8 day itinerary for Taiwan

Itinerary

Taiwan is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant cities. Here’s a fun and engaging 8-day itinerary that avoids hiking but still lets you soak in all the beauty and excitement of this wonderful island. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Taipei

Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and take the MRT or a taxi to your hotel in Taipei. Settle in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Head to the iconic Taipei 101. You can take the elevator to the observation deck for stunning views of the city. Don’t forget to check out the shopping mall at the base for some souvenirs!

Evening: Explore the Raohe Night Market. Try local delicacies like pepper buns, stinky tofu, and bubble tea. The vibrant atmosphere is a perfect introduction to Taiwanese culture!

## Day 2: Taipei City Exploration

Morning: Visit the National Palace Museum to see an incredible collection of Chinese art and artifacts. It’s a treasure trove of history!

Afternoon: Head to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The architecture is stunning, and you can catch the changing of the guard ceremony. Stroll around the beautiful gardens.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Ximending district, known for its youthful vibe and street food. Try some Taiwanese fried chicken and explore the quirky shops!

## Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen and Pingxi

Morning: Take a bus or train to Jiufen, a charming old mining town. Wander through the narrow streets, and don’t miss the famous tea houses. The views are breathtaking!

Afternoon: Head to Pingxi to release a sky lantern. You can write your wishes on it and watch it float away. It’s a magical experience!

Evening: Return to Taipei and relax at a local hot pot restaurant. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience!

## Day 4: Taichung Adventure

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Taichung (about 1 hour). Start your day at the National Taichung Theater, an architectural marvel.

Afternoon: Visit the Rainbow Village, a colorful art installation created by a former soldier. It’s a great spot for photos! Then, head to the Fengjia Night Market for dinner and more street food.

Evening: Explore the night market and try local snacks like grilled squid and sweet potato balls.

## Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Morning: Travel to Sun Moon Lake (about 1.5 hours from Taichung). You can take a boat tour to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Afternoon: Visit the Wenwu Temple and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village if you’re interested in learning about indigenous cultures.

Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner with a view. The sunset over the lake is simply magical!

## Day 6: Tainan Historical Sites

Morning: Head to Tainan (about 1.5 hours from Sun Moon Lake). Start your day at the Chihkan Tower, a historic site with beautiful architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Anping Fort and stroll through the charming streets of Anping. Don’t forget to try the famous Tainan shrimp rolls!

Evening: Explore the Tainan Night Market for dinner. It’s a great place to sample local specialties like Danzai noodles and mango shaved ice.

## Day 7: Kaohsiung City

Morning: Travel to Kaohsiung (about 1.5 hours from Tainan). Start at the Pier-2 Art Center, a creative space filled with art installations and shops.

Afternoon: Visit the Lotus Pond, where you can see beautiful temples and the famous dragon and tiger pagodas. It’s a serene spot to relax.

Evening: Head to the Liuhe Night Market for dinner. Try the seafood and local snacks while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

## Day 8: Return to Taipei

Morning: Take the train back to Taipei (about 2 hours). Spend your last day shopping or visiting any spots you may have missed.

Afternoon: Explore Taipei’s shopping districts like Taipei Main Station or Zhongxiao Dunhua. You can also visit the Shilin Night Market for some last-minute food adventures.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps trying some traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Reflect on your amazing trip!

Tips:

• Make sure to get an EasyCard for convenient travel on public transport.
• Don’t hesitate to try local delicacies; Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise!
• Keep your camera handy; there are countless photo opportunities!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable time in Taiwan! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️