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No.1 Classic Taiwan 14 Days Itinerary: Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Kenting & Hualien (Round- Island)
Most first-time visitors face a tough choice: the fast-paced, modern cities of the west coast, or the wild, natural beauty of the east coast. With only a week, you are forced to pick one. With 14 days, you don't have to choose.
It's the perfect amount of time to do the classic round-island tour. This lets you experience the "two Taiwans" in one trip: the modern, historic west and the beautiful, natural east. You get the full story.
The idea is to start on the west side of Taiwan first. The reason for this is simple: transportation is incredibly easy. You can use the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to zip between the big cities from Taipei down to Kaohsiung. This lets you explore the busy cities and historical sites first.
After the cities of the west, you could head all the way south to Kenting. It’s a chance to change the pace, relax on some beautiful beaches in Taiwan, and enjoy the tropical vibe.
You might want to save the east coast for the last part of your trip. The journey up the coast to Hualien is famous for its stunning Pacific Ocean views and leads you to the magnificent Taroko Gorge.
| Day | Locations | Main Activities / Key Sights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei | Arrive and check into your hotel. |
| 2 | Taipei | National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, CKS Memorial Hall, Taipei 101. |
| 3 | Taipei (Day Trip) | Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall & Old Street (Sky Lanterns). |
| 4 | Taipei (Day Trip) | Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Thermal Valley, Yangmingshan National Park. |
| 5 | Taipei → Sun Moon Lake | Pineapple Cake DIY, boat tour on Sun Moon Lake. |
| 6 | Sun Moon Lake → Alishan | High Mountain tea tasting, Alishan National Forest (train ride & walk). |
| 7 | Chiayi → Tainan | Anping Tree House & Fort, Anping Old Street, Chihkan Tower, Confucius Temple. |
| 8 | Kaohsiung | Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Cijin Island (Ferry, Old Street, Beach, Lighthouse). |
| 9 | Kaohsiung | Lotus Pond, The Pier-2 Art Center, Sizihwan, The British Consulate. |
| 10 | Kaohsiung → Kenting | Dapeng Bay, Donggang Fish Market, Hengchun Old Town, Baishawan Beach. |
| 11 | Kenting | Kenting National Park, Sail Rock, Eluanbi Lighthouse, Longpan Park. |
| 12 | Kenting → Taitung | Scenic drive up the coast, visit Duoliang Station (overlooks the Pacific). |
| 13 | Taitung → Hualien | Sanxiantai (Dragon Bridge), Tropic of Cancer Marker, Chihsingtan Beach. |
| 14 | Hualien → Taipei | Stop in Yilan (e.g., Su'ao Fish Market), then depart from Taipei. |
Day 1-4: Taipei: City Highlights
Attractions:
- National Palace Museum: It holds one of the world's top collections of Chinese art and treasures.
- Dadaocheng & Dihua Street: Taipei's best-preserved historic street, famous for its traditional character and charm.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A huge, beautiful white building. It's a famous landmark in Taipei.
- Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, famous for its super-fast elevator and incredible city views.
- Yehliu Geopark: Home to the famous 'Queen's Head' rock.
- Jiufen Old Street: A magical mountain town famous for inspiring the movie Spirited Away.
- Shifen Old Street (for sky lanterns): A cute town with a train track running through it. You can write wishes on lanterns.
- Shifen Waterfall: Taiwan’s widest waterfall. It looks like a big curtain of water.
- Beitou Hot Spring Museum: A beautiful old bathhouse that's now a museum.
- Beitou Thermal Valley (Hell Valley): A famous natural wonder, providing the hot springs with their mystical, steamy source.
- Yangmingshan National Park: A volcanic park close to the city. A great place to see flowers and go for a walk.
Starting in Taipei just makes sense. It’s where you'll likely fly in, and it's a fantastic introduction to Taiwan. Giving yourself four days here allows you to do three important things without rushing.
First, you get to explore the main city sights, like the incredible National Palace Museum and the famous Taipei 101 tower.
