Geography in Taiwan

Day 1: Welcome to Taiwan!  

Your geography school trip to Taiwan begins here! After touching down at Taoyuan Airport, your enthusiastic Adventure Leaders will be there to meet you in Arrivals. Together, you’ll transfer to your accommodation, giving you all a chance to refresh yourselves. Then, you’ll meet for a trip briefing. Your Leaders will tell you about the exciting plans to come, provide you with advice on adapting to local life, and give you some safety tips.  

In the afternoon, you’ll pay your first visit of the trip – Xingtian Temple. Known as the most visited temple in Taiwan, it’s dedicated to Guan, a famous general who lived during the Three Kingdoms period. After that, we’ll head back to the accommodation so that you can rest up – ahead of a busy first full day! 

Day 2: Parks & Valleys 

After an early breakfast, you’re off out to visit a dormant volcano at the Yangmingshan National Park! You’ll hike through the Qingtiangang grasslands, paying a visit to the Lengshuikeng Hot Springs en route. After that, you’ll visit the steaming sulfuric fumaroles of Xiaoyoukeng.  

A quick break for lunch, and then we’re off to the Beitou Thermal Valley. It’s located in the foothills of Yangmingshan, one of the sources that supply the area’s hot springs. Nearby, you’ll be able to visit the Hot Springs Museum, which teaches visitors about the history and geography of the Beitou hot springs.  

This evening, you’ll get the chance to dive into Taiwanese culture with a visit to the bustling Shilin Night Market. Adored by locals and visitors for over a hundred years, you’ll enjoy a meal in one of the excellent Taiwanese restaurants that flank the market. Then, you’ll head into the crowds to source a delicious dessert from one of the 500 market stalls.  

Day 3: To Hualien 

This morning, you’ll transfer to your next base, Hualien City. Along the way, you’ll see the gorgeous coastline of East Taiwan, including a stop at Qingshui Cliff. It’s been designated one of the country’s eight natural wonders, and it’s one of the only places you can see the three distinct colour tones of the Pacific in Taiwan.  

In the afternoon, students will take part in a fascinating cultural experience. They’ll pay a visit to an Indigenous Taiwanese tribe, where they can take part in a number of activities. There will also be the opportunity to ask lots of questions to find out more about their traditions and culture.  

Once you’ve arrived in Hualien City and had some dinner, the evening is yours!  

Day 4: Taroko to Taitung 

After breakfast, you and your students will head off to Taroko Gorge for a hike. It’s one of the tallest canyons in the world, and boasts some truly incredible geological formations and landscapes. Take some time to explore the area on foot, before we break for lunch.  

We’ll then begin the transfer to the next stop on our geography school trip to Taiwan – Taitung. On the way, we’ll stop by some must-sees. Firstly, you’ll see the Tropic of Cancer Marker Park, an impressive monument that stands on the spot marking the latitude 23.5 degrees north. Every June 22nd, the sun is directly overhead, leading to the remarkable ‘shadowless effect’ phenomenon.  

Next, we’ll stop at Brown Boulevard, a beautiful rice paddy area. There’s no street lights or houses here, meaning that from the road you have rolling views of paddy fields and mountains. You can explore this area on foot, or rent a bike. Then, just before we arrive in Taitung, you’ll pass by the amazing Water Running Upwards stream. It appears to defy gravity, and looks like it runs uphill!  

This evening, make the most of a free evening in your new base – Taitung!  

Day 5: The Sea & the Salt 

This morning, you start the day with a trip to Kaohsiung to visit the Former British Consulate in Takao. Originally constructed in 1865 by Chinese builders, it was designed by a British architect. Then, we’ll transfer to Tainan. You’ll visit Chikanlou, a beautiful historic building constructed by the Dutch in 1653. This remarkable place has maintained its original look since it was built! We’ll then take you to Anping Old Fort, which offers great views of the city and the sea.  

You’ll stop for lunch, and then we’re off to visit the Qigu Salt Mountain. Occupying an entire hectare, the peak of the mountain stands at six stories tall! Here, your students will learn about the history of salt production in Taiwan, from the geographical to the industrial.  

Once you’ve had dinner, head out and about in Chiayi!

Day 6: From Alishan to Taichung 

Once you’ve had breakfast today, we’re off to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Here, you’ll find a collection of some incredible natural wonders in Taiwan. Pay a visit to the Shuishan Giant Tree, Xianglin Sacred Tree, and the Thousand-Year Cypress. The latter is actually estimated to be 1,081 years old! Take some time to explore the natural area.  

Following lunch, you’ll transfer to Taichung. Here, you’ll pay a visit to the 921 Earthquake Museum. This reflective museum teaches visitors about the history and impact of the 1999 earthquake in Taiwan, which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale.  

This evening, we’ll head back into Taichung for dinner – then the evening is yours!  

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake 

Today, we’re visiting one of Taiwan’s most famous locations – Sun Moon Lake. After breakfast, we’ll head to the area, which – as well as being beautiful – is well-known as an important black tea production area. Once we’ve arrived, students will learn all about the history of tea and it’s importance in Taiwanese culture. They’ll also get to experience a tasting! After lunch, we’ll take to the water on a boat ride. As we cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views of the area and the impressive mountain regions beyond.  

Later on, we’ll transfer back to Taipei City.

Day 8: Geoparks & Historic Streets 

There’s time for breakfast today, before we head to our first destination – Yehliu Geopark. This unique park is heaven for physical geography lovers, and is filled to the brim with unique rock formations. When viewed from above, it’s said to resemble a turtle! It’s here that you’ll be able to see the Queen’s Head, a natural rock formation that’s said to look like a woman’s profile.  

Following lunch, students will visit Jiufen. Once an isolated village, it quickly become famous in the 1930s thanks to the discovery of gold. The village quickly grew during the gold rush, and it now today stands as a cultural destination that captures a moment in Taiwanese history.  

You’ll then have time for one more slice of history around dinner time, with a trip to Shifen Old Street. Here, students will get a further glimpse in Taiwan’s industrial history, as the area was once a railroad town on a line designed to transport coal. It’s now a bustling area filled with places to buy snacks and souvenirs, and is renowned for both its lanterns and the nearby Shifen Waterfall.  

Day 9: Farewell Taiwan 

Today sadly marks the end of your geography school trip to Taiwan. You’ll head back to Taoyuan Airport, ready to head home. We hope that as you settle into your seat, you’ll be taking home a wealth of transformative travel experiences!