Taiwan – Gardens, History, Culture & Food 2025
Taiwan – Gardens, History, Culture & Food
March 22nd – April 1st, 2025
Taipei – Tainan – Kaohsiung – Taipei
Back in 2019 I had this tour fully booked and ready to go…then we had covid in 2020 and that changed the world. I am thrilled to let you know that this tour is not only up again but I have added lots of new things to it to give you a taste of how truly wonderful Taiwan is. It is a small group tour and will not be repeated so don’t miss it! I truly am looking forward to visiting again!
Taiwan, an island also known as Isla Formosa, is a travel destination that is still so underrated. Like many other travel destinations, Taiwan has a lot to offer the world, starting from its nature to its people. This ‘Beautiful Island’ is a laid back, sub-tropical island full of history, wonderful people and landscapes of such beauty, you will be amazed. This tour will just touch the surface of so many experiences you will enjoy, leaving you happy that you came…. With its unique blend of Chinese culture threaded with Japanese and American influence, you’re guaranteed to be surprised and delighted at every turn.
Taiwan has amazing food. The Taiwanese love to eat, and they especially love to eat out, so there are restaurants, snack stalls, and food markets everywhere. Taiwanese cuisine is a rich mixture of different regional mainland Chinese, indigenous aboriginal, and Japanese cuisines with just a touch of European influence.
The most important thing about Taiwan is that you do not need a Visa to visit. I have been to Taiwan a few times now and can truthfully say that it is very different from China…it has a very distinctive Japanese vibe to it because of their influence here for 50 years. It is a country with really nice happy people and I expect it is because the country is so green and naturally landscaped. It truly is…a country of contrasts, shrines as thick as convenience stores and adorned with floral motifs, colour every where you look and to soften the effect, green from little home gardens to the trees and tea farms…Spring is a beautiful time to visit as there will be cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, hydrangeas, azaleas, camellias and many others in bloom. Hopefully with later blooming times in Taiwan we can expect to see Sakuras blossom as they did this year.
Taipei boasts vibrant neighborhoods and a friendly vibe, even for non-Chinese-speaking visitors….and they love tourists. You will appreciate the efficient and inexpensive public transportation, great walking trails in the mountains surrounding the city, a plethora of art and history museums and a wonderful culinary scene. Shopkeepers, restaurant and hotel workers, and public transportation officials all show respect to both residents and visitors.
Tainan, a city located in the southwest coast of Taiwan, is one of the most historical cities in Taiwan. From 1683 to 1883, during the Qing (Ching) dynasty, Tainan was the capital city of the island nation before it moved to Taipei. Nowadays, the city is mainly known for its old alleys, museums, and temples, making it one of the go-to historical cities in Taiwan. Tainan is the perfect city for a traveler who is looking for history in Taiwan. The city is replete with historical sights, from Dutch Forts and centuries-old temples to Japanese-era Hayashi Department Store (1932) – with the only remaining old style dial type floor indicator and Shinto Shrine (1933) on the roof. As if that weren’t enough, Tainan is also widely considered the culinary capital of Taiwan, with some of the best street eats to find in Taiwan.
Kaohsiung, the largest city and port in Southern Taiwan, has been called the “street art capital of Taiwan.” The city government not only permits but encourages street art in particular areas. Reflections of Kaohsiung’s history and tradition can be seen on murals, cheeky paintings on dustbins, and even the characteristic Taiwanese love for cute cartoon characters. So whip out your camera and strike a pose while appreciating the vibrancy and spirit of Kaohsiung’s very own art scene.
Things to try…
The red bean cake is a popular delicacy in Taiwan and was brought over by the Japanese. Originally, this cake is made from a mixture similar to a waffle mix and filled with red beans. However, some vendors modify their cakes and fill them with chocolate, vanilla cream, ice cream, etc. Different from other sweets and cakes in general, the red bean cake is best enjoyed when it’s warm.
Ice cream that is very famous among Taiwanese is not your typical ice cream; it is shaved ice -cream. Shaved ice – cream has quite the reputation in Taiwan, the best places to get a taste would be in the southern cities such as Kaohsiung… I had mango shaved ice – cream with big pieces of fresh mango and condensed milk…also fantastic to try is Bubble Tea, also called pearl milk tea or boba milk tea.. Invented in the 80’s in Taichung and there is even a shop in my local mall here in Panama now! Oatmeal milk tea, fruit tea, green tea, mango…what ever you like, or perhaps even have it replaced with coffee… https://www.klook.com/blog/
You might be brave and try the stinky tofu, I tried the deep fried…not bad once you get past the smell of it. Stinky tofu is probably one of the most famous delicacies in Taiwan. It is basically tofu that has been fermented long enough that it produces a certain odor.
