Best Taiwan Tour

Accompanied by your guide, spend today exploring the main highlights of Taipei, beginning with the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Built to honor the former president, this stunning blue-and-white structure features an octagonal dome made of glazed tiles. You’ll have a chance to witness the changing of the guard ceremony every hour, which lasts about 15 minutes, and be in awe of the soldiers’ synchronized movements and impressive gun display even without any impassioned background music.

Next, head to Taipei 101, which is Taiwan’s tallest building, soaring to 508 meters (1,667 feet). You’ll ascend from the 5th floor to the 89th floor within 37 seconds in the elevator at a speed of 1,010 meters (3,314 feet) per minute. While riding, the elevator will go dark and its starry ceiling lights will light up, making you feel like embarking on a journey into space. Once you arrive, try to capture panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis below! Then head downstairs to admire the massive golden wind damper ball weighing 600 tons on the 88th floor and learn about its crucial role in stabilizing the building during earthquakes and typhoons.

Taipei’s religious traditions are equally intriguing. The guide will then lead you to the Confucius Temple, which is dedicated to Confucius and the Twelve Philosophers, all of whom are disciples of the sage. It should be noticed that, unlike other traditional Chinese temples, the Confucius Temple has no poems or couplets engraved on any pillars or doors, as no one dares to show off their knowledge in front of this most esteemed teacher in China. You can also dive deep into his life through an engaging 4D VR film.

Conclude our visit to the Bao-an Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Taiwan, which enshrines Poh Seng Tai Tay, a miraculous doctor who saved lives in ancient times and is revered as the God of Medicine. Highlights are the statues crafted from Taiwan’s traditional art form, Koji Pottery, generally used in the decoration of temple architecture, which features a brightly colored glaze style by low fire, combining sculpting, painting, and pasting clay in layers. If your visit coincides with the Baosheng Cultural Festival on the 15th day of the third lunar month, usually in mid- to later April, you may witness the Fire Lion Ritual featuring an impressive fireworks display believed to ward off evil spirits, along with traditional opera performances, dragon and lion dances, health clinics, and a choir concert. Then you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Free Time Suggestion:
As night falls, slip on your flip-flops, grab some cash, and head to the night market to uncover the essence of Taiwan! For a more vibrant atmosphere, the largest Shilin Night Market is your ideal choice, offering traditional specialties like Oyster Omelette and Bubble Tea, as well as various game stalls. Food enthusiasts may prefer Raohe Night Market that stretches 600 meters (0.4 mi), a heaven for Michelin-recommended snacks. As a reference, most snacks in these two markets cost between NTD 50 and 150 (USD 1.5-4.7) per serving.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will drive for 1 hour to Hsinchu, the oldest city in northern Taiwan, home to a significant population of Hakka people, an important branch of Han people with their unique dialect. Today’s sightseeing starts from Beipu Old Street, which extends just 200 meters (656 feet) but is packed with seven historical sites, making it the highest concentration of historical landmarks in Taiwan. The street is lined with Chinese medicine shops, Hakka restaurants, and inviting snack stalls. If interested, try some street food like persimmon cakes by yourself! Also, you’ll see traditional three-section compound houses characterized by nostalgic red brick walls and stone steps.

★ Hakka Pounded Tea DIY Experience

Then you’ll enjoy a chance taking part in a class about Hakka pounded tea and make your version! Pounded tea, aka Leicha, is often served to honored guests during significant occasions like weddings and festivals. The staff will introduce you to its origins and raw ingredients like tea leaves, sesame seeds, green beans, and sticky rice. Once you have learned the grinding techniques, it’s your hands-on DIY time! Strength is key, and a helpful tip is to shake your mixture while pounding. When it has a sand-like texture, you’ll know you have succeeded! After that, add some hot water and savor the unique flavor of the pounded tea crafted by yourself.

