Of Luxuries and Landforms: A Travel + Leisure Featured Journey

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Din Tai Fung

The legend of Din Tai Fung needs no introduction; it’s a must-eat for everyone who visits Taipei. Embracing the wait is part of the experience — take a number and explore the surroundings, knowing that Taiwan’s most celebrated specialties await inside. From its humble origins as a small Taipei eatery, Din Tai Fung has grown into a global dumpling sensation while staying true to its roots. Its dedication to excellence shines in every detail, from the precisely crafted 18 folds in each dumpling to its diligent customer service.

Taipei 101

The world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, Taipei 101 is a towering testament to symbolism and sustainability. Traditionally, the number 100 represents perfection, so adding another floor (100 + 1) represented a further breakthrough, of going <i>beyond</i> perfection. The 508-meter-tall skyscraper was also named the world’s greenest building in 2011, after receiving a Platinum rating (the highest) under the LEED certification system. Taipei 101 stands in the Xinyi District of Taipei, and its pagoda-like design has become iconic around the world. Admire the building from without and within, as its first few floors are home to a multi-story shopping mall with some of the swankiest shops in town. Then shoot up to the 89th floor for 360-degree views of all Taipei and its surrounding mountains.

Longshan Temple

Located in the heart of old Taipei, Longshan Temple has witnessed a rich history over its nearly 300 years of existence. This colorful, lively, and inclusive temple has survived earthquakes and bombing raids, thanks largely to the strong community that has developed around this sacred space. Wander through the active temple complex, keeping an eye out for the dragon in the lake, locals young and old reading scripture, and the small booths of fortune-tellers.

Herb Alley

This 45-meter-long alley offers a fragrant experience, showcasing how an incredible array of herbs can fit into a small space. A deep breath reveals a medley of medicinal scents, both intriguing and soothing. For over 100 years, Herb Alley, also known as “life-saving alley,” has provided herbal remedies to patrons, many of whom visit after praying at the nearby Longshan Temple. This aromatic stop offers insight into the world of natural remedies, with herbal teas as a highlight to either sample or observe.

Bopiliao Historic Street

A stroll down this street offers a glimpse into 200 years of Taiwan’s history. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty in the 1800s, much of the architecture reflects the era when Bopiliao was the bustling center of the island’s commerce and development. Over time, layers of history have added depth to its character, with architectural influences ranging from the Japanese colonial period to ROC brutalism and modern Western styles. Thoughtfully preserved and restored by the local government, the street’s transformation honors its heritage while ensuring the voices of its residents remain at the heart of the process.

Dadaocheng

Dadaocheng is the most historic area in all of Taipei. Here, age-worn shop fronts selling all manner of goods, produce, spices and medicines await. Dip in to a traditional pharmacy where an array of fragrant herbs sit on display, each with their own healing traits. Name an ailment and the pharmacist will compile a bespoke concoction promised to ameliorate. No ailments to speak of? Then why not purchase a hand-made lantern or a custom tea blend from the shop next door.

Ningxia Night Market

The night market that stretches along Ningxia Road in Datong District may not be the largest or most well-known of Taiwan’s famed street food bazaars, but it is one of the most authentic. With 150 meters of sizzling fryers and crackling woks, its intoxicating scents drift lazily into the evening Taipei air. The culinary offerings here are traditional and diverse — from oyster omelets to papaya milk — promising a mouthwatering journey into Taiwan’s sometimes quirky but always delightful world of food.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

National Palace Museum

With 700,000 pieces spanning thousands of years, the National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world. Once located in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the museum’s collection moved to Taiwan in the 1940s. Now spread across four floors and a rotating series of exhibitions, many of the most important relics of ancient China are on show for the world to admire. Breathe in millennia of history and culture while wandering through the museum’s collection of well-kept treasures.

Yangmingshan National Park

Rising in undulating folds from behind Taipei’s electric cityscape, Yangmingshan is the capital’s backyard; a verdant playground of dormant volcanoes almost entirely within the city limits. The mountains here aren’t as high as those further south, but they are replete with flora and fauna to rival their haughtier neighbors, from macaques and muntjac to boars and bamboo vipers. Throw in a generous smattering of waterfalls, hot springs and other geothermal features throughout, and it’s easy to understand why Yangmingshan is so beloved of Taipei residents.