And don’t forget the tea!
The best Taiwanese teas are like fine wines – smooth, complex, and flavourful with varied aromas and flavour profiles. Taiwanese tea can be sweet, roasted, floral, nutty, or grassy. They can have notes of honey, fruit, or cream. They can be fresh, light and refreshing or deep, robust, and grounding. Tea is also very easy to find in Taiwan. The Taiwanese love iced tea, and although some are better than others, there are ice tea shops on almost every corner.
Many Taiwanese teas have been transplanted from China, but with a new terroir, they take on new characteristics, and some varieties have been developed only in Taiwan. Typically, they are named after the place where they are grown, for example, Alishan High Mountain tea comes from the area around Ali Mountain, but in some cases when seedlings from the original place are grown elsewhere they may still be given that name…. there are many to choose from.
As to coffee, I have heard that Taiwan buys all of the Geisha Coffee that Panama produces every year…and of note, it is likely one of the most expensive coffees in the world now.
And the famous pineapple cake…you will love this if you like shortbread as the wonderful not too sweet pineapple filling is surrounded by such a lovely shortbread like pastry…we will be making a stop on our last day in Taipei so that we can pick some up to take home at the most famous place where all Taiwanese go to get them for themselves and as gifts. Last time there we stood in a line waiting to get ours and one of the fellows I was with bought 48 boxes to take home to the U.S. for his special friends….
Please click on each day to bring up the itinerary for that day
Saturday, March 22nd, 2023 Day of Arrival into Taipei
Arrive into Taipei and meet your driver who will escort you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at leisure until the tour begins tomorrow.
Your hotel in Taipei is the Cozzi Hotel. Comfort Room
Full of elegant and luxurious touches. Enormous premium King Size beds and linens, extra-thick privacy curtains – including triple laminated windows – will ensure you sleep soundly and peacefully. Smart TV, walk in shower, TOTO Washlet, hairdryer, safe, complimentary wifi and other goodies. The hotel also has a roof bar for food and drink.
**If you wish the Comfort Suite I can let you know the cost to upgrade. For those sharing a twin bedded room this will offer you more space.
https://hotelcozzi.com/en/
***Please Note that Check in is normally from 3 pm on. If you are arriving on a very early flight you might want to consider booking a pre tour night.
Rest, get settled and we will all meet tomorrow for the start of our tour.
Sunday, March 23rd, Taipei Botanical Garden, Jianguo Flower Market and Lungshan Temple
After a buffet breakfast in The Lounge Featuring famous southern Taiwan dishes alongside Western and Asian staples…we meet our guide and are off for our first day!
The Taipei Botanical Garden was first built as a nursery (Taipei Nursery) in 1896 during the Japanese colonial period. It was later expanded and renamed Taipei Botanical Garden in 1921 and became the first botanical garden in Taiwan. The Garden occupies 8.2 hectares which contains the gardens of Gymnosperms, Ferns, Taxonomic Garden, Ethno-plants, Aquatic plants, Lotus pond, Taiwan Indigenous Plant Display Area and other theme exhibition sites with a collection of more than 2,000 plant species. It has become one of the most important institutes for research and educational resources for plants in Taiwan. Taipei Botanical Garden also happens to be an unearthed cultural relic of the old Taipei Lake. Around 4,500 years ago, the lake became habitable land, and human activities started to take place in the area. The abundant cultural remnants left behind makes the botanical garden an important archeological site in Taiwan. It is a quiet peaceful garden in the middle of Taipei, ideal for a stroll while looking at the many different plants. Many places to sit with lots of shade. Signs and information boards around the park are both in English and Chinese characters. A Japanese house and garden that had been recreated had many of the design features found in traditional Japanese houses and a lovely little raked stone garden at the back. In addition, there are two historic monuments in the garden – the Herbarium and Museum of Imperial Envoy Lodging (formerly known as the Guest House of Imperial Envoys). The Herbarium was built in 1924 and was the first herbarium in Taiwan. The worldwide plant specimens collection dated back from the last century along with abundant living plants makes the garden a precious place in Taiwan. The Guest House of Imperial Envoys was built in 1888 at the location of the Taipei Zhongshan Hall. It was relocated to the current site in 1933 and renamed Bu-Cheng-Shih-Sz Museum.