Next, proceed to the Zhuo Ye Cottage nestled in the mountainside, where thatched roofs, bamboo fences, and rooms transformed from old barns offer a glimpse of authentic Taiwanese rural life. In addition, you could dive into the intangible cultural heritage craft of indigo dyeing and personalize your own creations from preparing materials, steaming and boiling fabrics, dyeing, and washing to hang drying, with the help of a local master. Remember to wear a dark top and take home your masterpiece as a cherished souvenir! After this enjoyable experience, we will travel 1 hour to Taichung and check into a local hotel.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense): 
Shan Shin Restaurant, a Michelin-recommended gem mainly serving traditional home-cooked and seafood dishes from 17:30 to 21:30, will be your ideal dinner choice. In a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, you can savor signature dishes like Braised Tofu with Pumpkin and Crab Sauce, which promises an explosion of fresh and fragrant flavors! Other must-tries include the Deep-fried Pork Trotters with Salt and Pepper and the Steamed Taro Cake. Due to its popularity, it is suggested that you reserve a table in advance on its official website.
Average Cost per Person: NTD 800-1000 (USD 24-30)
Address: No.21, Cunzhong St, West Dist, West District, Taichung 403 Taiwan

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: La Vida Hotel Taichung (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we will depart for Lukang, an ancient cultural small town 1 hour drive away, which has earned the nickname “Taiwan’s City of Temples”. Upon arrival, you’ll be accompanied to explore some of the highlights. After that, we will stroll down Lukang Old Street, whose winding alleys beckon you with unique artistic works and tasty cuisines. Spend some time admiring Heqi Villa’s Minnan-style architecture or visiting Osmanthus Alley Art Village to see local artisans skillfully create delicate dough figurines or interesting lion head crafts. For lunch, you can try local specialties such as Mee Sua Soup (Chinese Vermicelli), Ox-tongue Pastry, and Taro Balls at your own expense, all at prices of around NTD 100 (USD 3).

Then we will drive to the mountains to see the fabulous Sun Moon Lake, one of the Eight Views of Taiwan. Lalu Island separates the lake, making the crescent moon-shaped south part the Moon Lake, while the round north part the Sun Lake. According to the legend, the sun and moon’s ethereal radiance enticed two evil dragons who previously inhabited the water to swallow them up. To save humanity from eternal darkness, a courageous couple discovered a pair of golden axes and scissors in a cave in Alishan Mountain and battled the dragons for three days and nights, ultimately bringing light back to the world.

Apart from the mysterious legends, you’ll also be amazed by its awesome natural views. We will take a boat from the pier, enjoying the beautiful scenery around Sun Moon Lake, where verdant forests encompass the mountains and water birds flutter over the water surface. After disembarking, hike along the gentle Hanbi Trail for about 2 kilometers (1.24 mi) and appreciate the reflections of lush gardenias in the lake. We will pass by several photo stops along the way, such as Meihe Garden and Yule Pavilion, but the Chang Kai-Shek Pier is the most recommended, where red lanterns hang over the wooden boardwalk, boats float on the water, and mountains loom in the distance. Finally, we will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sun Moon Lake Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Kick-off today’s tour by immersing yourself in the black tea culture of Sun Moon Lake, which thrives thanks to the region’s abundant rainfall, short sunlight duration, and moist soil. The well-known Sun Moon Lake black tea boasts a brilliant crimson hue and sweet floral and fruity flavor, rivaling even the finest black teas from Sri Lanka. You won’t just be a spectator! A tea master will guide you to savor various types of black tea and teach you how to make it yourself. Get ready to rub and knead fresh tea leaves, squeeze out their moist juices, shape them into strands, and hand them off to the staff for drying.

After this sensory delight, let’s find serenity at the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, whose design blends with the styles of a traditional monastery and a Buddhist pagoda, with a glistening golden lotus dome surrounded by two intricately carved tin monk staffs adorned with dragon patterns. You can admire lots of Buddha statues and intricately decorated ceilings. Especially, in the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, four 12-meter (39-foot) tall statues made of black granite stand in each corner to guard sentient beings. Then, we’ll take a 2.5-hour drive to Kaohsiung and check into a local hotel.

► Free Time Suggestion:
Once settled, to get your first impression of Kaohsiung, consider taking a boat to cruise along the scenic Love River by yourself. You’ll encounter landmarks like the Starry Sky Pier, the Rose Church, and the Movie Museum in a magical ambiance created by neon lights. For reference, a boat ride often lasts 25 minutes and costs about NTD 150 (USD 4.7). After that, head to Ziqiang Night Market to indulge in local snacks, such as Braised Pork Ice and Stuffed Sweet Potato, with prices ranging from NTD 50 to 150 (USD 1.5-3) per serving.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Just Sleep Kaohsiung Station (4 stars) or similar

