Charming Taiwan

Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Our first stop in Taipei is at the monument dedicated to President Chiang Kai-shek, located at the Memorial Hall of the same name, followed by a photo opportunity at the historical Grand Hotel Taipei. En route to the hotel, our tour guide will give a quick passing introduction to the Presidential Office Building, a symbolic and historical landmark in Taipei City. Our penultimate stop will be at Martyr’s Shrine where we hope to catch the “changing of the guard” ceremony. We end our city tour with a visit to the world-famous National Palace Museum boasting a collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork spanning multiple dynasties. Visit the Lungshan Temple that represents the local religious beliefs and practices; and the famous skyscraper, Taipei 101(observatory ticket not included), that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city. Today’s guided tour unveils the past, present and future of Taipei City. With the help of your tour guide, you will learn more about each attraction that you visit during the tour, and discover the city from a different perspective.

Breakfast is at the hotel. Depart from central Taipei and travel to the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is divided by Lalu Island. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the crescent moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake has earned its place as one of Taiwan's premier destinations. Embark on a scenic bus tour around Sun Moon Lake, where you'll explore the most renowned attractions in this area. Begin with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village that offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people. Then, marvel at the grandeur of Ci'en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark constructed by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. Following your visit to Ci'en Pagoda, your exploration of Sun Moon Lake continues with stops at two significant temples. First, you'll arrive at Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang. Then, your journey takes you to Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple featuring three halls devoted to the Martial God and the God of Literature. With the expert commentary of your tour guide, you'll gain deeper insights into Sun Moon Lake, enriching your appreciation of the area's history and significance. Check into your hotel either in the serene surroundings of Sun Moon Lake or in the vibrant heart of downtown Taichung. Enjoy activities the region offers such as Fleur de Chine natural hot springs, hiking, biking, walking trails and a boat ride on the lake.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Set the tone for another day of exploration. Hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its abundance of historic buildings and profound historical heritage. Your adventure proceeds with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Japanese. After exploring Fort Zeelandia, take a leisurely walk along Anping Old Street. Situated on the east side of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and holds the distinction of being the first officially named street in Taiwan. Besides its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialties such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, fish skin dishes, beef soup, and many more. While you're here, don't miss the chance to savor the city's signature delicacies, adding a delightful culinary experience to your historical journey in Tainan. Continue your journey to the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon arriving in Kaohsiung, your first stop is the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is encircled by an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. During your visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with a knowledgeable monk who provides insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, which is the most widely practised religion in Taiwan Tonight, you'll have a pleasant stay in a conveniently located 5-star hotel, surrounded by department stores, convenience stores, and drugstores. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on any additional supplies you may need for the remaining days of your Taiwan tour.

After a hearty breakfast, set out on your journey as you head south toward the border, where Taiwan's first national park awaits. Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Additionally, Kenting is also a paradise for surfers and divers alike. Make your stops at Maopitou, literally cat’s nose, aptly named as it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar; Chuanfan Rock, literally sail rock, another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of the former US President Richard Nixon; Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty-era construction that was recognized as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period; and Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped over time by rainfall erosion. Following your exploration of Kenting National Park, your journey will take you to Taitung via the scenic South Link Highway, allowing you to savor the continually shifting landscapes throughout your drive. Tonight, you'll enjoy the pleasure of staying in a serene hot spring resort in Zhiben, Taitung County. Zhiben is renowned for its carbonate hot springs, which are known for enhancing blood circulation and alleviating fatigue, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.