Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung 4-day Tour from Taipei
Discover the highlights of Taiwan on this 4-day tour from Taipei, exploring the breathtaking Sun Moon Lake, the scenic Alishan mountains, and the vibrant city of Taichung—all while enjoying authentic cultural experiences and comfortable accommodations.
At Sun Moon Lake, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and a leisurely bike ride to admire the lake’s beauty from different perspectives, and immerse yourself in a hands-on tea-making experience to savor the region’s rich tea culture.
Stroll along Alishan’s enchanting forest trails, marvel at towering trees and ancient sacred woods, and experience the iconic forest railway winding through the lush mountain landscape.
Finally, explore Taichung’s bustling Fengjia Night Market, the largest in the city, and enjoy making traditional pastries for a taste of local culinary heritage. This journey offers a perfect balance of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant city vibes, immersive cultural experiences, and delightful flavors, making it an unforgettable Taiwan getaway.
Highlights of the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour
Sun Moon Lake: Cruise the Lake & Cycle at Your Own Pace
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most iconic scenic spots, known for its calm waters and mountain views. Take a relaxing boat cruise to soak in the beauty from the water, and hop on a bike ride along the lakeside trails—a route nominated by CNN as one of the most breathtaking cycling paths in the world—for a refreshing experience.
Sun Moon Lake Tea Making Experience
Sun Moon Lake is renowned for its locally grown black tea. The tea-making experience lets you get hands-on with every step—from rolling to roasting—giving you an in-depth understanding of the journey from tea leaf to cup. You’ll also have the chance to taste fresh tea, savoring its rich aroma and layered flavors. This is not only a fun, interactive activity but also a meaningful cultural immersion.
Explore Alishan and Ride the Iconic Forest Railway
Located in Taiwan’s mid-altitude mountains, Alishan is a must-visit destination renowned for its pristine forests and stunning scenery. Wander along picturesque hiking trails, marvel at centuries-old sacred trees, and ride the nostalgic Alishan Forest Railway as it winds through mist-shrouded mountains—a unique journey that beautifully blends nature and history.
Crafting Authentic Taiwanese Pastries: A Cultural Experience
Experience the joy of making traditional Taiwanese pastries, such as the beloved pineapple cake or the flaky sun cake. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll learn the art of shaping the delicate pastry, filling it with sweet, fragrant flavors, and baking it to golden perfection. Not only will you take home your handmade treats, but also a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage.
Feng-Chia Night Market: A Food Paradise
Taiwan’s nightlife comes alive at Fengjia Night Market, one of the biggest and most popular markets in the country. Indulge in street food favorites like bubble tea, fried chicken, and creative snacks, or browse trendy clothes and gadgets while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Itinerary for the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour
Day 1
09 : 00 Pick you up from your hotel in Taipei
* If you would like to start the tour from Taoyuan Airport or Keelung Port, please let us know so we can customize the itinerary to match your arrival time.
09 : 00 -12 : 00 Drive to Sun Moon Lake (approx. 3 hours)
12 : 30 Ita Thao Street (Lunch here – at your own expense)
14 : 00 Boat ride on Sun Moon Lake
15 : 30 Wenwu Temple
17 : 00 Check-in at a local guesthouse (B&B / Minsu)
17 : 30 Dinner at a local restaurant
18 : 30 Back to the local guesthouse
Day 2
09 : 00 Depart from the local guesthouse
09 : 30 Tea-making experience at Sun Moon Lake
* From November to March, as tea leaves are out of season, this activity will be replaced with a tea bag–making experience.
11 : 30 Cycling along the Sun Moon Lake trail
*If you prefer not to cycle, you can opt for a walk along the Sun Moon Lake trail or choose to take the cable car at your own expense.
13 : 00 Hsiangshan Visitor Center
13 : 30 Lunch
14 : 30 Drive to Alishan (approx. 3 hours)
17 : 30 Check-in at a local hotel (3-star) or guesthouse (B&B / Minsu)
18 : 00 Dinner at a local restaurant
19 : 00 Back to the hotel or guesthouse (B&B / Minsu)
Day 3
09 : 00 Depart from the hotel or guesthouse
09 : 30 Alishan National Scenic Area
10 : 30 Sacred Forest Trail Hiking
11 : 30 Alishan Railway Experience (Branch line)
12 : 30 Lunch
14 : 30 Fenchihu Old Town
17 : 30 Drive to Taichung (approx. 2.5 hours) and check-in at the hotel (4-star)
18 : 00 Feng-Chia Night Market
19 : 30 Back to the hotel
Day 4
09 : 30 Depart from the hotel
10 : 00 Traditional Taiwanese pastry making (Sun Cakes or Pineapple Cakes)
11 : 30 Miyahara Eye Hospital
12 : 30 Lunch
14 : 00 Wufeng Ling Family
16 : 00 Gaomei Wetland
16 : 30 Drive to Taipei (approx. 2 hours)
18: 30 Drop you off at your hotel in Taipei
* If you would like us to assist with booking the accommodation for your last night, please let us know in advance.
Tour Details
Minimum Numbers
2 adults
Availability
Departures available every Sunday to Thursday (no tours on Fridays and Saturdays).
Meeting point
9 am at the lobby of the Taipei hotel you stay. * If you would like to start the tour from Taoyuan Airport or Keelung Port, please let us know in advance.
When to book
Book 7 days in advance
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended. Please avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or perfume to reduce the risk of attracting wasps.
Price
Adult (Over 6 years old)
2 travelers: 1255 USD per person
3 travelers: 1015 USD per person
4–5 travelers: 925 USD per person
6-9 travelers: 875 USD per person
10-12 travelers: 800 USD per person
Child (3 to 6 years old)
800 USD per person
Infant (0 to 2 years old)
Free of charge. (Please note that at least one adult must accompany any infant on the tour.)
