5 Days Taipei Kaohsiung Tour by High Speed Train - Best of Taiwan's Top Cities

Welcome to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Taipei was honored as the 2nd best global travel city by Lonely Planet in 2022. It's a city open to all. Its culture, style, and attitude come at you in the best way possible! Modern Taipei 101 stands hand-in-hand with traditional temples. Night markets dot city, satisfying both locals and travelers.

Upon arrival at Taipei, your driver will pick you up and head to your hotel. Enjoy your free time in Taipei. Feel free to ask us for advice.

Warm Tips：
1.Locals are very warm and friendly, so feel free to ask for directions.
2.Hotels do not provide disposable amenities such as razors, combs, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Please bring your own.
3.Excessive luggage will affect the comfort of passengers. Each person is limited to one 26-inch suitcase and one carry-on backpack. Any excess luggage will be informed in advance by the guide to be stored at the front desk of the Taipei hotel.
4.Contact us if you need pick-up & check-in service with a tour guide (self-pay).

Free Time Ideas:
1.Shilin Night Market (士林夜市): Taipei's top night market – the largest and most famous. First-time visitors to Taipei usually choose this one, with over 500 food stalls. MRT Red Line (Jiantan Station, Exit 1, about a 5-minute walk).
2.Linjiang Night Market (通化夜市): A night market located an 18-minute walk from Taipei 101.

Today, you will tour unique rocks, waterfall, romantic old street in a day.

After breakfast, drive 30-40 minutes from the hotel to Yehliu Geopark (野柳地质公园), a must-see in Taiwan. It’s the most iconic geological park in northern Taiwan, and was even praised by CNN as the most Mars-like place on Earth. The strange rocks are highlight of this 1,700-meter-long narrow cape. It could be a surprise if you facetime someone and say “Guess where I am!”

In scenic area, Queen’s head (女王头), Taiwan tourism's landmark and calling card, will amaze you. The 2 meters tall rock, with a slender neck, resembles a queen sitting majestically, facing sea with her wind-blown crown. Long way to admire other rocks! Let your imagination run wild. Nature has no fixed answers.

Yehliu is also an important stopover for migratory birds, so birding lovers would have a double gift in March, April, and October.

Next, we'll drive 30 minutes to Jiufen Old Street (九份老街), Taiwan's famous mountain town. It prospered in the 1940s due to gold mining. Boom to bust. Revive due to Hou Hsiao-Hsien's classic film A City of Sadness. Admire winding stair alleys, rows of vintage red lanterns, old Japanese-style buildings.

While exploring, sit down and enjoy some tea. A sweet tooth will be obsessed with Jiufen's traditional taro balls. Look out, mountains and sea appear together, perfect partners to relax your mind. As night falls, sunset dyes mountains red. And red lanterns illuminate early, their lights seemingly pouring into sea!

Then, drive 30 minutes to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布), famous as "Taiwan's Niagara Falls". Its powerful spray creates a magnificent sight. Up close, waterfall's impressive 20-meter height and 40-meter width, along with its stunning rainbows, become even more apparent.

Finally, arrive at Shifen Old Street (十分老街), one of the birthplaces of sky lanterns and a popular "train street." Here, trains pass through, lined with traditional house mixed with Chinese & Japanese style. Countless films have been shot here. You can choose to do the Sky Lantern Release (Optional; self-pay), writing your wishes on it, and feeling as if they're coming true as it ascends into the sky. Be your hero or heroine!

After the tour, drive back to hotel in Taipei.

Today, enjoy a day in Taipei’s bustling city center. Then, head to train station for Taipei to Kaohsiung High Speed Rail. Check in at the hotel in Kaohsiung.

First, head to the National Palace Museum (故宫博物院). It's one of the best museums in the world. Finished in 1965 in the style of traditional Chinese palace, museum houses almost 700,000 items, showing Chinese art from 8,000 years ago all the way to today.

Most of the amazing items are on the main four-story floor. You’ll admire three national treasures: Meat-Shaped Stone (looks like real pork belly), Jadeite Cabbage with Insects (a beautiful jade carving that was part of a queen's dowry), and Mao Gong Ding (an ancient bronze pot from Western Zhou Dynasty with ancient offer” inside). Look into ancient times that have long passed.

Second, come to Taiwan’s oldest district - Dadaocheng (大稻埕) & Dihua Street (迪化街) for city walk. Daocheng, a prior top 1 trade port in 1851, is now a living museum of Taipei's urban culture. A one-stop shop sells tea, traditional Chinese medicine, food, and more. This area saves shopping memories for generations of old-school Taiwanese. Spend time, go to Dadaocheng!

Stroll along Dadaocheng Wharf to enjoy the breeze. And, wander through Dihua Street within Dadaocheng, browse its various shops, old-style architecture, and the City God Temple.

Third, visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正纪念堂), one of Taipei's iconic landmarks. Completed in 1980, it was built to commemorate the first president of the Republic of China. The memorial hall features white walls and a roof adorned with sapphire blue glazed tiles.

First floor displays Japan's instrument of surrender from World War II and life of this political powerhouse. Go ahead to outer plaza. You can get a good shot to visit the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour on the hour.

Then, head to the foot of Taipei 101 to admire its exterior (Optional for visit the 89 Floor to view Taipei City. Self-pay). At 508 meters high, Taipei 101 is the most iconic landmark in Taipei, holding the title of "world's tallest building" from 2004 to 2010. Its bamboo-stalk design blesses continuous growth and prosperity in Chinese culture. 

Transfer to Kaohsiung by train. Overnight in Kaohsiung.

Today, you will explore Kaohsiung, the third largest city & the largest port city in Taiwan. Enjoy your time at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Cijin Island from Cijin Old Street to Cijin Mazu Temple & Cijin Beach.

In the morning, head to visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Closed on Tuesdays). Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館) is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, and its Big Buddha of Fo Guang is a famous landmark in Kaohsiung. The museum was founded in 1967 by Master Hsing Yun (星云大师; 1927-2023) and his disciples. Master Hsing Yun is the founding abbot of Fo Guang Shan, the 48th generation heir of the Linji Chan School, who was ordained at Qixia Temple in Nanjing and later propagated Buddhism in Taiwan at the age of 23. He introduced and advocated the "Three Acts of Goodness三好运动" in 1998 (Have Good Intentions, Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words存好心、做好事、说好话), which gained widespread popularity in schools and society.

You can explore the Path to Buddhahood (成佛大道), a 1.5-kilometer path lined with Bodhi trees symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom. Along the way, you can visit highlights such as the Eight Pagodas, the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People, the main museum, and the Big Buddha of Fo Guang. To reach the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People (万人照相台), you need to climb 37 steps, symbolizing the Thirty-Seven Practices leading to enlightenment. From the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People, you can take a photo with the Big Buddha by facing east and with the Eight Pagodas (八塔) by facing west. The Main Museum (本馆; only available on weekends) is one of the key structures of the Buddha Museum, which enshrines the true relics of Buddha. Finally, you will have a close-up view of the Giant Buddha of Fo Guang (佛光大佛), made of over 1,800 tons of bronze and iron, standing approximately 108 meters tall, making it one of the tallest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world.

Approximately 20% of the population in Taiwan are Buddhist believers, and the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a popular destination for locals to pray, meditate, and contemplate life's philosophy. The museum hosts an annual Lantern Festival during the Chinese New Year, featuring blessing lantern displays, floral parades, markets, and other activities. Additionally, the vegetarian meals here are also quite popular.

Then, transfer to Kaohsiung’s Cijin Old Street (50 km, 1hour drive) of Cijin Island by Cijin Ferry.

Cijin Old Street is located on Cijin Peninsula, the earliest port in Kaohsiung, which was once primarily centered around fishing. Later, due to the construction of Kaohsiung Port, Cijin became an outlying island. As a must-visit tourist spot in Kaohsiung, Cijin Old Street, adjacent to the Cijin Ferry Terminal, is renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional snacks. Here, you can savor grilled squid, swordfish fried cakes, pork soup, oyster omelets, peanut coriander ice cream rolls, sweet potato cakes, pig blood cake, 50 Lan milk tea, and more. The street is lined with traditional old shops and unique vendors, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere.

Near Cijin Old Street, you can find Cijin Mazu Temple (Kaohsiung's first Mazu temple; Since 1673) for Mazu culture and Minnan architecture, or stroll on Cijin Beach for its black sands and sea view, perfect for experiencing the fishing village charm and harbor allure of the port of Kaohsiung!

After the food tour in Cijin Old Street, go back to your hotel in Kaohsiung.

Optional: (Self-pay; Double-check the route & time with your guide; Ferry+Taxi back to Hotel in Kaohsiung on your own):
Hike to Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Cihou Lighthouse) for Sunset: If time permits, you can quickly hike to the white lighthouse on Mount Cihou (Since 1883; 1 km one way), catching a glimpse of the colorful houses of Gushan Fishing Port nearby, Kaohsiung Harbor, and the landmarks of Kaohsiung City (85 Building) in the distance. It is a favorite spot for locals to take wedding photos, enjoy coffee, and watch the sunset. Here, you'll understand why Cijin Peninsula is known as the "Little Jeju Island."

Free Time Ideas:
1.Love River Night Boat (The Love Boat; Self-pay): Enjoy a romantic boat trip on the Love River, the mother river of Kaohsiung, for the landmarks of Kaohsiung, such as Kaohsiung Music Center (junction between Love River & Kaohsiung Port) & Great Harbor Bridge (longest cross-port rotating bridge in Asia; next to the Pier-2 Art Center).
2.Taiwan Food Tour in Kaohsiung Night Markets: Explore Ruifeng Night Market (瑞丰夜市; More Local; Closed on Mondays & Wednesday) or Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市; Opened Daily) for local food. Double-check with locals for the opening date & time.

