Taiwan at a Glance

Welcome to Taiwan, considered the jewel in the Asia Pacific rim. On arrival at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will assist with the transfer to the capital city – Taipei (80 km, 45 minutes). Along the way, view city landmarks from a distance, such as the palace-like Grand Hotel and the Taipei 101 Tower – the tallest building in the world until early 2010. Taiwan is also famous for its wide variety of cuisine. When Chiang Kai Shek came to Taiwan back in 1949, two million people followed him; among them were students, soldiers, and chefs from different provinces of China. As a result, there are many restaurants showcasing dishes from all over China, and in addition, there are the flavours introduced by Taiwan’s Hakka community and 16 indigenous tribes. This combination of tastes and trends has resulted in fabulous flavours and cuisines. Tonight, you will be introduced to the delicious signature dishes at Din Tai Fung dumpling restaurant. Watch the dumpling master making the dumplings in the open kitchen. After dinner, visit the local night market and get a glimpse into Taipei’s nightlife.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to the centre of Taiwan by using local public transport. Before reaching the biggest city in Central Taiwan, Taichung, visit the colourful Rainbow Village and learn how a retired veteran community became a popular attraction. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, located in Nantou County, in the centre of Taiwan. This is the only county that is not connected to the sea and is the hometown of the Thao Tribe. Visit Xiang Shan Tourist Centre, which was built to showcase the harmonious integration between humans and nature. It also offers panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake.

Proceed to Wen Wu Temple, a local landmark, enshrining the greatest teacher in Chinese history, Confucius, and stands high overlooking the lake. Enjoy a motorboat ride around the lake to enjoy the views. Dinner tonight is enjoyed at a local restaurant.

After enjoying breakfast, head southward to the first capital of Taiwan, Tainan City. Drive to the charming area of Anping and visit the Anping Fort, which dates back to the 16th century when the Dutch came to Tainan. In addition, visit the Anping Tree House and enjoy a walk along the old crooked street. 

In the afternoon, continue to Kaohsiung and your first visit is to the Dragon & Tiger Pagoda, and Spring & Autumn Pavilion which stand on the scenic Lotus Lake. Next, continue to Buddhist Memorial Hall to see the impressive giant bronze Buddha statue and the eye-catching parallel pagodas. Onward to Foguanshan Monastery for a guided tour by the English-speaking monk of the Main Shrine and the Buddhist Museum. Dinner will be a simple vegetarian meal enjoyed at the Monastery.

* If you prefer to stay in the city, the accommodation will be at the hotel in Kaohsiung City. 

You will rise early today (around 05:00 AM) and join the early morning chanting in the Main Shrine, followed by a simple breakfast. It’s then time to set off for Taitung in Eastern Taiwan via the South Link Highway. On the way, visit White Sand Bay, Maopitou and the Eluanpi Lighthouse. On arrival in Taitung, check in to the hotel and then enjoy a soak in the hot springs.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then depart northward to Hualien. On the way, you will see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a stop by Sansientai and walk across the arched bridge, see Water Running Up and the exotic rocks in Xiaoyehliu (Little Yehliu). Soon after arriving at the magnificent Taroko National Park, where the turquoise Liwu River cuts through the gorge. Before dark (sunset is early inside the national park) walk along some of the scenic trails to admire the incredible nature. Enjoy a walk to Swallow Grotto, a marble cliff. River erosion has created holes in the cliff that swallows now inhabit – hence the name of the grotto. Continue on the Tunnel of Nine Turns. This scenic trail is only 700 metres long but is considered the best in the area. Walk beside the mountains and cliffs overlooking the Liwu River and take your time to admire the beautiful details, faults and folds of the marble cliff. Proceed to Bulowan Terrace and walk over the Sanyue Bridge to view this marble gorge from a different angle. Dinner tonight will be served at the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will explore more of Taroko National Park and walk the scenic Shakadang Trail. It’s an easy walk that takes us alongside Shakadang River to see the beautiful gorge with its crystal-clear river. On the way, stop by the Qingshui Cliff and enjoy amazing views over the Pacific Ocean. Next, proceed to the organic tea farm in Yilan and enjoy a hands-on tea-picking experience. After picking the tea leaves, we’ll learn all about the tea ceremony and the correct way to make tea – and of course, you will get to sip the fragrant tea. Late in the afternoon, return to Taipei City, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

*Remark: tea-picking experience will be replaced with making pan-fried scallion pancakes when there is no tea (seasonal).

Enjoy your last few hours at leisure in Taipei before you meet your guide, who will assist with the transfer to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for your onward flight.