Xiaoyoukeng

Take Taiwan’s geothermic pulse at the steaming lunar-landscape of Xiaoyoukeng, where sulphur-encrusted air vents leak ribbons of pungent steam into the crisp mountain air. Wooden walkways provide safe vantage points from which to view the smoldering fumaroles, pockmarked and fringed by crystals of yellow and green. The area is located at the corner of Mount Qixing, and the trail to Yangmingshan’s highest point starts from here.

Mount Qixing

Step onto the scenic slopes of Mount Qixing, weaving past volcanic vents and grassy glades en route to northern Taiwan’s highest point at 1,120 meters. As the sulphuric stench and steam of the fumaroles suggests, Mt Qixing is in fact a dormant volcano – the tallest of the twenty or so that make up Yangmingshan National Park – although recent science has revealed that these hills might not be as deeply asleep as once thought. There are three routes to the summit, with those starting from Xiaoyoukeng and Lengshuikeng the most popular.

Distance: Xiaoyoukeng to Mt Qixing (1.6km); Mt Qixing to Lengshuikeng (2.1km)
Difficulty: Moderate

Lengshuikeng

The through hike to the summit of Mount Qixing from Xiayoukeng concludes at Lengshuikeng, or “Cold Water Hollow,” an intriguing name for a spot featuring a visitor center, a café, and a small building with free public hot springs. The name actually refers to the relatively cooler water temperature here — around 40°C (104°F) — compared to other local hot springs. To enter the indoor baths, visitors must be nude and separated by gender. For the less adventurous, a small foot-soaking pool is available outside.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Yehliu Geopark

Step into the Martian realm of Yehliu, an extraterrestrial landscape of honeycomb limestone sculpted into other-worldly shapes by the cosmic power of the East China Sea. Sitting on a slender cape that reaches dramatically out into the waves, the Geopark is a beloved location thanks to its proximity to Taipei and the iconic status of its natural sculptures. Chief among these is the legendary Queen’s Head, whose ever-thinning neckline suggest that her days as the park’s monarch might be numbered.

Yinyang Sea

The coast is always a welcome sight in Taiwan, and this section is extra special. The Yinyang Sea, as suggested by its name, is famed for its inseparable fusion of sand and sea. The water’s underbelly of sand reflects to its surface in a vibrant display of rich sandy yellows caused by a decomposition of pyrite into copper and iron before deepening into the blue ocean. The Yinyang Sea is an artist’s palette of color and chaotic beauty, this is one beach not to miss.

Golden Waterfall

Witness the aureate deluge of the Golden Waterfall. This ostentatious display of nature frames the gilded grace of the water with the emerald hues of this landscape. This metallic-infused water is truly golden in appearance, but not in nature. This medley of arsenic and copper ore is one that is beautiful yet toxic.

Jiufen Old Street

Peruse the lantern-lit streets of Jiufen. This mountainside village is a cascade of teahouses, street food, and charming classical architecture. Navigating the narrow alleyways paved with cobbled steps, popping with color, and lined with a diversity of stalls feels like a real-life immersion into Hayao Miyazaki’s enchanting “Spirited Away”. Take a break from the crowds and sit down for a Taiwanese tea ceremony, a tradition steeped in the history of this now famous town.

Beitou Thermal Valley

Escape from the city in Taipei’s sensual backyard and let urban stresses evaporate at the Beitou Hot Springs. Nature is never far from life in Taipei and the Taiwanese know how to utilize it to harness all of its benefits, from developing a variety of hot spring hotels to the architectural wonder that is the Beitou Library, known as the ‘green library’, city life will melt away into a distant memory. The hot springs are comprised of different sulfur infusions, distinguished by their different colors and different healing purposes.

Your guide will take you to The Gaia Hotel for check in at the end of the day.

Day at Leisure

Bask in the serenity of the Beitou Thermal Valley at your own pace today. While Gaia has a plethora of soothing on-site hot spring soaks and spa options to choose from, the nearby Beitou Library (Taipei’s first green library and an architectural masterpiece in its own right) is just across the street, as is the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Or, if you’re looking to hang with the locals, walk over to the public hot springs for a bit of cultural immersion.

