Taipei - Yehliu - Juifen - Pingxi - Taroko National Park
November 29 - December 5, 2025
[Insert Taiwan Photo Collage]
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| Flag of Taiwan |
Post-Trip Summary
Taiwan is a vibrant island nation in East Asia, known for its stunning natural landscapes, bustling cities, and rich cultural heritage. Taipei, the capital, offers modern skyscrapers like Taipei 101, night markets, and convenient MRT transport. Beyond the city, Taiwan boasts scenic mountains, hot springs, and the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. Its cuisine—famous for bubble tea, dumplings, and street food—is a highlight for visitors. Taiwan is also safe, tourist-friendly, and easy to explore by train or high-speed rail, making it perfect for both city adventures and nature escapes.
This was my second time in Taiwan, only the first was just an airport transfer. This time was 4+ days exploring the northern part of the island nation. I got a wonderful dose of history, nature, and culture while experiencing interesting sights, amazing scenery, decent weather, friendly people, great food, and comfortable accommodations.
How Long Was Your Trip? When Did You Go? Where Did You Go? The trip lasted 8 from November 29 - December 6, 2025. I spent:
- 2-1/2 days touring the Taiwan capital city of Taipei
- 1 day touring the northern coast of Taiwan in Yehliu, Juifen and Pingxi
- 1 day touring Taroka National Park
- 2-1/2 days traveling to and from Taiwan, crossing the International Date Line and losing an entire day, which was made up for on the way home
How Did You Get There and Back? I flew from my home in Milwaukee to Houston, where I stayed for two days before continuing on to Taipei, Taiwan. I spent a week touring Taiwan, then took a short flight to Manila for a guided tour of the Philippines with Gate1 Travel. I returned home via the same route.
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| Air Travel Map - 19,300 Miles |
Once on the ground in Taiwan, I traveled another 400+ miles by train, subway, motor coach and foot.
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| Ground Travel Map - 400 Miles |
Was It Easy Navigating Your Way Around? Yes. We stayed in the heart of Taipei, so we could walk to most places. For anything farther away, we just hopped on the subway.
[Insert Transport Options]
Where Did You Stay? We stayed at a 4-star hotel in the popular, centrally located Ximending District. The hotel was clean, modern, and comfortable, with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a range of amenities. Best of all, it was conveniently close to public transportation, restaurants, shopping, and many major attractions.
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| Taipei Accommodations - Muzik Hotel - Ximen Station Branch |
Taiwan uses Type A and Type B power plugs and outlets, just like in the United States. The voltage is also the same—110V at 60Hz—so U.S. electronics can be used without a voltage converter or plug adapter.
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| Taiwan Electric Plugs & Outlets - 110V/60Hz |
Meals? Taiwanese cuisine is diverse and delicious, influenced by Chinese (mainly Fujianese), Japanese, and indigenous culinary traditions. Signature dishes include beef noodle soup, lu rou fan (braised minced pork belly over rice), oyster omelets, gua bao (steamed buns filled with braised pork, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts), and ba wan (a translucent, chewy dumpling made from sweet potato starch and filled with meat and mushrooms). Popular street foods include fried chicken cutlets, deep-fried marinated chicken, stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, and popcorn chicken. You’ll also find an abundance of hearty noodle and soup dishes throughout the country.
[Insert Taiwan Food Pic]
How Was the Weather? I traveled in December. The weather was cool [Need to write this section] mild at night (mid 50's F) and mild during the day (mid 60's F). The days were mostly sunny. When it rained, it was mostly at night when we were not touring.
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| Taiwan Weather in December - Mild |
What Clothing Did You Pack? I packed very light—about four days’ worth of clothes—mainly shorts and T-shirts, plus a swimsuit, light jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. I also brought one pair of long pants and a sweatshirt. As usual, my shirts, socks, and base layers were all quick-dry “Dri-Fit” material, which I could wash in the hotel sink every few days.
[Insert Luggage Photo]
What was the Time Difference? Taiwan is 14 hours ahead of my home time zone in Milwaukee (US, Central Time, GMT/UTC −06:00). It took a few days to adjust to the time difference.