After a joyful breakfast, we’ll visit Taiwan’s largest Buddhist temple, the Fo Guang Shan Monastery. In its attached Buddha Museum, a towering 108-meter (354-foot) high Buddha statue stands as tall as a 36-story building. You can visit the exhibition of the Buddhist Maritime Silk Road and watch a 4D film to learn more about the Buddha’s life. Also, practicing calligraphy will elevate your serene experience at the spot. Next, hop on a ferry to Cijin (Qijin) Island, and climb to the lighthouse to overlook Kaohsiung and the surrounding colorful houses. Amazing Instagram photo stops like Rainbow Cathedral and an adjacent giant shell also await! Since the island is a long sandbar with many hidden gems, renting a bicycle by yourself, for about NTD 300 (USD 9) per hour, may be the best way to explore them all.

Our next stop is the Pier-2 Art Center along the riverbank, which blends contemporary art, historical architecture, and creative spaces transformed from abandoned warehouses. On Saturdays, the atmosphere will be more alive with market activities! Remember to wear comfortable shoes to stroll through the area to browse various paintings, sculptures, and public art installations that reflect the area’s rich heritage of container terminals and fishing settlements. If you feel tired, seek a cozy coffee shop to rest and enjoy performances by talented street musicians. After that, we will escort you back to the hotel.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense):
The center also has plenty of dinner options like Tube Rice Pudding, recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand for three years, which features soft glutinous rice steamed with braised egg, meat, and mushrooms and drizzled with delectable marinade. You can savor it for NTD 50 (USD 1.5) per serving. Alternatively, try succulent barbecue by the river at a cost of NTD 15-50 (USD 0.5-1.5) for each plate, promising a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. If you are interested, we can also leave you here for dinner, and you’ll need to go back on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Just Sleep Kaohsiung Station (4 stars) or similar

Say goodbye to Kaohsiung and we’ll drive for 1 hour to Tainan, Taiwan’s ancient capital, rich in historical sites and artistic lanes that showcase traditional life and the colonial era under Dutch and Japanese rule. The guide will first accompany you to the Confucius Temple, the oldest and most spectacular of its kind in Taiwan. The temple’s vibrant red walls symbolize the nobility associated with China’s greatest philosopher and educator, while the path leading to the main hall boasts numerous granite carvings, a privilege once reserved for emperors. Additionally, you can explore the Dacheng Hall with our all-inclusive tickets, where various plaques from past presidents, such as “Education for All” by Chiang Kai-Shek, are displayed in tribute.

Then, make our way to the Eternal Golden Castle, a military stronghold from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) with remains of batteries, bastions, and armories. If you visit on the weekend, you’ll witness staff dressed as Qing soldiers bringing the thrilling artillery battle to life. Our next stop is Anping Fort, built by the Dutch in the 17th century. The ancient city wall was constructed of bricks infused with an innovative mixture of glutinous rice juice, syrup, sand, and oyster shell powder. What’s more, you can climb to the fort’s top for panoramic views of the city. After historical exploration, let’s stroll down the Anping Old Street. Try to find the sword-lion symbols perched above the lintels of traditional red brick houses, which feature the Eight Diagrams painted on the lion’s forehead, with a sword in its mouth, believed to ward off misfortune. The area is also bustling with snack stalls. Why not treat yourself to some specialties like Fried Sweet Potato Balls and Tofu Pudding for lunch? Each snack costs about NTD 100 (USD 3).

Next, we’ll visit the Chikan Tower, the most well-known attraction in Tainan, which features a tranquil garden, two temples, and a library. Originally built as a Dutch fortress, it later functioned as a pavilion and an army hospital, and now serves as a historical artifact museum. The southern Haisheng Temple displays ancient boat models and the Dutch surrender statue while the northern Wenchang Pavilion is popular with students as it shrines the god of knowledge and literature. There is a vending machine in the garden for fish food, and you can feed Koi fish if interested. After a fulfilling day, we’ll return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Silks Place Tainan (5 stars) or similar

★ Alishan Forest Train Adventure

After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour scenic drive to Alishan National Scenic Area, a mountain resort that promises a highlight of this best Taiwan tour, known for its stunning sunrise and sunset, sea of clouds, railways, and forests. Upon arrival, hop on the branch line of the zigzag Alishan Forest Railway to take an adventure! You may witness the spectacular sea of clouds at the observation deck, most likely appearing at dawn. When the altitude changes, a visual feast will unfold, showcasing the alternating beauty of tropical and temperate plants. Enjoy the leisurely pace of the slow train ride, capture the chance to snap some unforgettable photos, and soak up serene surroundings. Please take pills for motion sickness before departure due to the winding mountain road, and wear your windproof clothing to cope with the morning’s low temperature.