This morning, pay a visit to Lotus Lake and Pier-2 Art Center. Then, uncover Sizihwan’s British Consulate at Takao in the afternoon. End your Kaohsiung tour.

In the morning, head to Lotus Lake (Lianchitan), one of the must-visit spots in Kaohsiung. Every summer, lotus flowers bloom, filling the air with a delightful fragrance, hence the name Lotus Pond. It is not only a great place to admire lotus flowers but also a destination for experiencing Eastern religious culture due to its pavilions, giant statues, and surrounding city walls. When you visit Lotus Lake, you cannot miss the iconic "Dragon and Tiger Pagodas" by its shores. This pagoda was recommended by CNN, making it one of Kaohsiung's most traditional religious scenic areas.

Built in 1976, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand at seven stories tall and are connected to the Nine-Turn Bridge, reflecting on the lake's surface to create a picturesque scene. It's said that there's a tradition when visiting the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – you should enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, which brings good luck and wards off evil. The pagoda's interior walls are adorned with exquisite ceramic artwork depicting moral stories, crafted by renowned artists. Additionally, along the shores of Lotus Lake, there are many temples and attractions like the Spring and Autumn Pavilion and the Beiji Xuantian Shangdi Temple. It is a popular spot for locals to stroll, cycle, and relax by the lake.

After that, pay a visit to the Pier-2 Art Center, a must-visit "urban memory container" in Kaohsiung. Located at the junction where Love River meets Kaohsiung Harbor, adjacent to the city landmark Great Harbor Bridge, its predecessor was the Kaohsiung Harbor warehouses built in 1973, which once stored fish meal and sugar. With industrial transformation, the old warehouses fell silent and idle until 2000, when, by chance of a fireworks display, they were transformed into a paradise for artists.

Named "Pier-2" for its location at Kaohsiung Harbor's second pier, the district is now divided into three major warehouse groups: Dayong, Penglai, and Dayi. It integrates exhibitions, music, design, and railway culture, interconnected by a waterside light rail, creating a vibrant artistic space.

Take your time to explore giant Transformers, sculptures symbolizing industry and fishing, oversized suitcases, and container blocks. Railway enthusiasts can also encounter surprises: trains occasionally pass on the tracks, the Hamaxing Pier-2 Miniature Train, Taiwan Railway Museum, Banana Train (Kaohsiung produces bananas), and other distinctive experiences allow you to relive the transport memories of the port. If you visit on weekends, the handcrafted jewelry and design brand booths at the cultural and creative market will allow you to bring back this unique local culture.

Then, head to British Consulate at Takao, the first consulate that the UK established in Taiwan. It ****has a history of nearly 150 years. Comprising the Upper Residence, Lower Office, and the Hillside Path, it stands as one of Taiwan's oldest Western-style buildings. Situated by Takao Hill, overlooking the main shipping channel of Kaohsiung Harbor, it offers views of the sunset at Sizihwan to the right and a panoramic view of Kaohsiung Harbor to the left (including Cijin Lighthouse and the 85 Sky Tower).

Imagine life in 1879 for the British consul: collecting local maritime taxes at the Lower Office, residing in the Upper Residence to host diplomatic guests, and enjoying traditional English afternoon tea in the beautiful rose garden every afternoon.

Approaching the Lower Office of the consulate, you are greeted by a vivid depiction of the early harbor scene. Following the staircase path, you can enjoy the seascape of Sizihwan and catch a glimpse of the playground at Sun Yat-sen University. Along the route, you will encounter a wax figure of Robert Swinhoe (1836-1877). Swinhoe, the first British vice consul in Taiwan, was not only a diplomat but also a biologist. His contributions include the recognition of the Formosan rock macaque as an endemic species of Taiwan. (Be wary of monkeys)

The Upper Residence at the hilltop showcases a Baroque-style architecture from the Renaissance era, with red brick arcades, wooden shutters, and a stunning harbor view, making it a popular spot for visitors. Nearby stands the Eighteen Lords Temple, built in the Minnan architectural style, featuring exquisite rooftop sculptures worth seeing. Additionally, you can indulge in a refined English afternoon tea experience in the classical rose garden (self-pay).

At last, hike to the Sizihwan Viewing Platform (Optional; Self-pay for Overtime Fee) to listen to the sound of the waves, feel the sea breeze, and await the sunset. Sizihwan is a bay known for its beautiful sunset views and natural reefs. The Sizihwan Sunset is one of the eight scenic wonders of Kaohsiung; in 1980, the only seaside university in Taiwan, "National Sun Yat-sen University," was established here, adding a touch of cultural charm to Sizihwan. As night falls, with fishing boat lights twinkling amid the glow of the sunset, the sea is adorned with a picturesque blend of sea and sky, making it a favorite spot for locals to go on dates.

It is time to end your Taiwan Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Asia Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
1.You can extend your Taiwan Tour to other cities in Taiwan, such as Nantou, Chiayi, Taitung,Tainan, Taichung, Hualien, Kenting, etc. We can customize your itinerary.