https://tpbg.tfri.gov.tw/en/Introduction.php
One of Taipei’s largest outdoor flower markets, stretching a full city block between Ren’Ai and Xinyi Roads, the Jianguo Holiday Flower market sells anything and everything related to flowers and gardening. The market is especially well known as a place where merchants and growers can directly exhibit their goods to consumers, offering a massive variety of goods at over 200 stalls. Located in a repurposed parking garage, the market is shielded from adverse weather while still keeping an open-air atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
Lungshan Temple tops every list of best temples in Taipei, and for good reason. Dating to 1738, it is one of the oldest temples in the city and probably the most well-known in all of Taiwan. It’s also a great place to familiarise yourself with Chinese folk belief, which is a polytheistic religion that honours a collection of different gods, deities, spirits and ghosts, each with their own ‘field of expertise’. This centuries-old structure is impressive not just because of its appearance but also due to the fact that it has survived bombings, earthquakes, typhoons and fires. During WWII, it was bombed to pieces by Allied forces and subsequently rebuilt and maintained by the local community. The decoration throughout is both intricate and beautiful, and it’s a wonderfully peaceful haven. . The doors, beams, and poles are beautifully decorated. There is a pair of bronze dragon poles in the front hall, four pairs of dragon poles in the middle hall. The sculptures are delicate. There are also exquisite wood sculptures. Among them, the well and Buddha setting in the main hall are highly appreciated. The temple has many Chinese poems, verses and lyrics on signs. These add a touch of literature in addition to the religious and sightseeing value. (lungshan.org.tw)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Monday, March 24th, CKS Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 Observation Deck, Agora Garden, Dihua Street, In Blooom
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall was built to celebrate the long-serving first president of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. Construction on the hall started in 1976, a year after President Chiang passed away. Designed by C.C. Yang, Master of Chinese Classical Architecture, this historic landmark was opened in 1980. Originally intended as a memorial, it has become so much more in the decades since. The octagon-shaped white building rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of the Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The two sets of 89 steps represent Chiang’s age of death and lead up to main hall housing a large bronze statue of Chiang protected by military personnel which change hourly. Besides the main hall, the large complex includes the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, National Concert Hall and the National Theater. https://www.cksmh.gov.tw/en/
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of ‘world’s tallest building’ for a number of years. Until 2011 it held the title of the world’s tallest green building. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors (382 m) with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don’t miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes. There is even a small secret garden there…For those into Starbucks, the highest Starbucks in Taiwan is in this building on the 35th floor.
https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory
Our lunch today will be very special as it is at Din Tai Fung at Taipel 101, known for their specialty – Taiwanese soup dumplings. One of the most iconic symbols of eating at Din Tai Fung anywhere you are in the world is the small army of dumpling makers who look like medical researchers in white, hand making these tiny bites of deliciousness. I can hardly wait to eat them again! https://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/
The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower, also known as Agora Garden, is indeed a remarkable example of sustainable architecture located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, Taiwan. Designed by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut, the tower is a residential high-rise that stands at 93.2 meters tall with 21 floors above ground and four basement levels. The design of the building is inspired by the structure of DNA, resembling a double helix that rotates 90 degrees from top to bottom. Each floor is slightly rotated by 4.5 degrees from the one below it, creating a unique twisting shape. This not only provides a distinctive aesthetic but also allows for cascading gardens and panoramic views of the Taipei skyline for the residents. The tower is covered with approximately 20,000 trees and shrubs, which contribute to reducing Taipei’s carbon footprint by absorbing around 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It has been awarded a LEED Gold energy label and a Diamond level by the Low Carbon Building Alliance for its environmental efforts. As Asian cities battle air pollution, eco-friendly solutions are on the rise……and just in case you didn’t know Vincent Callebaut is also one of the architects who has also submitted a new roof design for Notre Dame….he is definitely passionate and forward thinking. Photo Stop only.
