14 day itinerary for Taiwan

Itinerary

Taiwan is a treasure trove of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a delightful 14-day itinerary that will immerse you in the rich cultural tapestry of this beautiful island. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Taipei

• Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and take the MRT to Taipei. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Palace Museum, home to an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artifacts.
• Evening: Stroll through Shilin Night Market. Try local delicacies like stinky tofu and bubble tea!

## Day 2: Taipei City Exploration

• Morning: Explore the historic district of Dihua Street, where you can find traditional shops and tea houses.
• Afternoon: Visit Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taiwan.
• Evening: Head to Taipei 101 for stunning views of the city. Enjoy dinner at the food court on the 5th floor.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen and Pingxi

• Morning: Take a bus to Jiufen, a charming old mining town. Explore the narrow streets and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Head to Pingxi to release a sky lantern. Don’t forget to write your wishes on it!
• Evening: Return to Taipei and relax at a local tea house.

## Day 4: Tamsui and Beitou

• Morning: Visit Tamsui, stroll along the waterfront, and explore Fort San Domingo.
• Afternoon: Head to Beitou to soak in the hot springs and visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Beitou before heading back to Taipei.

## Day 5: Travel to Taichung

• Morning: Take the High-Speed Rail to Taichung (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit the National Taichung Theater, an architectural marvel. Then, explore the Rainbow Village.
• Evening: Check out Fengjia Night Market for a taste of Taichung’s street food.

## Day 6: Sun Moon Lake

• Morning: Travel to Sun Moon Lake. Rent a bike and cycle around the lake.
• Afternoon: Visit the Wenwu Temple and take a boat ride on the lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner and watch the sunset.

## Day 7: Alishan National Scenic Area

• Morning: Head to Alishan. Take the Alishan Forest Railway for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Explore the hiking trails and visit the famous Alishan sunrise viewing area.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Alishan and enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere.

## Day 8: Return to Taichung and Travel to Tainan

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Alishan before heading back to Taichung.
• Afternoon: Take the train to Tainan (about 1.5 hours).
• Evening: Visit the historic Fort Zeelandia and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 9: Tainan Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Explore the Chihkan Tower and the Confucius Temple.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Taiwan Literature.
• Evening: Stroll through Tainan’s night markets, trying local specialties like Danzai noodles.

## Day 10: Kaohsiung

• Morning: Travel to Kaohsiung (about 1 hour by train).
• Afternoon: Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a stunning complex with a giant Buddha statue.
• Evening: Explore the Liuhe Night Market for dinner.

## Day 11: Kenting National Park

• Morning: Head to Kenting National Park (about 2 hours by bus). Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery.
• Afternoon: Visit the Eluanbi Lighthouse and hike some of the trails.
• Evening: Relax at a beachside café and enjoy the sunset.

## Day 12: Return to Kaohsiung and Travel to Hualien

• Morning: Return to Kaohsiung and take a train to Hualien (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore Hualien’s night market.
• Evening: Try local delicacies like grilled squid and mochi.

## Day 13: Taroko National Park

• Morning: Take a day trip to Taroko Gorge. Hike the Shakadang Trail or the Zhuilu Old Trail for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine and the Taroko Gorge itself.
• Evening: Return to Hualien and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

## Day 14: Departure from Taipei

• Morning: Travel back to Taipei via train (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Ximending or visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Consider getting an EasyCard for convenient travel on public transport.
• Language: While many people speak English, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience.
• Weather: Check the weather before your trip, as it can vary greatly depending on the region.

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 14 days in Taiwan! Enjoy your cultural adventure! 🌏✈️