8 Days Taipei Kaohsiung Alishan SunMoonLake Chingjing Group Tour

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 (including Sky Lantern Experience)：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.

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.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taipei Hotel

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.

龜吼漁港 Guihou Fishing Harbor：Our next destination is Guihou Fishing Harbor, a charming little fishing village on the North Coast known for its bountiful supply of Wanli crabs. This has made it one of the liveliest fishing harbors on the coast. Every year from September to November, the Guihou Fishermen's Market attracts gourmets who come to savor the seasonal freshness of Wanli crabs, with the classic dish "Steamed Wanli Crab" being a particular favorite for preserving its natural sweetness.

基隆港海洋廣場Keelung Maritime Plaza：Then, we'll visit Keelung Maritime Plaza, a popular tourist spot overlooking Taiwan's largest port in Northern Taiwan, Keelung Harbor. Opened in August 2009, this wooden oceanfront platform offers stunning views of Keelung Inner Harbor and the moored cruise ships. On sunny days, relax and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while soaking in the romantic atmosphere of this harbor city.

基隆塔Keelung Tower (New Social Media Hotspot as of late 2023)：The newly acclaimed Keelung Tower, consisting of the "Triangle Plaza", the rooftop "Skywalk", and the "Hope Plaza", is a new landmark designed in the shape of a bridge crane, linking the mountains, sea, and city. At the top, a "Skywalk" at 67 meters high and spanning 87 meters across the main sanctuary offers an open-air observation deck. Below the platform, there's an indoor area with a café, where each window offers a unique view, either overlooking Keelung Harbor or the Maritime Plaza.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taipei Hotel

龍山寺Longshan Temple： Visit the Longshan Temple in Wanhua, also known as Mengjia Lungshan Temple. This temple, with several centuries of history, is one of Taiwan's oldest and most famous, representing the fusion of religions in Taiwan. Here, you will witness a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and traditional Chinese beliefs, creating a unique and diverse religious culture. Surrounding Longshan Temple is a historic commercial area with a rich historical ambiance, including Qingcao Lane in the Wanhua district, dating back to the Japanese colonial era. It preserves many ancient buildings and traditional street charm, offering unique goods and services. You'll find ancient herbal medicine stores, with over ten shops offering a variety of Chinese medicinal herbs, traditional pastry shops, and handicraft stores, each with its own story and character.

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.

Friendly Reminder: Bring a small towel to experience the charm of Beitou's hot springs by soaking your feet.

*After the tour, you will return to Taipei High-Speed Rail Station. From there, you will take a train to Kaohsiung High-Speed Rail Station and proceed to your hotel in Kaohsiung (including a standard-class high-speed rail ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung). Include one standard-class high-speed rail ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung. A vehicle will pick you up from the high-speed rail station and take you to your hotel.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Kaohsiung Hotel

From the east coast, we arrived at Kaohsiung, the largest city on Taiwan's west side. After breakfast, we'll start today's itinerary.

佛光山佛陀紀念館 The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was completed at the end of 2011 and is an official member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The museum attracts millions of visitors annually, making it a must-see destination for travelers. It was ranked as the number one attraction in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by the world's largest travel website, TripAdvisor, receiving the "2014 Travelers' Choice Award." The most distinctive feature of the Buddha Museum is the world's largest and tallest sitting Buddha – the Fo Guang Big Buddha. The complex also includes the Three Good Deeds Children's Pavilion, the Four Givings Stupa Cultural Square, the Five Harmonies Stupa House of Joy, as well as activities like sutra copying and prayers in the Double Pavilion and the Tea and Chan (Zen) Experience. The museum primarily houses the sacred relic of the true body of Sakyamuni Buddha. In addition to the main hall, there are permanent exhibitions, galleries, and the Great Awakening Hall, which can accommodate 2,000 people and regularly hosts art performances and international forums.

檜意森活村 Hinoki Village: in Taiwan is the first forest-themed cultural and creative park in the country. Its history dates back to the Japanese colonial era when the official forestry operations began in Alishan. To develop the forest resources of Alishan, the Governor-General's office started constructing facilities such as the Alishan Forest Railway, including employee dormitories. In 2009, these Japanese-style dormitories were restored, allowing visitors to step back in time amidst the tranquil atmosphere and the soothing scent of cypress wood, preserving and continuing the historical legacy through innovative storytelling. Hinoki Village is also home to famous Chiayi specialties and crafts, including Hua Guo Tsun cosmetics, Wang Lai Mountain products, Fu Yi Xuan, and the Rush Weaving Workshop, among others, satisfying all your souvenir needs in one visit.

