The most complete guide to Taiwan’s free travel: what you need to know before traveling, attraction routes, food and accommodation, one article to take away (a must-see for Hong Kong people)

Planning a free trip to Taiwan but don’t know where to start? This guide is sorted out for you at once:

• What you need to know before you go → include entry permit (entry permit) application, air tickets, exchange, Internet card, essential apps, transportation guides, and tax refunds
• How to play?→ major city attractions, surrounding day trip itineraries, must-eat food, and accommodation recommendations have all been sorted out
• How to arrange the route?→ provides a reference itinerary for 5 days and 4 nights, which can save time and effort by following the schedule
• What souvenirs to buy?: Provide a selection of must-buy souvenirs

From arriving in Taiwan to returning, following this article is enough!

You must know before traveling to Taiwan

Visa/entry permit

Hong Kong people holding Hong Kong or BNO passports (holding other foreign passports must apply to come to Taiwan as foreigners) are divided into two ways to apply for a visa to Taiwan based on their “place of birth” and “whether they have entered Taiwan”:

Place of birth	How to apply	outlay	Review time
Born in Hong Kong	To apply for a temporary stay permit (commonly known as an “online visa”), you must print it in color or black and white on paper Application website: Hong Kong and Macao residents apply for a temporary stay permit (online visa) online	gratis	Almost instantaneous
Non-Hong Kong birth, first-time applicant	To apply for an exit permit through the online system, you must print it out in color Application website: Online application system for foreigners	Single entry and exit: NT$600	It takes about 5 working days for the information to be complete, so it is recommended to apply in advance and then book air tickets and hotels after the application is approved

Notes:

• In order to ensure smooth entry, it is recommended to print in color and not on recycled paper when applying for a good entry-exit permit. (Required for tax refund)
• those who were not born in Hong Kong and have applied for an entry permit to Taiwan and have been approved can also apply for an online visa; There is also a visa on arrival that can be applied, but the regulations are more troublesome and require fees, so it is recommended to apply online first.
• For detailed instructions, application requirements, required documents and frequently asked questions, please refer to: Hong Kong Office

Air tickets

There are direct flights from Hong Kong to the northern, central, and southern parts of Taiwan, with a flight time of about 1.5-2 hours.

Major international airports in Taiwan:

• Taipei (Taoyuan Airport TPE): The fastest distance from downtown Taipei is about 40 minutes
• Taichung (Qingquangang Airport RMQ): The fastest distance from downtown Taichung is about 40 minutes
• Kaohsiung (Xiaogang Airport KHH): The fastest distance from downtown Kaohsiung is about 20 minutes

Internet card/calling card

There are three major telecommunications providers in Taiwan: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone Telecommunications (Taiwan Telecom > Taiwan Mobile = Far EasTone), and the most convenient way is:

• Purchase it first on platforms such as KKday/Klook (it can be sent to Hong Kong or picked up at Taiwan airport, physical SIM cards/eSIMs are available).
• Purchase on the spot at the arrival hall of Taiwan airport.

Redemption & Payment Methods

It is most convenient to bring your UnionPay ATM card to a local ATM in Taiwan to withdraw money, and the exchange rate is better than finding an exchange shop at the airport. ATMs are easy to find, but remember to activate the “overseas withdrawal function” in Hong Kong first.

Taiwan is currently the most convenient combination of “credit card + cash”, and almost all medium and large stores can use credit cards, but night markets, old stores, etc. may not be able to use cards, so it is recommended to prepare enough cash.

Main payment methods in Taiwan:

Payment methods	When applicable
Swipe your credit card	Mid-to-high-end restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and department stores almost all accept credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and UnionPay
cash	Night markets, taxis, and snack bars are basically the most convenient with cash
Micropayments	EasyCard and iPASS are similar to Octopus and can be used to take public transportation such as MRT, buses, trains, or make small payments at convenience stores
Mobile payments	Common electronic payments in Taiwan include LINE Pay and Jiekou Pay, and some stores accept Apple Pay

traffic

Airport transportation

Taoyuan Airport and Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport both have MRT to take to the city, which is convenient, fast and inexpensive, only Taichung MRT is not connected to the airport, and you need to take a bus to transfer, so it is recommended to book an airport transfer or take a taxi first.

→ Recommended Airport Transfers:

機場接送推薦哪一家？5 間可靠品牌推薦+避雷指標必看

Overview of recommended transportation methods from each airport to the city:

airport	Recommended transportation options	Time & Cost	Suitable for ethnic groups
Taoyuan Airport (Taipei)	1. Airport MRT (Taoyuan MRT)	The direct train to Taipei Main Station takes about 40 minutes and costs NT$160	Fast, no traffic jams, cheap, you can transfer to other MRT lines at Taipei Main Station → timetable enquiry
	2. Airport bus	It takes about 55 minutes to Taipei Main Station and costs NT$164	The longest, but there are still cars in the middle of the night and there are many departures (every 15-60 minutes), which is suitable for red-eye flights → Taoyuan Airport bus route
	3. Queue for taxi/airport transfer	It takes about 40 minutes to downtown Taipei, NT$1,200-1,900	suitable for taxis whose destination is not near Taipei Main Station or MRT, and the fare is calculated by jumping the meter; Airport pick-up and drop-off can be booked in advance (additional pick-up and signage service can be added): [Dream Player] Airport Transfer Price List & Online Reservation
Taichung Qingquangang Airport	1. Taxi/Uber/Airport Transfer	It takes about 40 minutes-1 hour to downtown Taichung, NT$500-2,000	The most time-saving and convenient → Airport transfer price list & online reservation
	2. Bus 302, 500	It takes about 1-1.5 hours to Taichung city, NT$48-56	Cheapest → Taichung Airport Bus Route
Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport	1. Kaohsiung MRT Red Line	It takes about 20 minutes to Kaohsiung city, NT$35	Convenient, fast and cheap → the first and last train time of the Kaohsiung MRT
	2. Taxi/airport transfer	It takes about 20 minutes to downtown Kaohsiung, NT$400-1,500	It is suitable for luggage and the destination is not near the MRT → Airport transfer price list & online reservation

