Outing

CH1

Dadaocheng: Taipei's Old Tea Town

Dadaocheng was once the beating heart of Taiwan's global tea trade and the birthplace of the 1920s movement for democracy and cultural enlightenment. Its beautifully preserved shophouses, century-old temple, and riverside sunset make it one of Taipei's most atmospheric old quarters.

Route: Dadaoqiantou Station → Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Hall → Dihua Street → Xiahai City God Temple → Dadaocheng Wharf (sunset) → Pier-5 Container Market (dinner)

Note: this route includes a stop at a non-Christian religious site.

CH2

Tamsui: The Mackay Trail

Tamsui is where Canadian missionary Dr. George Mackay landed in 1872 and launched northern Taiwan's medical and educational missions. Its red-brick colonial architecture and golden riverside sunset still carry that legacy today.

Route: Tamsui Station → Tamsui Presbyterian Church → Hobe Mackay Hospital → Dr. Mackay Statue Park → Tamsui Golden Riverside (sunset) → Tamsui Old Street (dinner)

CH3

The National Palace Museum

Home to nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese art and antiquities — including treasures preserved through decades of upheaval — the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's great collections. Afterward, unwind at Yuanshan Expo Park, the green riverside park built for Taipei's international flower exposition.

Route: National Palace Museum → Yuanshan Expo Park (dinner)

CH4

Taiwan's Road to Democracy

Once a martial-law-era detention center and military court, Jing-Mei is now preserved as a national human rights museum — a sobering, important stop for understanding Taiwan's decades-long journey to democracy. Hike up Xianji Rock afterward for one of the best sunset views over the city.

Route: National Human Rights Museum — Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park → Xianji Rock (city view) → Jingmei Night Market (dinner)

CS1

Yangmingshan: Grasslands & Trails

One of Taiwan's few national parks reachable within the city, Yangmingshan's volcanic peaks and rolling grasslands — look out for grazing water buffalo — offer some of the best hiking and scenery near Taipei.

Route: Lengshuikeng Trail → Qingtiangang Grassland → Xiaoyoukeng → afternoon tea near Caoshan Villa → Shilin Night Market

CS2

Keelung: Taiwan's First Port

As Taiwan's gateway to Northeast Asia, Keelung was home to the island's first railway and first modern port city. It's also where Dr. Mackay planted his very first church and famously preached — and pulled teeth — outside the temple gates.

Route: Keelung Presbyterian Church → Qing'an Temple → Yang Ming Maritime Culture & Art Museum → Ocean Plaza → Miaokou Night Market (dinner)

Note: this route includes a stop at a non-Christian religious site.

CS3

Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 anchors the city's skyline — and the classic photo spot for it is the short hike up Elephant Mountain, a local favorite for sunset and night views.

Route: Taipei 101 → Elephant Mountain (rain plan: Songshan Cultural Park & Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall) → Linjiang Street Night Market

CS4

Yongkang Street & Ximending

From the leafy, literary lanes around Yongkang Street to Ximending — Taipei's youth culture hub since the Japanese colonial era — this route traces the city's creative, everyday side.

Route: Yongkang Street → Da'an Forest Park → Liberty Square → Ximending