Taiwan: The Other China
Adventure tour in Taiwan | 14 days ex Tapei | US$2500
Taipei - National Parks - Native Culture - Temples - Hot Springs - Mountains and Beaches
When you say Taiwan, many people’s first thoughts are of cheap toys and cutting-edge electronics “Made in Taiwan” and maybe the island’s tumultuous relationship with its booming neighbour. But this tear-shaped drop in the Pacific Ocean, coined “La Ilha Formosa” (The Beautiful Island) offers untouched beaches, breathtaking gorges, picturesque peaks, serene lakes, tropical forests, aboriginal peoples, stunningly ornate temples, neon-clad cities and decaying Qing dynasty courtyard houses, all contained in an island only 250 miles long and less than 100 miles wide.
Free from the purges of the Cultural Revolution on the mainland, “the other China” has managed to keep its cultural legacy far more intact and accessible than its big brotherly neighbour – you’ll see offering tables laid out and ghost money being burnt on the street on auspicious days of the month, and maybe even witness noisy processions and festivals. In spite (and perhaps because) of their varied history, the Taiwanese remain warm, friendly, hospitable and keen to open the door to their island and culture.
Our Other China tour offers a diverse introduction to the manifold treasures that make up this tiny Pacific jewel, and whether relishing a hike in East Asia’s highest mountains, joining the locals for some morning tai ji, soaking away the stresses of life in a hot spring or just slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan will assault your senses and leaves you hungry for more!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Tapei
On Day 1 people will be arriving throughout the day. We’ll meet in the evening to get to know one another over dinner and have an introduction to the tour. The following day we take in some of the contrasting attractions of this modern city including Asia’s tallest building, the Taipei 101, the fabulous Chinese art on display at the National Palace Museum and the culinary curiosities to be found at a traditional nightmarket.
Day 3 | Sun Moon Lake
Today we take the high-speed rail to Taichung where we transfer by road for the journey up to Sun Moon Lake. Sun Moon Lake’s turquoise waters are surrounded by mountains, temples and pagodas and it is a great place to enjoy a relaxing boat trip.
Day 4 | Alishan
Alishan is a charming mountain village which is famed for its stunning sunrises, beautiful hiking trails, and its spring cherry blossom. Weather permitting we take an afternoon hike through the ancient forests.
Day 5 | Tainan
Today, we rise early to seek the “sea of clouds” and catch a glimpse of Taiwan's highest mountain, Yushan (Jade Mountain). After breakfast we’ll cross the Tropic of Cancer on our drive to Tainan, the island's oldest city which showcases Taiwan’s varied past through its lively temples, colonial remnants and traditional cuisine. Tainan is located at the heart of the south’s rice, banana, coconut and pineapple belt and its balmy heat lends the city a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 6 | Foguangshan
This morning we take a walking tour of the old city of Tainan, wandering narrow lanes to brightly colored temples. In the afternoon we drive to Foguangshan, the island’s largest Buddhist Monastery, recently voted by the Times Online as one of the world’s 50 most relaxing escapes! We’ll have the chance to fully explore the monastery’s beautiful grounds and then spend a surprisingly comfortable night learning about monastic life in Taiwan.
Days 7-8 | Kenting
Continuing our journey south we drive via the aboriginal region of Sandimen to Taiwan’s southernmost point, Kenting, deservedly famous for its fine beaches, national parks and nightmarket. Whilst in Kenting we'll take a hike through the national park where we'll try to spot local monkeys, birds and other wildlife, and we'll also have time to cycle, swim, snorkel or just to relax on the beach.
Day 9 | Zhiben
On Day 9 we drive across the mountainous interior of the island to Zhiben which was established as a hot spring resort by the Japanese. We'll take a hike through the lush national park and then have time to enjoy the hot springs – relax, rejuvenate, and soak away your aches and pains!
Day 10 | Green Island
After a short drive, today we take a boat out to Green Island. This volcanic island just off the east coast, once served as an exile for political prisoners, but these days is visited for its dramatic coastal scenery and the sublime pleasure of soaking in a saltwater hot spring on the seashore – one of only three places in the world you can do so.
Days 11-12 | Taroko Gorge
Today we continue north with a drive along the dramatic east coast to breathtaking Taroko Gorge which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. The following day we explore this incredible area by taking a gentle hike along a beautiful tributary gorge and then have the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beauty of this magnificent natural wonder.
Days 13-14 | Taipei
On Day 13 we make one last stunning drive, from Taroko north past the sheer beauty of the Cingshui Cliffs and then inland through the tea plantations of Pinglin and on to Taipei. On arrival we celebrate the end of our adventurous journey to this little visited part of the world with a delicious duck dinner. The tour ends after breakfast on Day 14.
NB. The itinerary is subject to change without notice in the case of extreme conditions (see Climate).
Facts and Information
Style
adventure travel
Grasshopper Leader
your tour leader on this trip will be Simon Foster. Simon has been living in Taiwan for seven years when not on regular guidebook writing work which takes him away on research trips throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
meet Simon
Inclusions
private transport, bullet train, tour leader, Sun Moon Lake boat cruise, Green Island ferry trip, some meals, all entry fees as per itinerary
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 12
Accommodation
12 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night comfortable monastery!
Meals Included
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
Difficulty
easy to moderate
Feedback and Reviews
"Terrific tour, amazing adventure, incredible island, wonderful weather, Asia's best kept secret, never to be forgotten!"
-
Geja, March 2010
"It was a diverse trip and gave a good impression of all the beauty and places of interest to see. I loved the Green Island scooter trip, the stay at the monastery was a lifetime event, and of course, the gorge"
- Els, March 2010
"Professional, knowledgeable (about Taiwan and "that other mainland China" to a professor's level) ... down to earth ... the main resource was Simon, the tour leader, and a price can't be put on that level of expertise - it was invaluable"
- Julie, March 2010
"We think Taiwan is one of the most under-rated tourist destinations in Asia. It's hard to understand why - it has some of the most captivating scenery anywhere, delicious cuisine, and a fascinating cultural mix."
- Jenny, February 2009