10 Days Taipei Sun Moon Lake Alishan Kaohsiung Hualien Group Tour

Today we set out from the hotel and arrived at 野柳地質公園Yehliu Geopark Our first stop is Yehliu Geopark, a significant international attraction in northern Taiwan, once acclaimed by CNN as the most Mars-like place on Earth. Famous for its naturally sculpted rocks and unique geological formations, Yehliu is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Taiwan. Located on the North Coast and within the Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, this cape, an extension of the Datun Mountains into the sea, showcases an array of natural artistic creations formed by geological forces, sea erosion, and crustal movements. Stroll around and witness nature’s meticulous artwork, including iconic formations like the "Fairy's Shoe", mushroom rocks, erosion pillars, candle-shaped rocks, and fossil traces. Yehliu is also known as a natural geological classroom, with the world-famous "Queen's Head" being its most renowned feature.

九份老街Jiufen Village ：Travel back to the 1940s to Jiufen, a mountain village that flourished during the gold rush era. Though its golden days have passed with the closure of the gold mines, Jiufen still has many stories to tell. It gained renewed attention after being featured in the internationally acclaimed film 'A City of Sadness' directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien. Its unique old-style architecture and ambiance attracted visitors from all over the world, revitalizing it as a famous spot in Northern Taiwan. In Jiufen, besides enjoying a cup of tea and the breathtaking views, the village's old street is quite distinctive compared to others, offering various local delicacies and souvenirs. Don’t miss out on Jiufen's traditional dessert, 'Taro Balls', especially if you have a sweet tooth! At night, the narrow alleys of Jiufen Old Street are lit with lanterns, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. The sunset view, with the sun dipping behind the mountains, is especially mesmerizing.

十分瀑布 Shifen Waterfall Famed as the 'Niagara Falls of Taiwan', Shifen Waterfall is renowned for its spectacular cascade and powerful spray. The mist created by the waterfall, when lit by sunlight, often forms a rainbow-like glow, making it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan.

十分老街 (含放天燈體驗) Shifen Old Street (Sky Lantern release) Next to Shifen Station lies Shifen Old Street, uniquely built along the railway tracks, offering a rare sight of trains passing right in front of the shops. Here, you'll experience the joy of releasing sky lanterns. Write your wishes and blessings on the lantern, and with assistance from staff, watch it gently ascend, sending your hopes to the heavens.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taipei Hotel

北投溫泉博物館 Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a building from the Japanese colonial era, originally served as the Beitou Public Bathhouse. Here, you can learn about the development and history of Beitou's hot springs. This Tudor-style (British-like) two-story building mixes Western and Eastern architectural elements, with a brick-built first floor, wooden second floor, and black tiled roof. The first floor houses the brick-built large and small bath pools, including an 800-kilogram Beitou stone on display; the second floor is a wooden relaxation area with a large tatami-matted hall and a balcony, mainly exhibiting early Taiwanese film materials.

地熱谷 Geothermal Valley

Visit Geothermal Valley, one of the sources of Beitou's hot springs. The water here is clear, classified as 'Green Sulfur Springs'. The spring water is extremely hot, producing steam and sulfur vapors, creating a misty, ethereal atmosphere.

淡水文化之旅Tamsui Cultural Tour

滬尾偕醫館Hobe Mackay Clinic

Built in 1879 by Canadian missionary Dr. George Leslie Mackay, this red-brick Western-style clinic was northern Taiwan's first modern hospital. Combining missionary work with free medical care, it introduced vaccination and ophthalmology to the region. The historic building now serves as a cultural site, preserving Mackay's legacy of healthcare and education in Tamsui.

紅毛城Fort San Domingo

Built in 1628 by the Spanish, later rebuilt by the Dutch, this iconic red-brick fortress is Taiwan's oldest Western-style stronghold. Overlooking the Tamsui River, it showcases 400 years of colonial history under Spanish, Dutch, Qing, and British rule. Now a national historic monument.

小白宮（前清淡水關稅務司官邸）Former British Merchant Residence

This elegant white colonial villa (built 1870) served as the Qing-era Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence. Featuring signature verandas and river views, it reflects 19th-century Western architecture in Taiwan. Now a protected historic site showcasing Tamsui's international trade era.