https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/09/notre-dame-roof-vincent-callebaut-energy-food-farm/
https://www.tao-zhu.com.tw/index-en.html
Cutting through Datong District is one of Taipei’s historic and gorgeous neighborhoods. Dihua Street offers visitors a glimpse of mid-19th century Taipei as well as the city’s thriving artistic side. Running between Nanjing West Road and Minquan West Road, the street is known as being the heart of Dadaocheng, the oldest still-surviving neighborhood in Taipei, and also for its traditional medicinal tea, sundries, fabric and tailor shops. But there is still more to explore along Dihua Street with its historic architecture, art galleries and contemporary craft shops. Pay special attention to the buildings and you can even spot some great examples of Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial architecture, which are pretty uncommon. Traditional Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes can be seen alongside Baroque revival and modernist styles favored by wealthy Japanese at the time of the Japanese colonial occupation. What truly makes Dihua street special is that many of these 100+ year-old businesses are still in operation, while cute modern cafés, craft shops and clothing boutiques make practical use of gorgeously restored ancient edifices. The area’s unique museums, intriguing temples, and traditional eats are the finishing touches on this quintessential Taipei experience.
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002090&id=418
In Blooom – A quick stop to a shop that is run by women, all into the environment, teaching others to not use disposable items, to consciously reduce the amount of garbage produced by oneself and to cherish energy, save water and electricity. The designs they create in fabrics and other products inspire environmental thinking. A super hip fabric art shop. “The store was founded by three women, and of course there was tons of discussion about what we should do with the space. The three O’s are meant to represent three mouths talking.”
https://www.inblooom.com/ and https://www.inblooom.com/brand/https://taiwan-scene.com/2018/02/22/taiwan-culture-blooms-at-inblooom-taipeis-hippest-fabric-art-shop/
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Tuesday, March 25th, Pinglin Tea Museum and Old Street, Thousand Island Lake, Jiufen Old Village
Tea is both life and culture…
Learn about the development of Taiwanese tea at Pinglin Tea Museum located in the Thousand Island Lake area.. The picking of the “spring tea” starts around the end of March. The Pinglin Tea Museum, established in 1986, is located on the bank of Beishi Creek in Pinglin District, covering an area ofnearly 3 hectares. It is a courtyard building in the Anxi style of southern Fujian. It combines the beauty of the graceful and deep Jiangnan gardens with contemporary architecture. The museum contains an exhibition hall, experience hall, tea art classroom and other spaces.
The entire street of “Pinglin Old Street” is about 200m long, with “Bao Ping Temple” at the center, which is the key belief for the locals. There are papier-mache stores, tofu snack stands and and tea houses along the street, including the famous “Pinglin Pouchong Tea” in Taiwan. Stores on the old street are combined with Pinglin local tea culture, such that they used Pouchong Tea to make various creative snack foods, including tea rice cakes, steamed tea buns, tea nougats and tea oil vermicelli, etc. Moreover, Pinglin’s tofu is also famous, which is made with local mountain spring water, offering the sweet and delicious tofu dishes. When coming to Pinglin Old Street, one must come to taste the tea dishes and tofu. the most special part is that the old street is filled with strong tea aroma, attracting many barn swallows to stop for a smell, and swallow nests can be seen in almost all of the surrounding residences, even exceeding the local population, thereby becoming the genuine “Barn Swallow City”.
We will then visit Jiufen Old Village in Pingxi…where you will enjoy a glimpse of Taiwan in the olden days. Tourists are attracted by the retro buildings and unique landscape of sloping fields in this mountain city. It is full of memories to photograph and also full of delicious snacks that the locals love and shops to wander including some delightful old teahouses with iconic red lanterns. Also here is a special shop that sells filtered coffee and apparently it is very very good. Another thing to try are the taro balls, It is a very different area compared to modern Taipei. Founded during the Qing Dynasty, this small town was a relatively isolated village until the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893, quickly developing the town due to the gold rush. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence on both architecture and culture on the island. With an unmatched old town atmosphere and seaside flair, Jiufen is a must see spot when visiting northern Taiwan. No matter which way you choose to enjoy it, you’ll be sure to come away from Jiufen with some of the most memorable photos of your trip to Taiwan.
Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own
Want something to do this evening? One of Taipei’s oldest temples dedicated to the goddess of the seas. Impressive in size and covered in opulent decoration – complete with an elaborate roof covered in immortals and dragons – be sure to explore all six levels to truly appreciate the Ciyou temple’s beauty! Perfectly paired with an evening trip to the Rahoe Street night markets, which begins right outside the front entrance. Come nightfall watch as 600 meters of delicious Taiwanese snacks, drinks, and full-blown restaurants materialize, and it seems almost everyone in Taipei – local or otherwise – come out to savor the smells and flavors!
