Taiwan trip | Temples, tea & traditions in Taiwan

歡迎來到台北! Welcome to Taipei! Welcoming and cosmopolitan, Taipei is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, where Chinese traditions blend effortlessly with influences from South-East Asia, the United States and Japan. It is a dynamic metropolis brimming with energy, where you’ll discover something new around every corner.

Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You’ll be staying at the Eslite Hotel for the next few days. Eslite began as a stylishly designed bookshop in Taipei and, following its huge popularity with the locals, went on to open more and more branches across the island. As the company continued to grow, they brought that same style to this hotel.

Nestled amongst the mountains, the city offers a unique interplay of contrasts. With centuries-old temples set against a backdrop of dazzling skyscrapers, and bustling night markets waiting to be discovered after an afternoon in a traditional teahouse. And that’s not even mentioning the delightful culinary scene. From stinky tofu and pork buns at simple food stalls to an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants, Taiwan’s capital is a true paradise for food lovers.

Your day begins in the lobby of your hotel, where your private guide will be waiting for you. The morning is devoted to the National Palace Museum, the treasure trove of Chinese civilisation. Here, you’ll wander through millennia of culture and admire a collection of 700,000 artefacts that were once hidden away in the Forbidden City but have been housed here since Taiwan’s separation. The refinement of these imperial treasures provides the perfect introduction to your lunch at Silks Palace.

Following this culinary experience, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of an age-old tradition during a private Tai Chi lesson. Guided by an experienced master, you’ll find balance and inner peace through flowing, meditative movements, performed against the backdrop of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. That monumental atmosphere continues at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. As you climb the 89 steps to the bronze statue of the former president, you’ll experience the symbolism of the blue-and-white architecture. On the hour, you’ll witness the impressive changing of the guard, after which you can stroll at your leisure across the vast square between the national concert halls.

In the evening, your day literally reaches a high point with a visit to Taipei 101. This skyscraper, inspired by the shape of a pagoda, symbolises the pursuit of perfection. After exploring the luxury boutiques on the lower floors, the lift will whisk you up to the 89th floor for a spectacular 360-degree view of the illuminated city and the surrounding mountains. Your day will draw to a close in style at the world-famous Din Tai Fung. Here you can enjoy the legendary dumplings, folded with the utmost precision, as the perfect finale to a day filled with Taiwanese hospitality.

The day begins in the historic Dadaocheng district, where the city’s past is tangibly present. On the atmospheric Dihua Street, you’ll stroll past façades that exude decades of trade and craftsmanship. Whilst the street buzzes with energy in the run-up to Chinese New Year, on other days you can enjoy a serene stroll past spices, silky fabrics and refined teas. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In a beautifully restored 19th-century herbal warehouse, you’ll discover the power of roots and botanical extracts. You can have your own tea blend created at an apothecary bar or draw a ‘health prescription’ through age-old rituals.

From the herbal shops, you step into the vibrant atmosphere of Ximending. This area is the beating heart of Taiwanese youth culture, where neon lights and trendy boutiques come together. Amidst the modern fashion houses and street performers, the distinctive Red House Theatre serves as a reminder of the Japanese era, giving the neighbourhood a unique blend of old and new.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, a masterpiece of South Chinese architecture that has, quite rightly, been recognised by UNESCO. In this temple dedicated to the god of medicine, you’ll wander amongst dragon pillars and intricate wood carvings, whilst the scent of incense and the soft chanting of worshippers create a mystical atmosphere. Right next door, you’ll find the tranquillity of the Confucius Temple. In contrast to the exuberant Bao’an Temple, this complex reflects the modesty of the great philosopher; no statues, but a serene space for reflection and teachings on harmony and wisdom.

After a day full of contrasts, from centuries-old pharmacies to glitzy shopping streets, your guide will take you back to your hotel.

Today, you’ll travel by train to Hualien with your guide. During this two-and-a-half-hour journey, you’ll see the urban landscape gradually give way to the impressive coastline of eastern Taiwan, where azure waters meet mist-shrouded jungle. Hualien itself is a charming enclave of rugged natural beauty and local creativity; from pebble beaches to hidden culinary gems, the city immediately welcomes you with its friendly atmosphere.

The exploration continues on two wheels during a cycle ride along Qixingtan. On this flat, three-kilometre-long path, you’ll follow the contours of the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by the sea breeze and views of the coastal mountains. You’ll pass bobbing fishing boats and artworks made from driftwood, with plenty of opportunities to capture the turquoise waves. After this active start, you’ll follow the spectacular Highway 11, a sixty-kilometre-long coastal route lined with marble cliffs and hidden coves, which takes you to Shitiping in an hour and a half.

On the way, you’ll make a short stop for a walk to Shimen Cave. In this cave, carved out by wind and water, the rocks form a natural window onto the sea and the sky, whilst holes in the ceiling reveal the sunlight and the jungle above. Your final destination is the geological wonder of Shitiping. At the end of this varied day, your guide will assist you with checking in at your hotel, where you can reflect on the breathtaking natural beauty of Taiwan’s east coast.

