Taipei

Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station(35 minutes)

Buy an EasyCard at the airport MRT station (100 TWD deposit + top-up). It works on all transit, YouBike, and convenience stores with a 20% MRT discount

Evening walk through Ximending pedestrian zone(1.5 hours)

Taipei's youth culture hub — street performers, bubble tea shops, and Japanese-style arcades. Grab dinner at Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles (large intestine vermicelli, 65 TWD)

Bubble tea at Tiger Sugar Ximending(20 minutes)

Order the brown sugar boba with cream mousse (65 TWD). Ask for 30% sugar and less ice for the ideal balance

Morning at Longshan Temple(1.5 hours)

Taipei's oldest temple (built 1738). Arrive by 7AM to join the morning prayer. Free entry. The incense smoke, carved stone dragons, and devotional energy are mesmerizing

Walk through Bopiliao Historic Block(45 minutes)

A preserved Qing Dynasty-era street with red brick buildings just behind Longshan Temple — free, open, and uncrowded

Lunch at Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Buns(30 minutes)

Iconic charcoal-oven pepper buns near Longshan MRT (50 TWD each). The caramelized crust and juicy pork filling are legendary

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall(1.5 hours)

Watch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony inside the massive hall. Free entry. The surrounding Liberty Square gardens are excellent for a stroll

Raohe Street Night Market(2.5 hours)

Take MRT to Songshan (Green Line). Queue for the famous black pepper bun at the entrance (60 TWD, 15-min wait). Try medicinal herbal stewed ribs and oyster vermicelli. Walk through to the beautifully lit Ciyou Temple at the end

Taipei 101 Observatory(2 hours)

Buy skip-the-line tickets online (600 TWD). Indoor observatory on the 89th floor, outdoor deck on the 91st. See the 730-ton wind damper. Best to go early to avoid afternoon haze

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101 branch)(1 hour)

World-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) — 10 for 220 TWD. The truffle variety is worth the splurge. Queue moves fast

Browse Eslite Spectrum Songyan(1 hour)

A stunning bookstore-meets-cultural-center in a converted tobacco factory. Free entry. The design section and Taiwanese craft shops are excellent

Sunset hike at Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)(1.5 hours)

20-minute steep climb from Xiangshan MRT (Red Line) to the best free viewpoint of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. Arrive by 4:30PM for golden hour. Bring water — the stone steps are relentless

Morning bus to Jiufen(1.5 hours)

Take bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (90 TWD). Depart by 9AM to beat the tour groups. Alternatively, take a train to Ruifang and transfer to bus 788

Explore Jiufen Old Street(3 hours)

Wander the narrow lantern-lit alleys. Try taro balls at the famous Ah Gan Yi shop (50 TWD). Head past the tourist stalls to the back section for better prices on souvenirs. The A-MEI Tea House has the iconic Spirited Away facade

Tea at A-MEI Tea House(1 hour)

Sit on the terrace overlooking the Pacific — tea set for two costs 300 TWD. The view and atmosphere justify the tourist premium

Optional: Hike to Golden Waterfall or Jinguashi(1.5 hours)

Just beyond Jiufen, the abandoned mining village of Jinguashi has a gold museum and dramatic cliffside ruins. Free to explore the exterior areas

Return to Taipei and dinner at Shilin Night Market(2.5 hours)

Taipei's largest night market. Must-try: large fried chicken cutlet (70 TWD), stinky tofu (45 TWD), and papaya milk. The underground food court has sit-down stalls if the crowds feel overwhelming. MRT to Jiantan (Red Line)

MRT to Xinbeitou(30 minutes)

Take the Red Line to Beitou, then transfer to the Xinbeitou branch line. The themed hot spring train cars are a nice touch

Visit Beitou Hot Spring Museum(45 minutes)

Free admission (closed Mondays). Housed in a 1913 Japanese bathhouse — beautifully preserved with exhibits on the area's volcanic geology

Thermal Valley (Hell Valley)(30 minutes)

A dramatic jade-green sulfur spring steaming at 80-100°C. Free to view from the boardwalk. The rotten egg smell is intense but the sight is otherworldly

Soak at Millennium Hot Spring(1.5 hours)

Public outdoor hot spring pools (40 TWD entry). Bring a swimsuit and towel. Multiple temperature pools. The cheapest and most authentic soak in the area