Wednesday, March 26th, Chiang Lai-Shek Residence, Lin An Tai House, Yangmingshan National Park Flower Clock
The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling, the Shilin Official Residence is a designated historical site open to the public as a museum celebrating their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth of Taiwan in the modern era. Besides the main residence, other buildings within the compound include the guesthouse, Victory Chapel, Ciyun Pavilion, and numerous gardens. The garden is full of wisteria, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and roses favored by the couple. Flowers bloom according to season and make for a stunning view throughout much of the year. Victory Chapel was completed in 1949, and was used as the place of worship (they were both devout Christians). Besides the President and first lady, General Chang Hsueh-liang, General Ho Ying-chin (and their wives), as well as United States Presidents Eisenhower and (then VP) Nixon attended services at this chapel. On display is Soong Mei-ling’s large clothing and accessory collection (she was very highly regarded politically, American-educated, and well known for her strengths in soft diplomacy, and also comparable in fashion sense to American first lady Jackie O), including various western-influenced pieces and also Chinese-influenced pieces such as qipao and access to her painting room (Madame Chiang’s Studio) where President Chiang often composed poetry to accompany her paintings.
Take a Stroll at Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence – Taipei Travel Geek
One of the oldest and few traditional houses preserved in Northern Taiwan. A brilliant example of early architecture, in particular famous for its delicate carvings. Now serving as a museum, take a stroll through its rooms and many courtyards, enjoy the view across the lake from the pagodas and allow yourself to be transported back in time. In the 19th Year of Qianlong Period in Qing Dynasty (in 1754), Lin Chin-Ming (also known as Lin, Yao-Kung), a native from Anxi County of Fujian Province, had led his families to sail across the strait to Taiwan…..https://english.linantai.taipei/
The garden landscape of Lin An Tai Ancient House Folk Cultural Relics Museum is composed of architecture, water features, artificial mountains, flowers and trees, which reflects the nature and life views of ancient Chinese in many aspects, shrinking nature, rocks, water and springs, and the wild scenery of Baodao Island. It is the best space for people to enjoy the garden, which can experience the joy of life of those who lived long ago.
Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum-Architecture-An Introduction to the Courtyard
Yangming Park is one of the first stops that visitors often make while exploring Yangmingshan. The park contains a Chinese-style garden with elegant buildings, pavilions kiosks, streams, fountains and ponds for visitors to relax and enjoy the cooler climate. Some unique flora within and around the park include cherry blossoms, azaleas, camellias, peach blossoms, thorn apples, and plum blossoms, changing with the seasons. From December through April, the landscape is adorned with native cherry, plum, camellia, peach, and azaleas, and this time period is known as the flower festival. The Flower Clock is a large garden artwork nearby the western entrance to the park. A symbol of Yangmingshan National Park, the Xinhai-Guangfu Building is cozily nestled in thick woods. This sumptuously decorated, two-story Chinoiserie structure was completed in 1971 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. Located at the geological center of Yangmingshan National Park, this building offers a spectacular view of the Taipei Basin in the distance. A pond in front of the building, observable from the second-floor veranda, is a children’s favorite as they are allowed to feed the varicolored carp in it. Adding quaint and solemnly elegant appeal to Gaungfu Building are exquisite carvings, paintings and numerous other typical Chinese architectural details that subtly make references to literature classics. When the flowers are in full bloom, the building becomes an island in a sea of cherry blossom petals. So just indulge yourself in this phenomenon by lingering around the circuitous corridors while appreciating the interplay between blossoms and the elusive mountain mist.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Thursday, March 27th, National Palace Museum, Taipei Collectible Botanical Garden, Rose Garden
This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth – perhaps the world’s most comprehensive synthesis of 8,000 years of Chinese history – has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. The National Palace Museum (NPM) houses a magnificent collection of precious Chinese artifacts and serves the role of protecting human and art histories. Were it not for Chiang Kai-Shek – who shipped these artefacts in crates to Taiwan – hundreds of thousands of porcelain vases, jade carvings and irreplaceable artworks would have been lost. The NPM’s artifact collection comprises items inherited from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing courts. When the construction of the Museum in Waishuanxi, Taipei, was completed in August 1965, President Chiang Kai-shek inscribed the name of the museum as “Chung-shan Po-wu-yuan” on a tablet above the door in honor of the nation’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The Museum was officially inaugurated on November 12 of that year. The construction of the Zhishan Garden, which lies to the left of the Museum, began in 1984. A fine example of traditional Chinese landscaping, the garden’s picturesque pavilions and terraces, small bridges, ponds and winding paths offer a relaxing atmosphere. The beams and pillars of the pavilions are carved with couplets in elegant calligraphy that uplift the spirit. The land on the right side of the Museum grounds was turned into the Zhide Garden with winding bridges over ponds and small pavilions. https://www.npm.gov.tw/
Taipei Collectible Botanical Garden’s exhibition areas include Taiwan native plant area with the most local features, tropical/subtropical plant area with tropical island style, orchids and fern display area with hundreds of flowers blossoming, succulent area with exotic shapes, temperate plant area with visual and olfactory enjoyments, and alpine plant area where the plants represents perseverance in Chinese culture. Furthermore, in the temperate plant area, there is an exhibition of begonia varieties provided by Professor Peng Jingyi of Academia Sinica. With almost 500 species of plants displayed, the exhibition offers one of the most dazzling experiences, showing an incredible diversity of plants.
