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Chasing Cities, Mountains & Memories: 11 Days in Taiwan！
Spring Time at Alishan. Source: Jen on Google Map
Are you planning an unforgettable getaway to Taiwan, but feeling overwhelmed by how to connect the bustling capital of Taipei, serene mountain peaks, historic cultural towns, and mouthwatering night markets?
Look no further! From the dramatic rock formations of Yehliu and the misty, ancient cypresses of Alishan to the magical lakeside views of Sun Moon Lake and the historic streets of Tainan, this 11-day Taiwan itinerary covers the best of the island.
Whether you’re a foodie craving legendary night market eats, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, here is your ultimate day-by-day guide to experiencing Taiwan in all its glory.
Day 1： Welcome to Taipei!
Route: Taoyuan International Airport ✈️ → Transfer to Hotel in Taipei 🏨
Source: https://www.relaxgotaiwan.com/zh
After landing at Taoyuan International Airport, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Taipei, arranged for you so you can relax, settle in, and get ready for an exciting journey ahead.
Day 2： Coastlines, Sky Lanterns & Nostalgic Alleys
Route: Yehliu Geopark → Shifen Old Street → Shifen Waterfall → Jiufen Old Street → Back to Hotel
Yehliu Geopark. Source: Jong Doo Choi on Google Maps
Leave the bustling city behind and set off toward the breathtaking landscapes of Taiwan’s northern coast. Your first stop is Yehliu Geopark, a world of bizarre and captivating coastal rock formations sculpted over centuries by wind and sea, including the iconic "Queen's Head".
Shifen Old Street. Source: Relax Go Taiwan Team
Next, head into the mountains to Shifen Old Street, where you can write your wishes on a sky lantern and release it right from the historic train tracks. Just a short drive away lies Shifen Waterfall—often called the "Niagara of Taiwan"—where you can stand along the viewing decks and admire the powerful cascade plunging into a lush, emerald basin.
Jiufen Old Street. Source: Relax Go Taiwan Team
Wrap up your afternoon by wandering the narrow, red-lantern-lit alleys of hillside Jiufen Old Street. Don't forget to take your instagrammable photos while enjoying tea in a classic teahouse, savor traditional street snacks, and watch the sun dip below the ocean horizon before checking into your hotel.
Day 3： Hakka Heritage & Rail Biking
Route: Transfer to Miaoli 🚗 → Taiwan Hakka Museum → Shengxing Station → Old Mountain Rail Bike → Remains of Longteng Bridge → Transfer to Hotel in Taichung
Taiwan Hakka Museum. Source: https://english.hakka.gov.tw
Trade the coast for culture as you transfer south into Miaoli. Your first stop is the Taiwan Hakka Museum, a modern architectural marvel seamlessly integrated into nature, showcasing the rich history, vibrant arts, and living culture of the Hakka community through interactive exhibits.
Old Mountain Railbike. Source: Tsai Eason on Google Maps
Next, travel back in time at Shengxing Station, a charming wooden train station built during the Japanese colonial era that sits at the highest point along the Old Mountain Line. Here, you can jump on a rail bike and pedal through the area while taking in the stunning, picturesque scenery and retro railway charm. The ride continues along the Old Mountain Rail Bike route across lofty bridges and through cool, dark tunnels, offering sweeping valley views as you glide along the historic tracks.
Remains of Longteng Bridge. Source: Angel on Google Maps
Before heading to Taichung, stop to admire the Remains of Longteng Bridge, where majestic red-brick arches—ruins of a historic railway bridge destroyed by major earthquakes—stand surrounded by verdant forest greenery. Afterwards, check into your Taichung hotel to rest for the evening.
Day 4： Colors, Pastries & Coastal Wonders
Route: Gaomei Wetlands → Mitsui Outlet Taichung → Rainbow Village → Miyahara → Fengchia Night Market → Back to Hotel
Gaomei Wetlands. Source: Relax Go Taiwan Team
Get ready for an eye-popping mix of art, history, and coastal views! Start your day by heading out to Gaomei Wetlands, where you can stroll along the long wooden boardwalk across shallow tidal flats, admire the wind turbine backdrop, and take in the vast, beautiful coastal scenery. Then, make a quick stop at Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung, conveniently located near Gaomei Wetlands, before continuing on to the next destination.