漁人碼頭（Fisherman's Wharf）

Famous for its sunset views and the iconic Lover's Bridge, this bustling harbor features seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and leisure boats. A perfect blend of maritime culture and romantic scenery in northern Taiwan.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taipei Hotel

故宮博物院 National Palace Museum

The next stop on your Taipei day tour is the world-famous National Palace Museum, which is also one of the world’s largest museums.

With a collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks, the museum showcases 8,000 years of Chinese art history spanning multiple dynasties. Two of the most famous artworks on display are “the Jadeite Cabbage” and “the Meat-Shaped Stone”, which are the must-sees in National Palace Museum.

大稻埕 Dadaocheng /迪化街 Dihua Street

After National Palace Museum, you will visit Dadaocheng, a nostalgic area where tradition and modernity meets. The retro cafes and stores in the streets and alleys enhance the nostalgic atmosphere, making this place become a popular destination for hipsters.

The heart of Dadaocheng is Dihua Street, once the most prosperous place in Taipei more than a hundred years ago. Even now, it is still a popular spot to shop for dried goods and herbal medicines. Every year, the Chinese New Year Street Bazaar takes place in Dihua Street, and is always crowed with people getting ready for the coming new year.

Today, the streets and alleys are lined with traditional shops, alongside with chic cafés and mini art galleries housed in the in well-preserved historical buildings, giving off a vintage vibe.

中正紀念堂Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 

Next, you will head off to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an impressive monument in memory of the late President Chiang Kai-shek. Here the changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from 09:00 in the main hall.

In addition to the majestic main hall of the memorial, the exquisite Chinese garden around the building and the vast plaza are also worth taking a look. If you come here in the early morning, you can see some people doing Qigong there.

台北101大樓 (不含觀景台) Taipei 101 ( Not including Observatory)

The last stop of your tour is Taipei 101 Mall, the fashion lovers’ paradise. The mall houses hundreds of fashionable stores and restaurants, along with a food court and a supermarket. From luxury brands to fast fashion retailers, from Michelin star restaurants to cheap eats, you can always find something for your there.

The famous skyscraper, Taipei 101, stands right next to the mall. It was once the tallest building in the world that reaches a height of 508 meters, towering over the skyline of Taipei. The building has 101 stories, with an observatory deck on the 89th floor, where the visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei City. Not only that, it has one of the top 3 fastest elevators in the world; from the 5th to the 89th floor, it only takes 37 seconds.

You can go to the observation deck on the 89th floor at your own expense to enjoy the magnificent view of Taipei from high above and embrace the all-round excellent viewing angle.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taipei Hotel

鳳梨酥DIY體驗Pineapple Cake DIY (Included in tour package)

Pineapple cakes originated from Taiwan's agricultural heritage. With pineapples ("ông-lâi" in Hokkien, meaning "good fortune") being historically plentiful, they became a symbolic gift pastry. Today, you'll get to make this famous Taiwanese treat yourself.

日月潭Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake： is a beautiful high-altitude lake and the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, situated at an elevation of 748 meters and covering an area of 116 square kilometers. The beauty of Sun Moon Lake is a harmonious blend of mountains and water, creating picturesque landscapes. The misty waters and the clear, layered mountain scenery give it a poetic and picturesque quality, earning it a reputation as one of Taiwan's top eight scenic wonders. The Sun Moon Lake Cycling Road has been recognized by CNNGO, a lifestyle and travel website under CNN, as one of the top ten most beautiful cycling routes in the world. If time allows, you can also experience the approximately 400-meter-long "Water Bicycle Path" here, offering a sensation akin to cycling on water. For quick travel around the lake, the best option is to take a lake cruise. While on the boat, you can enjoy the lakeside scenery and listen to interesting narrations by the captain, who offers insights into the local sights and history. The boats travel in a counterclockwise direction. There are three major piers at Sun Moon Lake: Shuishe Pier, Xuanguang Temple Pier, and Ita Thao Pier, with boats traveling counterclockwise (Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier → Shuishe Pier). The boat ticket is a day pass, allowing unlimited rides within a day.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Sun Moon Lake

阿里山森林遊樂園區 The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area: boasts five unique attractions: the Forest Railway, Divine Trees, Sea of Clouds, Sunrise, and Cherry Blossoms. It is Taiwan's most renowned and beloved forest recreation area, a shimmering emerald gem on the Alishan mountain range radiating with dazzling brilliance. Depending on individual physical strength and preferences, you can choose a different route.

