Highlights
- Explore scenic Sun Moon Lake – Emerald Waters & Cultural Landmarks
- Marvel at Alishan’s majestic 2,000-year-old sacred cypress trees
- Ride the legendary Alishan Forest narrow-gauge mountain train.
- Take a stroll in Lukang’s red-brick alleys and 16th-century temples
- Visit the award-winning, modern Xiangshan Visitor Center
Description
Day 1: Taipei – Sun Moon Lake
Depart from Taipei for Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest natural lake, situated at 748 meters above sea level and famous for its 'Sun' and 'Moon' shaped basins. Begin at the Northern Chinese palace-style Wenwu Temple, where you can climb the 366-step 'Stairway to Heaven' to admire the golden-roofed architecture and lake panoramas. Continue to Xuanzhuang Temple, built in 1965 to enshrine the sacred bone relics of Master Xuanzang, and visit the Ci’en Pagoda, an octagonal monument commissioned by late President Chiang Kai-shek that sits at an elevation of exactly 1,000 meters. Explore Ita Thao Village, the ancestral home of the Thao people, to experience indigenous crafts and cuisine. Conclude your day at the Xiangshan Visitor Center, a world-class architectural landmark featuring wood-patterned concrete wings that stretch like human arms embracing the landscape.
Economy Hotel Option: Einhan Resort or similar | Premium Hotel Option: Fleur de Chine Hotel or similar
Day 2: Sun Moon Lake – Alishan – Chiayi
Travel to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, located at 2,216 meters elevation and renowned for its 'Five Wonders': sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest, and railway. Walk the Giant Tree Cluster Trail to witness nearly 40 ancient red cypresses, including the 2,300-year-old Xianglin Giant Tree, which stands 45 meters tall. Visit the ethereal Sister Ponds, two alpine lakes steeped in local legend, and Shouzhen Temple, the highest temple in Taiwan known for its intricate carvings and the seasonal appearance of 'Brahma moths.' The highlight is a journey on the Alishan Forest Railway, one of the world's most famous mountain railways, which climbs through tropical, subtropical, and temperate vegetation zones along a historic narrow-gauge track.
Economy Hotel Option: Holiday Inn Express Chiayi or similar | Premium Hotel Option: Nice Prince Hotel or similar
Day 3: Chiayi – Lukang – Taipei
Descend to Lukang, a historic trading port designated as Taiwan's first historic preservation area. Walk through Lukang Old Street (Yaolin and Putou Streets), a 'time corridor' of red-brick lanes, curved alleyways, and traditional courtyard houses featuring 'half-sided wells.' Visit the Lukang Tianhou Temple, a National Historic Site dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu; it is hailed as a 'Palace Hall of Arts' for its opulent stone carvings and masterfully painted wood beams. Discover the town's heritage through its century-old crafts, including tin-working and lantern-making, before returning to Taipei. This final stop offers a profound look at the 'golden age' of Taiwan's maritime history and folk traditions.
Includes
Downtown Taipei City Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional licensed tour guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel accommodation with breakfast x 2 Nights
Entrance ticket to Alishan National Forest Recreational Area
One-way Alishan Forest Railway ride
Toll and parking fee
Local general liabilities insurance
Excludes
Lunch and Dinner
Beverage
Gratuities (Optional)
Important Information
- This tour involves lots of walking and stairs in Alishan Forest.
As temperatures can drop dramatically in the mountains, bringing an extra coat is highly advised.
The sequence and time spent at tour stops may be adjusted according to traffic and weather conditions.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 7 days in advance for a full refund
