Planning a Week-Long Trip to Taiwan and Hong Kong

A Rich Cultural Experience Awaits

Taiwan and Hong Kong offer visitors a truly unique blend of eastern and western influences. Both destinations are packed with beautiful natural scenery, vibrant cities, delicious food, and a rich cultural heritage. Within just one week, you can experience the best of what these places have to offer. Here is a suggested itinerary that maximizes your time exploring the top attractions in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Discover Taipei’s Historic Sites and Night Markets

Spend your first few days in Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan. Start your morning at the ornate National Palace Museum, housing one of the world’s finest art collections. Next, pay your respects at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and nearby Martyrs’ Shrine. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the bustling Shilin Night Market. Browse the food stalls selling local delicacies like oyster omelets and stinky tofu. End your night dancing the streets at one of Taipei’s many nightclubs.

Escape to Jiufen and Its Picturesque Alleyways

Take a day trip north to the historic mining town of Jiufen. Wander the narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, gazing over the scenic valley views. Jiufen’s quaint streets were the inspiration for the spiritual town of Spirited Away. Stop to try some of the town’s famous mountain teas or sample sweets like mooncakes. Watch the sunset light up the surrounding mountains before returning to Taipei.

Marvel at East Coast Beauty in Hualien

Spend two days exploring the natural wonders along Taiwan’s east coast. Start in the coastal city of Hualien, surrounded by forested peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Hike scenic Taroko Gorge, renowned for its towering marble cliffs and marvelous rock formations. Take a stroll along Ruey Shi Beach to admire offshore islands. End your day sampling Hualien’s local seafood cuisine.

High Speed Rail through Central Taiwan

Travel south via Taiwan’s high-speed rail, stopping briefly in the historic cultural cities of Taichung and Tainan. In Taichung, visit Confucius Temple and the National Museum of Natural Science. Then continue to Tainan, Taiwan’s first capital, to explore attractions like Taijiang National Park and Guanziling Creative Art District.

Relax on Kending’s Pristine Beaches

Spend your final days on the scenic southeast coast. Base yourself in the beach town of Kending for swimming, snorkeling, surfing or simply relaxing on the white sands. Take a boat tour to see green turtles and more phenomenal coastal scenery. As night falls, feast on delicious local seafood before retiring for the night.

Discover Hong Kong’s Urban Adventures

Now it’s time to fly to Hong Kong for the second half of your amazing trip. Hong Kong offers a unique blend of modern architecture and traditional Chinese culture.

Explore Hong Kong Island’s Iconic Sites

Spend two full days exploring Hong Kong Island. Ride the famous Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Wander bustling Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan neighborhoods. Do not miss visiting the massive shopping malls like ifc mall. In the evenings, dine on dim sum and stroll lively Lan Kwai Fong for nightlife.

Kowloon: Shop, Eat and Visit Temples

Cross Victoria Harbour to the energetic Kowloon peninsula. Shop in the massive Mira Place One mall and browse Wong Tai Sin Temple, dedicated to Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin. Sample Indian-inspired dishes in the lively walk-up kitchens of Chungking Mansion. End your night beneath the neon lights of Kowloon’s famous Night Market.

Escape to Outlying Islands

Spend your final two days escaping to Hong Kong’s scenic Outlying Islands. Ride the historic Star Ferry to Lamma Island for hiking trails, beaches and seafood restaurants. Or visit rural Lantau Island to explore Fung Shui villages, monasteries and the gigantic Tian Tan Buddha statue. Hike along mountain paths taking in coastal vistas. As night falls, return to Hong Kong Island for your flight home, with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to spend your entire week exploring Taiwan or Hong Kong, or split your time between both as suggested, you are guaranteed an unforgettable cultural adventure. The highlights mentioned here just scratch the surface of what these vibrant destinations have to offer. Be sure to leave some time for spontaneous exploration and local interactions to fully immerse yourself in the unique heritage of each place. Follow this itinerary and you’ll discover why Taiwan and Hong Kong are two of Asia’s most fascinating destinations.