Second, you can take a classic day trip to the north coast to see the unique rocks at Yehliu Geopark and the magical lanterns of Jiufen and Shifen.
Third, you can have a totally different kind of day, relaxing in the Beitou hot springs or enjoying nature in Yangmingshan National Park. It’s the perfect mix of city energy, culture, and nature.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
Day 5: Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan's Jewel of Nature
After the buzz of Taipei, heading to Sun Moon Lake offers a complete change of pace. This is Taiwan’s most famous natural landmark, a beautiful lake surrounded by green mountains. It’s a chance to slow down and just enjoy the scenery.
A boat tour is the classic way to see the lake from different angles and visit a temple on its shore. The stop for a hands-on pineapple cake DIY class on the way is a fun, sweet introduction to the food culture you'll find all over the island.
10 Sun Moon Lake Things to Do (in 1 Day): Well-planned!
Day 6: Alishan: Misty Mountains
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area: World-renowned for its ancient cypress trees, misty "sea of clouds," and historic forest railway.
From one natural wonder to another. Alishan is all about the high mountains and is an experience you can't get anywhere else. The journey up is part of the adventure. The main reason to come here is to explore the Alishan National Forest.
You can ride the historic forest railway through misty woods and walk among giant, ancient cypress trees that are thousands of years old. It’s also the heart of Taiwan’s tea, so experiencing a tea ceremony with famous Alishan High Mountain Tea is a must-do.
Alishan Taiwan Map: Day Trip, Train, Trail Map of Alishan (2025)
Day 7: Tainan: Taiwan’s Oldest City (History & Food)
Attractions:
- Anping Tree House & Anping Fort: A warehouse completely swallowed by a giant tree, right next to an old fort.
- Anping Old Street: The very first street in Taiwan, now a narrow lane packed with delicious food.
- Chihkan Tower: Tainan's most famous historical site and a beautiful symbol of its colonial past.
- Grand Mazu Temple: One of Taiwan's oldest and most important temples to the revered sea goddess Mazu.
- Tainan Confucius Temple: A national treasure known as the "First School of Taiwan."
Tainan is where you go to experience Taiwan's history and soul. As the island's oldest city, it's packed with beautiful old temples and historic forts like Anping Fort and Chihkan Tower. But the real reason many people come here is the food.
Tainan is known as Taiwan's food capital for a reason. You can spend the entire day just wandering from Anping Old Street to the city center, especially areas around the temples, trying all the famous local snacks. Planning a visit? Find the most beautiful spots in our Taiwan Temples Travel Guide.
15 Tainan Things to Do & See [With Tainan Itinerary Guide]
Day 8-9: Kaohsiung: Art, Spirit, and Harbor Views
Attractions:
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: A world-renowned Buddhist center, famous for housing a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
- Cijin Old Street: The most popular island getaway in Kaohsiung, famous for its fresh seafood.
- Lotus Pond: Famous for its giant, colorful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas that you can walk through.
- The Pier-2 Art Center: Taiwan's most famous example of urban renewal, turning a port into a vibrant art hub.
- The British Consulate: Kaohsiung's most famous spot for watching the sunset over the sea.
Kaohsiung shows you a different side of Taiwan. It's a big, modern port city with a more laid-back, artistic vibe than Taipei. Giving it two days lets you see its different personalities.
You can see the grand and peaceful Fo Guang Shan Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Taiwan. Then, you can have a completely different experience by taking a short ferry to Cijin Island for seafood and a bike ride.
Back in the city, the Pier-2 Art Center is a cool, trendy area to explore, and the old British Consulate offers great views of the harbor at sunset.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
Day 10: Pingtung: A Coastal Detour to the Tropics
Attractions:
- Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area: A big, calm lagoon where you can do water activities. The scenery is special.
- Donggang Donglong Temple: A very ornate temple with incredibly detailed and beautiful carvings.
- Donggang Huaqiao Fish Market: Southern Taiwan's largest and most famous fish market for fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
- Hengchun Old Town: Famous for being the best-preserved ancient walled city in all of Taiwan.