https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/2010
Known as the largest rose showcase in Taiwan, the Taipei Rose Festival is currently being held in Xinsheng Park until the end of the month. There are over 800 varieties of roses in full bloom in the garden’s five display zones. One of the rarely seen species being showcased is Princess Midori, a species from Japan known for its striking green hue. We expect the same timing for the tour.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5110134
Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own
LAST night at hotel, please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight.
Friday, March 28th, HSR to Tainan, Anping Tree House and Fort, Chihkanlou and Walk around…..old street
Taipei– Tainan – HSR to the oldest city in Taiwan
Natural and man made wonders join forces in Anping Treehouse, which is located in an old trading hub. When the warehouse closed in the 1940’s, a huge Banyan tree literally swallowed it, making it look like a place you only see in fairy tales. You can explore the site on foot, and you will surely be astounded by how the tree managed to grow. There’s also a skywalk, which will give you a bird’s-eye view of the treehouse. It’s the perfect opportunity to take photos. Behind it is an ecological pond. https://www.twtainan.net/en/attractions/detail/4486
When anyone in Taiwan mentions Tainan, the image of the famous fort at Anping always comes to mind. Anping Old Fort is one of the most historical forts in Taiwan – the fort was built by the Dutch from 1624 to 1634 and was originally named Fort Zeelandia, but was later renamed as Anping Old Fort in 1662. It may not be the defensive bastion that it once was, but this building is a symbol of Taiwan’s storied past, having been one of the most important stops on the local trade routes. Nowadays Anping Old Fort functions as a museum where travelers can learn a little more about Taiwan’s history. Around the fort is Anping Old Street, a historical street where handmade products and food are sold.
https://www.twtainan.net/en/attractions/detail/4493
Did you know? Tainan is famous for the unusual but aptly named coffin bread. It’s been on the menu since around the 1940s and is more or less exactly how you imagine… Hollowed out husks of bread are filled with a variety of fillings ranging from soup to seafood and everything in between.
Chihkanlou was built in 1653 by the Dutch, and served as their administration center until 1662. Fort Provintia (meaning eternity) was the original name, but after the Dutch colonial period, it was changed to Chihkan to honor the aboriginal village that originally stood there. Outside, you will see statues depicting the surrender of the Dutch to Koxinga, a commander of the Ming Dynasty. Inside, there are relics dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The tower’s brilliant mix of Dutch and Chinese architectural styles is enough to make your visit memorable. In front of Chikanlou there are nine sets of stone turtles carrying plates. Legend has it….
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002119&id=471
Did you know? Danzai noodle’s greatest honor as the treasure of Tainan has been it’s inclusion at state banquets and international flight meals. Many different noodle shops serve Danzai noodles, but each has its own secret recipe, the broth, the rich yet refreshing minced pork, and even the cooking methods might be different. Du Hsiao Yueh, now a century old brand, has expanded way beyond its original stall. In addition to visiting the original location in Tainan, be sure to look for Du Hsiao Yueh’s Danzai noodle when wandering through Taipei’s historic Dihua Street!
After lunch we will do a little walk around to visit Japanese-era Hayashi Department Store (1932) – with the only remaining old style dial type floor indicator and Shinto Shrine (1933) on the roof, Tainan Park, Shennong Street – considered one of the most preserved historical streets in Tainan. Today, it holds many boutiques, cafes, art, and other food and beverage establishments.