► Best Time to Witness Sea of Clouds in Alishan Mountain
1. Best time of day: The most mesmerizing beauty is often unveiled in the early morning when cooler temperatures enhance cloud formation.
2. Best season: From October to March, high humidity helps clouds gather. Winter mornings are particularly favorable for witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon.
3. Top weather: When the sky begins to clear after rainfall, the humidity is right for the clouds to rise.

Afterward, enjoy a forest shower by hiking trails to encounter extraordinary wonders like the No.12 Sacred Tree. With three generations of trees growing from a single root, the 3,000-year-old red cypress tree, also known as the Alishan Sacred Tree, is the real gem. Imagine the stories it could tell! In the beginning, lightning struck the tree’s first generation, causing it to fall to the ground, while the second generation also stood with only empty shells and roots left. However, fortunately, the new generation has grown on top of another, as the lush and leafy third generation exhibits its persistent vitality at the highest point. 

► Friendly Tips on Hotel Conditions in Alishan
The government enforces strict regulations for local hotel renovations to protect the forests and environment. Thus, most hotels maintain their original layout and amenities. We have selected the top one for you, though it may not be as good as hotels in the urban area. Located in the heart of Alishan, it is also Taiwan’s highest hotel, promising excellent views of mountains and easy access to popular attractions. Moreover, heating in Alishan is only activated when the temperatures fall below 8°C (46°F).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Alishan House Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Hit the road to Taichung for about 3 hours, where natural wonders will lure you from lush virgin forests to serene wetlands. Upon arrival, get ready for a 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mi) cycling trip along the Houfeng Bikeway, taking about 1 hour each way. The bike rental is included in the price. You’ll ride through scenic valleys with a refreshing breeze, stopping by a green tunnel, a steel bridge, a dam, and earthquake ruins. The highlight is the No.9 Tunnel, an abandoned railway tunnel transformed for cycling, offering a unique experience filled with aged water stains on the walls and dim lights guiding the way.

★ Experience One of the Must-See Sunsets of Your Life at Gaomei Wetland

Next, continue our adventure to Gaomei Wetland, where muddy and sandy beaches create a flourishing ecosystem. You’ll be amazed by towering mangroves, swaying bulrushes, and birds resting on the shoreline. However, the real star here is the sunset! A winding wood boardwalk stretches through sands to the sea, offering an ultimate photo spot against a backdrop of majestic wind turbines. If time permits, seize the golden moments from 17:10 to 18:50 to click the shutter. As the tide recedes, you can also watch mudskippers and tiny crabs scuttling out of their homes. The wind might be strong, so please bring a light coat. Under the gentle afterglow of the sunset, you’ll be escorted on a 1.5-hour drive to Taoyuan and check into the hotel.

► Insider Photography Tips:
1. Stop midway on the boardwalk for a cinematic scene, with distant wind turbines and glowing wetlands in the background.
2. Decrease your camera’s exposure at the end of the boardwalk to shoot perfect silhouettes against the sunset.
3. For layered photos, try capturing from the curves of the boardwalk with a lowered color temperature.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cozzi Blu Hotel Taoyuan (5 stars) or similar

Your unforgettable Taiwan journey will come to a close today. According to your flight, we will whisk you away to Taoyuan International Airport. Have a nice trip home and look forward to your next journey with Agate Travel!

► For Your Information: If it is still early before your flight, take a last-minute exploration to the Xpark on your own, which operates from 10:00 with the entrance fee of NTD 600 (USD 18). This aquatic wonderland recreates the seabed topography of Taiwan’s east coast in a two-story aquarium, showcasing various marine creatures. You’ll see jellyfish gliding through sparkling water and playful rays interacting with children. Goats and bearcats can be observed in the outdoor area. The park is also connected to malls and plazas, and you can enjoy leisure time if interested.

If you want to explore mainland China, Japan, South Korea or other destinations, our dedicated travel consultants will help customize your itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast