Taiwan is a small island nation that offers a diverse range of attractions, from bustling cities and historic towns to beautiful beaches and high mountains. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, food, or adventure, Taiwan has something for everyone.
In this article, we will show you how to plan a perfect 4-day itinerary for Taiwan, covering the most popular destinations and activities. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks on how to save money, avoid crowds, and make the most of your time in Taiwan.
Key Takeaways of Taiwan Itinerary 4 Days
- Taiwan is a safe, friendly, and affordable destination that is ideal for a short trip in Asia.
- You can easily travel around Taiwan by public transportation, such as trains, buses, and metro systems.
- You can experience the best of Taiwan in 4 days by visiting Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park, Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen, and Taroko Gorge.
- You can enjoy a variety of food and drinks in Taiwan, from street snacks and night markets to tea houses and restaurants.
- You can find accommodation options for every budget and preference in Taiwan, from hostels and guesthouses to hotels and apartments.
Estimated Costs of Transportation, Accommodation, Food, and Activities
| Category | Average Cost per Day per Person |
|---|---|
| Transportation | $25 |
| Accommodation | $50 |
| Food and Drink | $20 |
| Activities | $10 |
| Total | $105 |
Note: These are approximate costs based on the average prices of various items and services in Taiwan. Your actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and exchange rate.
Statistics about Last Five Years Travellers Incoming to Taiwan
Source: Trading Economics
According to the data from Trading Economics[^10^], the number of tourist arrivals in Taiwan has fluctuated over the last five years, reaching a peak of 11.84 million in 2019 and a low of 2.71 million in 2020.
The main factors that affected the tourism industry in Taiwan were the political tensions with China, the coronavirus pandemic, and the travel restrictions imposed by various countries. However, as the situation improves and the borders reopen, Taiwan is expected to see a gradual recovery of its tourism sector in 2023 and beyond.
Source: Statista
According to the data from Statista¹¹, the majority of Taiwan’s inbound tourists came from Vietnam in 2022, amounting to approximately 134,800.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of mainland Chinese tourists who visited Taiwan that year was only around 24 thousand, declining from more than 2.7 million in 2019. Other major sources of tourists for Taiwan were Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Day 1: Taipei
Taipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan, as well as its cultural, economic, and political center. Taipei is a modern metropolis that combines skyscrapers and temples, shopping malls and night markets, museums and parks. Taipei is also famous for its food scene, offering a wide range of cuisines and specialties from all over Taiwan and beyond.
Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and National Palace Museum
Start your first day in Taipei by visiting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a monumental complex that honors the former leader of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The hall features a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, a museum that displays his life and achievements, and a park that surrounds the hall with gardens and ponds. The hall is also known for its changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every hour.
Next, head to the National Palace Museum, one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts that span over 8,000 years of history.
The museum’s highlights include the Jadeite Cabbage with Insects, a realistic carving of cabbage with hidden insects; the Meat-shaped Stone, a piece of jasper that resembles a braised pork belly; and the Sunflower Clock, an elaborate timepiece with moving flowers.
Afternoon: Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain
After lunch at one of the many restaurants near the museum, take the metro to Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world. Taipei 101 is an iconic landmark that symbolizes Taiwan’s economic development and technological innovation.
You can take the elevator to the 89th floor observation deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the 91st-floor outdoor observatory, the 88th-floor super big wind damper, and the 101 Mall at the base of the tower.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also hike up to Elephant Mountain, a popular spot for watching the sunset and the night view of Taipei. The hike takes about 20 minutes and involves climbing some steep stairs, but the reward is worth it. You can find several platforms along the trail that offer different angles and perspectives of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
Evening: Raohe Night Market and Taipei Eye
For dinner, head to Raohe Night Market, one of the oldest and most famous night markets in Taipei. The market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of snacks and dishes from Taiwan and other countries. Some of the must-tries include pepper pork buns, stinky tofu, oyster omelet, bubble tea, and shaved ice.