Afternoon rest or YouBike riverside ride(2 hours)

Free afternoon — either rest at the hotel or rent a YouBike (5 TWD/30 min with EasyCard) and ride the car-free riverside paths along the Keelung River

Morning at Yongchun Traditional Market(1 hour)

A real working wet market near Yongchun MRT (Blue Line) where locals shop for produce, tofu, and breakfast. Try the soy milk and shaobing (sesame flatbread) from a breakfast stall — 50 TWD for a filling set

Da'an Forest Park walk(45 minutes)

Taipei's Central Park — a green oasis in the city center with a pond, walking trails, and squirrels. Free entry. Locals practice tai chi in the mornings

Lunch at Yongkang Beef Noodle(1 hour)

The most famous beef noodle soup in Taiwan at Yongkang Street (220 TWD for a large bowl). The braised beef melts on your tongue. Expect a 20-30 minute queue

Explore Yongkang Street(1.5 hours)

Browse independent boutiques, mango shaved ice at Smoothie House (mango ice 180 TWD, seasonal May-October), and the original Din Tai Fung flagship store

Ningxia Night Market(2 hours)

A compact, food-focused night market loved by locals. Try the taro ball soup, grilled squid (100 TWD), and the award-winning lu rou fan (braised pork rice, 40 TWD) at stall #25. MRT to Zhongshan (Red Line)

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk (Huashan branch)(1 hour)

Taiwan's most iconic traditional breakfast — thick soy milk (sweet or savory), shaobing youtiao (sesame flatbread with fried dough), and egg crepe. Opens 5:30AM. A set costs 80-120 TWD

Last-minute shopping at Zhongshan Underground Book Street(1 hour)

The long underground corridor connecting Zhongshan and Shuanglian MRT stations has bookshops, indie stores, and stationery — great for unique souvenirs

Pick up pineapple cakes at Chia Te Bakery(30 minutes)

The gold standard of Taiwanese pineapple cakes (the iconic souvenir). A box of 12 costs 380 TWD. Near Songshan MRT. They box them for travel

Airport MRT to Taoyuan Airport(40 minutes)

Take the Airport Express from Taipei Main Station (160 TWD). Arrive 3 hours before international flights. Tax refund counter is in the departure hall if you spent over 2,000 TWD at participating stores

Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station(35 minutes)

Buy an EasyCard at the airport MRT station (100 TWD deposit + top-up). Works on all transit, YouBike, and convenience stores with a 20% MRT discount

Evening walk through Ximending(1.5 hours)

Taipei's youth culture hub — street performers, bubble tea shops, and neon-lit arcades. Grab dinner at Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles (large intestine vermicelli, 65 TWD)

Bubble tea at Tiger Sugar(20 minutes)

Brown sugar boba with cream mousse (65 TWD). Order 30% sugar, less ice

Morning at Longshan Temple(1.5 hours)

Taipei's oldest temple (1738). Arrive by 7AM for morning prayer. Free entry. Carved stone dragons and swirling incense create an immersive atmosphere

Walk through Bopiliao Historic Block(45 minutes)

Preserved Qing Dynasty-era red brick street behind Longshan Temple — free and uncrowded

Lunch at Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Buns(30 minutes)

Charcoal-oven pepper buns near Longshan MRT (50 TWD each)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall(1.5 hours)

Watch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. Free entry. Liberty Square gardens are a serene contrast

Raohe Street Night Market(2.5 hours)

MRT to Songshan (Green Line). Famous black pepper bun at the entrance (60 TWD). Try medicinal herbal stewed ribs and visit the lit-up Ciyou Temple

Taipei 101 Observatory(2 hours)

Skip-the-line tickets online (600 TWD). Indoor observatory 89th floor, outdoor deck 91st. See the 730-ton wind damper

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101)(1 hour)

Xiaolongbao (10 for 220 TWD). The truffle variety is the splurge. Queue moves fast

Eslite Spectrum Songyan(1 hour)

Bookstore-cultural-center in a converted tobacco factory. Free. Design section and Taiwanese craft shops are highlights

Sunset hike at Elephant Mountain(1.5 hours)

20-minute steep climb from Xiangshan MRT to the best free viewpoint of Taipei 101. Arrive by 4:30PM for golden hour

Bus 1062 to Jiufen from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT(1.5 hours)

