Taiwan in its entirety, hiking

This day immerses you in the heart of Taipei's cultural soul. You begin at Longshan Temple , a sacred spiritual site where worshippers come to pray in an atmosphere of profound serenity. Next, you visit the National Palace Museum , a testament to an exceptional imperial heritage. The exploration continues with the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , a vast esplanade symbolizing Taiwan's contemporary history. At the end of the day, you ascend to the observation deck of Taipei 101 , offering a spectacular view of the city.

You leave the urban bustle behind and head to the verdant hills of Maokong , renowned for their tea plantations . A peaceful stroll along the Zhinan Trail leads you to a temple nestled in the lush vegetation, where you'll enjoy a special moment with a tea ceremony , a true Taiwanese art of living. The return journey by cable car offers panoramic views of Taipei and its surroundings, revealing the island's diverse landscapes.

You set off for the tranquil Sun Moon Lake , a natural haven surrounded by mountains. A bike ride allows you to explore its shores, enjoying the rhythm of the shimmering water and the wooded hills. You then discover the Wenwu Temple , majestically perched above the lake, followed by the Cihen Pagoda , accessible via a pleasant path.

This morning, you'll explore the mythical Alishan Forest , renowned for its ancient trees and misty trails. The walk takes you through the heart of a dense and serene natural environment. Then, you'll meet the Laiji Aboriginal tribe . This special opportunity will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions, their connection to nature, and their vibrant culture.

An early start for a day of high-altitude adventure. You begin the ascent of the North Peak of Mount Yushan , the highest mountain in East Asia. The climb is gradual, leading through a coniferous forest and then increasingly open high-mountain landscapes. You reach the Paiyun mountain hut , perched at approximately 3,400 meters , where you spend the night in a unique atmosphere, surrounded by majestic peaks. Estimated duration: 4 to 5 hours of walking (8.5 km) - Elevation gain: +790 m

Before dawn, you'll begin the final ascent to the main summit of Mount Yushan (3,952 m). At sunrise, the panorama is breathtaking: a sea of ​​mountains stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a moment of intense emotion. After this memorable experience , you'll gradually descend back to the trailhead, then travel to Tainan, the ancient capital and historical cradle of Taiwan. Estimated time: 6 to 8 hours of hiking in total (2.4 km - 10.9 km). Elevation gain: +552 m. Elevation loss: -1,342 m.

You'll spend the day exploring Tainan , an iconic city in Taiwanese history. Temples, shrines, and fortifications bear witness to the island's multicultural past. At the end of the day, you'll visit the majestic Foguangshan Monastery , a major center of Buddhist humanism. The day concludes with a peaceful stroll around Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung.

You continue your journey south to Kenting National Park , where the landscape becomes more tropical. Hike along coastal trails offering spectacular ocean views, then enjoy free time on Baishawan Beach , renowned for its white sand and turquoise waters.

The day is dedicated to exploring the wilder, more unspoiled East Coast. In Guanshan , you'll cycle through the rice paddies of the famous Mr. Brown Avenue, a symbol of Taiwanese rural landscapes. You'll then discover the Sanxiantai Bridge, winding its way over the ocean and offering a spectacular view between land and sea.

You'll explore the impressive Taroko Gorge , where marble cliffs, rivers, and temples blend together in a magnificent setting. Depending on access conditions, you'll hike the Tabido and Dekalun trails , then visit the Chengde Temple , perched on the mountainside.