Day1
Sun Moon Lake
Route: Taipei → Miaoli Old Mountain Line → Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple → Zhushiyuan Eco-Resort
• 8:30 AM – Depart from Taipei, It’s recommended to drive to Sanyi, Miaoli, which takes about 2 hours.
• 11:30 AM – Upon arrival, hop on the famous Old Mountain Line Railway Sightseeing Train to enjoy the century-old railway and picturesque mountain town scenery. It’s advised to book your train tickets in advance*.
• Afterward, enjoy a Hakka-style lunch on Sanyi Old Street—try local delicacies like flat rice noodles (bantiao) and stir-fried intestines with ginger.
• 2:00 PM – Depart for Wenwu Temple at Sun Moon Lake, a 2-hour drive.
Explore this majestic temple built in Northern Chinese palace style, overlooking the lake—an iconic photo spot.
• 5:00 PM – Check in to Zhushiyuan Eco-Resort, a peaceful hotel surrounded by lush mountains. You can dine at the hotel or explore local eateries in the Shuishe Commercial District. After dinner, take a relaxing walk nearby to enjoy the tranquility of Sun Moon Lake at night.
Day 2
Scenic Getaway
Route: Ci’en Pagoda → Lake Cruise → Cycling → Shuili Snake Kiln → Gaomei Wetlands (Optional) → Beacon Hotel
• 9:00 AM - Depart for Ci’en Pagoda, located on a hillside south of Sun Moon Lake. Built by Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, this scenic pagoda offers panoramic views of the lake and is a classic photo location.
• 10:00 - Head to Ita Thao Pier for a Sun Moon Lake cruise, stopping at sites like Xuanguang Temple and Lalu Island. The cruise takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour.
After returning, rent a bike near the pier and enjoy the Sun Moon Lake Cycling Trail, which winds along the lakeshore and is ranked among the world’s top ten most scenic bike paths. Cycling takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
For lunch, enjoy aboriginal specialties at Ita Thao Old Street—try dishes like wild boar, bamboo rice, and mountain pepper chicken soup.
• 1:30 - Head to Shuili Snake Kiln, a century-old ceramic kiln. You can join a cultural tour or participate in DIY pottery workshops.
After the visit, continue to Taichung Beacon Hotel near Fengjia Night Market for check-in. After a short rest, those with energy can optionally head to the Gaomei Wetlands along the Taichung coastline. Arrive around sunset to walk the boardwalk and capture beautiful reflections across the tidal flats—this is one of Taiwan’s most beloved photography spots.
• Return to the hotel afterward for free time, and spend the evening enjoying local street food at Fengjia Night Market.
Day 3
Relaxing Stroll
Route: Beacon Hotel → Mingyuan Garden Art Museum → Xiangtian Elementary School Tree Trail → Lukang Old Street → Return to Taipei
• Depart for the Mingyuan Garden Art Museum in Changhua. The museum features a Japanese-style garden with rare trees like black pines, buddhist pines, and unique stone carvings—each detail is thoughtfully designed. The tranquil atmosphere and seasonal beauty make it a must-see for garden and sculpture lovers.
• Afterward, visit Lukang Old Street, where you’ll experience the charm of a traditional Taiwanese historic town. Explore ancient architecture, browse local handicrafts, and sample traditional snacks like dragon beard candy, ox-tongue biscuits, and crispy shrimp puffs.
• 6:30 PM, Depart back to Taipei, with an estimated arrival before 9:00 PM, concluding this rich and memorable 3-day trip.