Culture and Cuisine of Taiwan

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free, take the chance to explore Taipei’s night markets and try a variety of affordable local dishes.

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Start the day at Dadaocheng Wharf, enjoying the sunrise over the Tamsui River. Then, join a cooking class to master Xiao Long Bao and beef noodle soup. Next, explore historic Dihua Street, browsing tea and herbal shops before a hands-on herbal medicine experience at Derleetai Herbal Company. In the evening, visit Raohe Night Market to sample local delicacies like crispy pepper buns. End the day exploring food stalls before returning to the hotel. (B,L)

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Pick up at your hotel and head to Taichung. Begin at the Taichung Second Public Retail Market, a century-old hub where local vendors serve dishes like braised pork rice and handmade rice cakes, an authentic taste of everyday Taiwanese cuisine. Next, visit Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of bubble tea, where you’ll learn to brew tea, prepare tapioca pearls, and craft your own signature drink.

Then, stop by a renowned Dawncake shop to sample sun cakes - Taichung’s flaky pastry filled with malt sugar and buttery pineapple tarts, both staples of Taiwanese bakery culture. Finally, explore Shen Ji New Village, a creative arts enclave repurposed from military dormitories, where galleries, cafés, and craft studios showcase Taichung’s thriving art scene. (B)

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Travel to Sun Moon Lake and begin at Ita Thao Old Street, where lakeside vendors sell indigenous snacks like wild boar sausage and tea-infused eggs. From there, follow a wooded path up to Ci’en Pagoda, built by Chiang Kai-shek in honour of his mother, offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Next, visit Wenwu Temple, a grand hilltop shrine dedicated to Confucius and the god of war; its ornate architecture and lakeside setting reflect Taiwan’s fusion of spiritual traditions.

At an aboriginal weaving workshop, learn Tsou weaving techniques, creating patterns passed down through generations. Continue to Shuishe Pier, admiring the lake’s mirror-like surface and the rugged peaks beyond. Finish the day with dinner in a historic Chinese-style house, where no-menu cooking showcases seasonal, homegrown ingredients and aboriginal flavours prepared family-style. (B,D)

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Pick up from your hotel and drive to Alishan, Taiwan’s premier high-mountain tea region. At Shenli Tea Farm you learn why cooler climates and high elevation produce premium oolong. Help local farmers pick spring tea leaves, then observe traditional processing steps (rolling, drying, roasting) that develop the tea’s flavour. Sample fresh oolong overlooking terraced plantations. In the afternoon hike the Eryanping Trail, a well-kept path through cypress and cedar forest, offering clear mountain views and chances to see endemic plants and birds. (B,D)

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Start the day with a hotel pick-up and head to one of Alishan’s most iconic experiences - the sunrise. Watch as the first light breaks over layers of mountains, a view that draws visitors from across Taiwan. After sunrise, explore Alishan Forest Park, known for its quiet trails and ancient cypress trees. Walk through shaded paths and learn how this area became one of Taiwan’s most treasured nature reserves.

Then board a short section of the Alishan Mountain Railway, a Japanese-built line known for its sharp climbs and forest views. Stop to see the giant sacred tree, estimated to be over 2,000 years old and one of the park’s most significant landmarks. After a day surrounded by nature and fresh mountain air, return to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening meal and take in the slower pace of Alishan, a welcome contrast to Taiwan’s busy cities. (B,D)

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Pick up from your hotel and travel to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital. Begin in the Anping district, home to Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century Dutch fortress that offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Stroll through Anping Old Street, known for its preserved architecture and local snacks like shrimp rolls and oyster pancakes. Head into the city to sample traditional Tainan dishes, including Danzai noodles, milkfish soup, and coffin bread. Tainan is often considered Taiwan’s culinary capital, where food is deeply tied to history and family recipes are passed down through generations.

After checking in to your hotel, spend the evening exploring one of the city’s lively night markets. With stalls selling everything from grilled seafood to sweet potato balls, it’s the perfect place to experience the city’s atmosphere and snack your way through Tainan’s unique food culture. (B)

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Start your day with a hotel pick-up and head to Kaohsiung, known for its vibrant arts scene and lively harbor. Enjoy a ferry ride to Cijin Island for fresh seafood and scenic views. Visit the Pier-2 Art Center, showcasing galleries and street art. Explore Yancheng District’s mix of modern and traditional influences. End your day at the bustling Liuhe Night Market, famous for street food and its vibrant atmosphere, before returning to your hotel to relax. (B)

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Start your day with a lodge pick-up and head to Taitung along the scenic South Link Highway, enjoying coastal views and lush landscapes. Visit the National Museum of Prehistory to explore Taiwan’s early civilisations, then take a peaceful stroll through Taitung Forest Park. In the afternoon, check into a hot spring hotel to relax in therapeutic mineral-rich waters. End the day with a soothing soak and a delicious dinner featuring local specialities in a tranquil setting. (B,D)

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Start your journey with a hotel pick-up and visit a local farm to learn about indigenous farming and cooking techniques. Enjoy an authentic Amis meal, connecting with Taiwan’s culinary heritage. Travel through the scenic East Rift Valley, known for its lush landscapes and cultural history. Arrive in Hualien, check in to your resort, and relax in the serene surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, featuring local specialities and fresh ingredients. (B,L,D)

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Start your day with a hotel pick-up and travel through the scenic East Rift Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes. Visit Fish Bar to learn about the local ecosystem and taste fresh seafood. Stop at Qixingtan Beach for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Continue to Yilan and check in at a hot spring hotel in Jiaoxi to relax in healing waters. End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, featuring local flavours and culinary traditions. (B,L,D)

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Start your day with a hotel pick-up and head to Kavalan Distillery in Yilan to explore and sample their award-winning whiskey. Then, visit Wushih Harbor for a fresh seafood experience featuring coastal flavors. Afterward, return to Taipei and visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park to shop for local crafts and explore art exhibitions. Finally, check in to your hotel to relax after a day of whiskey, seafood, and cultural exploration. (B,L)

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On your last day in Taiwan, enjoy free time to explore Taipei at your own pace, depending on your flight schedule. Visit landmarks, shop for souvenirs, or relax in a local park. Transfer to the airport for your departure. (B)