Route A: Zhaoping Train Station, Sisters Pond, Four Sisters, Happiness from Golden Pig, Eternal Love, Mulan Garden, Shouzheng Temple

（You can purchase tickets on your own to take the park train or shuttle bus to Zhaoping Station. From there, you can stroll downhill to the Shouzhen Temple. After visiting, you have the option to take the park shuttle bus back to the Visitor Center or continue on to the B line.）

Route B: Shouzheng Temple, Three Generations Tree, Alishan Museum, Xiang-lin Elementary School, Ci-yun Temple, Alishan Sacred Tree

（You can buy tickets on your own to take the park shuttle bus to Shouzhen Temple. From there, enjoy a leisurely walk among the sacred tree groves. You can then take the park train from the Alishan Sacred Tree site back to Alishan Station.）

品茶台灣高山茶Tea Tasting Experience

Taiwan's tea culture traces its roots to the 17th century. Evolving through the Dutch colonial era, Qing Dynasty, and Japanese rule, it gradually developed a unique tea-drinking style. After WWII, Taiwan's tea industry flourished, gaining global recognition as a premier tea-producing region.

In 1903, during Japanese rule, the Assam black tea variety was introduced and successfully cultivated in Yuchi Township, Nantou, laying the foundation for Taiwan's black tea industry (exemplified by "Sun Moon Lake Black Tea"). By the 1970s, Taiwan began promoting tea cultivation in high-altitude regions like Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi. Thanks to the misty climate and significant day-night temperature variations, these areas produce exceptionally high-quality leaves, creating the distinctive "High Mountain Oolong Tea" flavor profile.

Over 300 years of evolution, Taiwan's tea culture has transformed from early Oolong exports to today's diverse offerings—High Mountain Tea, Black Tea, and Organic Tea. This industry not only drives Taiwan's agricultural economy but also shapes a unique tea appreciation aesthetic. Today, Taiwanese tea represents more than a beverage; it embodies a lifestyle and cultural heritage.

When visiting Sun Moon Lake or Alishan tea regions, don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic element of Taiwan’s cultural identity.

Chiayi

Chiayi is the starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway. In the past, it thrived due to the development of forestry. With an early development history, there are many historical sites in the urban area, which have become important tourist resources. In terms of local specialties, turkey rice, square pastries, Alishan almond jelly, snowflake cookies, small steamed buns, sweet potatoes, and pineapple cakes are the most well - known. Regarding cultural activities, during the Japanese colonial period, painting was the most famous, and Chiayi once had the reputation of the "City of Painting", with representatives such as Chen Cheng - po. In recent years, the Chiayi International Band Festival and the Awakening Music Festival have been the most prosperous. Chiayi City is the first and currently the only city in the country where all urban buses are fully electrified and have a low - floor design.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Chiayi Hotel

檜意森活村Hinoki Village

As Taiwan's first forest-themed cultural and creative park, Hinoki Village preserves the legacy of the Japanese colonial era's official forestry operations. Originally built to support the development of Alishan's timber resources, this complex once housed workers and facilities for the Alishan Forest Railway.

Restored in 2009, the village's serene Japanese-style dormitories now transport visitors back in time. The lingering scent of hinoki cypress guides you through history, where heritage meets modern reinvention.

佛光山佛陀紀念館Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, located in Kaohsiung, is a grand cultural and spiritual site dedicated to Buddhism. It houses a sacred Buddha tooth relic and features a vast complex with eight pagodas, a central Buddha statue, and exhibition halls. Visitors can explore Buddhist culture, art, and architecture in a serene and majestic setting.

旗津老街Qijin Old Street

Qijin Old Street is the most vibrant tourist spot in Kaohsiung's Qijin District, renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional Taiwanese snacks. Here you can savor local delicacies like grilled squid, fried fish cakes, and assorted seafood tempura. The street is lined with nostalgic traditional shops and unique food stalls, exuding old-world charm.

Nearby attractions include the Qijin Ferry Pier and Windmill Park, where you can experience the authentic fishing village atmosphere and harbor scenery of this port city.