Hotel : The Place Hotel , Tainan (4*) – Treat Room or similar for 1 night
Located off An Ping Chenghuan Temple, the property is set near Chihkan Tower, a fortress, a tower and a museum are just a short stroll away. Your Double or twin sharing room includes hairdryer, t.v, and other goodies. There is a coffee shop and gift shop in lobby. Free wifi. Located in downtown Tainan, the east district, The Place Tainan shares the same complex with the T.S. Mall, a new must-go of Tainan
https://www.hotelroyal.com.tw/en-us/tainan
…please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Saturday, March 29th, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Monastery, Dome of Light, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Sizihwan Bay Sunset View
Tainan – Kaohsiung – “street art capital of Taiwan”
The famous Fo Guang Shan Buddha Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is quite the complex and likely you have never seen anything like it before. This is a perfect site for travelers to learn and experience Buddhist culture while enjoying beautiful landscapes and architecture. Built in 1967, Fo Guang Shan is the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan and was founded by Hsing Yun, a Chinese Buddhist monk. Fo Guang Shan covers an area of more than 30 hectares. Apart from the monastery, there is also the Buddha Memorial Center and eight pagodas. The most famous icon of the Buddha Memorial Center is the gigantic Buddha Statue with the height of around 108 meters (354.3 feet). https://www.fgs.org.tw/en/Organizations/OneDayLife
https://www.fgsbmc.org.tw/en/index.aspx
Inside the MRT station on Formosa Boulevard in Kaohsiung is a breathtaking ceiling made of stained glass that makes the daily commute feel like a trip to Paris’s prized chapels. Designed by an Italian artist, its 4500 panels are divided into four colours which symbolise the co-existence of the world’s first elements: water, earth, fire and light. Called the ‘Dome of Light’ created by Narcissus Quagliata. It is 30 metres in diameter and covers an area of 2,180 square metres and is the largest illuminated art-glass dome in the world, taking four years to complete. The lead glass panes were created and assembled according to a full-scale blueprint created by Quagliata in Germany to produce a creative new departure from this millennia old art form. Quagliata is perhaps the artist most responsible for the use of fused glass as an art form in large installations. Born in Rome in 1942, Quagliata has been working with glass for over 40 years. His work has been shown in New York’s Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery among others.. We will make a photo stop here so you can photograph the beauty of this masterpiece….meet the creator here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0HWdZBTbQU
Established in 1951, Lotus Pond is well known for its many lotus plants and temples, including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Confucian Temple. The dragon’s throat is the entrance and the tiger’s mouth is the exit. Entering a dragon’s throat and coming out a tiger’s mouth symbolizes turning bad luck to good fortune. Inside, paintings depict China’s 24 most obedient sons as well as scenes of heaven and hell to inspire people to do good deeds during their lifetime, and to provide threatening examples of retribution for wrongdoing.
Visiting The Dragon Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔) – Shaozhi On The Net
We will stop at the Former British Consulate at Shiziwan Bay for sunset view…
Sitting 70 meters (229 feet) above the Kaohsiung Port and Sizihwan and facing two spectacular views is the historical building of the British Consulate at Takao. This building was built on the peak of Shaochuantou and towers above the view of Sizihwan and the Kaohsiung Port. The British Consulate was built after the Treaty of Peking which took place in 1860 and enforced the local government to open ports for foreign trade at several cities including Takao, the city now known as Kaohsiung. In 1867, this building was granted to Britain as their consulate. However, in 1909, the Japanese government took over all foreign consulates in Taiwan and converted this particular building into an ocean observatory in 1931. Since then, the building has experienced a few major destructions, including a bombing in World War II and a typhoon in 1977. It is now the most antique western building preserved in Taiwan. It was designed by a British engineer and built by Chinese craftsmen, and it is the most meaningful ancient building of Chinese modern history with graceful and elegant proportion.
Equally Gorgeous Sunset at the Former British Consulate, Kaohsiung (wordpress.com)
Hotel : Howard Plaza Hotel , Kaohsiung (4*) – Deluxe Room or similar for 1 night
Free wifi, hair dryer, tv.
Howard Hotel (howard-hotels.com.tw)
…please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Sunday, March 30th, Back to Taipei on HSR Train with Bento, ChiaTe Bakery, Afternoon Tea at Historic Grand Hotel
Kaohsiung – TaipeiThis morning we head back to Taipei on their High Speed Rail. This is a fantastic way to travel as you will discover. It will take us just 90 minutes to make this journey at speeds of up to 300 kph and a very comfortable and very clean ride PLUS you get to enjoy Bento. … I had it on another trip and it was so good….