Note: Current Taiwanese regulations stipulate that Uber is not permitted to pick up passengers inside international airports (they can only operate in conjunction with licensed rental car services). Therefore, if you wish to use Uber, you may need to proceed outside the airport or to a designated pick-up point, which is comparatively less convenient.

Inter-county and city transportation

• High-speed rail: Only available in western Taiwan, expensive but the fastest, suitable for cross-city travel in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and other places, and the high-speed rail stations in these three cities are very convenient to the city.
• Taiwan Railway: You can go around the island, but you don’t go south to Kenting; In addition to connecting Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Tainan Railway Stations are all in the city.
• Passenger transport (long-distance bus): the cheapest, especially from Taoyuan Airport to major counties and cities; Many popular tourist attractions are only accessible by passenger transport, such as: Kaohsiung to Kenting, to Alishan/Cingjing Farm/Sun Moon Lake and other mountainous attractions.

Transportation in the city

• MRT (only available in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung): The Taipei MRT routes are dense and easy to reach urban attractions, while the Taichung and Kaohsiung MRT routes are more local, so you will need to use other modes of transportation, such as Kaohsiung Light Rail, YouBike, and walking.
• Bus: Only Taipei and Taichung have many bus routes and frequent buses, and other counties and cities do not recommend using buses as the main means of transportation.
• Taxi: Taxis in Taiwan are mainly yellow, with a starting price of NT$70-120 (slightly different from county to city), which is relatively affordable compared to Hong Kong, and can be considered for short-distance travel or late at night. You can also use apps such as 55688 and Uber to request a ride (Uber may not be easy to call in all counties and cities).
• Rent a motorcycle: The most Taiwanese characteristics, you need to have an international driver’s license, and the car dealer may not be willing to rent it, it is recommended to contact the car rental company directly.

Essential apps

• Google Maps: You can check the frequency and route of public transportation, but the bus arrival time is for reference only.
• Taiwan and other buses: The real-time dynamics of buses in major cities in Taiwan can be grasped in real time.
• T-EX Mobile Ticketing: A must-have for purchasing high-speed rail tickets, from checking the schedule, purchasing tickets, paying by credit card, and scanning electronic tickets to take the bus, eliminating the need to queue up to purchase tickets on site.
• Taiwan Railway e-booking: When purchasing Taiwan Railway tickets, you can also purchase tickets online, pay by card, and scan the QR code to take the train.
• Uber: Taiwan’s taxi app, which can be bound to credit card payment, mainly for 4-seater cars, and some small counties and cities do not have services.
• 55688: Multiple payment methods, all counties and cities on the main island of Taiwan can call a taxi, mainly 4-6 seats.
• Agoda/Booking.com: The most common booking platform in Taiwan, sometimes it is cheaper to book directly on the hotel’s official website, so you can compare prices by yourself.
• KKday/Klook: Travel ticket booking platform for SIM cards, day trip itineraries, tickets, etc.
• Threads: Taiwan is the second largest market for Threads in the world, young people love to use it, if you want to play more authentically, you can find niche attractions, coffee shops, gourmet snacks, etc. recommended by locals.

drawback

If you spend more than NT$2,000 at the same store in Taiwan, you can get a 5% tax refund (an additional 20% handling fee will be deducted), remember to ask the clerk for a tax refund form.

There are three ways to apply for a tax refund:

Tax refund method	Location	Preparation is required	How to receive it
Small tax refund at the store	Merchants with the “TRS Foreign Tourist Shopping Tax Refund Logo” are currently spending within NT$48,000	– Passport + Taiwan Entry Permit – Shopping invoice	cash
Tax refund in special urban areas	The service counter is affixed with the “TRS Tax Refund Logo for Foreign Tourists”	– Passport + Taiwan Entry Permit – Shopping Invoice – Tax Refund Form – I hold a credit card	Cash (The deposit must be pre-swiped by credit card, and the deposit will be refunded before leaving the country to confirm whether it needs to be checked)
Airport/port tax refund	For tax refund counters, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance	– Passport + Taiwan Entry Permit – Shopping Invoice – Tax Refund Form	Cash, credit card, or check

※The regulations and amounts are subject to the official announcement: refund process description

Taiwan independent travel 5 days and 4 nights itinerary recommendation

• Taipei (North): Stay in downtown Taipei, and then arrange “Jiufen Old Street & Shifen Old Street Sky Lanterns”, “Yangmingshan & Beitou Hot Springs”, Yilan one-day tour and other peripheral itineraries.
• Taipei (North) + Taichung: Mainly to play in the north, including a one-day trip to Taichung by high-speed rail pop-up, so you won’t be in a hurry to visit two districts at once.
• Taichung + Nantou + (Alishan): Taichung and Nantou are played average, or mainly Taichung attractions, and then paired with Nantou Cingjing Farm or Sun Moon Lake one-day trip, etc., if you don’t mind the long traffic time, you can go to Alishan in Chiayi again.
• Alishan + Tainan + Kaohsiung: After landing at Kaohsiung Airport, go straight to Chiayi/Alishan, and play all the way back to Kaohsiung from distant counties and cities, but because you need to move frequently, it is recommended to charter a car directly to save time and effort.
• Tainan + Kaohsiung + (Kenting): On average, Kaohsiung and Tainan will not spend too much time on transportation and changing hotels, if you want to stay in Kenting for more days, you can play in Tainan and Kaohsiung for one day before and after, and play Kenting at other times.