What Was the Currency? What Were Prices Like? Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). In December 2025, $1 = about 31 TWDs. You can exchange money at a U.S. bank before you leave, but I usually just use an ATM when I arrive—it’s easy to find one at the airport or around the city. Expect fees of roughly 100–150 TWD ($3–5 USD) per withdrawal, plus 2–3% from your home bank. I usually take out a decent amount at once and get more if I need it. Taiwan is generally quite affordable compared with the U.S., so meals, transport, and attractions won’t break the bank.
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| Taiwan Dollar - $1 = 31 TWDs |
What Did This Whole Trip Cost You? The cost of living in Taiwan is 38% cheaper on average than in the United States so it's a good travel bargain. I spent $____ in total, or about $___ per day. I paid __% of the trip cost ($____) before leaving the US. Once on the ground, I spent another $___ on hotels, sightseeing, meals, international mobile phone/internet charges.
[Insert Trip Cost Pic]
Special Trip Considerations.
Following is a day-by-day account of my trip. Each day starts with an overview of what we did, followed by my daily journal. I stopped giving history lessons in my posts but added links you can click on to read more about the places I visited. You can just read on from here or go back up to the Table of Contents and jump to a specific day.
Enjoy!
- Safety. Taiwan is very safe. Petty theft is the most common issue you might encounter, but terrorism and kidnapping, though less frequent, are also concerns. In addition, certain travelers, namely women, may need to take certain precautions during their travels. You can get the latest safety and health information at the US Dept of State Travel Advisories website here.
- Air Quality. Air quality was generally quite good everywhere. At times, the leaded gas exhaust in Taipei irritated my throat, but not enough to warrant wearing a mask.
- Physical Condition. We traversed a lot of steps, uneven surfaces, and steep grades absent high temperatures and humidity. If you have mobility or heat issues, this is probably not the tour for you.
Following is a day-by-day account of my trip. Each day starts with an overview of what we did, followed by my daily journal. I stopped giving history lessons in my posts but added links you can click on to read more about the places I visited. You can just read on from here or go back up to the Table of Contents and jump to a specific day.
Enjoy!
Day 1 - Saturday, November 29 - Depart USA for Taiwan
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Daily Journal
Weather: 62F and sunny
Summary:
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Day 2 - Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Continue Flight to Taipei, Taiwan
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Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
Summary:
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Day 3 - Monday, December 1, 2025 - Arrive in Taipei, Taiwan
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Itinerary: Arrive in Taipei in the early evening and transfer to hotel via High-Speed Rail to Taipei Main Station, followed by the MRT. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind after a long journey or explore at your own pace.
About Taiwan from Lonely Planet
About Taipei from Lonely Planet
Daily Journal
Weather: 66F and sunny
Summary:
[Insert Daily Journal]
Day 4 - Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - Taipei City Touring
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Itinerary: Explore Taipei's rich history and culture on a daylong walking and metro tour of the city's major sites..
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Daily Journal
Weather: 68F and partly sunny
Summary:
Daily Journal
Taipei in One Day – Walking Route & Highlights
1. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall → Ximending
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Distance: ~2.5 km / 30 min walk
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Route: Exit the plaza, walk southwest along Zhonghua Road to reach Ximending pedestrian area.
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Highlight: Morning calm at the memorial, gardens, grand architecture → suddenly step into neon-lit streets, street performers, and snack stalls.
2. Ximending → Longshan Temple
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Distance: ~1 km / 12–15 min walk
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Route: Head south along Kunming Street to Longshan Temple in Wanhua District.
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Highlight: Ancient temple with incense, dragons, and gilded carvings. Quick peek at nearby Huaxi Street for herbs and small souvenirs.
3. Longshan Temple → Taipei 101 / Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
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Distance: ~6 km / 20–25 min by MRT (recommended for speed) OR ~1 hr walking
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Route: For speed, take MRT from Longshan Temple Station → Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station. Walking is possible but longer.
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Highlight: Panoramic views from Taipei 101, modern city skyline, peaceful Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall gardens and local tai chi/dancing.
4. Taipei 101 → Huashan 1914 Creative Park
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Distance: ~4 km / 50 min walk OR ~15 min by MRT + short walk
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Route: Walk northwest along Keelung Road → Hsin Yi Road → turn onto Huashan Rd.
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Highlight: Industrial-turned-art hub, galleries, pop-up shops, coffee breaks.
5. Huashan 1914 Creative Park → Raohe Street Night Market
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Distance: ~3 km / 35–40 min walk
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Route: Head northeast along Zhongxiao East Road → Raohe Street.