After satisfying your appetite, you can catch a show at Taipei Eye, a theater that showcases traditional Chinese performing arts. You can watch performances of opera, puppetry, acrobatics, martial arts, and folk dances, featuring colorful costumes, music, and special effects. The shows are suitable for all ages and include English subtitles and explanations.
Day 2: Yangmingshan National Park and Shilin Night Market
On your second day in Taiwan, you can escape the city and explore the natural beauty of Yangmingshan National Park, one of the nine national parks in Taiwan. Yangmingshan is located in the north of Taipei and covers an area of over 100 square kilometers. The park is famous for its volcanic features, such as hot springs, fumaroles, and sulfur crystals. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, butterflies, and birds.
Morning: Xiaoyoukeng and Lengshuikeng
To get to Yangmingshan National Park from Taipei, you can take bus R5 from Jiantan MRT Station or bus S15 from Shilin MRT Station. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs NT$15 (about $0.5). Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about NT$600 (about $20).
Once you arrive at the park, you can start your exploration at Xiaoyoukeng, a post-volcanic geological area that features steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and yellow sulfur deposits. You can walk along the boardwalks and observe the volcanic activity up close. You can also climb up to the Xiaoyoukeng Observation Deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and Taipei.
Next, you can head to Lengshuikeng, another post-volcanic area that has a large crater lake with cold water. The lake is surrounded by grasslands and forests that create a tranquil atmosphere.
You can also visit the Lengshuikeng Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s geology and ecology. If you want to relax your muscles after hiking, you can soak in the public hot spring baths near the visitor center. The baths are free of charge but require you to bring your own towel and swimsuit.
Afternoon: Qingtiangang and Zhuzihu
After lunch at one of the restaurants or snack stalls in the park, you can continue your adventure at Qingtiangang, a large grassland area that was formed by a lava flow.
The grassland is a popular spot for picnicking, flying kites and watching cattle grazing. You can also hike along several trails that lead to scenic spots such as Mt. Qixing (the highest peak in Taipei), Mt. Datun (a group of volcanic cones), and Menghuan Pond (a small lake with water lilies).
Next, you can head to Zhuzihu, a valley that is famous for its flower farms. Zhuzihu is especially beautiful in spring when the calla lilies are in full bloom.
You can walk among the fields of white flowers and take photos with them. You can also pick your own flowers for a small fee or buy some souvenirs from the local farmers.
Evening: Shilin Night Market
To end your day in style, you can return to Taipei and visit Shilin Night Market, one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan.
Shilin Night Market is a paradise for shoppers and foodies alike, offering a wide range of products and delicacies from Taiwan and other countries. Some of the must-tries include fried chicken steak, oyster vermicelli, braised pork rice, beef noodle soup,and hot pot.
You can also find clothing, accessories, electronics, games, and souvenirs at the market. Shilin Night Market is open from 4 pm to midnight, but the best time to visit is around 8 p.m. when the crowds are at their peak.
Day 3: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen
On your third day in Taiwan, you can explore the northeastern coast of the island, where you can find some of the most unique and stunning landscapes in Taiwan. You can visit Yehliu Geopark, a geological wonderland that features rock formations shaped by erosion and weathering.
You can also visit Shifen, a former mining town that is famous for its waterfall and lantern festival. Finally, you can visit Jiufen, a charming hillside village that inspired the movie Spirited Away.
Morning: Yehliu Geopark
To get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei, you can take bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station or bus 2080 from Nangang Exhibition Center MRT Station. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs NT$96 (about $3). Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about NT$1,200 (about $40).
Once you arrive at Yehliu Geopark, you can marvel at the various rock formations that dot the coastline. The most famous one is the Queen’s Head, a mushroom-shaped rock that resembles the profile of a woman.
Other notable formations include the Fairy’s Shoe, the Candle, the Ginger Rocks, and the Sea Candles. You can walk along the trails and boardwalks that connect the different sections of the park and enjoy the views of the ocean and the mountains.