Rainbow Village. Source: KR C on Google Maps
Afterward, step into a vibrant fairy-tale world at Rainbow Village, a colorful military dependents' village covered in cheerful, whimsical murals painted directly onto the walls by "Rainbow Grandpa".
Miyahara. Source: https://taichung.travel
Next, head into the city to explore Miyahara, a historic former eye hospital turned flagship confectionery store, where you can marvel at its dramatic Hogwarts-style interior, sample exquisite traditional Taiwanese pastries, and indulge in famous artisanal ice cream with dozens of local toppings
Fengchia Night Market. Source: https://www.alexisjetsets.com
Cap off your day at Fengchia Night Market, one of Taiwan's largest night markets, feasting on trendy, innovative street food creations before returning to your hotel.
Day 5： Serene Alpine Waters & Mountain Views
Route: Transfer to Nantou 🚗 → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Sun Moon Lake → Wenwu Temple → Fengyuan Miaodong Night Market → Back to Hotel
Xiangshan Visitor Center. Source: https://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw
Journey into Nantou to experience Taiwan's most famous alpine scenery. Begin at the Xiangshan Visitor Center, where smooth concrete curves and open corridors frame breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Sun Moon Lake.
Sun Moon Lake. Source: Relax Go Taiwan Team
Next, board a Sun Moon Lake Boat Cruise to skim across serene turquoise waters surrounded by misty mountain backdrops while learning about the region's indigenous Thao culture.
Wenwu Temple. Source: https://images.trvl-media.com
High on the northern hills, visit Wenwu Temple, a majestic, multi-tiered Chinese temple boasting grand stone guardian lions and sweeping vistas across the entire lake. Then wrap up your evening at Fengyuan Miaodong Night Market, a bustling food alley packed around Cizhi Temple, where you can savor local legendary dishes like rich pork rib noodles and crispy oyster omelets.
Day 6： Timeless Nostalgia & Night Delights
Route: Transfer to Chiayi 🚗 → Hinoki Village → Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles → Song of the Forest → Wenhua Road Night Market → Hotel in Chiayi
Hinoki Village. Source: Cathy on Google Maps
Head south to Chiayi, a city celebrated for its timber history and artistic charm. Start by wandering through Hinoki Village, a picturesque neighborhood of restored Japanese-era cypress dormitories filled with peaceful gardens, boutique craft shops, and cozy cafes.
Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles. Source: Sunny Huang on Google Maps
Step inside a historic wooden building to explore the Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles, home to thousands of vibrant, hand-painted traditional majolica tiles that preserve rich historic craftsmanship.
Song of the Forest. Source: https://www.expedia.com
Nearby, relax at Song of the Forest, a giant nest-like timber dome art installation constructed from natural wood, stone, and railway tracks. As night falls, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of Wenhua Road Night Market, where you can stroll the pedestrian streets and feast on Chiayi’s iconic local specialty: savory turkey rice.
Day 7： Into the Sacred Cloud Forests
Route: Transfer to Alishan 🚗 → Alishan National Forest Recreation Area → Fenqihu Old Street → Back to Hotel in Chiayi
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Source: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw
Ascend into the misty, high-altitude mountain paradise of Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Breathe in the crisp alpine air as you walk along shaded wooden boardwalks beneath towering sacred cypress trees, discovering serene forest trails and historic railway tracks.
Fenqihu Old Street. Source: https://www.ali-nsa.net
On your way back down the mountain, stop at Fenqihu Old Street, a nostalgic mountain village nestled along the forest railway. Don't forget to grab a classic wooden railway bento box and indulge in freshly baked, crispy milk donuts before returning to Chiayi for the night.