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Highlight: Taipei’s iconic night market experience: oyster omelets, xiao long bao, bubble tea, and endless snack stalls.
Tips for a One-Day Walkable Adventure
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Start early (around 8 AM) to fit everything in.
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Wear comfortable shoes—this day involves lots of walking.
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Snack along the way—Ximending, temple streets, and night markets all offer quick bites.
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Use MRT for longer stretches if you want to save energy (especially to Taipei 101).
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Keep an eye on time—plan 45–60 min per major stop, with longer at markets and Taipei 101.
Day 5 - Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Day Trip to Yehlui, Juifen & Pingxi
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Itinerary: Today we’re taking a scenic journey along Taiwan’s stunning north coast and into its old mountain villages. We’ll explore Yehliu Geopark, wander the lantern-lit lanes of Jiufen Old Street, and end the day in the historic railway town of Pingxi—famous for sky lanterns.
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Daily Journal
Weather: 66F and sunny.
Summary:
Daily Journal
YehLiu Geopark: Located in Wanli District, New Taipei City, as one of the premier attractions in the northern coast of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is home to a number of unique rock formations caused by wind and sea, such as the mushroom rocks, the chessboard rock, the trace fossils and all that. 35 minutes. Admission Included
Queen's Head: The most famous rock formation is the iconic “Queen’s Head”, a mushroom rock that resembles the profile of England’s Queen Elizabeth. Every year, the “Yehliu Night Tour” features light shows, water projection, etc, attracting over ten thousands visitors flock to see the Queen’s Head illumined at night. Besides the Queen’s Head, other remarkable formations such as the Sea Candles, the Fairy Shoe, the Ginger Rocks, the Elephant Rock, the Ice Cream Rock, the Kissing Rock, and the Princess’ Head, are worth taking a look at. 35 minutes. Admission Included
Chiufen (Jiufen Old Street): Jiufen is a hillside village in Ruifang District, New Taipei City. The village was flourished in the 1940s due to the gold mining industry, and then fell into disrepair and decrepitude for years. Even though the golden age has long gone, this small village still has a lot of stories to tell. The awarded movie “A City of Sadness”, directed by the famous film director Hou Hsiao-Hsien, was shot there. Its unique historical background, the melancholic and emotional atmosphere attracted enormous global attention. The success of the movie also brought vitality to Jiufen’s tourism, making it the most popular destination in northeastern Taiwan. Since you are in Jiufen, it’s recommended to have a cup of tea at a teahouse, where you can appreciate the picturesque scenery, and the freshly brewed tea at the same time. Besides the teahouses, here you can also tastes various local foods and buy souvenirs. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traditional Jiufen dessert—Taro Ball! 2 hours. Free Admission
Shifen Waterfall: Situated in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Shifen Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in this area, widely-known as the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan, a cascade-type waterfall similar to North America's Niagara Falls. 10 minutes. Free Admission
Shifen Waterfall Walk Area: There are several viewing platforms near Shifen Waterfall, where the visitors can see the waterfall from different angles, even have a close-up look. On sunny days, if you are lucky, you can capture a beautiful rainbow created by the mist of this 20-meter tall waterfall as it splashes into the lake. 30 minutes. Free Admission
Shifen Old Street: Shifen Station is located down Keelung River from the waterfall area, originally built for transporting coal during Japanese colonization. The station is right alongside Shifen Old Street, today it stands as a reminder of Taiwan’s history. The street is lined with souvenir shops, sky lantern shops and eateries. You can also see a lot of people set up their sky lanterns on the railway track, getting ready to release them into the sky. Of course, you will not miss out on the opportunity to experience this special tradition. 3 or 4 people will share one lantern, and each of you can write down your wishes on one side of the lantern. Your tour guide will teach you how to release a sky lantern correctly, so you can fully enjoy the tranquil and peaceful moment. 1 hour 30 minutes. Free Admission
Taipei 101: (Pass By). On the way back to our meeting point, you can choose to be dropped off at Taipei 101.
