Taiwan Grand Circle Tour -Majestic East Coast & Cultural West
Route: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Taipei → Yilan → Hualien → Taitung → Pingtung → Kenting → Kaohsiung → Tainan
→ Chiayi → Alishan → Sun Moon Lake → Taichung→ Taipei
Day 1:
Taipei ➝ Yehliu Geopark ➝ Shuinandong Smelter ➝ Golden Waterfall ➝ Jiufen Old Street ➝ Shifen Old Street
Begin your island journey with breathtaking coastal rock formations, mysterious industrial ruins, and nostalgic mountain towns.
Day 2:
Taipei ➝ Yilan ➝ Hualien
Explore Wufongci Waterfall ➝ Experience scallion picking in Sanxing ➝ Lunch in Jiaoxi ➝ Drive along the cliffs of Qingshui ➝ Visit the pebbled beach of Qixingtan.
Day 3:
Hualien Exploration
Choose your adventure: canoe along Qingshui Cliff, join a tribal experience at Hunter School (Cilai or Malasang), or go whale watching ➝ In the afternoon, visit Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park.
Day 4:
Hualien ➝ Taitung
Choose between two scenic routes:
-
East Coast Route (Highway 11): Baci Lookout ➝ Baxian Caves ➝ Sanxiantai ➝ Xiaoyeliu
-
East Rift Valley Route (Highway 9): Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park ➝ Guangfu Sugar Factory ➝ Mr. Brown Avenue ➝ Luye Highland
Day 5:
Deep Dive into Taitung
Cycle through Xiaoyeliu ➝ Visit the Railway Art Village ➝ Enjoy a leisurely ride in Taitung Forest Park.
Day 6:
Taitung ➝ Pingtung ➝ Kenting
Photo stop at Duoliang Station ➝ Explore Kenting National Park ➝ Eluanbi Lighthouse ➝ Taiwan’s southernmost point ➝ Fengchuisha Sand Dunes ➝ Stay overnight in Kenting.
Day 7:
Kenting ➝ Kaohsiung
Visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery ➝ British Consulate at Takao ➝ Ride the ferry to Cijin Island ➝ Art walk through Pier-2 Art Center ➝ Enjoy local beef noodles for dinner.
Day 8:
Kaohsiung ➝ Tainan ➝ Chiayi
Explore the Anping Treehouse ➝ Anping Fort ➝ Anping Old Street ➝ Salt Fields at Jingzijiao ➝ Hike Erjianping Trail ➝ Stroll through Fenqihu Old Street ➝ Stay overnight in Alishan.
Day 9:
Alishan ➝ Sun Moon Lake
Morning walk in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area ➝ Transfer to Sun Moon Lake for an afternoon by the water.
Day 10:
Sun Moon Lake ➝ Taichung
Discover the beauty of Lukang Old Town ➝ Stroll through the colorful Rainbow Village ➝ Experience the night buzz at Fengjia Night Market.
Day 11:
Taichung ➝ Taipei
Wrap up your trip with local gems: Nanzhuang Old Street ➝ Sanxia Old Street ➝ Arrive back in Taipei.
This 11-day island loop takes you through Taiwan’s most breathtaking contrasts—majestic cliffs and serene lakes, modern cities and timeless villages. From the dramatic east coast and indigenous traditions to the cultural treasures of the west, this route offers an immersive journey across the island’s natural and human landscapes. It’s the ultimate all-in-one Taiwan experience.
MUST SEE: Sugar Apple Tasting in Taitung
Taitung is home to Taiwan’s sweetest and most prized sugar apples (釋迦), especially the pineapple variety.
Visit a local orchard to learn how these tropical fruits are grown and harvested. You’ll taste them fresh from the tree—creamy, fragrant, and full of natural sweetness.
A delicious stop that captures the flavor of Taiwan’s east coast.
MUST SEE: Fongchueisha (Windblown Sand, Kenting)
Located near Taiwan’s southern tip, Fongchueisha is a rare natural landscape shaped by strong sea winds.
Sand is continuously blown inland, creating a dynamic coastal desert.
It offers breathtaking ocean views and an otherworldly, almost cinematic atmosphere.
A dramatic stop along your Kenting journey.
MUST SEE: Lukang Old Town (Changhua)
Lukang is a well-preserved historic town famous for its temples, lantern-lit alleys, and red-brick houses.
Explore artisan shops, century-old tea houses, and the bustling market street. It’s a living museum of Taiwan’s Qing dynasty heritage and craftsmanship.
Don’t miss the famous oyster omelets and traditional desserts!
MUST SEE: Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Fields (Tainan)
Taiwan’s oldest salt field, Jingzaijiao, is a serene landscape of geometric salt pans reflecting the sky.
Walk along the shallow pools and learn how salt is traditionally harvested by hand. The warm light at sunset creates a stunning mirror effect—perfect for photos.
It’s a peaceful stop that connects you to Taiwan’s coastal heritage.
MUST SEE: Alishan Forest Recreation Area (Chiayi)
Mist-covered forests, centuries-old trees, and wooden railways define Alishan’s charm. Hop aboard the Alishan Forest Railway to witness sunrise over a sea of clouds. Stroll through peaceful trails lined with cypress and cherry blossoms (in spring).
It’s Taiwan’s most legendary highland escape.
MUST SEE: Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)
This tranquil alpine lake is shaped like a sun and moon, surrounded by forested hills. Enjoy a boat ride across the emerald waters or cycle along its scenic shoreline.
Home to the Thao indigenous culture, it offers rich history and elegant views. A romantic, must-visit destination in central Taiwan.