The Gaia Hotel Beitou Hot Spring Experience

Fully immerse in the Beitou hot springs at The Gaia Hotel. As the name suggests, this hotel amplifies Mother Nature’s relaxing effects of water and creates a rounded experience of aromatherapy and spa additions to completely re-energize. Housing a cornucopia of hot spring variations — both outdoor and indoor pools ranging in size and pH variations — a tailored onsen experience is guaranteed. But the luxury itself sticks to the hotel’s motto: only build on what nature has already given.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Drive to Yilan

The drive from Taipei to Yilan takes around 1.5 hours.

Yilan Tea Plantation Experience

Vibrant green buds burst forth from rows of well-loved and carefully tended tea bushes. Beside the plantation, an unassuming metal building houses the tea production, storage facilities, and a wall showcasing numerous awards. This is the Zhengfu Tea Plantation, a multi-generational business committed to organic growing methods, Yilan traditions, and the highest quality tea. Currently managed by You Zhengfu and his father, the passion for tea is evident in every detail, reflected in the never-faltering smile on You Zhengfu’s face. Learn first-hand the entire bud-to-cup process, from picking the best leaves, to roasting, to enjoying a traditional tea ceremony led by the matriarch of the business. Every step showcases the dedication of this true family-run enterprise.

National Center of Traditional Arts

A sprawling 24-hectare cultural haven awaits you beside the serene Dongshan River in Yilan. This vibrant space is a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a feast for the senses. Explore galleries filled with exquisite displays, catch captivating performances on the open-air stage, or even become the artist yourself! Savor the elegance of traditional music, be thrilled by passionate opera performances, or simply stroll through the vibrant artistic landscape. And when you’re ready for a change of scenery, hop on a boat and explore the picturesque Dongshan River Water Park. This cultural oasis is a place where tradition and innovation come alive, offering endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration.

Scallion Picking Experience

Nestled beneath the Xueshan Mountain Range, Yilan’s fertile fields thrive on frequent rainfall and mineral-rich waters, earning the region acclaim for its Sanxing spring onions — celebrated for their tender texture and juiciness. Join local farmers to harvest these vibrant green scallions straight from the soil, gaining insight into their cultivation and importance in Taiwanese cuisine. Cap off the experience with a hands-on cooking session, transforming your freshly picked scallions into traditional delights like scallion pancakes.

Drive: Yilan to Hualien

The drive from Yilan to Hualien takes around 2.5 hours. However there will be several stops and activities along the way.

The Suhua Highway

Rising from the Yilan Plain at Su’ao is one of the most remarkable stretches of road on earth: a 118-kilometer highway clinging to the side of steep cliffs as it sweeps and swings its way to Hualien above the vivid hues of the Pacific Ocean below. Each twist and turn reveals breathtaking new vistas, making the Suhua Highway — named as a portmanteau of its respective termini — an unforgettable journey.

Qingshui Cliff

This scenic pull off is one of the best places to capture the full splendor of the Suhua Highway. Eastward, the turquoise sea deepens into a sapphire blue as the water ripples out into infinity. Westward, the towering jungle-laden peaks jut toward the horizon, the tallest of which is Qingshui Mountain, rising straight from sea level to an astounding 2,408 meters. South, along the coast, the highway carries on, disappearing into the side of a mountain where a tunnel carries the road onward. A squint to the east of the tunnel reveals the old road, crumbling and fractured from the beatings of many a coastal storm.

Hualien

A friendly welcome awaits in Hualien, where azure waters teeming with life back up against a verdant coastline of sheer cliffs and misty jungle abyss. The city of Hualien sits between the two, basking in the best of Taiwan’s aquatic and terrestrial beauty. Though this hub is often used as a jumping off point for visiting the nearby Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien has plenty to offer itself – from pebbled beaches to creative art districts to local foodie finds, this seaside enclave has a little something for everyone.

Your guide take you to your hotel at the end of the day.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 10:00 am to start the day.

Qixingtan Beach

With its white sand, aquamarine water, and a garnishing of palm trees, Qixingtan beach is picture-perfect. The green mountainside hugs the beach from behind, its curvature providing a stunning backdrop and some shelter from the ocean winds. Soak up the ambiance at the beachside café with a warm flaky pastry and a fresh cup of coffee to the soundtrack of the waves.