Day 6 - Thursday, December 4, 2025 - Day Trip to Taroka National Park
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Itinerary: Get ready for one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking adventures! A Taroko day trip whisks you from Taipei to the jaw-dropping Qingshui Cliffs, where mountains plunge into the Pacific. Inside Taroko Gorge, you’ll walk among towering marble canyons, emerald rivers, and cliffside trails like Swallow Grotto that make you feel tiny in nature’s masterpiece. Add in the postcard-perfect Eternal Spring Shrine with its waterfall and mountain backdrop, plus glimpses of Truku tribal culture along the way, and you’ve got a day packed with scenery that shifts from dramatic to serene at every turn. It’s the kind of place that makes you whisper “wow” without realizing it.
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Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
Summary:
[Insert Daily Journal]
Itinerary:
https://www.viator.com/tours/Taipei/Private-Taroko-Gorge-National-Park-Day-Tour/d5262-40100P29
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| Taroko National Park Highlights |
Pass By Taipei - Hotel Pickup 7 am
Taroko Gorge: Enter Taroko Gorge through the archway first.10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Archway of Taroko: This large archway, inspired by traditional Chinese palace architecture, is located at the south end of Jinwen Bridge where it meets the Central Cross‑Island Highway. Its six-character inscription, written by the famous modern calligrapher Mr. Wang Chuang‑Wei, has become the highway's emblem since it opened. Today, it also functions as the entrance to Taroko Gorge, acting as both a landmark and a popular photo opportunity. 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Taroko National Park: Enter the park starting at the visitor center to get an overview of Taroko National Park. 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Taroko National Park Visitor Center: At the Taroko National Park Visitor Center, you can learn about the geological forces that shaped Taroko. Taiwan’s landscape has been uplifted by plate‑tectonic compression, making earthquakes common. The exhibits also show the before‑and‑after effects of seismic events—most notably the major Hualien earthquake in 2024, which dramatically changed the park’s trails and landforms. Read less30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Eternal Spring Shrine: Eternal Spring Shrine is built to commemorates the 226 personnel (military veterans) who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tianxiang Scenic Are: Tianxiang is located along the eastern part of the Central Cross‑Island Highway, about 19 km from Taroko Gorge. Here, the Dasha and Tacijili Rivers merge to form the Liwu River, whose long history of sedimentation and erosion has shaped striking multi‑terraced riverbanks. This spacious valley once bustled with restaurants, shops, and hotels, but after the 2024 earthquake, visitor numbers declined, and many businesses moved away—leaving behind a peaceful, almost untouched atmosphere. Keep an eye out for Formosan macaques roaming the area; their presence adds a charming wild touch to this tranquil mountain retreat. 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Cimu Bridge: Along the Central Cross-Island Highway, after passing Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns), you'll reach Cimu Bridge (Motherly Devotion Bridge). This H-shaped hanging bridge features marble stone lions at each end and marble lotus stones on two sides. Beneath the bridge, a rock resembles a frog, formed from a black schist layer on top and white marble at the bottom. A pavilion built on this frog-shaped rock serves as a crown, constructed by late President Chiang Jing-guo in memory of his mother during the highway's construction. The Cimu pavilion area, located on the east side of the bridge and built by late President Chiang Kai-shek, also commemorates his mother, Mrs. Wang. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Xincheng: Xincheng is a village at the base of Taroko Gorge, known for its local Hualien snack stalls and restaurants. Its vintage-style photo studio makes an ideal mid-trip rest spot. If you have any dietary preferences, feel free to ask your driver-guide for local suggestions on the day. Read less1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Qixingtan Beach: Qixingtan Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located on Hualien’s Pacific coast, just north of the city. Its crescent-shaped shoreline, deep blue waters, and mountain backdrop make it an ideal spot for watching the sunrise and capturing photos. Visitors can enjoy cycling along the coastal trail, relaxing in pavilions, or strolling past vibrant houses and art installations. At night, the beach is tranquil—perfect for stargazing and waves watching. Note: Swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. Qixingtan is a must-see for those wanting to enjoy nature and serenity during a trip to Hualien. Before ending your visit, listen to the waves crashing on the rocks and take in the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Pass By Taipei - Hotel Drop-Off 7 pm
Day 7 - Friday. December 5, 2025 - Taipei Temple Touring
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Itinerary: Visit to several of Taipei's most famous temples on this leisurely day of sightseeng via metro.
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Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
Summary :
[Insert Daily Journal]
Day 8 - Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Depart Taiwan
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Itinerary: Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport for midafternoon flight to your next destination.
Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