Day 8： Ancient Fortresses & Cultural Roots
Route: Transfer to Tainan🚗 → Anping Fort → Anping Old Street → Chihkan Tower → Tainan Confucius Temple → Transfer to Hotel in Tainan
Anping Fort. Source: https://www.twtainan.net
Travel south to Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city and cultural heart. Begin in Anping District at Anping Fort, exploring 17th-century Dutch fortress brickwork and climbing the lookout tower for sweeping district views.
Anping Old Street. Source: https://www.twtainan.net
Right outside, stroll through Anping Old Street—Taiwan's oldest commercial street—packed with narrow historic alleys, vibrant craft stalls, and local delicacies like crispy shrimp rolls and shrimp crackers. Continue to Chihkan Tower to admire grand Chinese pavilion architecture and famous stone turtle monuments carrying royal
tablets.
Tainan Confucius Temple. Source: SK Y on Google Maps
Conclude your cultural loop at the peaceful Tainan Confucius Temple, founded in 1665 as the nation's first academic institution, where you can wander through tranquil red-walled courtyards.
Day 9： Capital City Icons & Historic Blocks
Route: Transfer to Taipei🚗 → Bopiliao Historical Block → Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall → Taipei 101 → Transfer to Hotel in Taipei
Bopiliao Historical Block. Source: TC Thatchai on Google Maps
After spending a few days exploring outside of Taipei, it's time to head back to the capital and dive into its rich historic architecture! Start your day wandering through Bopiliao Historical Block, a cool, well-preserved spot where classic Qing Dynasty red-brick buildings meet Japanese colonial storefronts.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Source: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw
Next, head over to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall at Liberty Square to take in its grand blue-tiled octagonal roof and catch the impressive hourly guard-changing ceremony.
Taipei 101. Source https://www.flickr.com
Finish your day standing beneath the iconic Taipei 101. Marvel at the soaring 508-meter pagoda-inspired skyscraper, treat yourself at its world-class shopping mall, or head up for sweeping city views!
Day 10： Volcanic Peaks & Steaming Hot Springs
Route: Yangmingshan National Park → Beitou Thermal Valley → Beitou Hot Spring Museum → Shilin Night Market → Back to Hotel
Yangmingshan National Park. Source: https://www.travel.taipei
Spend your final full day exploring the lush natural escapes just north of Taipei. Start with crisp air and sweeping valley views at Yangmingshan National Park, famous for its volcanic mountain trails and steaming geothermal vents.
Beitou Thermal Valley. Source: Allan Wu on Google Maps
Down in the valley, marvel at Beitou Thermal Valley, where a dramatic emerald-green sulfur lake sends plumes of hot spring steam rising into the air. Nearby, drop by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a restored Japanese-era public bathhouse showcasing the region's rich Victorian-Japanese bathing heritage.
Shilin Night Market. Source: Marcel Van on Google Maps
End your grand journey at Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest and most famous street food haven, sampling giant fried chicken cutlets and playing carnival games before returning to your hotel.
Day 11： Farewell Taiwan..
Route: Transfer to Taoyuan International Airport ✈️
Airplane Alley. Source: https://www.airportspotting.com
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before taking a smooth transfer to Taoyuan International Airport. Board your flight home filled with unforgettable memories, incredible photos, and delicious flavors from your 11-day journey across Taiwan!
Why Explore Taiwan with Relax Go Taiwan Private Tour?
Navigating public transport schedules, lugging heavy suitcases between mountain buses, and coordinating multi-city travel can quickly drain the joy out of your vacation.
With Relax Go Taiwan Private Tour, you get to experience the ultimate, hassle-free travel experience:
Comfortable Private Transportation: Travel stress-free in clean, spacious, air-conditioned vehicles (like comfortable 9-seat vans) driven by professional drivers.
Friendly Local Tour Guides: Gain deep cultural insights and insider tips from expert local guides who know every hidden gem and local food secret.
Custom-Tailored Itineraries: Every group is unique. Whether traveling with family, kids, or friends, your itinerary is custom-built to match your group’s exact pace and preferences.
Ready to Experience the Trip of a Lifetime?
Skip the stress of route planning and transfer hassles! Let us handle the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories across Taiwan.
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