Taiwan Sky Lantern Festival 2024

DAY 1 | 22 FEB 24 | ARRIVAL IN TAIPEI

• Dinner

Arrive at Taoyuan Airport, the largest airport in Taiwan, to embark on this exciting Taiwan private tour. Upon arrival, and after the unavoidable immigration formalities, meet the local guide and take the one-hour drive to Taipei, the Taiwanese national capital since 1886. After checking into the hotel, drive to one of the many night markets Taipei is famous for. Here, join the locals as they enjoy local delicacies amidst stalls selling anything from fresh fruits and cellphones to cheap shoes and clothes. Then drive to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner before setting in the hotel for a first night in Taiwan.

DAY 2 | 23 FEB 24 | EXPLORING TAIPEI

• Breakfast

Begin the day at the monument built to commemorate the father of the modern Taiwanese nation- Chiang Kai-Shek. The General’s fascinating life story reflects, in many ways, China’s turbulent history in the first half of the 20th century. Here, in a monument built on the scale of some of the most iconic tombs known to mankind, General Chiang and China's story at the turn of the century are intertwined and displayed in a graphic and most comprehensible way. Then continue to the National Palace Museum- probably the world’s best museum of ancient Chinese art. The museum exhibits a collection of artifacts that were owned by the Chinese Imperial dynasties. When Chiang Kai-Shek realized he was losing his rule over China, he ordered trunks of these priceless items to be shipped to Taiwan. He, his army, and supporters retreated as China was taken by the Communist party. From here, take to Shake Street, a small and trendy market offering a plethora of local snacks on a narrow alley packed with local restaurants amid small trade booths. After a stroll along Shake Street, take a short walk to Mengjian Lungshan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Taiwan, dedicated to both Buddhism and Taoism while incorporating practices and icons taken from the Chinese Folk Religion. The temple was initially built by immigrants from Fujian, China, back in 1738, but was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It serves today as one of the city’s main temples and a gathering place for city elders. Rising 508 meters (1,671 ft) above street level, Taipei 101 held the title of the world’s tallest building for several years and has re-reshaped the city’s skyline since its completion in 2004. Ascend to the observation deck on the 89th floor for a stunning view of the city. Then head to another one of the bustling night markets for a snack and mingling with the locals before reverting to the hotel for the second night of this Taiwan private tour.

DAY 3 | 24 FEB 24 | THE NORTHERN SHORE AND THE SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL

• Breakfast

With a very early departure from Taipei, head to Taiwan’s northern shore, a region that made Taiwan a significant mining giant in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. It has set the foundation for the country’s later financial boom, making it one of the Four Asian Tigers- the lucrative club of Asia’s leading free economies. In the morning hours, drive along the old railway that supported the mining industry’s development. Pause by a small coal mine where a museum has been set, offering a glimpse into early coal miners’ harsh life. Continue to the Gold Museum, telling the story of the chase after this precious metal. Wrap up the day at Jiufen, one of many mining towns that have been deserted when the mining industry crumbled. However, Jiufen now enjoys a late bloom due to its unique landscapes, retro vibe, and clean air. This small picturesque town attracts artists and other Taipei residents searching for a life away from the big city’s hustle and bustle. Walk the old alleys of Jiufen, visit the local market and other sites that still depict the life back in the heydays. Late in the afternoon, take the short drive to Pingxi. Here, join the thousands of people gathering here once a year to celebrate the Sky Lantern Festival, releasing lanterns in hope for success, good health and prosperity. With the sky filled up with burning lanterns, this is a once-in-a-lifetime sight and an event not to be missed on any Taiwan private tour. Late in the evening, take to the very simple guesthouse in Jiufen and spend the night here.

