Taiwan is full of endless surprises

Dear friends, Taiwan, this treasure island, is like an exciting picture book that you can never finish flipping through. From bustling cities to stunning mountains and seas, every page hides endless surprises 🎊. Today, I’m bringing you a super practical Taiwan travel guide to help you easily explore this dreamy destination!

Preparation Before the Trip

● Documents: Mainland residents traveling to Taiwan need to apply for the Mainland Resident Travel Permit to Taiwan and a personal travel endorsement (G visa), as well as the Taiwan Entry Permit. Be sure to get these done in advance to avoid any delays.

● Currency: Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar. You can exchange some at banks in the mainland beforehand or withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport, banks, or convenience stores in Taiwan.

● Communication: You can buy a Taiwan SIM card in advance on Taobao or activate international roaming on your mainland phone.

● Transportation Card: Taiwan has EasyCard and iPASS, which are convenient for buses, metro, and MRT rides, and can also be used for purchases at convenience stores. It’s recommended to get one after arriving in Taiwan.

Itinerary

Taipei — A Blend of Art and Prosperity

● Day 1: National Palace Museum ➡️ Shilin Official Residence ➡️ Yangmingshan
    Morning: After arriving in Taipei, visit the National Palace Museum, which houses a rich collection of countless rare treasures that will definitely feast your eyes.
    Noon: Enjoy authentic Taiwanese cuisine at nearby restaurants, such as braised pork rice and oyster omelet.
    Afternoon: Head to Shilin Official Residence, the former home of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, with beautiful gardens full of historical charm.
    Evening: Go to Yangmingshan to enjoy the night view. The mountain’s night scenery is super romantic, and you can relax in hot springs.

● Day 2: Taipei 101 ➡️ Xinyi Shopping District ➡️ Ximending
    Morning: Check in at Taipei’s landmark Taipei 101, take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city.
    Noon: Dine at restaurants in the Xinyi Shopping District, which offers a variety of cuisines and trendy brands.
    Afternoon: Explore Ximending, a trendy hub for young people with many unique shops, food streets, and street performers.

Kenting — Encounter with a Stunning Coastline

● Day 3: Eluanbi Park ➡️ Longpan Park ➡️ Houbi Lake
    Morning: Visit Eluanbi Park, home to the famous Eluanbi Lighthouse, the southernmost point of Taiwan, with breathtaking seaside views.
    Noon: Taste fresh seafood at nearby restaurants.
    Afternoon: Go to Longpan Park, a grassland and cliff area with wide-open views of the magnificent Pacific Ocean.
    Evening: Enjoy the seafood night market at Houbi Lake, where all kinds of seafood are available.

● Day 4: Kenting Street ➡️ Nanwan ➡️ Maobitou Park
    Morning: Experience the lively atmosphere of Kenting Street and buy some unique souvenirs.
    Noon: Have lunch on Kenting Street.
    Afternoon: Swim and surf at Nanwan, enjoying the sunshine and beach. Then visit Maobitou Park to admire the unique sea-eroded landforms.

Hualien — Tranquility Between Mountains and Sea

● Day 5: Taroko National Park ➡️ Qixingtan Beach
    Morning: Head to Taroko National Park, famous for its spectacular gorges and waterfalls. Walk along the trails and marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.
    Noon: Dine at restaurants near the park.
    Afternoon: Visit Qixingtan Beach, where the coastline is paved with pebbles, the water is crystal clear, and you can see distant mountains.

● Day 6: East Rift Valley ➡️ Ruisui Ranch
    Morning: Drive along the East Rift Valley, enjoying the pastoral scenery and mountain views.
    Noon: Taste local farmhouse dishes at a valley restaurant.
    Afternoon: Visit Ruisui Ranch to try fresh milk, cheese, and other dairy products, and see adorable cows.

Food Recommendations

● Night Market Delicacies: Taiwan’s night markets are a food paradise, such as Raohe Street Night Market and Ningxia Night Market in Taipei, and Ruifeng Night Market in Kaohsiung. Be sure to try large sausage wrapped in small sausage, salt and pepper chicken, grilled squid, and papaya milk.

● Specialty Snacks: Besides night market foods, many local snacks are worth trying, like coffin bread in Tainan, meatballs in Changhua, and meatball soup in Hsinchu.

Accommodation Suggestions

● Taipei: Stay near Ximending or the Xinyi Shopping District for convenient transportation, shopping, and dining.

● Kenting: It’s recommended to stay near Kenting Street for easy access to transportation and meals.

● Hualien: Choose hotels near the seaside or city center.

Transportation Guide

● Airplane: Direct flights are available to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and other airports.

● High-Speed Rail: Taiwan’s high-speed rail is very convenient for quickly reaching various cities.

● Car Rental: Renting a car is a great option for independent travel, especially in Kenting and Hualien, allowing you to enjoy more scenic spots.