→ multi-day tour reference itinerary and chartered car around the island itinerary: Taiwan round-the-island chartered car with driver

Taipei/Northern Free Travel: Attractions, Food, and Accommodation Recommendations

The capital Taipei is very suitable as a destination for first-time visitors to Taiwan, if you want to go shopping, taste various food, enjoy nightlife, learn about history and culture, soak in hot springs, etc., Taipei has it; If you want to get close to nature, you can easily get there by MRT.

Taipei’s biggest advantage is the convenience of public transportation, with MRT, buses, and Taiwan Railways connecting the city and the suburbs, so you can visit various attractions without driving. The drive is not too far, and it is friendly to parents and children, the elderly or independent travelers.

In fact, staying in the north for 5-7 days is enough to have fun, you can focus on accommodation in downtown Taipei, and then combine it with a one-day trip to the suburbs (Jiufen, Yangmingshan, etc.) or a one-day trip to Keelung and Yilan, you can have a rich and relaxing experience.

Must-visit attraction in Taipei #1: Taipei 101

When you come to Taipei, you can’t miss the landmark Taipei 101, take the elevator from the 5th floor, and you can go directly to the observation deck on the 89th floor in just 37 seconds, overlooking the entire Taipei city in 360 degrees.

The surrounding large department stores are densely populated, so you can go shopping, shopping, and dine all at once; The “Sisi South Village” opposite is a cultural and creative settlement converted from a dependent village, and you can also take a walk and enjoy 101 up close.

101 The building itself is also worth appreciating from different perspectives, and the exterior lighting changes every day according to the colors of the rainbow!

Recommended photo spots:

• Sisi South Village: Capture 101 up close, where old buildings contrast sharply with modern skyscrapers.
• Elephant Mountain Observation Deck: Suitable for night views, the trail is not long but the slope is slightly steep, and it takes about 15-30 minutes to reach the observation deck.
• Wuxing Street and Alleys: 101 in the eyes of local residents has a more sense of daily life.

Taipei’s must-visit attraction #2: Ximending

Combining trendy clothing, street performer performances, various food, as well as art and cultural exhibition spaces and cultural and creative markets, it is the youngest and most energetic attraction in Taipei, a must-visit attraction for foreign tourists.

Because it is located at the intersection of two MRT lines and near Taipei Main Station, it is the first choice for many tourists to stay in Taipei, so popular accommodations should be booked early.

Must-take check-in points:

• Ximen Red Building: A century-old red brick building, now an exhibition space and cultural and creative base.
• Rainbow zebra crossing (TAIPEI): The most popular check-in landmark, just outside Exit 6 of Ximen MRT Station.

→ Ximending Complete Guide to Eating, Drinking and Playing: Ximending check-in attractions, food, souvenirs, accommodation recommendations, the most complete lazy package!

西門町打卡景點、美食、伴手禮、住宿推薦，最完整懶人包！

Taipei’s must-visit attraction #3: Dadaocheng

Taipei is a good place to experience the atmosphere of historical buildings and old streets, the streets are beautiful to take pictures of, and the must-visit attractions are recommended

• Dihua Street: Mainly selling Chinese medicinal materials, fabrics and north-south groceries, the New Year’s shopping street is the busiest during the Lunar New Year.
• Xiahai City God Temple: The moon worship is very effective, suitable for single friends to come together.
• Ningxia Night Market: The scope is not large, but there are many Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended snacks, such as Liu taro egg yolk taro cake, pork liver Rong pig liver soup, Zhi Gao rice, and oyster omelette on the ring side.
• Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market: Suitable for watching the sunset or night view, beer and food are a perfect match (but slightly more expensive).

→ recommended attractions and shopping places in downtown Taipei: [Taipei City Tamsui One-day Tour] Itinerary/attractions/food/transportation lazy bag

【台北市區 淡水一日遊】行程/景點/美食/交通懶人包 台北包車旅遊

Northern one-day tour recommendation #1: Jiufen Old Street, Shifen, (Yehliu)

The most popular one-day tour route in the north, the key attractions include the “Jiufen Old Street” Amei Tea House, eating taro balls with beautiful scenery on the old street of the steps; “Shifen Old Street” releases sky lanterns; If you want to enrich your itinerary, you can go to the north coast to see the “Yehliu Queen’s Head” and go to Keelung’s most delicious “Miaokou Night Market” to eat local snacks, and enjoy all the classic attractions in one trip!

→ itinerary reference: [Jiufen Shifen One-day Tour] Itinerary/Attractions/Food/Transportation Lazy Bag

【九份十分一日遊】行程/景點/美食/交通懶人包 九份包車旅遊

Northern one-day tour recommendation #2: Yangmingshan, Beitou

If you like to get close to nature, enjoy flowers or soak in hot springs, or travel with your elders, it is recommended to go to Yangmingshan to enjoy the flowers, walk the trails, and arrange surrounding attractions such as “Palace Museum”, “Beitou Relay Market”, and “Beitou Hot Spring Hot House Experience” before/after; In the evening, you can visit the “Shilin Night Market” or dine at Yangmingshan Night View Restaurant.

