In-depth tour of central and northern Taiwan

travel preparation

I have been thinking about going to Taiwan for a long time, at least for four or five years. I once planned to go to Taiwan during the Spring Festival. I learned that firstly, the price is expensive, and secondly, because the people of Taiwan also celebrate the Spring Festival, many popular shops are closed. ; This Spring Festival, I mentioned a trip to Taiwan with my relatives and friends. Everyone wanted to go, so I immediately checked various routes and times; after a comprehensive comparison, I chose Ctrip’s group tour product -- Taipei + Sun Moon Lake + Cingjing Farm + Alishan Township On the 6th and 5th night, we went with a group tour (4 diamonds), mainly because we have elderly people and children, and it is the first time to go to Taiwan. It is convenient and worry-free to go with a group.

After confirming the tour period, the first thing is to apply for foreign Taiwan travel permits and visas. Now it is very convenient to apply for visas. Online appointments basically do not need to queue up, and it can be done quickly; after completing the travel permits, submit relevant electronic materials on Ctrip, including copies of ID cards, photos, and insurance , After the initial inspection, mail the original pass to Ctrip, and then wait for the group notice.

I ordered WIFI, airport parking and other services on Ctrip, and there are coupons available, which are cheaper than Taobao. In fact, WIFI is not always available. Ctrip provides WIFI on the bus, and the hotel has free WIFI, which is still very convenient.

The actual itinerary is as shown in the figure below, which I personally think is more reasonable than the one in the itinerary.

Day 1: Airport, Taichung; weather fine

Depart at 9:00 in the morning, park the car near Pudong Airport, and send the car to the terminal building in the parking lot. It is still early, and wait for the tour guide to gather group members, a total of 16 people.

The plane is taking off on time, and EVA Air's in-flight meals are not bad

After arriving at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the ground pick-up guide waited at the exit. There was an ATM machine next to the exit gate, and I withdrew NT$20,000 (some UnionPay cards are free of charge, which is more cost-effective than exchange).

Take the expressway to Taitung, stay at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel, the room is very spacious. After check-in, the tour guide will take you to Fengjia Night Market. Once you arrive at the night market, you can freely move around. Taiwan’s night markets are still very rich. Unlike night markets in mainland China, the food is the same, and most of them have food samples. You can eat whatever you want.

After returning to the hotel at the night market, we walked to the Taichung National Theater. The characteristic building recommended by the tour guide is actually more beautiful during the day than at night.

Day 2: Sun Moon Lake, Qingjing Farm; weather is fine

Morning call at 7 o'clock in the morning, hey, the biggest problem with group tours is that you can't sleep late at will. The buffet breakfast is very rich, and there are Taichung special snacks. After breakfast, depart for Sun Moon Lake.

After visiting Sun Moon Lake, we set off to Qingjing Farm. On the way, we ate at Margarita’s restaurant. The restaurant is very good and the decoration is very distinctive.

After dinner, continue on your way to Qingjing Farm, the weather is great and the scenery is beautiful.

The farm is divided into two parts, and the door is now stamped on the back of the hand (self-service), so that it is free to enter and exit.

Day 3: Alishan; weather is fine

We set off for Alishan, arrived at the service area at the foot of the mountain, and officially started the Panshan Highway

When we arrived at the Alishan Tourist Center, we walked to the railway station and waited for the small train. There were not many people on the small train, and the stations were all wooden structures, which were very distinctive.

After watching Alishan’s small trains and big trees, set off for Youyou Basi, a cultural tribe of the Tsou ethnic group.

Day 4: Jiufen Mountain City, Yehliu Geopark; Weather Rain

After breakfast, the tour guide took us to Vig's Bakery. The quality of his bakery was good, so we had a good time trying it out, and also experienced making pineapple cakes by ourselves.

After buying pineapple cakes, I set off to Jiufen Mountain City. On the way, I saw 101, which stood out from the crowd. Taro balls, fish balls, braised pork rice, just so so, more than enough to fill the stomach, Jiufen can take pictures, and the others are not impressive.

Come out of Jiufen Mountain City and walk along the seaside road to Yehliu Geopark.

Yehliu Geopark is not big, but it is very distinctive.

When Yehliu came out, I originally planned to go to Lion’s Head Mountain Park. At that time, I had to walk a lot of mountain roads. Everyone gave up and went directly to afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is over, back to downtown Taipei, the tour guide will take everyone to eat beef noodles at Chef Hung (at your own expense), and visit the duty-free shop after eating good beef noodles

Day 5: Taipei National Palace Museum, official residence, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, National Taiwan University; weather rain

Today's itinerary is all in Taipei, Taipei Forbidden City, Shilin Official Residence, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Eslite Bookstore, Raohe Night Market. It's a pity that it was raining, and the night market lost a lot of color.

Lunch out of the Forbidden City, after lunch go to Shilin Mansion

Take the time to go to the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and watch the handover ceremony of the guards. Remember to take a good position in advance (you have to stand on the outer circle, there are railings, and you don’t stop it when it’s not the handover ceremony)

After watching the changing of the guard, we leave the group and go to National Taiwan University (others go to Eslite Bookstore)