Our last stop on the tour is to ChiaTe Bakery to pick up pineapple cakes to take home…this is the premier pineapple cake bakery and where the locals buy…the buttery pastry wraps around the tropical, sweet filing, making a melt-in-the mouth delight. They were traditionally eaten for ceremonies like weddings and engagement parties because ‘pineapple’ in Taiwanese Hokkien sounds similar to the phrase ‘to come forth, prosperous and thriving’ (i.e. we hope you’ll have lots of children). But when Taiwan’s huge pineapple production shifted to more domestic consumption, bakeries wanted to get in on the trend and started making pineapple cakes in their masses. The ChiaTe Bakery makes some of the best pineapple cakes around and it’s got an interesting history as well….The owner, Chen Tang-peng, (yes, another woman who was passionate enough to start her own business) grew up watching local boys bringing cakes and bread back to her village after work. Although she was part of a fishing family, she was enticed by the sweet-smelling fragrance of freshly-baked goods and started an apprenticeship as a baker. She moved to Taipei when she was 18 and opened ChiaTe Bakery when she was only 26. Word spread quickly about the delicious ChiaTe pineapple pastry and the small business became one of the most successful bakeries in Taipei. This reputation only improved when she won first place in a prestigious pineapple cake competition. The ratio of pastry to filling is simply perfect. The tropical pineapple adds a nice tanginess, a tart flavour that lasts long afterwards and leaves you wanting more. If you’re actually not a big fan of pineapple then you can try similar cakes in strawberry, melon or even prune flavour to get a hint of what everyone’s talking about. The nougat biscuits are great! ….p.s. if you want more, you can also pick these up at the airport…
Did you know? These tasty little snacks, also known as feng li sun, are extremely popular in Taiwan and famous all over the world. They are square with a shortbread exterior and a sweet pineapple jam-like filling. They are not only delicious but also symbolise good luck and prosperity.
Then our last visit together will be our Farewell Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel!
Taipei Grand Hotel (also designed by C.C. Yang), a 14-story palace-like building established by Madam Chiang, Soong Mei-ling. It is one of the worlds tallest Chinese classical buildings at 285 feet high and was built to accommodate foreign guests. Since 1952, the Grand Hotel has been standing midway up Yuanshan, a towering building with red columns, gilded tiles and a magnificent, grandiose, regal, classic presence, a must-visit great gem of Chinese culture. This is where we will enjoy British Style AfternoonTea and say our goodbyes to each other… a wonderful way to end our time together! It took 21 years to complete and has hosted many famous people over the years.
Did you know? Despite all the varieties available, all true teas are brewed from cured leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Tea originated in Southwestern China, becoming a popular recreational drink during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-904), then spread to other parts of Asia. Tea didn’t become big in England until the British began cultivating it in India in the 17th century. The two main varieties of tea are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea) and Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Indian tea).
Cozzi Hotel, Taipei.- Comfort Room
Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Included with dinner on own
Monday, March 31st Your Day of Leisure
Taipei
To do as you like… Free as a bird and still so much left to see so after a good breakfast…get out there and enjoy your time, do some shopping and make some more wonderful memories….
Cozzi Hotel
Breakfast Included with Lunch and Dinner on own
Tuesday, April 1st 2025 Day of Departure
After breakfast (included) this morning meet your driver and make your way to the Taoyuan airport for your flight home at the appointed time…
Taiwan – Gardens, History, Culture & Food
March 22nd – 1st April, 2025
Land package in 3797 US per person for Twin sharing or Double
For those wanting their own room please add in 780 US to above price
We can arrange pre or post tour nights as well at 140 US per room per night in Twin, Double or Single room – please let me know if you want pre or post tour nights. Includes Breakfast too!
Tour is priced in USD.. please convert into your own currency.
Tour is priced in the currency we pay our suppliers at destination. Due to exchange rate volatility, we only convert to U.S. Dollars at time of final payment at the prevailing exchange rates at that time. Your final payment will be in U.S. Dollars
Not Included:
Flights, insurance, meals and drinks not noted, items of a personal nature and extra hotel charges such as luggage porterage and daily maid servicing.
Note: Minimum of 10 must be registered for this tour to run, so please do not book your air until you are notified that we have reached this.
Email: donna@gardeningtours.
Tour is subject to changes in itinerary but not in dates