Some journeys are meant for sightseeing, while others are meant for feeling the warmth of the land. This British family of doctors used their long holiday to embark on an adventure across this beautiful island with their young child. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene hot springs of Taian, Miaoli, they not only traversed half of Taiwan but also unexpectedly demonstrated the universal compassion of the medical profession throughout their journey.
🗺️ Itinerary Highlights: A 10-Day Clockwise Round-the-Island Journey
To allow the family to deeply experience the diverse facets of Taiwan within just ten days, we meticulously designed a "Clockwise Island Loop." Starting from vibrant Taipei, heading east to embrace the majestic mountains and sea, and then turning west to explore profound cultural heritage, this golden route perfectly balances natural healing with urban charm.
The Natural Immersion and "Slow Living" of East Taiwan
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Our journey set sail from Jiufen, a village nestled between mountains and the sea, as we headed south along the winding coastline. In Hualien, the breathtaking majesty of the Taroko Gorge provided an immediate visual spectacle. Continuing to Guangfu Township, we stepped into the Mataian Wetland, a vibrant ecological treasure trove of the indigenous Palidaw people. Under the guidance of an expert, both adults and children observed the rich variety of birds and bottom-dwelling fish, truly feeling the living pulse of the land.
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Afterward, we paused at the Tropic of Cancer Marker to capture a lasting memory, then took a brief respite amidst the delicate fragrance of the Wuhe Tea Plantation. At Sanxiantai, we simply let our minds go blank, accompanied only by the rhythmic lullaby of the Pacific waves. We have always highly recommended that for guests who have the luxury of time, or those making a return visit to Taiwan, the gentle, unhurried pace of the East Coast is truly the ultimate remedy for travel fatigue.
Cultural Heritage and Childhood Joy in the West
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After rounding the southern tip of Taiwan, the scenery transitions into the story-filled landscapes of the west. We first immersed ourselves in the timeless elegance of Tainan, the ancient capital, before heading to the picturesque Sun Moon Lake to embrace the tranquility of its misty waters and mountain silhouettes.
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As we entered vibrant Taichung, the itinerary burst into color. From the dreamlike atmosphere of the Lavender Cottage to the kaleidoscopic murals of the Rainbow Village, every stop was a perfect backdrop for photos. However, the absolute highlight for our five-year-old traveler was the hands-on fruit-picking experience at Xinfeng Farm. The sight of the child carefully observing and picking seasonal fruits with such intense focus, followed by the sheer bliss of tasting ice cream at Miyahara, filled this leg of the journey with pure innocence and laughter.
A Healing Finale in the Land of Hot Springs
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For the final two days of the journey, we arranged a retreat into the hot spring valley of Taian, Miaoli. Known as "Beauty Soup," the sodium bicarbonate springs here are silky and crystal clear. On a chilly December day, spending a night in a hot spring resort surrounded by lush forests provided the perfect relief for the fatigue accumulated from a 2,000-kilometer island circuit. It was more than just a bath; it was an intimate dialogue with nature, infusing the busy itinerary with a warm, powerful energy and revitalizing the family before their flight home.
❤️ The Most Beautiful Scenery: Compassion Without Borders
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Our guide later shared a deeply moving story that took place on the mountain road to Taian. Mid-journey, they encountered an overturned minibus. Without a moment’s hesitation, the couple asked to stop the car and rushed toward the accident site.
It was only then we learned that both husband and wife are professional doctors. They remained calm at the roadside, guiding first aid efforts and monitoring the condition of the injured until emergency responders arrived. Visualizing their dedicated silhouettes in such a crisis fills us with profound gratitude—their selflessness and readiness to help, transcending nationality, became the brightest and warmest light of this entire trip.
After the journey concluded, we received a heartwarming note from Ms. V. She specifically mentioned that our driver-guide took such wonderful care of their five-year-old, treating the little one "with the same attentiveness as one would their own child."
This is the core mission of Round Taiwan Round: we are not just itinerary planners; we are your family on the road. We are grateful to this family for choosing Taiwan, and we thank them for the professional expertise and kindness they left behind on this island. Until we meet again—we look forward to your next visit!
Start Your Taiwan Adventure Today
Booking your flight is the first step toward exploring the vibrant night markets, stunning mountains, and world-class hospitality that Taiwan offers. Whether you are looking for the luxury of a full-service carrier or the efficiency of a regional LCC, there is a route that fits your needs.
Now that you’ve got your flights sorted, it’s time to plan what to do once you land! Check out our [Taiwan First-time Guide] for essential travel tips, or explore our [Customized Tours] to make your first trip to Taiwan truly effortless.
Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you in Taiwan!
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