- Kenting Baishawan (White Sand Bay): A world-famous beach featured in the Oscar-winning movie Life of Pi.
Think of this day as turning a travel day into an adventure. Instead of just driving straight from the city of Kaohsiung to the beaches of Kenting, you can explore the coast of Pingtung county.
This is your chance to see a more local side of the south. You can visit the huge Dapeng Bay, see a famous local temple in Donggang, and—most importantly—have an amazing, fresh seafood lunch at the Donggang Huaqiao Fish Market.
It breaks up the drive and lets you see places most tourists miss before you arrive at the beautiful white sand beach (Baishawan) in Kenting.
Day 11-12: Kenting: Tropical Paradise & Underwater Wonders
Attractions:
- Kenting National Park: Taiwan's oldest national park, famous for its unique mix of tropical jungle and coastline.
- Sail Rock: An iconic geological landmark of Kenting, instantly recognizable to all visitors.
- Eluanbi Lighthouse: The iconic lighthouse at Taiwan's southernmost point, known as 'The Light of East Asia'.
- Longpan Park: A big grassy area on a cliff. The view of the ocean is amazing.
- Longpan Park: Famous for its breathtaking, panoramic cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean.
- National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium: Consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in all of Asia.
- Duoliang Station: Known across Taiwan as "the most beautiful train station" for its stunning ocean view.
Kenting is Taiwan's tropical paradise, and this is your time to enjoy the sun and the sea. You can spend a full day exploring Kenting National Park, which has a mix of forests and stunning coastlines.
You'll want to see the famous Sail Rock and visit the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the most southern point of Taiwan. The views from Longpan Park, where grassy cliffs meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean, are unforgettable.
The next day, before starting the beautiful drive up the east coast, a fantastic way to spend the morning is at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. It’s considered one of the best in Asia.
After the museum, you can begin the journey north, making a stop at the famous Duoliang Station to see the train tracks that run right beside the ocean.
9 Best Beaches in Kenting for Swimming, Snorkeling or Surfing
Day 13-14: Hualian: The Majestic East Coast
Attractions:
- Sanxiantai: A famous and iconic landmark of the east coast, known for its dramatic dragon-like bridge.
- Tropic of Cancer Marker: A famous geographical landmark allowing you to stand in two climate zones at once.
- Qixingtan Beach: Hualien's most famous and beautiful beach, known for its smooth stones and crescent shape.
- Taroko National Park: A world-famous natural wonder, a massive canyon made almost entirely of marble.
The east coast is the grand finale of your trip, and Hualien is its star attraction. The drive from Taitung to Hualien is an experience in itself, with stops at the unique eight-arched Sanxiantai bridge and the Tropic of Cancer marker.
The real reason you come here, however, is for the world-famous Taroko Gorge National Park. Hualien is the gateway to this marble canyon, and you'll want a full day to explore its incredible tunnels, shrines, and trails.
On your final day, the scenic journey from Hualien back to Taipei offers one last look at the coast before you head home, completing your amazing round-island adventure.
How to Get from Taipei to Hualien? by Train, Bus, Car or Flight
No.2 Taiwan 2 Weeks Itinerary: Cycling (Round-Island)
Cycling around Taiwan is becoming very popular. Many adventurers believe a round-island trip is the best way to experience the island. Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for a bike trip. The support for cyclists here is amazing.
It has a special route called "Cycling Route No. 1". It is a marked path that goes all around the Taiwan. It is about 968 kilometers long. It guides you through scenic areas and helps you avoid busy highways.
Most of the route is on well-paved roads, and many parts have dedicated bike lanes, especially along the beautiful coasts. If you get tired or the weather is bad, you can easily take your bike on the train (we call it the TRA). This is a great backup plan. It gives you a lot of flexibility.