Yangmingshan’s popular flower season:

• April-May: Alocasia season in Bamboo Lake
• May-June: Bamboo Lake hydrangea season
• September-October: Miscanthus season

→ itinerary reference: [Yangmingshan Beitou One-day Tour] Itinerary/attractions/food/transportation lazy bag

【陽明山北投一日遊】行程/景點/美食/交通懶人包 陽明山包車 北投包車

Northern one-day tour recommendation #3: Yilan Jiaoxi Hot Springs, Toucheng one-day tour

Yilan is considered the “back garden of Taipei”, about 1 hour drive from Ximending to Yilan, arrange 4-6 attractions a day round trip time, the driving time is sufficient, and the drive is not too long, suitable for travelers who are tired of playing Taipei and want to unlock new cities.

Recommended itinerary highlights: “Jiaoxi Hot Spring” hot spring bath, “Toucheng Old Street” snack tour, surfing resort “Wushi Port”, and the “Lanyang Museum”, a characteristic building with good photos, etc.

→ itinerary reference: Yilan chartered one-day tour and multi-day tour (departing from Taipei/Yilan): The most complete Yilan attraction map & selected route recommendations!

→More Taipei charter route references:Recommended Taipei charter services | Day trips, multi-day cross-county tours, and flexible custom itineraries

→ 10 recommended one-day trips to the north: Don’t want to be crowded on a one-day trip to the north? 16 secret attractions/hidden version gameplay recommendations (with surrounding local food).

北部一日遊不想人擠人？16個秘境景點/隱藏版玩法推薦（附周邊在地美食）

Taipei’s must-eat food recommendations

• Xiaolongbao: Din Tai Fung, Hangzhou Xiaolongbao
• Beef noodles: Old Shandong beef noodles, beef noodles. Chicken soup, Lin Dongfang beef noodles, Lao Xiong beef noodle shop
• Braised pork rice: Jinfeng braised pork rice, Xiao Wang boiled melon, Huang Jilu pork rice
• Traditional breakfast shops: Fuhang soy milk, Yonghe soy milk (chain store), Meiermei (chain store)
• Hand-cranked drink brands: Soma, Ten Cups, Dezheng (chain store), Yimu Ri (chain store), UG (chain store)

Recommended must-visit night markets in Taipei:

Night market	characteristic	Transportation	Gourmet snack recommendation
Shilin Night Market	The most representative and Taiwanese snacks can be found here	MRT: Jiantan Station	Hometown charcoal-grilled chicken steak, Haiyou Shiquan pork ribs, good friend cold noodles, Zhongjia Shanghai fried buns
Raohe Night Market	There is only one road, and the route is simple and easy to visit	MRT: Songshan Station	Fuzhou Shizu pepper cake, Chen Dong medicine stewed pork ribs, Yupin Yuan ice and fire glutinous rice balls
South Airport Night Market	Mainly local food, the range is small but there are many delicious foods	Bus: South Airport Apartment/Guosheng Guozhai Station MRT: Xiaonanmen/Longshan Temple Station, about 15-20 minutes walk	Anan sesame oil chicken, Yamauchi chicken, soy milk black tea
Lehua Night Market	Locals love to visit night markets, and the items are less repetitive	MRT: Dingxi Station, about 10 minutes walk	Guo Ji spicy stinky tofu, Lehua Night Market three fresh soup, Xiao Mo chicken saltwater chicken

Ximending business district food recommendations:

• Traditional food snacks: A-Zong noodles, Shiyuan salted crispy chicken, Shi Fujian delicious chicken, Ximen noodle shop
• Restaurants: Star Cafe, Zhan Ji Spicy Hot Pot – Ximen Great World, Mong Kok Stone Hot Pot

Taipei hotel recommendation

There are many options for accommodation in Taipei, from five-star hotels, high-quality hotels to affordable youth hostels, and if you like to soak in hot springs, you can also find hot spring hotels in Yangmingshan, Beitou or Wulai.

It is generally recommended to find the vicinity of Taipei Main Station, as well as the vicinity of Ximending and MRT Zhongshan Station, which are very convenient to get to the airport, other attractions in Taipei, or take the high-speed rail/Taiwan Railway to other cities.

• High-end hotel recommendations: Taipei Times Residence, Solaria West Rail Hotel Taipei Ximen, Just West Hotel – Ximending Pavilion
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Home Travel Ximen Pavilion, Road Travel Travel, Orange Business Hotel Ximen Store
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostel recommendations: Xinxing Youth Hostel, OwlStay Story Agency, Flip-flop Home, North Gate Sleeper Youth Hostel (Superior Room Type)

Taichung/Central Free Travel: Attractions, Food, and Accommodation Recommendations

Most of the attractions in the central region are concentrated in Taichung and Nantou, so it is recommended to use downtown Taichung as the main base to experience the more leisurely and literary style of the city atmosphere and food. However, the number of days of the trip between Taichung and Nantou can be divided equally, and if you have the spare energy, you can arrange one-day tours to other central counties and cities, such as “Changhua City Fan Garage + Lukang Old Street One-day Tour”, “Miaoli Longteng Broken Bridge, Shengxing Station, etc.”, all the way back to Taichung.

