Destinations on TaiwanJourney

Taipei

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Taipei is the kind of city that works equally well for a 24-hour layover and a week-long stay. The metro is clean and cheap, English signage is everywhere, and the food is outstanding at every price point.

Jiufen & the Northeast

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The northeast is best treated as a loop rather than a single stop: Jiufen, Shifen, Houtong and Yehliu can be linked in a long day, but two days give you time for the coast and a hot spring.

Taichung

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Taichung works best as a two-night stop: one afternoon in the city, one evening at Gaomei, then onward to Sun Moon Lake or the mountains.

The high-speed rail station is outside the centre, so allow 30–40 minutes to reach the city by shuttle or taxi.

Sun Moon Lake

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The classic Sun Moon Lake day trip is possible from Taichung, but it is a long day. Two nights lets you cycle, visit the temples and see the lake in different light.

Tainan

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Tainan is best experienced slowly. Pick three or four sights, then spend the rest of the day eating and wandering the lanes between them.

It pairs perfectly with Kaohsiung: the two cities are 35 minutes apart by train and feel completely different.

Kaohsiung

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Kaohsiung makes an easy, sunny counterpoint to Taipei. One day covers the harbour and Lotus Pond; a second day adds Cijin and the Buddha Museum.

From here, buses and trains continue south to Kenting in about two hours.

Hualien

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Hualien is the heart of a two- or three-day east coast leg. One day for Taroko, one for the coast, and one to slow down is a good rhythm.

The train journey from Taipei along the coast is one of the prettiest in Asia; sit on the left side for the ocean views.

Kenting

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Kenting is the natural end point of a southern itinerary: Tainan, Kaohsiung, then the beach. Two nights gives you a full day in the national park and time to slow down.

Buses back to Kaohsiung run frequently from the main strip; book a transfer if you have an early flight.