Most people plan for 8-14 days. Shorter trips are a bigger challenge. This 14-day itinerary is more relaxed and less demanding on your body.
| Day | Itinerary | Distance (km) | Route / Main Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei | - | - |
| 2 | Taipei - Hsinchu | 86 | Tamsui Riverside Bikeway, Provincial Highway 15 |
| 3 | Hsinchu - Changhua | 116 | Provincial Highway 61 (West Coast Expressway) |
| 4 | Changhua - Chiayi | 87 | Provincial Highway 19 |
| 5 | Chiayi - Tainan | 78 | Provincial Highway 1 |
| 6 | Tainan - Kaohsiung | 55 | Provincial Highway 17 |
| 7 | Kaohsiung - Hengchun | 97 | Provincial Highway 17 & 1 |
| 8 | Hengchun - Jhihben | 122 | County Road 199, Provincial Highway 9 |
| 9 | Jhihben - Ruisui | 137 | Provincial Highway 9 (East Rift Valley) |
| 10 | Ruisui - Hualien | 73 | Provincial Highway 9, County Road 193 |
| 11 | Hualien - Yilan | 122 | Provincial Highway 9 (Suhua Highway) or TRA Train |
| 12 | Yilan - Keelung | 88 | Provincial Highway 2 (Northern Coastal Highway) |
| 13 | Keelung - Taipei | 30 | Provincial Highway 5, riverside bike paths |
| 14 | Taipei Departure | - | - |
13 Taiwan Things to Do with an Island Loop Trip (Real Reviews!) | 2025
Day 1-2: Taipei Arrival & Taipei to Hsinchu
- Distance: 86 km
- Climbing: ~200 m
- Descending: ~250 m
The best use of your arrival day is to simply settle in. The main goal is to get your rental bike sorted out and make sure it's comfortable for the long ride ahead.
For your first day of actual riding, the thinking is to ease into the adventure. Starting with the Tamsui Riverside Bikeway is a great strategy because it's a dedicated path that guides you out of the city, helping you avoid the worst of the traffic.
A shorter, flatter day like this lets you warm up your legs and find your rhythm. As a reward for your first day's effort, you get a chance to see a beautiful sunset from the Guandu Bridge.
Day 3: Hsinchu to Changhua
- Distance: 116 km
- Climbing: ~300 m
- Descending: ~350 m
This part of the journey is a bit longer, but the route is mostly flat. The purpose of a day like this is to make steady progress down the west coast. The real highlight, and the reason for stopping in this area, is the chance to explore Lugang Old Street in the afternoon.
It’s a wonderful place with historic temples and charming red-brick alleys that offer a glimpse into old Taiwan.
Day 4: Changhua to Chiayi
- Distance: 87 km
- Climbing: ~250 m
- Descending: ~280 m
The design of this day is to give you a peaceful, almost meditative riding experience. The route takes you right through the heart of Taiwan's agricultural plains. It's a chance to see a completely different side of the island, surrounded by green rice paddies and small farming villages.
Day 5: Chiayi to Tainan
- Distance: 78 km
- Climbing: ~150 m
- Descending: ~180 m
You'll notice this day's ride is intentionally shorter. The reason is that you're heading to Tainan, Taiwan's ancient capital, and it's a city that deserves to be explored.
Arriving with the afternoon free allows you to dive into its rich history and, most importantly, its incredible food scene. You could visit Anping Fort and then wander through the artistic alleys of Shennong Street.
Day 6: Tainan to Kaohsiung
- Distance: 55 km
- Climbing: ~100 m
- Descending: ~120 m
This is the shortest ride of the entire trip. The logic is simple: get to the modern port city of Kaohsiung quickly so you have almost a full day to enjoy it.
This gives you plenty of time to explore the amazing street art at The Pier-2 Art Center or take a relaxing boat ride on the Love River at night, all without feeling rushed.
Day 7: Kaohsiung to Hengchun
- Distance: 97 km
- Climbing: ~400 m
- Descending: ~380 m
This leg of the trip serves as a transition. As you ride, you'll feel the environment change from urban sprawl to a more tropical, coastal vibe.
The purpose of this day is to bridge the gap between the cities of the west and the natural beauty of Taiwan's southern tip, setting the stage for the amazing scenery to come.