Taichung must-visit attraction #1: Gaomei Wetland

If Taichung can only recommend one attraction, it must be Gaomei Wetland – a sunset spot worth going to again and again! Walking along the wooden plank road to the sea, the curves of the wooden plank road, the unique offshore windmills in western Taiwan, the sunset, and the reflection of the sunset on the water are all indispensable, which is very suitable for taking pictures. The only drawback is that there must be a lot of people during the sunset on weekends, so you can go into the water and walk out for a short distance to avoid being blocked.

Taichung’s must-visit attraction #2: Caowu Road

Taichung people often come to the Caowu Road area to have brunch/coffee shops, visit specialty shops or markets, have picnics and relax on the grass, etc., you can come here to experience the leisurely daily life of Taichung compared to Taipei, and the surrounding “Audit New Village” and “Green Light Project Fantexi Cultural and Creative Settlement” can also be visited by the way.

On the first-level theater “Gongyi Road” in Taichung restaurants, there are well-known barbecue “Chaliu”, “Wuma”, or “Old Sichuan”, “New Mala” spicy pot, Karuizawa hot pot, etc., but I am afraid you will have a hard choice.

Taichung’s must-visit attraction #3: Fengjia Night Market

Fengjia Night Market is the largest tourist night market in central China, Guan Zhilin large intestine wrapped small intestine, Minglun egg pancake is almost a must-eat for tourists, there are many food choices, there are things to eat, play and shop to buy clothes. However, locals have polarized opinions about this place, if you haven’t been here, you can come and try it; If you want to go to Taichung’s more unpopular night markets and visited by locals, we recommend Hanxi Night Market or Daqing Night Market.

→ more recommended attractions in Taichung: Taichung’s top 10 private attractions and pocket food are not hidden to share!

【2025台中包車】親子、姐妹一日遊就看這篇，10大私房景點與口袋美食不藏私分享！ 台中包車旅遊

Central one-day tour recommendation #1: Nantou Cingjing Farm

From downtown Taichung to Cingjing, the fastest drive is 1.5 hours, and the passenger transport takes about 2.5 hours. The classic “Green Grassland Sheep Show” in the farm (only available on national holidays, weekends, and summer vacation Wednesdays) and “Guanshan Pastoral Equestrian Show” are must-sees!

Because the attractions around Cingjing Farm are quite concentrated, it is barely okay to go back and forth from Taichung in one day, but it is more recommended to stay at Cingjing Farm for one night to feel the cool weather in the mountains and the starry night, and you can also visit Sun Moon Lake, Puli and other attractions in other districts of Nantou the next day.

Central Day Tour Recommendation #2: Nantou Sun Moon Lake, (Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village)

If you want to recommend a one-day trip to central China with more Taiwanese characteristics, the first recommendation is Sun Moon Lake + Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village (an aboriginal-themed amusement park, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot from February to March every year)!

Nantou is the only county and city in Taiwan that is not close to the sea, but it has an uninferior view of Sun Moon Lake Lake, you can take a boat tour or ride a bicycle around the lake, and then take the cable car into the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village to play amusement facilities and experience the culture of the aboriginal tribes. However, the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village has a lot of facilities and activities, and it is actually more suitable to plan for two days and one night in Sun Moon Lake.

Central one-day tour recommendation #3: Changhua Fan Garage, Lukang Old Street

Changhua is not the first choice for tourist cities in the central region, but in fact, Changhua has its own sense of simplicity and special snacks, among which the “Lukang Old Street” with its dense historical monuments is the most visited tourist attraction according to the statistics of the Taiwan Tourism Administration in 2024!

Lukang Old Street is not too far from the “Glass Mazu Temple” and Taiwan’s only remaining fan-shaped station – “Fan Garage” (in downtown Changhua, about 30 minutes from Lukang), and is also suitable as a day trip itinerary within about 1 hour drive from downtown Taichung.

→Itinerary reference, Lukang must-eat traditional food recommendation: Changhua chartered one-day tour: price list, multiple routes & attraction recommendations!

→ more chartered car itinerary references from Taichung: Taichung chartered car one-day tour, multi-day tour, Nantou Changhua Miaoli pick-up and drop-off recommendation

Recommended must-eat food in the central region

Restaurants:

• Roast pork from the house
• Chaliu Yakiniku Hall
• Soup house hot pot
• Red Ghost Seared Steak
• Chunsuido founding store
• [Nantou Cingjing] Lu’s mother’s Yunnan Yi cuisine
• [Nantou Cingjing] Old England Manor English Afternoon Tea

Local Specialty Category:

• Ah Cai rice cake
• Miaodong Qingshui Pork Rib Noodle Shop
• Donghai lotus heart ice chicken feet jelly
• Ah San meatballs/North Gate meatballs
• Ah Quan pork rice
• Wang Wang’s noodle paste/Ah Sanzhang’s handmade noodle paste
• Golden basin grandma’s shiitake mushroom tea eggs
• Qingbao salted fried dough sticks main store

Hand-cranked drink brands:

• Eat Tea 3000 Taiwan concept store
• Bayao and Tea (Taichung)
• Da Ming (Taichung Origin)
• Yimu Day (Taichung Origin)
• Can you mature black tea (Taichung originated)
• On the way to the Camino

Chubu hotel recommendation

Taichung city hotel recommendation

It is recommended to stay near Taichung Railway Station or near Caowu Road, the transportation around Taichung Railway Station is the most convenient, suitable for passengers who mainly use public transportation; The surrounding environment of Caowu Road is comfortable, and there are many specialty restaurants and design shops nearby, suitable for travelers who like to take a leisurely stroll and look for specialty shops.

