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Wendy Wu Tours · Classic Group Tour

Taiwan by Rail

Eight-day rail journey through Taiwan from Taipei to mountain peaks

Illustration of Taiwan by Rail

Wendy Wu Tours' Taiwan by Rail is an 8-day group tour departing from Taipei and ending in the mountain village of Fenqihu, blending city exploration with scenic rail travel and mountain culture. Over seven nights, travelers stay in Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan, mixing modern attractions (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, night markets) with historic train experiences. Day 3 features the Pingxi Line commuter train through waterfalls and old towns; Day 6 begins before dawn on the Alishan Forest Train to reach a sunrise platform high in Taiwan's misty peaks. The itinerary includes a motorboat cruise, visits to tea farms, craft workshops, and cultural parks exploring the Tsou Tribe's heritage. English-speaking guides lead all activities, and meals, accommodation, and domestic transport are included. This tour suits first-time rail travelers seeking guided comfort, history enthusiasts interested in temples and tribal culture, and food lovers drawn to night markets and mountain tea plantations.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights are not included; the price covers the land package only.
  • Visa and any early check-in or late check-out fees are extra.
  • The accommodation in Alishan is described as basic, 3-star standard in a high-altitude national park setting.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Taipei

    Arrive Taipei

    Met by driver and transferred to your hotel (approx. 1 hour). Informal welcome dinner with your guide around 6pm.

  2. Day 2overnight: Taipei

    Explore Taipei

    Visit the National Palace Museum, 18th-century Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Ascend Taipei 101's 89th floor. Evening night market food tour.

  3. Day 3overnight: Taipei

    Ride the Pingxi Line

    Coach to Ruifang station for the scenic Pingxi Line to Shifen; walk to Shifen Waterfall, see sky lanterns released, then on to Pingxi and Jiufen before returning to Taipei.

  4. Day 4overnight: Sun Moon Lake

    Travel to Sun Moon Lake

    Travel by road to Sun Moon Lake via Puli's tea farm plantation and the Wen Wu Temple; motorboat cruise around the lake.

  5. Day 5overnight: Alishan

    Travel to Alishan

    Visit Bantaoyao Craft Park for mosaic making, then Yuyupas Cultural Park to learn about the Tsou Tribe's tea and coffee heritage. Check in for 2 nights in Alishan (basic 3-star hotel, high-altitude national park setting).

  6. Day 6railovernight: Alishan

    Board the Forest Train

    Early ride on the Alishan Forest Train to the Zhushan Sunrise Platform, then explore the Alishan Forest Recreation Area (Sister Ponds, Brother Tree, Three Generation Tree).

  7. Day 7railovernight: Taipei

    Return to Taipei

    Visit the mountain village of Fenqihu, then a high-speed train from Chiayi back to Taipei (up to 300km/h); farewell dinner.

  8. Day 8

    Depart Taipei

    Transferred to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for your international flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ride the Pingxi Line commuter train through waterfalls and forests to Shifen, watch sky lanterns released, and visit the old mountain town of Jiufen.
  • Day 4Motorboat cruise across Sun Moon Lake after visiting a tea farm plantation and Wen Wu Temple.
  • Day 6Early morning ride on the Alishan Forest Train to the Zhushan Sunrise Platform, then walk through the Alishan Forest Recreation Area to see Sister Ponds, Brother Tree, and Three Generation Tree.
  • Day 7Board the high-speed rail from Chiayi to Taipei, traveling at up to 300 kilometers per hour.

Included

  • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
  • All accommodation

Not included

  • International flights (land only price)
  • Visa
  • Early check-in and late check-out (available at additional cost)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes all domestic transportation by rail and coach, including the Pingxi Line commuter train, the Alishan Forest Train, and the high-speed rail (THSR) from Chiayi to Taipei.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an escorted group tour. Wendy Wu Tours provides English-speaking guides throughout, entrance fees to attractions, and all planned meals. Group size is capped at 28 people.
What are the main highlights?
Highlights include exploring Taipei's temples and museums, riding the Pingxi Line through waterfalls and forests to Jiufen, a motorboat cruise on Sun Moon Lake, learning about tea production in Alishan, and traveling by high-speed rail returning to Taipei.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is rated Physical Rating 1: walking, some steps, and time on your feet. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Where do I stay?
You stay 3 nights in Taipei, 1 night at Sun Moon Lake, and 2 nights in Alishan (basic 3-star hotel in a national park setting).
What is not included?
International flights, visa, and early check-in or late check-out (available at additional cost) are not included.

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