Day 8: Hengchun to Jhihben
- Distance: 122 km
- Climbing: ~1,200 m
- Descending: ~1,200 m
This will be one of your most challenging days, but it's designed to be one of the most memorable. The reason for the difficulty is that you'll be crossing the island's mountain spine.
The big climb is tough, but the feeling of accomplishment and the incredible views are the payoff. Then, you're rewarded with a fantastic downhill ride to the Pacific coast and the chance to soak your muscles in Jhihben's famous hot springs.
Day 9: Jhihben to Ruisui
- Distance: 137 km
- Climbing: ~900 m
- Descending: ~800 m
A long day on the bike is planned here for one reason: to let you fully immerse yourself in the stunning East Rift Valley. This road is famous for being incredibly scenic, with mountains flanking you on both sides. For a more in-depth look, read our complete Guide to the Taiwan Mountains.
The morning involves some climbing, but the afternoon becomes flatter and easier. The distance is worth it for the epic, unforgettable landscape.
Day 10: Ruisui to Hualien
- Distance: 73 km
- Climbing: ~350 m
- Descending: ~450 m
After the long ride before, a shorter, more relaxed day is a smart move. This gives your body a chance to recover.
The easier pace provides a great opportunity to stop and enjoy places like the Danongdafu Forest Park. Arriving in Hualien early means you'll be well-rested for the famous coastal cliffs that await.
Day 11: Hualien to Yilan
- Distance: 122 km
- Climbing: ~1,500 m
- Descending: ~1,500 m
This route contains the most dramatic scenery of the trip: the Qingshui Cliffs. The road climbs high above the Pacific Ocean, which is why the views are so breathtaking. But here is a sincere piece of advice: this section has many tunnels and can be challenging with traffic.
It's very common and wise for cyclists to take the train from Hualien to Su'ao, bypassing the most difficult parts. Safety is more important than anything.
Day 12: Yilan to Keelung
- Distance: 88 km
- Climbing: ~950 m
- Descending: ~950 m
As you near the end of your journey, this ride along the northern coast offers a different kind of beauty. The landscape is dotted with unique rock formations and quiet fishing villages.
It's a lovely final stretch of coastline that serves to complete your loop of the island as you arrive in the port city of Keelung.
Day 13-14: Keelung to Taipei & Taipei Departure
- Distance: 30 km
- Climbing: ~200 m
- Descending: ~250 m
Think of this short, easy ride as a victory lap. The distance is kept minimal on purpose, so you can cruise back into Taipei feeling relaxed and triumphant. This allows you to finish early, return your bike, and have the whole afternoon to celebrate the incredible journey you've just completed.
Which Direction Should You Ride? (This is Important!)
When you plan your route, the direction you ride is a very important choice. The best direction depends on the time of year you visit. This is because of the wind.
If you visit in the winter (about October to March): You should ride CLOCKWISE.
During these months, a strong wind blows from the northeast. We call it the northeast monsoon. If you ride clockwise, you will go down the east coast and up the west coast. The wind will be at your back, pushing you along. It will make your ride much easier and more enjoyable.
If you visit in the summer (about April to September): You should ride ANTI-CLOCKWISE.
In the summer, the wind usually comes from the southwest. So, riding anti-clockwise (down the west coast and up the east coast) will give you a helpful tailwind. This direction also has a great bonus: as you ride up the beautiful east coast, the Pacific Ocean will be right on your side of the road. The view is amazing!
How Much Does It Cost for 2 Weeks in Taiwan?
The great news is that Taiwan can be affordable. Your trip cost really depends on your travel style. Are you a backpacker on a tight budget? Or do you like a bit more comfort?
A Quick Answer:
- For a backpacker: You can plan for about $40 - $50 USD per day.
- For a mid-range traveler: A good budget is $70 - $100 USD per day.
- For a comfortable trip: You might spend $150+ USD per day.
Taiwan Travel Cost: Food, Hotel & Tour Package
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