• High-end hotel recommendations: Le Meridien Taichung Li Fang, National Hotel
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Zhiguang Garden Hotel, Old School Travel Tian Central Hotel, Xi Xing, New Blue Sky Hotel
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostels are recommended: Chengxing Youth Hostel, Ruth Travel, Caowu Road Drifting Bird Youth Hostel

Nantou Cingjing Farm accommodation recommendation

• High-end castle manor style: Cingjing Old England Manor B, Florence Resort
• Cost-effective accommodation recommendation: Huangqing Orchard B, Cingjing Farm National Hotel (officially operated by the farm)
• Popular and high-quality accommodation recommendations: Cingjing Zixinyuan Resort (Wangshan Series in Area H), Hemma House, Chunyu Hotel

Nantou Sun Moon Lake accommodation recommendation

• High-end hotel recommendations: Nantou Sun Moon Lake Fuli Hot Spring Hotel, Lili Mountain and Forest Association Sun Moon Lake Pavilion (with lake view), Sun Moon Lake Hongbin Hotel (with lake view)
• Cost-effective and high-quality hotel recommendations: Sun Moon Lake Shuiyang (with lake view), Sun Moon Lake Jingze Club (with lake view), Shaoguang 188, Blue Sky Water Bay B
• Recommended cheap youth hostels: OWL Hostel Owl Hostel and Dreamy Nomads sun moon lake Hostel

中部一日遊景點推薦：18個精選景點+中彰投私房景點美食地圖！

Kaohsiung/Southern Free Travel: Attractions, Food, and Accommodation Recommendations

In the south, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, etc., there are many attractions worth visiting, and you need to spend more time on transportation, so you may need to change your accommodation location so as not to spend too much time on transportation.

In particular, popular tourist attractions such as Alishan and Kenting are relatively remote, so it is recommended to reserve more time for arranging the itinerary, not to queue too many attractions in a day, and try to arrange the attractions along the way.

Kaohsiung must-visit attraction #1: Pier 2 Art Zone Dagang Bridge

The “Pier 2 Art Zone” by Kaohsiung Harbor is a popular place for young people in Kaohsiung, with rich exhibitions and many choices for surrounding attractions. In recent years, the new landmark “Dagang Bridge” is also next to it, this pedestrian bridge opens and closes regularly every day, and the design shape is very beautiful, and it is very beautiful to take pictures at night.

Xiziwan, the ferry station to Cijin on the other side, a milk tea street, and the “Yancheng District” where Kaohsiung food gathers are all in this area, making it suitable for experiencing the cultural and creative atmosphere of the harbor day and night.

Kaohsiung’s must-visit attractions #2: Cijin Old Street, Lighthouse

If you have limited time in Kaohsiung and want to see the sea view and have a local experience, it is most recommended to take a one-day or half-day tour from Gushan Ferry Station to Cijin, where you can play in the water or ride the waves. There are many cheap, large bowls and delicious traditional Taiwanese ice cream near the ferry station, which you must eat before/after going to Cijin!

Cijin is not actually an island, one side is connected to Kaohsiung city, so if you are driving/chartering a car, you can cross the port tunnel on the other side to reach Cijin; The ferry can only be boarded by pedestrians, bicycles or motorcycles, because the attractions in Cijin are relatively scattered, it is recommended to rent (electric) bicycles on the island to move.

Tainan must-visit attraction #1: Anping Old Street

There are already many historical sites to enjoy in Tainan City, but Anping Old Street is home to many Tainan authentic delicacies (Tongji Anping Tofu Pudding, Ah Cai Beef Soup, Zhou’s Shrimp Rolls, etc.) and special attractions (Anping Castle, Anping Tree House, etc.), and you can also go to “Yuguang Island” or “Sunset Viewing Platform” to step on the sea water and watch the sunset on the beach.

Tainan must-visit attraction #2: Chimei Museum

Although visiting a museum in the ancient capital of food may seem a bit abrupt, the Chimei Museum has a literary atmosphere. This is a private museum established by Chimei Group founder Xu Wenlong, and it is currently the most extensive private museum in Taiwan.

The exterior of the building and park in European architectural style are very suitable for taking pictures, and the permanent exhibition inside mainly collects Western art, musical instruments, and taxidermy. It is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Tainan, and it is usually played with the “Ten Drums Cultural and Creative Park” next to it, and it is recommended to arrange a half-day to one-day trip.

→ Tainan Guide: Tainan chartered one-day tour and half-day tour cost itinerary recommendation (including private attractions, local pocket food list).

Southern one-day tour recommendation #1: Kaohsiung Qishan Old Street, Meinong Hakka Town

If you don’t want to just visit downtown Kaohsiung, Qishan Old Street, which is about an hour’s drive from the city, and the nearby Hakka style town of Meinong, are a one-day trip with Taiwanese traditional cultural characteristics.

Qishan Old Street retains many baroque arcade buildings from the Japanese colonial period, which has a very nostalgic atmosphere, and there are many special banana products that are very suitable as souvenirs; Meinong is characterized by Hakka culture, you can participate in the making of traditional oil paper umbrellas, have a bowl of authentic Hakka rice noodles, and travel to and from the city to and from the city, you can also visit the Taiwanese Buddhist holy site “Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall”, which is especially suitable for bringing elders and is not too far by car.

Southern one-day tour recommendation #2: Chiayi Alishan, Fenqihu Old Street

The most famous attractions in southern Taiwan are Alishan and the Fenqi Lake Old Street halfway up the mountain, but it takes nearly 2 hours to get to Alishan from downtown Chiayi, so it is not recommended to take a day trip from Tainan or Kaohsiung unless you plan to spend the night on Alishan.

