Taiwan Round-the-Island 11 Days: The Scenery, People, and Flavors Etched in My Heart
Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Taiwan round-the-island itinerary for 11 days. From Taipei night markets to Kenting beaches, experience the scenery, people, and flavors that make this island unforgettable.
Introduction: Why Taiwan Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Every traveler who grew up watching Taiwanese idol dramas carries a dream about this island treasure. In that dream, there are girls with voices as sweet as fruit, cool motorcycle-riding boys speeding by, and night market snacks that never run out. But the reality of a Taiwan round-the-island trip exceeds every expectation.
In the summer of 2018, after seeing favorite bloggers posting photos from Taiwan on social media, I finally made up my mind. Grabbing my friend Xiaoying, we embarked on this long-awaited 11-day Taiwan island tour—a journey that would etch the scenery, people, and flavors deep into our hearts.
Before leaving, we did our homework thoroughly: applied for the Taiwan Entry Permit and Exit Permit well in advance, chose a flight from Shanghai to Taipei (nearly half the cost of a direct flight from Nanjing), and allowed for duty-free shopping at the airport. We booked most accommodations through homestay platforms, preferring rentals without sharing space with hosts—close enough to experience local life, but without awkwardness. We exchanged cash beforehand and brought a UnionPay card with low overseas withdrawal fees. Convenience stores in Taiwan almost all have ATMs, making cash access easy.
Taiwan Round-the-Island 12-Day Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Shanghai layover, strolling along the Bund
- Day 2: Taipei | Elephant Mountain night view + Raohe Night Market
- Day 3: Taichung | Miyahara Eye Hospital + Tunghai University + Gaomei Wetlands + Fengjia Night Market
- Day 4: Kaohsiung | Pier-2 Art Center + Love River + Liuhe Night Market
- Day 5-6: Kenting | Houbihu + Baishawan + Eluanbi + Hengchun Night Market
- Day 7: Huadong Rift Valley day tour by shared van
- Day 8: Hualien | Food exploration day
- Day 9: Pingxi Line + Jiufen
- Day 10: Taipei | Din Tai Fung + Shilin Official Residence + National Palace Museum
- Day 11: Taipei | Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles + Tamsui + Ximending
- Day 12: Shopping day, reluctant return
First Impressions of Taipei: From Elephant Mountain to Raohe Night Market
Elephant Mountain Taipei: That Glimpse of Sunset Was Worth It
On our first day in Taipei, we headed straight for Elephant Mountain. Honestly, I hesitated before leaving—would climbing a mountain on the first day be too exhausting? But when I turned around on those steep steps and saw the sunset glow spreading over the Taipei Basin, with Taipei 101's lights just beginning to flicker on and the whole city unfolding gently in the twilight, all my fatigue melted away.
Elephant Mountain hiking tips: The steps are quite steep—definitely wear sneakers. We made it to the midway observation deck, snapped photos, and felt satisfied enough to head back down. At the foot of the mountain, we had a bowl of aiyu jelly—smooth and slippery like jelly—instantly washing away the heat from the climb.
Taipei in the evening feels like a different city. The sun goes home, leaving behind a trace of afterglow; the lights of Taipei 101 gradually illuminate, revealing another side of the city's charm.
Raohe Night Market: The Heart of Taiwanese Street Food
A taxi to Raohe Night Market cost just over 100 NT dollars. Elephant Mountain was so quiet you could hear nothing but the wind, but here, the lights were bright and the noise was lively.
Raohe Night Market must-try foods: - Ice-fire tangyuan – Hot glutinous rice balls drizzled with lemon honey, paired with lemon shaved ice. The contrast of hot and cold is unforgettable. - Duck blood and tofu stew – Carries a medicinal aroma - Pork rib soup – Faint herbal taste, pure Taiwanese night market flavor
Warning: The braised snack stall near the end of the market is overpriced and mediocre. Skip the boneless chicken feet entirely.
[Link: Best Taipei Night Markets Guide]
Taichung Taiwan: An Obsession to Chase a Sunset
Miyahara Eye Hospital Taichung: More Than Just an Eye Clinic
We took the TRA from Taipei Station to Taichung, with cotton-candy clouds accompanying us along the way. Our Taichung homestay was self-check-in—the photos didn't look impressive, but the actual place was clean, spacious, and in a great location. Amazing value for money.
Miyahara Eye Hospital was originally the eye clinic of Dr. Miyahara Takeo, later bought by a famous pineapple cake brand, which now sells food under the original name. The queue looked long but moved quickly. The ice cream flavors all had creative names, and the presentation was perfect. The complimentary grape flavor was the best of the bunch.
Tunghai University and Gaomei Wetlands: Sometimes Beauty Lies in Imperfection
We rushed to Tunghai University and saw the Luce Memorial Chapel—it looked especially solemn against the blue sky and white clouds. We wanted to explore the campus properly, but since we were in a hurry to catch the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands, we could only give it a quick glance.
We hired a car to take us to the wetlands, but we still missed the sunset. I was annoyed at first, but then I thought—maybe the weather wasn't great anyway. So we decided to enjoy the wetlands instead, playing around until we were the only two people left, reluctant to leave. We made a pact: next time, we'll catch that sunset.
Fengjia Night Market made up for the disappointment. The giant fried squid, cheap and satisfying takoyaki, refreshing mochi ice—every bite was pure joy. Unfortunately, Jiguang Fried Chicken had already closed, and even the popcorn chicken was sold out—we ended up with sweet potato fries and sausages.
[Link: Taichung Day Trip Itinerary]
Kaohsiung Travel: When a Hipster Meets a Downpour
Formosa Boulevard Station and Pier-2 Art Center
TRA bento boxes are seriously delicious! From Taichung to Kaohsiung, we couldn't stop marveling at them. Our Kaohsiung homestay was near Sanduo Shopping District—convenient for transport and surrounded by good food. But just as we arrived, the rain came pouring down, so we holed up in our room watching Meteor Garden, turning our half-day plan into a start at 3 PM.
The dome at Formosa Boulevard Station is indeed beautiful, though we missed the light show. Pier-2 Art Center is a must-visit for any artsy traveler—I regret not buying a Shiba Inu milk tea bag from Eslite. I got a rabbit egg-shaped capsule toy as a souvenir of this artsy trip.
Love River Kaohsiung and Liuhe Night Market: Beautiful Name, So-So Taste
We hopped on the light rail to Love River. With a name that lovely, who would have guessed it smelled so bad? Apparently it was even worse before. At night, Love River looked a bit like Hong Kong—though neither of us had actually been there.
Liuhe Night Market was the least impressive night market of the entire trip—I'd recommend skipping it. But I did have my first cup of 50 Lan there, my first serving of oyster omelet, and the sausage wrapped in sticky rice sausage was pretty good. Back near our homestay, we stumbled upon a Tainan-style danzai noodle shop. The sweet-and-rich flavor, paired with guava tossed in plum powder—nobody could resist it.
[Link: Kaohsiung vs Taipei: Which City to Visit]
Kenting National Park: Freedom in the Sea Breeze
Houbihu and Baishawan: I Know the Taste of the Sea
The Kenting homestay was my absolute favorite of the whole trip. The room was spacious and clean, and the little decorations on the table were apparently designed and polished by the owner himself. The host, River, looked like a tough guy but was incredibly warm—he prepared a map for us, marked all the good food spots, and even treated us to homemade coffee ice cream. The hostess, Nina, had fair skin and a sweet smile, and she was always the first to help whenever we ran into questions.
Kenting must-visit spots: - Houbihu – Perfect for snorkeling and seafood - Baishawan – White sand beaches ideal for swimming - Eluanbi – The southernmost point of Taiwan - Hengchun Night Market – Local flavors away from tourist crowds
The sea breeze in Kenting carries a sense of freedom that's hard to describe. Every moment felt like a postcard—the turquoise water, the dramatic coastline, the warm hospitality. This is the Taiwan you dream about.
[Link: Kenting National Park Travel Guide]
Taiwan Travel FAQ
Q1: What is the best time for a Taiwan round-the-island trip?
The best time for a Taiwan island tour is from October to April when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower. Summer (June-September) can be hot and humid with typhoon risks, but offers vibrant beach life in Kenting.
Q2: How many days do you need for a Taiwan round-the-island itinerary?
A comprehensive Taiwan round-the-island trip requires at least 10-12 days. Our 11-day itinerary covered Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Hualien, and Jiufen—allowing for a balanced mix of city exploration, nature, and relaxation.
Q3: What documents do I need for Taiwan travel?
Mainland Chinese travelers need a Taiwan Entry Permit and Exit Permit. International travelers from visa-exempt countries need a valid passport. Always check current requirements before booking.
Q4: Is it easy to get around Taiwan without a car?
Yes! Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system including high-speed rail (HSR), Taiwan Railway (TRA), metro systems in major cities, and buses. For remote areas like Kenting, rental cars or shared vans are recommended.
Q5: How much does a Taiwan round-the-island trip cost?
A mid-range 11-day Taiwan itinerary costs approximately $1,500-$2,500 USD per person including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. Budget travelers can reduce costs by using hostels and local eateries.
Conclusion: Your Taiwan Adventure Awaits
From the sunset glow over Taipei Basin to the sea breeze in Kenting, from the creative ice cream at Miyahara Eye Hospital to the bustling energy of Fengjia Night Market—every moment of this Taiwan round-the-island journey left an indelible mark on my heart.
The beauty of Taiwan isn't just in its landscapes—it's in the warmth of homestay hosts like River and Nina, the unexpected flavors of a Tainan-style noodle shop, and the shared laughter with a travel companion. It's in the imperfect moments, like missing the Gaomei sunset, that become the most memorable stories.
Ready to plan your own Taiwan adventure? Start with the essentials: apply for permits early, book flexible accommodation, and leave room for spontaneity. The island is waiting to etch its scenery, people, and flavors into your heart too.
[Link: Taiwan Travel Planning Checklist]
Have you taken a Taiwan round-the-island trip? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!
