, including Taiwan’s first-ever Confucius temple, and the shrine of Koxinga, a revered pirate and later naval commander who conquered and ousted Dutch rule in the country.

Day 11

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Departure »

Say goodbye to Tainan and Taiwan today, as you’re transferred to the airport in Taoyuan in time for your international departure flight, either home, or on to your next exciting destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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