Alishan Forest Park is recommended to spend at least 2-3 hours walking, Fenqihu Old Street can be used as a stopover rest stop and dining, and with 1-2 stopping attractions, the itinerary is very rich, and there is something to eat and play. If you want to take a small train to watch the sunrise, it is recommended to stay in Alishan Park for one night.

→ Itinerary reference:

• Alishan One-Day Tour Itinerary Recommendation: All-Inclusive for Dining, Entertainment, and Fun, Explore Alishan in 6 Stops!
• Alishan charter pricing table day-trip and multi-day route references

阿里山一日遊行程推薦：吃喝玩樂通通有，6 站玩轉阿里山！

Southern one-day tour recommendation #3: Kenting Baisha Bay, Longpan Park

Kenting is also a popular tourist destination in southern Taiwan, with soft white sand beaches, water sports, Hengchun Ancient City, super beautiful prairie, etc., and Taiwan’s largest marine aquarium is also here. However, since there is no railway extending to Kenting, the most convenient way to get to Kenting is to take the “Taiwan Good Travel” passenger transport or taxi/chartered car directly from downtown Kaohsiung to Kenting, which takes about 2 hours at the earliest, so it is not recommended to take a round-trip day trip on the same day, and it is recommended to stay in Kenting for at least 1-2 nights.

→ itinerary reference: Kenting chartered one-day tour and two-day tour itinerary recommended

Recommended must-eat food in the south

• [Chiayi] (Fire) Chicken Rice: Aloushi Turkey Rice, Master Ah Hong Eats a Bowl of Turkey Rice, Daxi Turkey Rice, Toujia Turkey Rice
• [Chiayi] White vinegar cold noodles: Huang Ji cold noodles cold rounds, Chongwen Jinlu noodles
• [Chiayi] Casserole fish head: Lin Mingming casserole fish head, Beimen casserole fish head
• [Chiayi] Fenqi Lake Railway Bento: Railway Mountain City Nostalgic Railway Bento, Fenqi Lake Hotel
• [Tainan] Beef soup: Liuqian Hongzuo beef soup, Ah Cai beef soup, Alian beef soup, Meixian beef soup
• [Tainan] Bowl Kueh/Fish Soup: Yiwei Bowl Kueh Fish Soup, Zheng Ji Bowl Kueh, Ah Feng Floating Water Milkfish Soup
• [Tainan] Pot Roast Pasta: Mellow Saliva Ancient Pot Roast Pasta, Datong Road Ancient Pot Roast Pasta
• [Tainan] Eel pasta: Fusheng snack eel pasta, Xinyi snack bar fried eel expert
• [Kaohsiung] Yancheng/Gushan District Food: Duck Meat Treasure, Beigang Caijia Tumbler Rice Cake (Steamed Egg Soup), Winter Noodle King, Yancheng Duck Meat Pasta, Ah Ying Pork Rib Rice, Ah Cai Shredded Chicken Noodles, Songyi Milk Tea, Li Family Dumpling Soup
• [Kaohsiung] Qishan Old Street Food: Jimei Bread Banana Cake, Moon Banana City Banana Black Tea Ice, Qishan Red Pork
• [Kaohsiung] Meinong Hakka Food: Meinong 888 Hakka Rice Cake Shop, Xiangjiaxiang Hakka Cuisine
• [Kenting] must-eat food: Qiu’s sashimi, Ah Xing sashimi, our seafood shop, Abe mung bean dumplings, and people at the foot of the mountain

Hand-cranked drink brand recommendation:

• [Chiayi]
• [Tainan] Pharmacist’s private black tea, Xuanfu Ju, tea scriptures, tea, sweet and fresh, twin mung bean paste milk
• [Kaohsiung] Magu Tea House, Wujia Black Tea Ice

Southern hotel recommendation

Kaohsiung city hotel recommendation

It is recommended to live along the MRT, such as near Formosa Station and Sanduo Station, where it is convenient to eat and shop; There are also many people who choose this area because they like the food of Yancheng District and the atmosphere of Pier 2 Art Zone.

• High-end hotel recommendations: Chengyi Hotel, Kaohsiung Nikko Hotel, Heyi Hotel
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Hanxuan International Hotel, Chengxie Travel, Joho Hotel, Heying Accommodation
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostels are recommended: Addiction Room, Paper Airplane Youth Hostel

Tainan city hotel recommendation

The Central and Western Districts (with a lot of food) and Anping District in downtown Tainan are the most popular, and there are two major choices for visiting many attractions within walking distance.

• High-end hotel recommendations: Far Eastern Group Shangri-La Tainan, Silks Inn Tainan, Xirongxuan Hotel
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Kangqiao Business Hotel Tainan Chihkan Tower, Kangqiao Slow Hotel, Bole Travel
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostels are recommended: Youai Street Hotel, 365.Heri Hotel, Book inn

Chiayi city hotel recommendation

It is more convenient to find the side in front of the train station, and you can also walk to most urban attractions and food.

• High-end hotel recommendations: Holiday Inn Express Chiayi, Chiayi Zhaopin Hotel, Chengyi Cultural Tourism Taocheng Tea Appearance
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel, South Courtyard Villa, Ria Hotel (suitable for parents and children)
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostels are recommended: Chiayi Light Travel, Zhongqing Hotel Chiayi Pavilion, and Walking Home Backpacker Youth Hostel

Chiayi Alishan accommodation recommendation

If you want to take a small train to watch the sunrise, it is recommended to stay in the park for one night; In other districts of Alishan, it is recommended to find “Shiqiao” or “Gap Ding Eryanping” to eat more around it, and Taiwan’s good passenger transport is also available.