Afternoon: Shifen and Shifen Waterfall
After lunch at one of the restaurants or snack stalls near the park entrance, you can head to Shifen, a small town that was once a hub of coal mining in Taiwan.
To get to Shifen from Yehliu Geopark, you can take bus 790 or 862 to Keelung Railway Station, then take a train to Ruifang Railway Station, then transfer to a Pingxi Line train to Shifen Railway Station. The total journey takes about two hours and costs NT$150 (about $5).
Shifen is best known for its old street that runs along the railway tracks, where you can find shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and lanterns.
You can also experience the tradition of releasing sky lanterns into the air, which is believed to bring good luck and wishes. You can write your messages on a paper lantern and then light it up and let it fly away.
Another attraction in Shifen is the Shifen Waterfall, a scenic waterfall that is also known as the Little Niagara of Taiwan. The waterfall is about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide and creates a rainbow when the sun shines on it. You can walk along the trails and bridges that lead to different viewpoints of the waterfall and enjoy its beauty and power.
Evening: Jiufen
To end your day in style, you can visit Jiufen, a quaint village that is perched on a hill overlooking the sea. To get to Jiufen from Shifen, you can take a Pingxi Line train back to Ruifang Railway Station, then take bus 788 or 1062 to Jiufen Old Street Stop. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and costs NT$15 (about $0.5).
Jiufen was once a prosperous gold mining town in the Japanese colonial era, but it declined after World War II. However, it regained its popularity after it was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as A City of Sadness and Spirited Away.
Jiufen is famous for its narrow alleys and stairways that are lined with red lanterns, teahouses, restaurants, and shops. You can stroll along the old street and sample some of the local specialties, such as taro balls,pineapple cake, peanut ice cream, and A-mei tea.
You can also visit some of the attractions in Jiufen, such as the Jiufen Gold Museum, the Shengping Theater, and the Spirited Away Tea House. You can also enjoy the stunning view of the sea and the mountains from various vantage points in the village.
Day 4: Taroko Gorge
On your fourth and final day in Taiwan, you can visit Taroko Gorge, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Taiwan. Taroko Gorge is a 19-kilometer-long canyon that was carved by the Liwu River through the Marble Mountains.
The gorge is part of the Taroko National Park, which covers an area of over 900 square kilometers and features diverse landscapes, such as cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and hot springs.
Morning: Taroko National Park Visitor Center and Shakadang Trail
To get to Taroko Gorge from Taipei, you can take a train to Hualien Railway Station, then take bus 1133A or 302 to Taroko National Park Visitor Center.
The train ride takes about two hours and costs NT$440 (about $15). The bus ride takes about 40 minutes and costs NT$54 (about $2). Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about NT$1,500 (about $50).
Once you arrive at the visitor center, you can get a map and some information about the park and its attractions. You can also watch a short film that introduces the history and culture of the park and its indigenous people.
You can also visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial temple built to honor the workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.
Next, you can head to the Shakadang Trail, one of the most popular trails in the park. The trail follows the Shakadang River along the base of the gorge and offers stunning views of the turquoise water and the marble walls.
The trail is easy and flat and takes about two hours to complete. Along the way, you can see some aboriginal settlements, rock formations, and waterfalls.
Afternoon: Swallow Grotto Trail and Baiyang Trail
After lunch at one of the restaurants or snack stalls near the trailhead, you can continue your exploration at the Swallow Grotto Trail, another scenic trail in the park.
The trail runs along a section of the highway that has been carved into the cliff face. The trail is named after the swallows that nest in the holes of the rocks.
The trail is short and easy and takes about 30 minutes to finish. Along the way, you can see some of the most impressive features of the gorge, such as the Indian Chief Rock, the Cihmu Bridge, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
Next, you can head to the Baiyang Trail, a more adventurous trail that leads to a hidden waterfall. The trail starts from a tunnel near Tianxiang Village and passes through several other tunnels that are dark and wet. The trail is moderate and takes about two hours to complete.