90 TWD. Depart by 9AM to beat tour groups

Explore Jiufen Old Street(3 hours)

Try taro balls at Ah Gan Yi (50 TWD). Head past tourist stalls for better prices. A-MEI Tea House has the iconic Spirited Away facade

Tea at A-MEI Tea House(1 hour)

Terrace overlooking the Pacific — tea set 300 TWD

Hike to Golden Waterfall and Jinguashi(1.5 hours)

Abandoned mining village with a gold museum and dramatic cliffside ruins. Free exterior access

Shilin Night Market(2 hours)

Taipei's largest. Fried chicken cutlet (70 TWD), stinky tofu (45 TWD), papaya milk. MRT to Jiantan (Red Line)

MRT to Xinbeitou(30 minutes)

Red Line to Beitou, transfer to Xinbeitou branch. Themed hot spring train cars

Beitou Hot Spring Museum(45 minutes)

Free admission (closed Mondays). 1913 Japanese bathhouse with volcanic geology exhibits

Thermal Valley(30 minutes)

Jade-green sulfur spring steaming at 80-100°C. Free boardwalk viewing

Soak at Millennium Hot Spring(1.5 hours)

Public outdoor pools (40 TWD). Bring swimsuit and towel. Multiple temperature options

Afternoon rest at hotel(2 hours)

Recharge for the second week ahead

Traditional breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk(1 hour)

Thick soy milk, shaobing youtiao, and egg crepe. Opens 5:30AM. Set costs 80-120 TWD

Da'an Forest Park walk(45 minutes)

Taipei's Central Park with pond, trails, and tai chi practitioners. Free

Lunch at Yongkang Beef Noodle(1 hour)

Taiwan's most famous beef noodle soup (220 TWD large bowl). Expect 20-30 minute queue

Explore Yongkang Street(1.5 hours)

Boutiques, mango shaved ice at Smoothie House (180 TWD, May-October), and the original Din Tai Fung

Ningxia Night Market(2 hours)

Compact, food-focused. Award-winning lu rou fan (40 TWD) at stall #25. MRT to Zhongshan

Maokong Gondola ride(30 minutes)

Cable car to the tea village (120 TWD round trip with EasyCard). Request the crystal-floor cabin for vertigo-inducing views. Operates 9AM-9PM (closed Mondays)

Tea tasting at Yao Yue Teahouse(1.5 hours)

Traditional Taiwanese oolong tea with mountain views. Tea sets 200-400 TWD. The tie guan yin is grown on these slopes

Hiking on Maokong trails(1.5 hours)

Well-marked trails wind through tea plantations. The Zhangshu Trail loop is the most scenic (3km, 1 hour)

Quick visit to Taipei Zoo(1.5 hours)

One of Asia's best zoos (60 TWD). Skip straight to the Panda House and Formosan animal area if short on time

Bus 1815 from Taipei to Yehliu Geopark(1.5 hours)

96 TWD from Taipei West Bus Station. Depart by 8:30AM

Yehliu Geopark(2 hours)

Surreal wind-eroded rock formations including the famous Queen's Head rock. Entry 80 TWD. The coastal walk past the main formations is less crowded and equally dramatic

Keelung Miaokou Night Market(2.5 hours)

Taiwan's most famous food night market — entirely focused on eating. Try tempura (pian a zian, 45 TWD), crab soup (100 TWD), and the signature Keelung nutritious sandwich (a sweet peanut-and-mayo combination that somehow works). Stalls have numbered signs — locals use the numbers to recommend favorites

Return to Taipei by train from Keelung Station(45 minutes)

Trains run until midnight. 41 TWD with EasyCard

Train from Taipei to Ruifang, transfer to Pingxi Line(1.5 hours)

Take TRA from Taipei Main to Ruifang (76 TWD), then the single-track Pingxi Line to Shifen (19 TWD). Trains run hourly

Release a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)

Write wishes on a paper lantern (150-200 TWD for a 4-color lantern) and release it from the railway tracks. Vendors help with lighting. The trains pass every hour — you stand on the tracks between trains

Shifen Waterfall(1 hour)

A 20-meter horseshoe-shaped waterfall sometimes called Taiwan's Niagara. Free entry. 20-minute walk from the old street through a scenic trail. The observation platforms are well-maintained

