Immersion Taipei Tour

Welcome to Taipei, a bustling metropolis where history, fashion, and natural landscapes blend. Upon your arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, our guide and the driver will warmly greet you and then escort you in a private car to the hotel in downtown Taipei. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.

► Things to Know:
1. Currency: The official currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (USD 1≈NTD 30). Generally, you can pay with credit cards, Apple Pay, Line Pay, and cash at most stores and restaurants, except for the night market, which only accepts cash.
2. Ride-Hailing: You can use Uber for free exploration, and the existing Uber accounts in your home country work seamlessly in Taiwan.

► Free Time Suggestion: Embrace Tapei’s Vibrancy at Ximending District
After a brief rest at the hotel, make your way to Ximending, known as the Times Square of Taiwan, for a taste of Taipei’s trendy and traditional elements! Take a 5-minute walk west from your hotel to get there and explore the century-old Red House first to appreciate various art exhibitions and small concerts. Then stroll down Movie Street and immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere created by old theaters, subtitle companies, and vintage posters. Don’t forget to sample local specialties like Vermicelli, Star Fruit Ice, and Soybean Pudding for around NTD 80-150 (USD 2.4-4.5) per serving. By the way, this bustling district is popular among both locals and tourists, so keep your backpack secure in front of you when visiting.

Accommodation: Hotel Midtown Richardson (Ximen) (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guided tour will begin at Longshan Temple, the most popular temple in the city with over 100 deities and 7 incense burners. You will discover the worship of three main Chinese traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. If possible, we will get there before 9:00 to witness the daily Buddhist chanting ceremony. Then move on to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of Taipei’s most recognizable landmarks built in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Marvel at its grand octagon-shaped structure with double eaves and watch the solemn changing of the guard ceremony each hour. During the 15-minute ritual, the soldiers’ discipline will impress you as they perform marching routines and twirl their rifles with intricate movements. However, as it takes place outdoors, it may be canceled on rainy days.

Afterward, our guide will accompany you to explore Taipei 101, the city’s tallest landmark soaring to a height of 508 meters (1,667 ft.). A high-speed elevator running at 60km/h will take you to the 89th-floor observatory deck in just 37 seconds, where you can enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree cityscapes! Then consider Din Tai Fung Restaurant on the B1 floor for lunch by yourself. “The answers are in a single bite,” the Wall Street Journal once praised it. You can indulge in its signature dish, Small Steamed Buns, Xiaolongbao in Chinese, with a golden ratio of 18 folds, and other specialties like red oil wontons. The average cost per person is about NTD 400-800 (USD 12-24), and it is best to make a reservation in advance to secure your spot at this culinary treasure.

In the afternoon, we will lead you to the National Palace Museum, which houses some of the most important cultural works in the history of Chinese civilization. It has a collection of about 650,000 pieces of cultural relics and treasures, including ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, calligraphy, manuscripts, ancient carapaces, textiles, and furniture. Don’t miss three treasures of the museum: the Jadeite Cabbage, the Meat-shaped Stone, and the Lord Mao’s Cauldron, a bronze tripod vessel.

★ Taste Taiwan’s Flavors at Shilin Night Market

One of the most attractive places in Taipei is the lively night market. As night falls, we will drop you off at one of the most well-known and popular night markets in Taipei, the Shilin Night Market. Accompanied by our experienced guide, you will sample 5 to 6 classic must-try delicacies that capture the essence of Taiwanese cuisine. The cost of these mouthwatering snacks is already included in our quote, so you can simply enjoy this feast! A highly recommended snack is the Oyster Omelette since 1961, which features a crispy crust made from egg liquid and sweet potato batter with a filling composed of oysters and vegetables. Take a bite to savor the delightful blend of crispy and tender textures. Finally, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Midtown Richardson (Ximen) (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to the north coast of Taiwan to visit Yehliu Geological Park. Meander through the rugged coastline and observe the unique rock formations sculpted by wave erosion and weathering. Some have been named based on their shapes, such as Sea Candles, Fairy Shoes, and Ice Cream Rock. A must-see is the famed Queen’s Head Rock, which is about 4,000 years old and resembles Queen Elizabeth when viewed from the right angle. However, the relentless wind has gradually altered its shape, making its silhouette less distinct. Time is of the essence! Seize this golden opportunity to witness the unique natural wonder before it changes further. The park is also an essential stop for migratory birds, especially in March, April, and October, during which you may glimpse rare species like the white-browed witch and the hoopoe.

After that, we will drive to Jiufen, once a remote gold mining town but now a popular tourist destination known for its quaint historic buildings and teahouses. Get your comfiest shoes on and stroll uphill along the narrow winding alleys, where the wooden structures’ exquisite carvings show a unique style of the Japanese Rule era (1895-1945). Then you can try regional favorites including Ginger Tea, Fish Ball Soup, Sweet Bean Reed, and Taro Circles for lunch by yourself, all priced around NTD 50 (USD 1.5) per serving.

Our next destination is the Shifen Village in Pingxi. Kick off our visit with a tranquil stroll to the Shifen Waterfall, the largest ledge waterfall in Taiwan. Then you might feel the excitement of a train whizzing past as we explore Shifen Old Street built along railway lines.

★ Unique Experience: Release a Sky Lantern with Your Wish

A must-do activity in Shifen is specially arranged for you to cap off today’s sightseeing: releasing a sky lantern. Instead of sending signals, lanterns are now used to pray and make wishes. Pick your favorite style and color, write down your heartfelt dreams, and let your lantern soar into the sky! A popular launching spot is next to the railway, but for a more wonderful experience, consider walking ten minutes to Jing-an Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shifen railway station and watch lanterns dancing upward into the twilight. If your visit falls in early February, you may witness grand ceremonies of the Sky Lantern Festival when hundreds of sky lanterns are released simultaneously at Shifen Square, or take part in various traditional folk activities like lantern riddle guessing. After this unforgettable day, we will drive you back to your hotel in Taipei.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense):
With a retro ambiance created by Japanese lanterns and wooden decor, Umeko Taiwanese Restaurant, a 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel, invites you to savor authentic local dishes. Prepare your taste buds for specialties like the Red Sturgeon Rice Cake, which is an amazing combination of crab and rice cake soaked in sesame oil. Three-cup Chicken and Ribs in Plum Sauce are also worth trying. To conclude your meal on a refreshing note, a cup of salty plum drink is your ideal choice. A lot of celebrities have also dined here, and you can see their photos hung on the wall, like the famous movie star Jackie Chan, suggesting its high popularity.
Average Cost per Person: NTD 800-100 (USD 24-30)
Address: No.1, 107 Alley Linshen North Road Liu Tiao Tong Kou, Zhongshan District, Taipei 104 Taiwan

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Midtown Richardson (Ximen) (4 stars) or similar

Today marks the final chapter of your 4 days private Taipei tour, and our driver will whisk you away to the airport according to your departure flight. Hope to see you next time!

► For Your Information: If your flight leaves in the late afternoon, consider taking a 10-minute taxi ride to Huashan 1914 Creative Park to appreciate well-preserved wine-making buildings from the Japanese colonial era. Today, these century-old buildings are revitalized with various creative shops. For example, a former sake workshop has been transformed into a sushi restaurant, and an old electrical room has been redesigned as a tranquil tea house. Moreover, you can admire outdoor avant-garde art installations and theme exhibitions.

If you want to explore more cities in Taiwan, such as Kaohsiung, Kenting, and Hualien, or travel to other destinations, please contact our travel consultants to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast