Western Taiwan 5 Days Tour

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area(阿里山森林遊樂園區)

boasts five unique attractions: the Forest Railway, Divine Trees, Sea of Clouds, Sunrise, and Cherry Blossoms. It is Taiwan's most renowned and beloved forest recreation area, a shimmering emerald gem on the Alishan mountain range radiating with dazzling brilliance. Depending on individual physical strength and preferences, you can choose a different route.

Route A: Zhaoping Train Station, Sisters Pond, Four Sisters, Happiness from Golden Pig, Eternal Love, Mulan Garden, Shouzheng Temple

Route B: Shouzheng Temple, Three Generations Tree, Alishan Museum, Xiang-lin Elementary School, Ci-yun Temple, Alishan Sacred Tree

Route C: Zhaoping Train Station, Skywalk, Alishan Ecology Exhibition Hall, Shuishan Trail

Sun Moon Lake(日月潭)

Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful mountain lake and the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, situated at an elevation of 748 meters and covering an area of 116 square kilometers. The beauty of Sun Moon Lake is a harmonious blend of mountains and water, like a picturesque landscape painting. The misty water and distinct layers of changing mountain scenery create a natural and poetic ambiance, earning it a reputation as one of Taiwan's Eight Scenic Spots. The Sun Moon Lake Round-the-Lake Road was selected by CNN's lifestyle travel website CNNGO as one of the world's top ten most beautiful bike paths. If you have enough time, you can also arrange to experience the approximately 400-meter-long "water biking trail" and enjoy cycling alongside the lake or even try a boat ride on the water.

Meals： Breakfast   Lunch  

Accommodation： Sun Moon Lake Standard Hotel

Ci En Pagoda(慈恩塔)

Completed in 1971, the "Ci En Pagoda" is a memorial to former President Chiang Kai-shek's mother. Known for her kindness, gratitude, and compassion, it was named "Ci En," which means "kindness and grace." Perched at an elevation of 954 meters on the mountaintop, the Ci En Pagoda stands tall at 46 meters, and its tip reaches 1000 meters exactly, facing south with precise orientation. This suggests that Chiang Kai-shek paid great attention to feng shui and even had some superstitions. The Ci En Pagoda not only serves as a prominent landmark of Sun Moon Lake but also offers the best vantage point to admire the stunning views. During sunset, the scenery becomes particularly enchanting. Only from this highest point of Sun Moon Lake can one truly understand why it was named "Sun Moon Lake." The panoramic view from the top allows visitors to experience a 360-degree surround of magnificent beauty. Additionally, you can personally ring the bell to wish for blessings for your loved ones, hoping that the resonating sound will bring abundant hope and lasting grace.

Wenwu Temple(文武廟)

During the Japanese colonial period, there were originally two temples by Sun Moon Lake, including the Longfeng Temple in Shuishe Village and the Yihua Hall in the former Bukji Village (now Riyuetan Village). Due to the construction of a hydroelectric power project by the Japanese, the water level of Sun Moon Lake rose, and both temples had to be relocated. The Taiwan Power Company acquired the assets of the temples, and with the funds received, they selected a new site and merged the two temples to construct a new one. In 1934, the Wenwu Temple was reconstructed at Songbolun on the northern bank of Sun Moon Lake and completed in 1938. In 1969, the Wenwu Temple underwent another reconstruction to become a magnificent and grand Chinese-style architecture of imposing scale. The temple consists of three main halls: the second floor of the front hall is dedicated to the Water and Cloud Palace, which houses the ancestral gods and the God of Culture; the middle hall is the Martial Saint Temple, which enshrines the God of War and the God of Martial Valor; the rear hall is the Great Accomplishment Hall, which worships Confucius and other deities, where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist. The Great Accomplishment Hall of Wenwu Temple is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that opens its central door. According to the temple, it was done for the convenience of tourists since Sun Moon Lake attracts many visitors. However, the bronze statues of Confucius and his two disciples, Mencius and Zisi, within the hall are the only sacred statues of Confucius in any Confucian temple in Taiwan. These three statues were originally enshrined in China and later made their way to the Kozanji Temple in Japan during the Boxer Rebellion at the end of the Qing Dynasty. After being reproduced, they were moved to Wenwu Temple. As for the statues of Yan Hui and Zeng Shen, they were later funded by their descendants and were placed beside Confucius, symbolizing their loyalty.

Nine Frogs Stacking Sculpture(九蛙疊像)

The Nine Frogs Stacking Sculpture is a unique sight at Sun Moon Lake, created by artist Shen Zhengying(沈政瑩). Unlike ordinary sculptures placed on the ground, this artwork is set in the lake water. The sculpture features nine frogs, with the largest at the bottom and the smallest at the top, arranged in a stack. Due to the fluctuating water levels of Sun Moon Lake, which are used for hydroelectric power generation, the frogs are sometimes exposed and other times submerged, creating a novel and fascinating experience for visitors. Some of the frogs have special shapes, making them particularly sought-after photo spots. The changing water levels result in different numbers of exposed frogs, offering a fresh experience with each visit.