Single Supplement
230 USD per person
Inclusion
Accommodation
2 nights of local high quality B&B or 3-star hotel and 1 night of 4-star hotel
Food
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch
Mineral water every day
Admissions
Boat Ride on Sun Moon Lake, Tea-making experience at Sun Moon Lake, Cycling along the Sun Moon Lake trail, Alishan National Scenic Area, Alishan Railway Experience (Branch Line), Traditional Taiwanese pastry making
Tour Guide
A great English speaking guide (All of our guides are fluent in Mandarin as well.)
* If you require a Spanish-speaking guide, please contact us.
Transportation
2–3 people: 5-seater sedan
4–7 people: 8-seater van
8–12 people: 20-seater minibus
Others
A bottle of mineral water everyday, travel insurance and of course, memories that money can't buy!
Please note that tips for your tour guide are NOT included.
Contact us to Book the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour
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Looking for a customized, tailor-made Taiwan itinerary?
If you prefer a fully customized itinerary, feel free to fill out our Create Your Trip form, and one of our tour consultant will contact you to design your perfect trip.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour
Why Choose Topology Travel’s Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour?
We’ve carefully curated the must-see attractions of Taichung, Alishan, and Sun Moon Lake, along with engaging hands-on cultural experiences. In just four days, you’ll enjoy a comfortable travel pace while still discovering the very best these regions have to offer.
Our Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taichung tour is a small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. This allows you to meet new friends while still enjoying quality time with your family or companions. (Of course, you can also upgrade to a private tour for an even more exclusive experience.)
In contrast, many tours on the market operate with large groups of 20 to 30 people, which can easily impact the quality of your trip and cause delays that eat into your valuable sightseeing time.
Plus, our guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do. They go beyond simply taking you to the attractions, sharing fascinating local stories and insider tips—including must-try local delicacies—making your journey truly unforgettable.
What’s the difference between a package tour and a customised tour?
Our package tours are thoughtfully designed by our travel specialists to highlight the best of Taiwan’s regions. If you don’t have the time to research and plan your trip, a package tour is a time-saving option that still lets you experience the most exciting and iconic parts of Taiwan.
Package tours come with a fixed itinerary and cannot be modified based on individual preferences. However, if you find a package you like but would like to make some adjustments—or if you’d prefer to design your trip from scratch—you’re welcome to contact us via TW@topologytravel.com or fill out our Create your Trip form.
We’ll be happy to personalise your itinerary, but please note that the pricing for customised tours will differ from standard package tours.
Is this Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung itinerary suitable for children or seniors?
The trails in the Alishan area have many stairways, making them unsuitable for strollers. If you are traveling with young children or elderly family members, please carefully assess their physical condition before visiting.
Is this itinerary wheelchair accessible?
This itinerary is not wheelchair accessible. If your group includes wheelchair users but still wishes to visit Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or the Taichung area, please contact us via TW@topologytravel.com or fill out our Create your Trip form. Our tour consultant will create a customized itinerary tailored to the needs and comfort of wheelchair users, ensuring an enjoyable and suitable travel experience.
What if the minimum group size isn’t met? How can I still join the tour?
You can still join the tour by covering the cost equivalent to the minimum required number of participants.
Can this itinerary be condensed if I only have three days to travel?
Visiting Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taichung over four days offers a more relaxed pace. If you only have three days, we recommend focusing on just two destinations. Please contact us, and we can customize an itinerary for you.
Can I extend my trip?
Absolutely! You may add additional packages or contact us directly, and your tour consultant will recommend itineraries based on your total travel days.
On the last day, can I be dropped off at the airport?
Please provide your flight details so we can evaluate and adjust the final day’s schedule if needed.
If I’m arriving in Taipei by cruise ship, is this itinerary suitable for me?
The itinerary can be tailored to match your cruise arrival time. Please contact us for personalized arrangements.
Can you help book accommodation for the last night?
Yes, please contact us and let us know your preferred accommodation type or hotel category.
What type of accommodation is included in this itinerary? What room types are provided? And is it possible to upgrade or change the room type?
For this Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung tour, the first night is spent near Sun Moon Lake, primarily in charming local guesthouses. We choose these to give you an authentic Taiwanese homestay experience. The guesthouse rooms are clean and comfortable, roughly equivalent to a 3-star hotel. The second night is in Alishan at either a 3-star hotel or a local guesthouse. The third night is spent at a 4-star hotel near Fengjia Night Market.
Rooms are set up as double occupancy. Please let us know in advance whether you prefer a large bed or two twin beds. You may also upgrade to a single room by paying the single supplement. If you prefer other room configurations, such as triple or quad rooms, please inform us ahead of time, and we will do our best to accommodate your request (additional costs may apply).
If you’re not comfortable staying in guesthouses and would prefer to upgrade all accommodations to 4- or 5-star hotels, please let us know. We will be happy to provide a customized quote for you.
What if I have special dietary requirements—can the meal menu be adjusted to accommodate my needs?
Yes, absolutely. If you have vegetarian, halal, or other special dietary needs, please let us know in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.
How to book this Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung tour?
Please fill out the online form and our tour consultant will contact you. Your reservation will be confirmed once full payment is received.
What if I need to cancel my Taiwan tour?
For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
What should I prepare before visiting Taiwan?
Please make sure to check whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan.
You can find up-to-date information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
If a visa is required, please apply according to the official government regulations
How should I pack for my Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taichung Tour?
Please refer to our “Read Before You Go” guide to help you choose appropriate clothing based on the season of your visit.