Taiwan Round-Island Route

The classic loop around Taiwan: Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting and the Hualien–Taitung coast.

“Round-island” travel is the most iconic way to see Taiwan, and can be done by Taiwan Railway, by car or by bike. A common counterclockwise route: Taipei (Taipei 101, the Palace Museum, Jiufen, Tamsui) – Taichung (Gaomei Wetlands, Rainbow Village) and Sun Moon Lake, Alishan – Chiayi – Tainan (Chihkan Tower, Anping Fort, local snacks of the old capital) – Kaohsiung (Pier-2 Art Center, Cijin) – Kenting (Eluanbi, Nanwan) – Taitung (Sanxiantai, Chishang rice fields, Green Island) – Hualien (Taroko Gorge, Qixingtan, Qingshui Cliff) – Yilan (Guishan Island, Jiaoxi hot springs) – Taipei. A classic round-island trip takes 8–12 days; the west has high-speed rail, while the east relies on Taiwan Railway and driving. Night markets and street snacks in each city are highlights. Typhoons and earthquakes may close the Suhua Highway and some Taroko trails, so check the latest road conditions before departure. Taiwan's night market culture and snacks are rich and varied, with Shilin, Fengjia, Garden and Liuhe night markets each having their own character; cycling around the island is a “rite of passage” for many young people, and Route 1 around the island has supply stations and bike stops along the way.

Destinations

Itineraries