Green Green Grassland (Qing Qing Grassland) at Cingjing Farm(清境農場-青青草原)

Cingjing Farm covers an area of 378 hectares and sits at an elevation between 1,700 and 2,100 meters. Apart from abundant harvests of peaches, apples, kiwifruit, and other fruits, it also boasts unique natural landscapes, offering different sceneries throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers in spring, escape the summer heat, admire autumn maple leaves, and appreciate snowy vistas in winter. With vast grasslands surrounded by mountains and flocks of sheep, the farm exudes a distinct New Zealand vibe. The park features numerous European-style buildings and is often enshrouded in drifting mist, adding to its exotic ambiance.

Meals： Breakfast   Dinner

Accommodation： Cingjing B&B

Feeling18(18度C巧克力工房)

Feeling18 Chocolate Factory originated from a father's love and commitment to his son, aiming to spread love and emotions worldwide through instantly melting chocolates. It started its journey online in 2006. The name "Feeling18" comes from the ideal temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, which perfectly showcases the flavor and quality of the chocolates, hence the name. In 2007, a physical store was opened in Puli. In 2009, they introduced Gelato18, an Italian-style handcrafted ice cream made with natural low-fat and low-sugar ingredients, offering delicious ice cream using only fresh fruits. The same year, they established "Wooden Wheel Eighteen," a cake shop that introduced Japanese techniques, combining Japanese flour with Taiwanese longan honey and patiently baking an impressive eighteen-layer wooden wheel cake.

Puli Brewery(埔里酒廠)

Located in Nantou County, the "Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation - Puli Brewery" has successfully developed various distinctive alcoholic products, such as Shaoxing rice cakes(紹興米糕), Shaoxing popsicles(紹興冰棒), and Shaoxing braised delicacies(紹興滷味), all available for viewing and purchase in the product sales area on the first floor of the brewery. The second floor showcases the brewery's history and displays a collection of alcoholic artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food outdoors. The brewery not only enriches travelers' knowledge but also provides a delightful place for recreation and indulgence in tasty food, making it an excellent destination for family outings.

Shen Ji New Village(審計新村)

Taichung Shen Ji New Village (Shen Ji 368 Creative Village) is a cultural and creative industry base that transformed long-abandoned government dormitories into a vibrant market filled with creative products, handcrafted coffee, unique cuisine, and various trendy items. It has become a must-visit spot for trendy and artistic photography during one-day trips to Taichung.

National Taichung Theater(台中國家歌劇院)

Located in Taichung's West District, the National Taichung Theater is designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito(伊東豊雄). Inspired by the concept of a "cave of singing voices," the theater features curved walls, openings, and tube-like structures, creating a new type of architecture without any pillars or 90-degree walls. The theater houses three internationally renowned professional performance venues: the Grand Theater, the Medium Theater, and the Small Theater, which cater to different types of performances. There is also a multi-functional space called "Corner Salon" for educational promotion, lectures, and other activities. The outdoor theater lawn and rooftop garden provide visitors with great relaxing places. The National Taichung Theater is a work of art, and its various theaters and rooftop garden offer unique characteristics, making it a perfect destination for a comprehensive artistic feast.

Fengjia Night Market(逢甲夜市)

also known as Fengjia Wen Hua Night Market(逢甲文華夜市) stretches from Fengjia University's side gate to Fuxing Road in Taichung. It mainly attracts young people in their twenties and thirties due to its proximity to the university and the city center. Unlike other night markets in Taichung, Fengjia Wen Hua Night Market is not only renowned for its food but also offers various types of shops that operate for longer hours. In recent years, the local government has redesigned the commercial district with improved road surfaces, street sceneries, and planned parking spaces to address parking issues. The revamped Fengjia Wen Hua Night Market has attracted more consumers, and the district is expanding, becoming one of the top choices for tourists and being considered one of the "Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Taichung" by the public.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： Taichung Standard Hotel

Miyahara Eye Hospital in Taichung(宮原眼科)

Located near Taichung Train Station along the Green River, this building made of red bricks is the former site of Miyahara Eye Hospital, which was purchased by the "Sunrise" cake team, famous for its pineapple cakes. The external red brick walls and old entrance archway of the eye hospital have been completely preserved, creating a nostalgic atmosphere with a red-brick wooden ceiling arcade. As you enter the shop, you'll find decor reminiscent of a vintage high-ceiling library, creating a magical space that blends old and new eras. In the center of the shop, there's an unusable ancient well, creatively transformed into a modern round glass donation box, showcasing the ingenuity of the design.

Taipei 101(台北101)

Taipei 101 is a supertall skyscraper in Taipei City's Xinyi District, Taiwan. It stands at a height of 509.2 meters with 101 above-ground floors and 5 underground levels. It was Taiwan's tallest building and the world's tallest from December 1, 2004, to January 7, 2010, until the Burj Khalifa surpassed it. As of 2023, it is the 11th tallest building in the world. Taipei 101 features a postmodern architectural style, incorporating modern structural elements like industrial materials while evoking traditional Asian aesthetics. The tower houses offices, restaurants, shops, an observation deck, and an outdoor viewing platform for public use. Notably, it boasts the world's second-largest and only open-to-the-public giant-tuned mass damper. Moreover, the building has high-speed elevators reaching up to 60 km/h. Taipei 101 received LEED EBOM Platinum certification in 2011, 2016, and 2021, making it the tallest and largest green building in the world.

Meals： Breakfast   

Accommodation： None