Continue to Pingxi village(1.5 hours)

The further you go on the line, the fewer tourists. Pingxi village has traditional mining-era houses and quieter lantern-launching spots

Sleep in and brunch at hotel(2.5 hours)

Rest day morning — recharge after a full week

Dadaocheng Heritage Walking Tour(3 hours)

Self-guided walk through Taipei's oldest commercial district (1850s). Start at Xiahai City God Temple on Dihua Street — famous for matchmaking prayers. Browse the tea merchants, Chinese medicine shops, and dried goods stores. The baroque facades are stunning

Tea tasting at Wang Tea (Wangyude)(45 minutes)

One of Taiwan's oldest tea companies (since 1890). Free tea tasting of high-mountain oolong. A 150g tin of quality oolong costs 400-800 TWD

Dinner at Fong Da Coffee (Western-style)(1 hour)

Taipei's oldest coffee shop (since 1956) near Ximending — pour-over coffee (120 TWD) in a retro interior. A slice of local cafe culture

Bus 260 from Taipei to Yangmingshan(40 minutes)

15 TWD with EasyCard from Jiantan MRT. Depart by 8AM for cooler temperatures

Xiaoyoukeng sulfur vents trail(1.5 hours)

Boardwalk through an active volcanic fumarole area with bubbling sulfur vents and steaming craters. Free entry. The sulfur smell is intense

Lengshuikeng hot spring public bath(1 hour)

Free natural outdoor hot spring fed by mountain streams. Bring a swimsuit. Less sulfurous than Beitou and surrounded by mountain scenery

Qingtiangang grasslands hike(1.5 hours)

Open alpine meadows at 800m elevation with grazing water buffalo (yes, water buffalo in the mountains). The circular trail (2km) offers 360-degree views on clear days

Sunset at Yangmingshan Flower Clock(45 minutes)

The park's iconic flower clock and surrounding gardens. During cherry blossom season (Feb-Mar), this area is spectacular

MRT Red Line to Tamsui (end of line)(40 minutes)

The ride itself crosses the Keelung River with good views. Tamsui station exits directly onto the waterfront

Tamsui Old Street and waterfront(2 hours)

Walk the riverside promenade past street food stalls. Try the iron eggs (tea-braised quail eggs, 40 TWD) and ah-gei (stuffed tofu, 35 TWD) — both are Tamsui specialties found nowhere else

Fort San Domingo(1 hour)

A 17th-century Spanish/Dutch fort with views of the Tamsui River mouth. Entry 80 TWD. Adjacent British Consulate Residence is included

Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf(15 minutes)

Blue highway ferry (60 TWD) across the harbor. The ride offers views of Mount Guanyin

Sunset at Lover's Bridge(1 hour)

The iconic white suspension bridge at Fisherman's Wharf is best at sunset when it's illuminated and the sky turns colors over the Taiwan Strait

Taiwanese cooking class(3.5 hours)

Learn to make lu rou fan (braised pork rice), scallion pancakes, and three-cup chicken at Ivy's Kitchen or similar (1,500-2,500 TWD). Includes market visit and eating what you cook

Treasure Hill Artist Village(1.5 hours)

A hillside settlement of illegal migrant housing turned into an artist colony near Gongguan MRT. Free. Wander through converted homes-turned-galleries with views of the Xindian River. The rooftop installations change seasonally

Afternoon at Gongguan night market area(1.5 hours)

Student-area street food near National Taiwan University. Cheaper than tourist night markets — try the pepper buns and soy-braised side dishes. Also browse the university bookstores

Final bubble tea crawl(1 hour)

Hit any shops you missed — Chun Shui Tang (the original inventor of bubble tea), 50 Lan (locals' favorite for simple milk tea), or Daylily for a modern twist

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk(1 hour)

Thick soy milk, shaobing youtiao, and dan bing (egg crepe). Opens 5:30AM. Set costs 80-120 TWD

Pick up pineapple cakes at Chia Te Bakery(30 minutes)

The gold standard of Taiwanese pineapple cakes — box of 12 for 380 TWD. Near Songshan MRT

Last-minute shopping at Zhongshan Underground Book Street(1 hour)

Underground corridor between Zhongshan and Shuanglian MRT — bookshops, indie stores, and stationery for unique souvenirs

Airport MRT to Taoyuan Airport(40 minutes)

