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Taiwan's Round-Island Rail: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Taiwan's rail loop circles the whole island in comfort. The east coast runs between Pacific cliffs and rice terraces, Taroko Gorge cuts marble a half-kilometre deep, and every city greets you the same way: with a night market that ruins other food forever.
Taiwan's Round-Island Rail is a 900 km loop (by rail). It works best as 6–9 days; the plan below is the 7-day version for November, built from 289 verified places, with timetable-estimated transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 6-day plan · 7-day plan · 9-day plan · best time to go
7
days
900 km
distance
12.0 h
on trains
46
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Typhoons done, humidity down — the east-coast line between cliffs and Pacific is the ride of the trip.
Day 1 Taipei → Hualien
🌡 16.7–28.4°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
National Taiwan Normal Universitymuseums & heritage
Visit one of Taiwan's oldest universities, known as Shida.
50 min · Taipei
09:50
Mandarin Training Centermuseums & heritage
Join one of Taiwan's most popular Mandarin learning institutions.
50 min · Taipei
10:40
International Chinese Language Program National Taiwan Universityhistory & sagas
Experience high-quality advanced Chinese language training.
50 min · Taipei
13:38
Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museummuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Appreciate traditional and modern stone art on display.
50 min · Hualien · NT$20
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
14:28
Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museummuseums & heritageseafood
Learn about the traditions of dried bonito fish in Xincheng.
50 min · Hualien
open: 08:30-17:30
15:18
The Abode of Still Thoughtshistory & sagas
Experience tranquility in a simple Buddhist temple with a garden.
50 min · Hualien
open: 09:00–17:00
16:08
Dongdamen Night Market
Savor street food amid lively music and dance.
60 min · Hualien
open: 18:00–00:00
18:30
Cafe Jademuseums & heritagecoffee & bakes
Relax with a drink while enjoying live music and art.
75 min · Hualien
open: 13:00–17:00, closed Sa Su
Overnight: Hualien
e.g. Fullon Hotel Hualien · Chan Tai Hotel
Day 2 Around Hualien
🌡 16.7–28.4°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Parklocal & traditional
Stroll through vibrant warehouses filled with local arts.
50 min · Hualien
open: 10:00–18:00, closed M
09:50
Pine Gardenhistory & sagas
Unwind amidst historic pine trees and serene surroundings.
50 min · Hualien
open: 09:00–18:00
10:40
Yenpin Prefectural Templehistory & sagas
Admire Taiwan's oldest temple in Hualien, rich in history.
50 min · Hualien
open: 05:30–20:30
11:30
Farglory Ocean Parklocal & traditional
Enjoy marine life exhibits, a Ferris wheel, and a cable car.
90 min · Hualien · Adults NT$890, children NT$790
open: M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa Su 08:30-17:00
13:00
Visitor Information Centermuseums & heritage
Get friendly guidance for exploring Hualien's attractions.
50 min · Hualien
13:50
Hualien Railway Culture Parkmuseums & heritage
Explore Taiwan's railway heritage in an open-air setting.
50 min · Hualien
14:40
Tosca Pasta
Taste authentic European dishes in a cozy setting.
60 min · Hualien
open: 11:30–13:30 17:00–20:30, closed M
Overnight: Hualien
e.g. Fullon Hotel Hualien · Chan Tai Hotel
Day 3 Taitung
🌡 12.5–27.9°C · 🌧 ~10 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
11:16
Tourist Information Centermuseums & heritagehistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Gather maps and tips on local aboriginal and temple events.
50 min · Taitung
12:06
Taitung Railway Art Villagemuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Admire vibrant local art in repurposed railway buildings.
50 min · Taitung
12:56
National Museum of Prehistorymuseums & heritage
Discover ancient artifacts from the Peinan culture excavations.
50 min · Taitung · NT$100 (main museum), NT$30 (Peinan cult
open: 09:00-17:00 (closed M)
13:46
Beinan Cultural Parkmuseums & heritage
Explore vast prehistoric ruins and enjoy sweeping scenic views.
50 min · Taitung · Free admission (except visitor center: N
open: 09:00-17:00 (closed M)
14:36
Tianhou Templehistory & sagas
Witness ornate decorations dedicated to the goddess Mazu.
50 min · Taitung
15:26
Taitung Culture and Tourism Centermuseums & heritage
Discover indigenous artifacts and local exhibitions in two buildings.
50 min · Taitung
16:16
Mibanaimuseums & heritage
Sample authentic Amis cuisine in a cozy group setting.
60 min · Taitung
open: 11:30–14:00, 17:30–20:30
18:30
Denim Elephantcoffee & bakes
Unwind with Taitung coffee, teas, and a small menu in an artsy cafe.
75 min · Taitung
open: W-Su 11:00–15:00 17:00–20:00, closed M Tu
Overnight: Taitung
e.g. La Pace Hostel · Hostel Who Knows
See the remaining 4 days of the 7-day plan →
Route map
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