At the end of the trail, you can find the Baiyang Waterfall, a spectacular waterfall that cascades from a hole in the cliff. You can also cross a suspension bridge to reach another waterfall called Water Curtain Cave.
Evening: Return to Taipei
To end your trip in Taiwan, you can return to Taipei by taking bus 302 or 1133A back to Hualien Railway Station, then taking a train back to Taipei Railway Station.
The bus ride takes about 40 minutes and costs NT$54 (about $2). The train ride takes about two hours and costs NT$440 (about $15). Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about NT$1,500 (about $50).
Conclusion
Taiwan is a wonderful destination that offers a rich and diverse travel experience for anyone who visits it. In this article, we have shown you how to plan a perfect Taiwan Itinerary 4 Days for Taiwan that covers some of its best attractions and activities.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Taiwan in 2023 and enjoy its beauty and culture. If you have any questions or comments about this article or Taiwan in general, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling to Taiwan and their answers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the best time to visit Taiwan? | The best time to visit Taiwan depends on your preferences and interests, but generally speaking, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons in terms of weather and scenery.
You can enjoy the cherry blossoms, the colorful foliage, the cultural festivals, and the outdoor activities during these periods. However, summer (July to August) is also a popular time for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, while winter (December to March) is ideal for hot springs and flower viewing. You can find more information about the best time to visit Taiwan in this article |
| How do I get around in Taiwan? | Getting around in Taiwan is easy and convenient, as there are many options for public transportation and private services. You can take the high-speed rail (HSR) or the conventional train (TRA) to travel between major cities along the west coast and the east coast.
You can also take buses, taxis, or rideshares to reach different destinations within or outside the cities. For city travel, you can use the mass rapid transit (MRT) system in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan, or rent a bicycle from the public bike-sharing system in some cities. For exploring the offshore islands, you can take ferries from various ports. You can find more information about getting around in Taiwan in this article |
| What are some other destinations in Taiwan? | Taiwan has many other destinations that are worth visiting besides Taipei, such as Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Tainan, Chiayi, Yilan, Penghu, and more. Each destination has its own charm and attractions, such as cultural heritage, natural scenery, local cuisine, and festivals.
You can find more information about some of the best places to visit in Taiwan from this article |
| How do I book tours and activities in Taiwan? | To book tours and activities in Taiwan, you can use online platforms such as Klook, Viator, KKday, or Bookmundi. These platforms offer a variety of products for Taiwan travel, such as day trips, food and wine tours, boat tours, air tours, multi-day tours, hiking tours, cultural tours, and more.
You can compare prices, reviews, availability, and cancellation policies of different products and book them online with instant confirmation. You can find more information about some of the best tours and activities in Taiwan from this article |
| What are some other popular beaches in Taiwan? | Taiwan has many other popular beaches besides Fulong Beach, such as Wai’ao Beach in Yilan County, Cijin Beach in Kaohsiung City, Kenting Beach in Pingtung County, Baishawan Beach in New Taipei City, Jibei Beach in Penghu County, Daxi Beach in Taitung County, and more.
Each beach has its own features and attractions, such as black sand, surfing spots, snorkeling sites, water sports facilities, and scenic views. You can find more information about some of the best beaches in Taiwan from this article |
| Can you recommend a good tour operator for Taiwan? | There are many tour operators for Taiwan that offer different services and packages for travelers. Some of the best tour operators for Taiwan that have received positive reviews are MyTaiwanTour Travel Services³, Eye Travel Taiwan⁷, Round Taiwan Round[^10^], Intrepid Travel²⁵, and MW Tours²⁴.
You can find more information about some of the best tour operators for Taiwan in this article |
You can reduce or increase this cost by choosing different accommodation options, food options, or activities. You can also use BOOKING.COM to compare prices and book your transportation, accommodation, and activities online.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/10/2023
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