Airport Express from Taipei Main Station (160 TWD). Arrive 3 hours early for international flights. Tax refund counter in departure hall for purchases over 2,000 TWD at participating stores

Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station(35 minutes)

Buy an EasyCard (100 TWD deposit + top-up). Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores

Evening walk through Ximending(1.5 hours)

Neon-lit pedestrian zone. Dinner at Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles (65 TWD)

Bubble tea at Tiger Sugar(20 minutes)

Brown sugar boba (65 TWD). 30% sugar, less ice

Morning at Longshan Temple(1.5 hours)

Taipei's oldest temple (1738). Arrive by 7AM for morning prayer. Free entry

Bopiliao Historic Block(45 minutes)

Preserved Qing Dynasty red brick street behind Longshan Temple. Free

Lunch at Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Buns(30 minutes)

Charcoal-oven pepper buns near Longshan MRT (50 TWD)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall(1.5 hours)

Hourly changing of the guard. Free entry. Liberty Square gardens

Raohe Street Night Market(2.5 hours)

Black pepper bun at entrance (60 TWD). Herbal stewed ribs. Ciyou Temple at night

Taipei 101 Observatory(2 hours)

Skip-the-line tickets (600 TWD). 89th floor indoor, 91st floor outdoor. 730-ton wind damper

Din Tai Fung lunch (Taipei 101)(1 hour)

Xiaolongbao 10 for 220 TWD

Eslite Spectrum Songyan(1 hour)

Converted tobacco factory. Free. Taiwanese craft shops

Sunset at Elephant Mountain(1.5 hours)

20-min climb from Xiangshan MRT. Best free viewpoint of Taipei 101

Bus 1062 to Jiufen(1.5 hours)

90 TWD from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT. Depart by 9AM

Explore Jiufen Old Street(3 hours)

Taro balls at Ah Gan Yi (50 TWD). A-MEI Tea House

Tea at A-MEI Tea House(1 hour)

Pacific-view terrace. Tea set 300 TWD

Golden Waterfall and Jinguashi(1.5 hours)

Abandoned mining village. Gold museum. Free exterior

Shilin Night Market(2 hours)

Fried chicken cutlet (70 TWD), stinky tofu (45 TWD). MRT Jiantan

Beitou Hot Spring Museum(45 minutes)

Free. 1913 Japanese bathhouse. Closed Mondays

Thermal Valley(30 minutes)

Jade-green sulfur spring at 80-100°C. Free boardwalk

Soak at Millennium Hot Spring(1.5 hours)

Public pools 40 TWD. Bring swimsuit

Afternoon YouBike riverside ride(2 hours)

5 TWD/30 min. Car-free Keelung River paths

Fuhang Soy Milk breakfast(1 hour)

Shaobing youtiao, soy milk, egg crepe. Opens 5:30AM. 80-120 TWD

Da'an Forest Park(45 minutes)

Taipei's Central Park. Free. Tai chi in mornings

Yongkang Beef Noodle lunch(1 hour)

Taiwan's most famous beef noodle soup. 220 TWD. 20-30 min queue

Yongkang Street exploration(1.5 hours)

Mango ice at Smoothie House (180 TWD, May-Oct). Original Din Tai Fung

Ningxia Night Market(2 hours)

Local favorite. Lu rou fan (40 TWD) at stall #25

Late sleep-in and hotel brunch(3 hours)

Recharge after a full week

Maokong Gondola(30 minutes)

Cable car from Taipei Zoo MRT (120 TWD round trip). Request crystal-floor cabin

Tea tasting at Yao Yue Teahouse(1.5 hours)

Mountain-view oolong tea. Sets 200-400 TWD

Zhangshu Trail hike(1 hour)

3km loop through tea plantations with mountain views

Bus 1815 to Yehliu Geopark(1.5 hours)

96 TWD from Taipei West Bus Station

Yehliu Geopark(2 hours)

Wind-eroded rock formations including Queen's Head. Entry 80 TWD

Keelung Miaokou Night Market(2.5 hours)

Tempura (45 TWD), crab soup (100 TWD), nutritious sandwich. Numbered stalls

Train back to Taipei(45 minutes)

41 TWD with EasyCard. Trains until midnight

Train to Ruifang, then Pingxi Line to Shifen(1.5 hours)