• Recommended accommodation in Alishan Forest Park: Alishan Hotel, Shenmu Hotel (suitable for taking a small train to watch the sunrise)
• Recommended accommodation in other areas of Alishan: Shanshui Qinghui, Chari B, Mengdie B, Shifang Shanshui, Chaxiang Garden B

Hengchun/Kenting accommodation recommendation

If you want to be closer to the beach and eat conveniently, it is recommended to live near Kenting Street/South Bay; If the living functions are convenient, it is not bad to live in Hengchun Town.

• Recommended high-end hotels/resorts: Kenting Xiadu Beach Hotel, Caesars Hotel Kenting
• Cost-effective hotel recommendations: Hiyori Bay Residence, Ranch Hotel, Sunscreen Don’t wipe too much B
• Affordable and high-quality youth hostels are recommended: The First South Bay Capsule Hotel, Outdoor Backpacking Apartment

💡 Locals play like this: A one-day trip to the south does not step on thunder: 14 private attractions, local food recommendations, the itinerary can be done in one go!

南部一日遊不踩雷：14個私房景點、在地美食推薦，行程一次搞定！

Other Taiwanese attractions niche itineraries are recommended

Hualien

Hong Kong has direct flights to Hualien Airport, if you have already been to the west or want to go to places with fewer tourists, Hualien is a good choice. If you are traveling from western Taiwan, it is recommended to focus on northern Taiwan or Hualien, which takes about 2.5 hours from Taipei to Hualien city.

Recommended must-play attractions:

• Taroko National Park (recovering from the earthquake, only some areas are open)
• Qingshui Cliff (affected by the disaster, only partially open)
• Seven Star Pond
• Dongdaemun Night Market
• Yunshan Dream Lake
• Stone Ladder Flat

→ itinerary reference: Hualien chartered car itinerary recommendation: half-day tour/one-day tour/multi-day chartered car can be tailor-made!

Taitung

If you fly to Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport and like to see the sea or play for more days, it is recommended to arrange more walks in Taitung, the sea on the east coast is very different from the west coast, and it is beautiful when the weather is good.

However, the drive from downtown Kaohsiung to downtown Taitung is nearly 3 hours, and Taitung is a north-south direction, very long, and there is a bit of distance between attractions, so it would be recommended to stay in Taitung for at least 3 days and 2 nights.

Recommended must-play attractions:

• Tiehua Village Settlement
• Three Immortals
• Changbin King Kong Avenue
• Pond on Brown Avenue
• Hatsuka Ranch
• Zhiben Hot Springs

→ itinerary reference: Taitung chartered one-day tour, multi-day tour: price list, 6 selected routes for you to match (with attraction map).

The small three links to Kinmen and Matsu

Kinmen and Matsu are two outlying islands in Taiwan that are very close to mainland China, and their cultural customs are different from those of Taiwan’s main island, especially suitable for travelers who are interested in battlefield history and military bunkers/tunnels.

Although it is usually taken by plane from the main island of Taiwan, taking the road from Hong Kong to China, and then taking the small three links from Xiamen to Kinmen, or from Fuzhou to Matsu will be a more special travel experience.

Taiwan independent travel must-buy souvenir recommendation

Convenience stores such as Taipei Main Station, Airport Sheng Hengchang Duty Free, large supermarkets (Carrefour), small and medium-sized supermarkets (Quanlian), and 7-11 can easily buy Taiwanese souvenirs, but only a few specific brands of products require more confirmation of channels.

The following are a few recommended Taiwanese souvenirs, which are suitable for gifting and personal use:

• Pineapple cake: Taiwan’s specialty, popular brands: Xiao Pan, Jiade, Slightly Hot Hill.
• Lao Tianlu Braised Food: Ximending’s time-honored braised food, which can be ordered online.
• Sun Cake: Taichung specialty, recommended brands: Chen Yun Baoquan, Sun Hall Old Store No. 25.
• Yu Zhenxin Butter Shortcake: Crispy and not too sweet, I have never failed to give it to my friends.
• Taiwanese high mountain tea: Taiwanese tea is of good quality and rich in choice, and it is easy to buy “Tianren tea” nearby.
• Taiwanese instant noodles: Huadiao chicken noodles and beef noodles produced by Taiwanese wineries are made with real ingredients, delicious and Taiwanese.
• Masks, makeup, skin care products: Just go to Baoya, Kangshimei, and Watsons to hunt for treasures, and you can buy them all in one family.

Although public transportation in Taiwan is convenient, independent travel does not have to rely entirely on oneself, especially when travel time is limited.

If you encounter the following situations, chartering a car will be more worry-free:

• The itinerary crosses cities and scattered attractions (such as Alishan, Cingjing, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting and other non-urban attractions).
• Bringing elders, children, or a lot of luggage, frequent movement, and hard transportation transfers.
• Red-eye flights/rushing to catch up with boats require stable and punctual transportation arrangements.
• I want to have fun and don’t want to waste time checking shifts and waiting for buses.
• If you want to smuggle house attractions and take pictures of sunrise/night views, you want to flexibly adjust your itinerary.

A professional driver will help you lead the way, so you don’t have to worry about being unfamiliar with life, and the local driver can also recommend you private attractions and food. Rest in the car, play when you get off the bus, and truly enjoy a hassle-free trip to Taiwan!