DAY 4 | 25 FEB 24 | BACK TO TAIPEI

• Breakfast

After waking up in romantic Jiufen, take the 25 minutes’ walk (one-way) to Jiufen Waterfall, affectionately dubbed as the ‘Little Niagara of Taiwan.’ After the refreshing morning walk, leave Jiufen and drive to Yehliu Geopark, made of unique sedimentary rock formations, beautifully shaped by waves powerfully crashing over the shore. Then pause by a small fishing town and visit the small fish market. In the afternoon, head back to Taipei for a third and last night in the Taiwanese capital.

DAY 5 | 26 FEB 24 | TAROKO GORGE

• Breakfast
• Dinner

From Taipei, drive to Taroko Gorge. Located in the north-east part of the island’s backbone ridge, Taroko Gorge National Park is known as one of the island’s most scenic areas, offering plenty of hiking trails by the Leewoo Ho River and its tributary. Upon arrival in the park, visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, the Qingshui Cliff, and enjoy a walk along the Baiyang trail to the Water Curtain Cave. In the evening hours, check-in the hotel in the heart of the national park.

DAY 6 | 27 FEB 24 | TO THE SUN-MOON LAKE

• Breakfast

Depart Taroko, and drive along the island’s central mountain range, commonly referred to as the island’s backbone as it runs all the way from north to south, dividing the country into two regions connected by only a few roads. Take a break at the foot of He Hua Shan, the Mountain of Harmonic Joy, for a rather challenging hike to its peak for a view over the surroundings and the mighty range. Revert to the car and pause for a view over the Jade Peak (Yu-Shan), Taiwan’s highest peak at 3,952 meters (12,966 ft) above sea level. In the afternoon, arrive at the shores of Sun-Moon Lake and stop for a visit at the Wen Wu Temple. Wen Wu temples, dedicated to both civil and military gods, are relatively rare throughout Chinese influenced cultures but were popular praying venues for those attending the Imperial Exams back in the day, as these exams were taken for both civil and military positions. This is a relatively new temple, inaugurated in 1938 following the construction of a dam by the Japanese in 1919, flooding the sites at which two old temples were set. The two temples have been thus relocated to the place where now stands the current temple. Late in the afternoon, drive to the hotel for a night by the lake.

DAY 7 | 28 FEB 24 | ALISHAN NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• Breakfast
• Dinner

The Sun Moon Lake region is famous for its green tea. After breakfast, leave the hotel for a hike along tea plantations perched down mountain slopes to enjoy the serene landscape and beautiful views over the lake and its surroundings. Continue for another short walk to Ci En Pagoda, built by Chiang Kai-Shek in honor of his mother. From the top of the pagoda, enjoy another view over the lake and the mountains surrounding it. At mid-day, hop back in the car and continue driving on top of the central mountain range south, to Alishan Forest. This ancient forest was heavily exploited by the Japanese during the time of occupation. Massive logs were harvested and shipped to Japan to build temples and other wooden structures. However, the forest still boasts some very impressive trees hundreds of years old. Arrive in Alishan National Scenic Area, and if time permits, take the first walk through the mysterious forest before checking in the hotel for the night.

DAY 8 | 29 FEB 24 | SUNRISE OVER ALISHAN, NIGHT AT TAOYUAN

• Breakfast

With a very early morning call, head to the train station. On a railway built by the Japanese to support the logging industry, ride to a high vantage point to observe the sunrise. Stand high above the sea of clouds covering the valleys just beneath, and wait for the sun's first rays to appear over the horizon. Then take a 45-minutes’ morning walk back to the hotel, and after breakfast, take a hike through the beautiful pine forest Alishan is so famous for. Along the way, pause by hundreds of years old trees, beautiful ponds, and ancient temples. In the afternoon, board a vehicle and drive to the train station to board the bullet train traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h to Taoyuan Airport. Arrive at the airport and transfer to an airport hotel for the last night on this Taiwan private tour.

DAY 9 | 1 MAR 24 | DEPARTURE FROM TAIWAN

• Breakfast

After breakfast, take the hotel’s shuttle bus to the airport to wrap up this Taiwan private tour and board the departing flight out of Taiwan.