Flight to Kaohsiung

Your guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the airport and help you check in to your flight. Upon arriving in Kaohsiung, your local guide will meet you in the arrival hall with your private vehicle on standby to take you to Kenting and help you check in at your hotel.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center

Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the largest religious site in Taiwan, stretches across a vast riverside hillside near Kaohsiung. Its monumental halls, pagodas, and statues create a striking landscape. Visitors can explore one of the country’s key spiritual centers while strolling through the serene, expansive gardens. Within the complex, homage can be paid to the Buddha at a revered shrine said to house one of three teeth preserved after his cremation centuries ago.

Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant

Follow the spiritual immersion at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center with a toothsome selection of vegetarian fare at the popular Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant. Here, dishes are vegan and vegetarian friendly, each menu item clearly labeled with icons to suit dietary preferences and needs.

Next Stop: Kenting

Kenting is bursting with natural vibrancy and tropical vibes. Its national park perches on the seafront, boasting glistening white sand beaches and diverse coral ecosystems, all encased by rich greenery and trails. The crystalline beaches are an excellent opportunity to see life underwater and on-land, the jungle of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area holds a jaw-dropping variety of flora and fauna, often earning it a spot on the world’s Top Ten Tropical Botanical Gardens list.

Drive to Kenting

The ride from Kaohsiung to Kenting will take around 1.5 hours.

Your guide take you to your hotel at the end of the day.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

The Kenting National Forest Recreation Area boasts a jaw-dropping array of flora and fauna. The animals create a forest symphony: on the ground, the rhythmic scuttling of tiny crabs, in the trees, the rustling of branches from macaques swinging to and fro, and above, the wing-flaps of migratory birds echoing softly in the air. The landscape here is an “uplifted coral reef rainforest”, the roots of which once sat on the ocean floor. Now over 1,000 species of fauna reside in this ecosystem, from the smallest of medicinal plants to the towering Banyan Trees with their far-reaching aerial roots. The park is set up with a vast network of trails, so get stuck in and explore a diverse network of living things found nowhere else on earth.

Kenting National Park Water-Based Activities

Kenting National Park offers a wide range of water-based activities, including surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving — or simply spending a relaxing day on the beach. Locations for most water sports are weather-dependent, with certain beaches and coves being more suitable on specific days. For those interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, expect to encounter an extraordinary variety of exotic marine life, from clownfish and parrotfish to eels and seahorses.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day.

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day exploring Kenting at your own pace. Your guide and vehicle will be on-call to take you wherever you wish to go, whether it be the beach for a day of relaxation or to a dive/snorkel/kayak spot for another water activity excursion.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Drive to Koahsiung

The ride from Kenting to Kaohsiung will take around 2 hours, but there will be several stops and activities on the way.

Pineapple Farm Visit

The history of pineapples in Taiwan can be traced back to the early 1900s, when canning facilities were set up across the island to stockpile in case of food shortages. By 1970, Taiwan was the world’s top exporter of pineapples. Though the likes of Costa Rica and the Philippines may have overtaken it since then, the island still exports an enormous amount of the tangy fruit. The roots of this phenomenon can be traced to the spiky pineapple farms, one of which is on the agenda for today. Meet the local farmers, learn about the harvest, and indulge in the final products (namely the famous Taiwanese sweet of pineapple cakes) on a deep-dive into the inner-workings of a Taiwanese pineapple farm.

Dragon and Tiger Pagoda

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Lake are iconic symbols of Kaohsiung. Tradition says to step into the dragon’s mouth and exit through the lion’s to keep the good luck flowing. Taking the wrong route is thought to bring bad luck — so follow the dragon in and let the lion guide the way out!

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day.

High Speed Train to Taoyuan International Airport

Your guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the train station and help you check in for your train to Taoyuan. Your guide will join you on the train and upon arriving in Taoyuan, escort you to the airport and help you check in for your departure flight home.

Kaohsiung to Taoyuan High Speed Train: ~1.5 hours
Taoyuan HSR station to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport: ~20 mintues