Together with your guide, you’ll travel through the picturesque heart of Taitung County, where the rhythm of nature and age-old traditions set the pace for the day. After a short journey along the coast, you’ll reach Chishang, a place world-famous for its vast rice fields. Here, you’ll hop on a bike for a leisurely ride through a sea of green which, depending on the season, transforms into a glistening golden horizon. As you cycle along the rustic paths winding through the mountains, you’ll experience the serene tranquillity of the Taiwanese countryside. The route is flexible; whether you cover the full nine kilometres or opt for a shorter section, the fresh breeze and the scent of ripening rice make for an unforgettable experience.

Your day continues to a traditional Bunun mountain village. Here, you’ll be immersed in Taiwan’s rich indigenous culture. Whilst eagles circle above the valley, you’ll gather round the fire to grill pork and listen to the impressive, harmonious eight-part singing for which the Bunun tribe is renowned. You’ll discover crafts such as making fabrics from tree bark and sample local delicacies, such as a unique platter of crispy amaranth leaves and fresh vegetables with a zesty passion fruit sauce.

To round off the day, you’ll reach the Zhiben hot springs. The alkaline waters, which well up from the earth at a temperature of around 60°C, have been renowned for generations for their soothing effect on body and mind. In the luxury of your resort, you can quietly reflect on the day’s experiences whilst relaxing in your private bath.

Your guide will welcome you in the lobby of your hotel before the journey to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city. During the journey, which takes around three and a half hours, you’ll see the landscape change. Tainan is a place of extremes: from the rhythmic temple drums and the scent of incense to a culinary culture regarded throughout Taiwan as the very best.

Your culinary journey begins at the Shuei Sian Temple Market. Known as the ‘kitchen of Tainan’, this market is situated directly opposite one of the city’s oldest temples, where sailors still pray for safe passage. In this lively maze of fishmongers and historic eateries, the myriad aromas invite you to sample a bit of everything.

The journey through the city’s flavours continues on Guohua Old Street, the beating heart of the street food scene. Whilst scooters nimbly manoeuvre past the stalls for a quick bite, you can stroll at your leisure past the steaming food stalls. Let yourself be tempted by Tainanese specialities such as xia juan (crispy prawn rolls) and the savoury rice pudding wan guy. To round off your visit, head to the Tainan Confucius Temple. This monumental complex, dating from 1666, was the island’s first official educational institution.

Today you have plenty of time to discover the soul of Tainan at your own pace, a city that invites you to embrace ‘slow travel’. As the morning sun glides over the roofs of the countless temples, you can choose to explore the charming Anping district. Here you’ll find the remarkable Anping Tree House, where nature has poetically reclaimed an old warehouse, and the historic fort that bears witness to the colonial past.

In the afternoon, wander through the narrow, hidden alleys such as Shennong Street, where craft shops, boutique galleries and nostalgic teahouses are tucked away behind beautifully preserved façades. It’s the perfect spot to settle down with a cup of local tea, whilst the daily life of Tainan unfolds before you.

As evening falls, the city transforms and you can let yourself be guided by the bright lights of the famous night markets. Let yourself be enticed by the aromas of local delicacies and enjoy the relaxed, lively atmosphere that is so characteristic of this historic place. Whether you’re interested in culture, gastronomy or simply observing local life, Tainan offers you plenty of scope for your own discoveries today.

The journey continues to Alishan, an enchanting realm of forested peaks rising to over 2,000 metres, where ancient cypress trees and a legendary sea of clouds await you. One of the area’s most enduring treasures is the Alishan Forest Railway. Almost a century ago, this narrow-gauge railway was built for timber harvesting, but today its distinctive red locomotives pay homage to the landscape. You’ll travel along historic tracks that wind through tunnels and over bridges in the highland mist; a spectacular route that beautifully preserves the legacy of Japanese engineers and indigenous communities.

The afternoon is perfect for some active exploration. Put on your walking boots for a stroll through the misty forests, where you’ll come face to face with the giant red cypresses. These paths were once the domain of the indigenous Tsou people and exude a timeless serenity. In every season, the wilderness here offers a unique beauty, from the crisp mountain air to the mysterious silence amongst the giants of the forest.

Taiwanese tea culture rests on four fundamental pillars: white, black, green and oolong. In the crisp mountain air of Alishan, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, you’ll discover high-mountain oolong and have the unique opportunity to experience the tea-making process up close. You’ll learn first-hand how the finest leaves are selected and plucked, before following the entire transformation process – from drying and processing – right through to the moment you taste the result in your cup.

In mist-shrouded Shizhuo, you’ll be welcomed by a tea master for a serene ceremony in a rustic setting. Here, every detail – from the fine porcelain to the accompanying music – is focused on harmony. You are invited to slow down: admire the texture of the leaves, inhale the deep aroma and savour the tea in three mindful sips. This encounter is all about ichigo ichie: the realisation that this specific moment is unique and will never return exactly as it is.

Following this immersive experience, the afternoon is entirely yours. Whether you opt for a leisurely stroll through the tea plantations or a moment of tranquillity in nature, your guide will be on hand with personalised recommendations to perfectly complement your stay in this enchanting region.