Taiwan travel guides

Each guide opens with the short answer, then the detail: travel times, opening hours, seasons and what is closed. Every fact is linked to its source, mostly government and news sites in Chinese, so you can check it yourself.

Planning

Taiwan itinerary: 5, 7 and 10 days

Day-by-day Taiwan itineraries for 5, 7 and 10 days, with realistic travel times by high-speed rail and express train, and the Taroko Gorge closures to plan around.

Checked 20 October 2026

Planning

The best time to visit Taiwan

When to visit Taiwan, month by month: typhoon statistics from the Central Weather Administration, the May–June plum rains, and the 2027 Lunar New Year and lantern festival dates.

Checked 20 October 2026

East coast

Taroko Gorge guided tour: what is open and how to visit

How to visit Taroko Gorge with a guide in 2026: which trails are open after the 2024 earthquake, Highway 8 release windows, park interpretation services and private tours from Taipei.

Checked 20 October 2026

Day trips

The best day trips from Taipei

Day trips from Taipei compared: Jiufen and Shifen, Yehliu, Yilan hot springs, Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, with travel times and opening hours from official sources.

Checked 20 October 2026

Central Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake boat tour: piers, hours and how to do it

How the Sun Moon Lake boats work: the three piers, pier hours by season, boat times, the ropeway, and how to get there from Taipei by HSR, bus or private car.

Checked 20 October 2026

Families

Planning a private family tour of Taiwan

How to plan a family trip to Taiwan with children or grandparents: pace, seasons, easy walks, hot springs, rail versus private car, and what to book ahead.

Checked 20 October 2026

Food

Tainan food tour: what to eat, and when to eat it

A guide to Tainan’s food: beef soup at dawn, milkfish, danzai noodles and coffin bread, with dishes and stalls listed by Tainan’s official tourism site.

Checked 20 October 2026

East coast

Taipei to Hualien: train, car or private transfer

How to get from Taipei to Hualien and Taroko Gorge: express trains (about 2–2.5 hours), booking tips, driving the Suhua Highway, and Highway 8 access to the gorge.

Checked 20 October 2026

Mountains

How to get to Alishan from Taipei

Getting to Alishan from Taipei: high-speed rail to Chiayi, the Alishan Forest Railway (fully reopened July 2024), the Zhushan sunrise train and why you need a night in the mountains.

Checked 20 October 2026

Shore excursions

Keelung shore excursion: what to do from the cruise port

Planning a shore excursion from Keelung cruise port: Yehliu, Jiufen, Heping Island and Keelung’s own food streets, with opening hours and timing to get back before all-aboard.

Checked 20 October 2026

Honeymoons

A Taiwan honeymoon: route, season and where to stay

Planning a Taiwan honeymoon: a private 7-day route, the best months, and recommended hotels including Capella Taipei, The Lalu Sun Moon Lake and Silks Place Taroko.

Checked 20 October 2026

Northeast coast

What to do in Jiufen, and how to avoid the crowds

What to do in Jiufen: Shuqi Road, teahouses, the Gold Museum in Jinguashi and nearby Shifen, with bus routes, parking advice from New Taipei City and the quietest times to visit.

Checked 20 October 2026

Private Chauffeur

Hiring a Private Driver in Taiwan: Legal Rules, Realistic Costs & Travel Itineraries

Verified guide to hiring a legal private driver and charter vehicle in Taiwan. Real 2026 costs, R-plate legal requirements, child car seat laws, tipping customs and THSR comparisons.

Checked 20 October 2026

Northeast Coast

Jiufen at Night: The Lantern Hour, Heritage Teahouses & Return Logistics

Complete local guide to experiencing Jiufen at night: red lantern lighting hours (dusk to 21:00–21:30), quiet teahouses, photography spots, bus curfews and late return transport to Taipei.

Checked 20 October 2026

Pricing & Budgets

How Much Does a Private Tour in Taiwan Cost? 2026 Price Breakdown

Transparent 2026 cost guide for private & luxury travel in Taiwan: chauffeured vehicles, 5-star hotels, licensed guides, Michelin dining and full 7-day budget benchmarks.

Checked 20 October 2026

Family & Accessible Travel

Traveling to Taiwan with Elderly Parents: Accessible Routes, Gentle Pacing & Private Chauffeurs

Verified guide to planning a private, wheelchair-friendly Taiwan tour with elderly parents or seniors: certified barrier-free trails, low-step vehicles, accessible hot spring hotels, and medical reassurance.

Checked 20 October 2026

Specialist Journeys

Private Taiwan Tea Tours: High Mountain Oolong Terroirs, Tea Masters & Estate Tastings

Curated guide to private tea travel in Taiwan: Pinglin Baozhong, Alishan High Mountain Oolong, Sun Moon Lake Ruby 18, meeting certified tea masters, harvest seasons and gongfu tea etiquette.

Checked 20 October 2026