Taiwan for Families: Taipei, Night Markets and the Beaches of Kenting
Seven days in Taiwan for the whole family: an easy ascent of Taipei 101, lanterns in Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, and the tropical beaches of Kenting.
Description
Taiwan is a compact, safe country with an exemplary public transport network — ideal for one-week family trips. This itinerary starts in Taipei, where you visit Taipei 101 with its ultrarapid elevator, the Railway Museum that fascinates children, and the night markets with their non-spicy dumplings. An excursion to the mining villages of Jiufen and the catamaran of Yehliu Geopark opens the way south: the bullet train sweeps across the island to the Sun Moon Lake area, where you cruise by boat and visit temples. The journey culminates in Kenting, Taiwan's tropical tip, with white-sand beaches, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium and accessible coral formations. Taiwanese culture is among the most hospitable to families: Taiwanese grannies will pamper the kids with fruit and sweets at every stop.
Health & safety
- Tap water is not drinkable — use bottled
- Possible typhoons from June to October: check the forecast
- Street food is generally safe, but choose stalls with a high customer turnover
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Taipei and Taipei 101
Taipei
Arrival in Taipei and Taipei 101
Arrival in Taipei. Ride up the Taipei 101 observation deck and stroll through Daan Park.
Ascent of Taipei 101
Entertainment1hWalk through Daan Forest Park
Nature1hDinner at the Tonghua night market
gastronomy1hMaokong and the Railway Museum
Taipei
Maokong and the Railway Museum
Cable car to Maokong among tea plantations. Railway Museum with historic trains.
Maokong cable car
Nature2hVisit to the Railway Museum
Culture2hJiufen and Yehliu
Jiufen
Jiufen and Yehliu
Excursion to the mining village of Jiufen, the inspiration for Spirited Away. Rock formations of Yehliu.
Walk through Jiufen Old Street
Culture2hSky lantern release
Culture1hYehliu Geopark
Nature1hBullet train to Taichung
Taichung
Bullet train to Taichung
High-speed train to central Taiwan. Afternoon at the rainbow of Rainbow Village.
Bullet train Taipei-Taichung
Sports1hRainbow Village
Culture1hSun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake
Boat ride on Taiwan's most famous alpine lake. Cable car to the Formosan aboriginal village.
Boat ride on the lake
Nature2hSun Moon Lake cable car
Nature1hFormosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Culture2hKenting and beach
Kenting
Kenting and beach
Train to the tropical far south. Baishawan Beach and Eluanbi Lighthouse.
Beach day at Baishawan
Rest3hVisit to Eluanbi Lighthouse
Nature1hKenting National Aquarium
Kenting
Kenting National Aquarium
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium with the longest submarine tunnel in Asia. Return flight.
Kenting Aquarium
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