嘉義 Chiayi, the starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway, thrived in the past due to forestry development. As a result of its early history, the city retains many historical sites, forming important tourism resources. Regarding local specialties, Chiayi is known for turkey rice, square biscuits, Alishan Yokan, snowflake cake, small mantou (steamed buns), sweet potatoes, and pineapple cakes. Regarding cultural activities, the painting was famous during the Japanese colonial period, earning the title "City of Paintings," with notable figures such as Chen Cheng-po(陳澄波). In recent years, the International Band Festival and Wake up Music Festival have become prominent events. Chiayi City is the first and currently the only city in Taiwan to have fully electrified and low-floor buses in its public transportation system.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Chiayi Hotel

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.）

日月潭Sun Moon Lake: is a beautiful mountain 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, like a picturesque landscape painting. The misty water and distinct layers of changing mountain scenery create a natural and poetic ambiance, earning it a reputation as one of Taiwan's Eight Scenic Spots. The Sun Moon Lake Round-the-Lake Road was selected by CNN's lifestyle travel website CNNGO as one of the world's top ten most beautiful bike paths. If you have enough time, you can also arrange to experience the approximately 400-meter-long "water biking trail" and enjoy cycling alongside the lake or even try a boat ride on the water.

Meals： Breakfast   Lunch  

Accommodation： Sun Moon Lake Hotel

日月潭 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.

寶湖宮天地堂地母廟 Puli's highly popular Instagram landmark, the "Dimu Temple," is revered as the deity governing the earth and mountains. She is one of the Four Imperial Lords in Taoism, ranking alongside the Jade Emperor, who rules the heavens. The ancient saying "Heaven is yang and Earth is yin; there is the Lord of Heaven and the Earth Mother" reflects this belief. This reverence for the Earth Mother, along with the respect for the heavens, originates from humanity's deep veneration for the land and nature.

妮娜巧克力城堡 Cona’s Chocolate Castle: Originating from Qingjing in Nantou, Cona's Nina Chocolate initially started as a chocolate workshop nestled in the high mountains at 1755 meters, aiming to share the deliciousness of chocolate with more people. In July 2018, "Cona's Nina Chocolate Dream Castle" was established in the Taomi Community of Puli, Nantou. The castle features a magnificent design that combines European medieval architecture with the opulence of Rococo from the Middle Ages, creating a unique six-sense experience. The castle offers educational fun through facilities like light sculpture shows and interactive chocolate knowledge walls, embodying the spirit of learning through play. It's a perfect destination for families, friends, and Instagram influencers to explore this beautiful castle!

Meals： Breakfast   Dinner

Accommodation： Cingjing B&B

清境農場-青青草原Green Green Grassland (Qing Qing Grassland) at Cingjing Farm: Cingjing Farm covers an area of 378 hectares and sits at an elevation between 1,700 and 2,100 meters. Apart from abundant harvests of peaches, apples, kiwifruit, and other fruits, it also boasts unique natural landscapes, offering different sceneries throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers in spring, escape the summer heat, admire autumn maple leaves, and appreciate snowy vistas in winter. With vast grasslands surrounded by mountains and flocks of sheep, the farm exudes a distinct New Zealand vibe. The park features numerous European-style buildings and is often enshrouded in drifting mist, adding to its exotic ambiance.

清境高空景觀步道 Skywalk: The Qingjing SkyWalk is known as the trail closest to the sky. Located at an elevation of approximately 1700 to 2000 meters, it spans 1.6 kilometers in length and 2.5 meters in width, connecting the existing trail starting from the Qingjing Guest House to the end at the Green Green Grassland Story House. The trail is designed as a concealed elevated walkway, moving away from the road, crossing over grasslands, and weaving through the treetops. Travelers can enjoy the sight of sheep grazing on the grass and birds hopping among the treetops. After completing the journey, we will return to Taipei, concluding our 8-day round-the-island trip. If you need an extra night's stay in Taipei, please inform your travel consultant when booking your itinerary. Thank you.

Meals： Breakfast   Lunch  

Accommodation： None