Taipei to Ruifang 76 TWD, Pingxi Line 19 TWD. Trains hourly

Sky lantern at Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)

Write wishes, release from railway tracks (150-200 TWD for 4-color lantern)

Shifen Waterfall(1 hour)

20-meter horseshoe waterfall. Free. 20-min scenic walk from old street

Continue to Pingxi village(1.5 hours)

Fewer tourists, traditional mining houses, quieter lantern spots

Xiahai City God Temple(45 minutes)

Famous matchmaking temple on Dihua Street. Pray for love luck with the Yue Lao (matchmaker god). Free

Walk the length of Dihua Street(2 hours)

1850s trading street with dried goods, tea merchants, Chinese medicine. The baroque architecture rivals anything in Europe

Tea tasting at Wang Tea (Wangyude)(45 minutes)

Taiwan's oldest tea company (since 1890). Free tasting of high-mountain oolong. Tins 400-800 TWD

Lunch at Yongle Market food court (2nd floor)(1 hour)

Locals-only food court above the fabric market. A bowl of dan zai noodles is 50 TWD

Sunset walk along Tamsui River(1 hour)

The waterfront promenade near Dadaocheng Wharf catches beautiful light

Bus 260 from Jiantan to Yangmingshan(40 minutes)

15 TWD with EasyCard. Depart by 8AM

Xiaoyoukeng sulfur vents trail(1.5 hours)

Active fumarole area with bubbling sulfur. Free boardwalk

Lengshuikeng hot spring(1 hour)

Free outdoor mountain hot spring. Bring swimsuit

Qingtiangang grasslands hike(1.5 hours)

Alpine meadows with water buffalo at 800m. 2km circular trail

Flower Clock sunset(45 minutes)

Iconic park landmark. Spectacular during cherry blossom season

Tamsui Old Street and waterfront(2 hours)

Iron eggs (40 TWD), ah-gei stuffed tofu (35 TWD). Both are Tamsui-only specialties

Fort San Domingo(1 hour)

17th-century Spanish/Dutch fort. 80 TWD. Includes British Consulate

Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf(15 minutes)

Blue highway ferry 60 TWD. Views of Mount Guanyin

Sunset at Lover's Bridge(1 hour)

White suspension bridge illuminated at sunset over the Taiwan Strait

Tze-Chiang Express to Hualien(2 hours)

Book at the station or online via TRA (440 TWD). Depart by 7:30AM. The train hugs the dramatic coastline after Yilan

Check into Hualien guesthouse(30 minutes)

Budget guesthouses near the station run 800-1,500 TWD/night

Afternoon: Shakadang Trail in Taroko Gorge(2.5 hours)

A riverside trail carved into marble cliff walls. Easy grade, stunning turquoise water. Free entry to the national park. 30-minute drive from Hualien (rent a scooter 400 TWD/day or hire a driver 2,500 TWD/day)

Dinner at Hualien Dongdamen Night Market(2 hours)

One of Taiwan's best night markets. Try the indigenous-style grilled pork and the flavored coffin bread (棺材板). Different vibe from Taipei markets — more spacious and local

Swallow Grotto Trail(1.5 hours)

The gorge's most dramatic section — a road carved into sheer marble walls above the Liwu River. Helmets required (free at the entrance). Falling rock warnings are real; follow ranger instructions

Eternal Spring Shrine(45 minutes)

A shrine built into a cliff face with a waterfall flowing beneath it — dedicated to workers who died building the cross-island highway. One of Taiwan's most photographed spots

Lunch at Tianxiang Lodge restaurant(1 hour)

The only dining option deep in the gorge. Simple but decent set meals 200-300 TWD

Baiyang Trail to Water Curtain Tunnel(2 hours)

A tunnel hike that ends in a cavern where water pours through the ceiling like rain. Bring a rain jacket and headlamp. One of Taiwan's most unique experiences. Check if open — occasional closures for maintenance

Qixingtan (Seven Star Lake) Beach(1.5 hours)

A crescent-shaped pebble beach with dramatic cliffs. Free. 15-minute bike ride from Hualien. The sunrise here is famous, but even mid-morning the turquoise water against grey stones is striking

Brunch at Jiaming bakery(45 minutes)

Hualien's beloved mochi (Japanese-style rice cakes). The peanut mochi is the signature — buy a box to go (120 TWD)