After the tour, we'll return to our Kaohsiung hotel for check-in.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Kaohsiung hotel

蓮池潭Lotus Pond Scenic Area

The Lotus Pond Scenic Area in Kaohsiung is a picturesque destination known for its tranquil waters, vibrant lotus blooms, and iconic temples. Highlights include the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and Confucius Temple. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, cultural landmarks, and the serene atmosphere of this popular attraction.

高雄市立歷史博物館Kaohsiung Museum of History

Originally the former Kaohsiung City Government building, this Japanese colonial-era structure now serves as a museum showcasing Kaohsiung's development. Permanent exhibitions trace the city's transformation from fishing village to international port, while special exhibitions and cultural events regularly highlight local heritage. The architecture itself, blending classical and modern styles, is a visual masterpiece worth admiring.

華僑海鮮市場Huaqiao Market

This famous twilight market offers more than just souvenirs. For seafood lovers who want to skip the restaurant hunt on Guangfu Road, simply select your preferred fresh catch at the market and utilize their on-site cooking service - enjoying peak freshness at bargain prices while bypassing the hassle of preparation.

多良車站Duoliang Station

Located in Taitung's Taimali Township, this site was originally the Paiwan tribe's "Daladalan" settlement, renamed "Tatarara" during Japanese rule - its charming name still evokes smiles. When the South-Link Railway established this station, the name was shortened to "Duoliang". Built on hillside between two tunnels, the station converted its roof into an observation deck where visitors can marvel at breathtaking vistas: endless Pacific blues meeting mountain slopes in perfect harmony.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taitung hotel

三仙台Sanxiantai Scenic Area

A jewel of Taitung's coastline! This volcanic island, connected by eight striking red arches, boasts stunning sea-eroded landscapes and rich ecological wonders. At sunrise, golden light spills over the azure waters and crimson bridge, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Explore vibrant tidal pools and legendary traces of the Eight Immortals (like Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu), adding mythical charm to this must-visit coastal marvel.

北回歸線紀念碑Tropic of Cancer Monument

Did you know? Taiwan is the only country among the 16 nations along the Tropic of Cancer with three monuments (in Chiayi, Hualien, and Taitung)! Today, we’ll visit the only seaside marker—a ship-shaped structure facing the Pacific, symbolizing Taiwan’s maritime heritage.

七星潭柴魚博物館Qixingtan katsuo Museum

"When early summer comes, bonito fish arrive in abundance—a single net could haul over 20,000 catties!" – Hualien Archives, documenting the post-WWII fishing boom. Founded by local Fengxing Fish Factory, this interactive museum showcases traditional bonito-drying techniques, featuring:

✔ A wood-fired kiln for smoking fish

✔ Fascinating exhibits on fishing history

✔ Must-try freshly roasted bonito flakes and seafood snacks

A perfect blend of cultural heritage and gourmet experience!

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Hualien

南澳漁港（台灣三大漁港之一）+ 海鮮觀光工廠 Southern AO Fishing Harbor (One of Taiwan's Top 3 Fishing Ports) + Seafood Tourism Factory

Nestled in Yilan's Su'ao Township, this natural harbor is Taiwan's top mackerel producer! At the century-old "First Fishing Port," you'll see colorful fishing boats bobbing in the water, while the harbor-crossing bridge offers panoramic views. What began as a simple fishing shed has transformed into a modern tourism factory, evolving from traditional processing to fresh seafood innovation. Pioneering vertical integration of production and sales, it champions sustainability, food safety, and creativity—all set against stunning coastal mountains.

宜蘭傳藝中心Yilan Traditional Art Center

This riverside retro complex revives centuries of Taiwanese crafts and performing arts. Daily shows feature Taiwanese opera (歌仔戲) and glove puppetry (布袋戲), plus hands-on workshops like indigo dyeing and wood carving. Its Minnan-style architecture (三街七巷) hosts 50+ master artisans in a recreated 1930s-40s village—from temples to alleyway shops, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Every corner whispers stories of old Taiwan's cultural soul.

After the tour, we return to Ximending Shopping District in Taipei, wrapping up your 10-day island journey.

Need post-tour arrangements?

Extra hotel nights OR Airport transfers

Please inform your travel specialist when booking. Thank you!

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： /