14 Days of Hiking and Culture in Taiwan Itinerary

Begin your morning with a hike at Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). The trail is relatively short but offers stunning views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts.

After your hike, take a relaxing ride on the Maokong Gondola. Enjoy panoramic views of Taipei as you ascend to Maokong, known for its tea plantations. You can also visit one of the local teahouses for a refreshing cup of tea.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Shilin Night Market in the evening. This market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, offering a variety of street food, games, and shopping opportunities.

Visit Longshan Temple, one of Taipei's oldest temples. This temple is not only an important religious site but also an architectural marvel that showcases traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship.

Spend your afternoon at Beitou Hot Spring. Beitou is renowned for its hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. You can also explore the nearby Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn more about the area's history.

For dinner, head to 欣葉日本料理, known for its high-quality Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes from sushi to tempura, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

Kick off your day with a visit to Taipei Fine Arts Museum. This museum features contemporary art exhibitions from both local and international artists, making it a great spot for art lovers.

Next, explore Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, often referred to as "the creative hub" of Taipei. The park hosts various exhibitions, workshops, and shops selling unique handmade items.

Conclude your day with dinner at 金峰魯肉飯, famous for its braised pork rice. This local favorite is known for its flavorful dishes that offer an authentic taste of Taiwanese cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to Taroko National Park (Taroko Gorge). This stunning national park is known for its marble-walled canyons, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. Take your time to explore the Shakadang Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the crystal-clear river and surrounding nature.

After a morning of exploration, enjoy lunch at 太魯閣晶英酒店, a highly-rated restaurant offering delicious local cuisine with stunning views of the gorge. Afterward, continue your adventure by hiking the Baiyang Trail, which leads to the mesmerizing Baiyang Waterfall.

Conclude your day with dinner at 布洛灣山月村餐廳, known for its traditional Taiwanese dishes and serene atmosphere. Reflect on your day's adventures while enjoying a hearty meal.

Begin your morning with a hike on the Zhuilu Old Trail. This trail is famous for its dramatic cliffside views and challenging terrain. It's perfect for experienced hikers looking for an exhilarating experience.

After an adventurous morning, have lunch at 天祥餐廳, which offers a variety of local dishes in a cozy setting. In the afternoon, visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, one of Taroko's most iconic landmarks. The shrine commemorates those who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.

綠水合流亭 is an excellent choice for dinner. This restaurant provides delicious meals made from fresh local ingredients and offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Alishan National Scenic Area awaits you this morning. Known for its stunning sunrises, sacred trees, and picturesque railway rides, Alishan is a paradise for nature lovers. Start with a walk through the Giant Tree Plank Trail to marvel at ancient trees that are thousands of years old.

阿里山賓館餐廳 is perfect for lunch; it offers traditional Taiwanese cuisine in an elegant setting. Afterward, take a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway to experience one of Taiwan's most scenic train journeys.

End your day with dinner at 阿里山高山茶餐廳, where you can enjoy high mountain tea along with delicious local dishes. The serene ambiance makes it an ideal spot to unwind after a day full of exploration.

Begin your day by taking a leisurely bike ride around Sun Moon Lake. The cycling paths offer stunning views of Taiwan's largest lake and are perfect for soaking in the natural beauty.

For lunch, head to one of Sun Moon Lake's lakeside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other local delicacies while taking in panoramic lake views.

In the evening, take a relaxing boat cruise on Sun Moon Lake to witness a beautiful sunset over the water. Conclude your day with dinner at another lakeside restaurant that offers both great food and mesmerizing night views.

Start your day with a visit to Tainan. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient city, which was once the capital of Taiwan. Visit historical sites such as Fort Zeelandia and Chihkan Tower.

For lunch, head to 度小月擔仔麵, a famous restaurant known for its delicious danzai noodles. Afterward, continue your exploration by visiting the Confucius Temple and Anping Tree House.

End your day with dinner at 阿霞飯店, renowned for its traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Enjoy a variety of local dishes in a cozy and historic setting.

Guanziling Hot Spring is the perfect place to start your morning. Relax in the therapeutic hot springs, which are known for their unique mud baths that are said to have healing properties.

文章牛肉湯 is an excellent choice for lunch, offering some of the best beef soup in Tainan. After lunch, visit Shennong Street, a historic street lined with traditional shops and cafes.

赤崁棺材板 offers a unique dining experience with its famous coffin bread dish. Enjoy this local specialty while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Tainan's night markets.

Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. This former warehouse district has been transformed into an artistic hub featuring galleries, installations, and creative spaces.

Google is recommended for lunch as it offers highly-rated local cuisine options nearby. Afterward, visit Lotus Pond to see beautiful temples and pavilions around this scenic lake.

Kaohsiung Like a Local Customized Guided Tour provides an excellent way to explore Kaohsiung's nightlife and hidden gems. Conclude your evening with dinner at one of the local restaurants recommended by your guide.

Begin your day with a visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan. The serene environment and impressive architecture make it an ideal place for reflection.

For lunch, try Yelp, which offers various highly-rated dining options nearby. Afterward, head to Cijin Island via ferry where you can explore Cijin Old Street and enjoy fresh seafood.

Kaohsiong Taiwan/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan ensures you stay connected while exploring Kaohsiung’s vibrant night markets like Liuhe Night Market where you can sample street food delicacies.

Start your day with a visit to Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum. This museum offers interactive exhibits and is perfect for understanding Taiwan's advancements in science and technology.

For lunch, head to OpenTable, a highly-rated restaurant offering a variety of local and international dishes. Afterward, explore the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, which offer stunning views and intricate architecture.

End your day with the Kaohsiung Shore Excursion to Buddha Bliss and Baking Fun. This unique experience combines cultural exploration with hands-on activities, providing a memorable end to your Kaohsiung visit.

Begin your last day with a relaxing stroll through Central Park. The park offers lush greenery and peaceful walking paths, making it an ideal spot for reflection.

For lunch, try TripAdvisor, known for its excellent reviews and diverse menu options. Afterward, visit the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station, one of the largest glass artworks in the world.

Conclude your trip with the Private Tour Shore Excursion in Kaohsiung City. This private tour will take you through some of Kaohsiung's hidden gems and provide insights into the city's rich culture. Enjoy dinner at one of the recommended local restaurants during the tour.