Afternoon train to Taipei(2 hours)

Tze-Chiang Express back to Taipei (440 TWD). Book the ocean-side seat for coastal views

Relaxing evening at hotel(2 hours)

Rest after two days of gorge exploration

Sleep in and late brunch(3 hours)

Pick any breakfast you missed — Dan Bing shops are everywhere, each with their own twist

Revisit a favorite night market or neighborhood(3 hours)

Go back to wherever called to you — Raohe for those pepper buns, Yongkang for the beef noodles, or a new neighborhood entirely

Japanese-style onsen at Villa 32(2 hours)

A premium hot spring resort in Beitou if you want to splurge (1,680 TWD for the public bath). Multiple pools, saunas, and a calm atmosphere far from the public springs

Bus 849 from Xindian MRT to Wulai(45 minutes)

15 TWD with EasyCard. The ride follows a scenic river gorge

Wulai Waterfall(1 hour)

An 80-meter cascade visible from the village. Free. Take the mini cable car across the gorge (50 TWD) for a closer view and access to the Yun Hsien amusement area

Wulai Old Street(1.5 hours)

Indigenous Atayal village with traditional wild boar sausages (50 TWD), millet wine, and bamboo rice. The woven textiles make unique souvenirs

Hot spring soak at riverside public pools(1.5 hours)

Free riverside hot spring pools along the Nanshi River. Bring a swimsuit. Less touristy than Beitou and surrounded by forest

Taiwanese cooking class(3.5 hours)

Learn lu rou fan, scallion pancakes, three-cup chicken at Ivy's Kitchen or similar (1,500-2,500 TWD). Includes market visit

Treasure Hill Artist Village(1.5 hours)

Hillside migrant housing turned artist colony near Gongguan MRT. Free. Galleries in converted homes, river views

Gongguan area street food(1 hour)

Student-area food near National Taiwan University. Cheaper than tourist markets

Evening craft beer at Zhangmen Brewing(1.5 hours)

Taiwan's craft beer scene is thriving. Zhangmen near Zhongxiao Dunhua has excellent local IPAs (180-250 TWD per pint)

Morning photography walk through Zhongshan(2 hours)

The narrow lanes between Zhongshan and Shuanglian MRT hide indie boutiques, Japanese-era houses, and some of the city's best cafe facades. Start at the Spot art house cinema and wander north

Huashan 1914 Creative Park(2 hours)

A converted wine factory with galleries, pop-up exhibitions, indie shops, and live performance spaces. Free entry to grounds — individual exhibitions may charge. The whisky barrel-turned-art-spaces are unique

Lunch at Fong Cheng Bakery(45 minutes)

Near Huashan — try the wu ren bing (five-nut mooncake, 40 TWD) and traditional Taiwanese pastries

Afternoon at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park(1.5 hours)

Adjacent to the tobacco factory building. Design exhibitions, Taiwan Design Museum, and a beautiful pond garden. Free grounds entry

Bus from Keelung to Nanya Rock Formations(1.5 hours)

Surreal honeycomb sandstone formations by the sea — less crowded than Yehliu and equally stunning. Free

Bitou Cape Trail(1.5 hours)

A headland hiking trail with views of the Pacific, sea caves, and Taiwan's northernmost lighthouse. Free. The wind-bent trees and rocky coastline feel like Ireland

Lunch at a seafood restaurant in Ruifang(1 hour)

Fresh-caught fish set meal 200-300 TWD. The coastal villages serve fish you won't find in Taipei

Shuinandong Smelter Ruins(45 minutes)

Dramatic industrial ruins on a hillside overlooking the sea — called Taiwan's Pompeii. Incredible photography location. Free, always accessible

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk(1 hour)

One final thick soy milk and shaobing youtiao. The ritual of a proper Taiwanese breakfast

Pineapple cakes at Chia Te Bakery(30 minutes)

Box of 12 for 380 TWD. The definitive souvenir

Last EasyCard top-up spend at 7-Eleven(15 minutes)

Use remaining EasyCard balance on snacks — the tea eggs (10 TWD) and onigiri make great airport snacks. Return the card for a 100 TWD refund if you won't be back

Airport MRT to Taoyuan Airport(40 minutes)

160 TWD from Taipei Main Station. Arrive 3 hours early. Tax refund available for purchases over 2,000 TWD