Blue-skinned Relief: Slow Travel Through Mountains and Seas
This journey connects the hidden gems of Pingtung and Taitung, with its vintage railways, creative cultural clusters, organic tea plantations, and therapeutic zoos weaving together a five-day, four-night slow-paced travel experience. You'll stroll through rice paddies, contemplate along the coast, and relax in night markets, experiencing Taiwan's gentlest landscapes and stories.
Itinerary information
Daily Itinerary
Daily Tour
Day 1
Arrival in Kaohsiung/Pingtung/Taitung
Blue Image Gallery
Located next to Fangliao Station, the Blue Railway Image Museum is a renovated old Taiwan Railway dormitory. It incorporates the theme of the Blue Railway Relief Train, showcasing a nostalgic railway atmosphere. The museum offers cultural and creative products, local souvenirs, and rest areas. Admission is free, making it a perfect spot for taking photos and experiencing the charm of the railway.
The Heart of the Great Martial Kingdom - South Return Station
It is the largest rest stop in Taitung County, located beside the Southern Cross-Island Highway. Its landmark building is shaped like a lighthouse, blending mountain and sea views with local culture. Inside, there is an observation deck, a cultural and creative shop, a food court, and special exhibition space. Admission is free, making it an excellent stop for travelers to relax, take photos, and experience the unique features of Taitung.
Day 2
Taitung
Jiafang Organic Tea Garden
Jiafang Organic Tea Garden is located in Beinan Township, Taitung. It was transformed and operated by tea farmer Chen Lixue, who insists on cultivating native Taiwanese tea varieties using natural farming methods. The park combines sightseeing with experiential activities, offering fun activities such as tea picking, tea egg roll DIY, and shaved ice, allowing visitors to experience the purity of the land and the dedication of the tea farmers amidst the aroma of tea.
Chishang Rice Wrap Story Museum
Located next to Chishang Station in Taitung, the Chishang Bento Story Museum combines the old station's appearance with nostalgic railway elements to showcase the history and evolution of Chishang bento boxes. The museum features a retro platform, an artifact display area, and a bento box sales area, allowing visitors to experience the warmth and stories of Taiwan's railway culture while enjoying delicious food.
Brown Avenue
Brown Avenue, located in Chishang, Taitung, is a stunningly beautiful rural road that winds its way through rice paddies. It gained fame after being featured in an advertisement. With the changing seasons and the backdrop of distant mountains and blue skies, it has become a favorite photo spot for travelers. Vehicles are prohibited from using the road, preserving its pristine landscape and making it the perfect place to experience the idyllic rural scenery of Chishang.
Wave House
Located next to Tiehua Village in Taitung, the building is constructed from shipping containers, with a wave-shaped roof symbolizing the convergence of mountains, sea, and indigenous peoples. Inside, there are creative cultural brands, specialty restaurants, and handmade shops, making it a popular spot to experience the creativity and cultural charm of Taitung.
Day 3
Taitung/Pingtung
Toyama Fish Protection Area
Fushan Fish Protection Area, located in Beinan Township, Taitung County, is a marine area that combines ecological conservation and coastal tourism. Fishing and collecting marine life are prohibited to preserve the natural coastal ecosystem. Visitors can observe intertidal organisms and enjoy the clear sea views on the pebble beach, making it an ideal place to get close to the ocean and experience environmental education.
Garlulan Recreation Area
Located on the Taitung coastline, it has now been transformed into an open space that combines nature and art. The park boasts magnificent sea views and lawns, and features numerous pieces of driftwood and art installations, making it an excellent spot for taking photos, picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery of the Taitung coastline.
Xiaoyeliu
Xiaoyeliu is one of Taitung's most enchanting coastal wonders, boasting unique landforms such as tofu rocks and mushroom rocks, resembling a sculpture exhibition by nature. Strolling along the sea-eroded platform, you can admire the intertidal ecosystem and the magnificent Pacific Ocean up close, feeling as if you're in a geology classroom and a marine art gallery. It's an excellent choice for taking photos and for family exploration.
Retro Blue Leather Reliever
The Retro Blue Relief Train is Taiwan Railways' most therapeutic sightseeing train, featuring classic blue carriages that connect hidden gems along the Southern Cross-Island Highway. Outside the windows, breathtaking scenery unfolds where mountains and sea meet, while the interior is filled with nostalgic elements and creative touches, allowing travelers to relax and rediscover their inner peace in a slow-paced environment – a railway journey through time.
Day 4
Pingtung/Kaohsiung
Kagoshima Capybara Park
A 10-minute walk from the Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake area. Passing through Nishinogawara-dori, lined with souvenir shops, you'll arrive at a riverbank dotted with lava formations and steaming hot springs. Hot springs gush from the rocks, converging into hot spring rivers. This unique Kusatsu walking trail exudes the charm of a hot spring paradise.
Pingtung Shengli Star Village
Shiraito Falls is 70 meters wide and 3 meters high. The stream flows smoothly down the black rocks like countless white silk threads, forming a huge and spectacular water curtain. This delicate and beautiful scenery has earned it the nickname "Karuisawa Secret Realm".
Liuhe Night Market
Tourism in the Karuizawa area is developed around several parts, including Kyu-Karuizawa, Naka-Karuizawa, Minami-Karuizawa, Oibawa, and Shiozawa. The most bustling area is Kyu-Karuizawa, where the Ginza district, which was developed during the Meiji period, is about 600 meters long and is lined with Western-style shops and buildings with a European style.
Day 5
Kaohsiung / Return Trip
Free time in Kaohsiung
Remark
Fee included
1. Hotel accommodation, meals, itinerary, transportation fares, and tickets specified in the itinerary.
2. Our company has taken out "Travel Industry Performance Guarantee Insurance" of NT$43 million and "Travel Industry Liability Insurance" of NT$5 million per person for travel accidents, NT$200,000 for accidental medical expenses, and marine insurance, as required by the Tourism Bureau.
with the regulations of the Tourism Bureau.
*The new travel industry liability insurance will be implemented from 2023/10/1. For those under 15 years old and over 70 years old, the insurance limit is 2.5 million.
3. Tips for tour guides and drivers.
Not included
1. The fee for applying for a passport is NT$1,700.
*The original ID card and two recent two-inch color photos with white background are required. For those who have completed their military service, the new passport must be accompanied by a discharge order. The procedures for male military servicemen to go abroad are the same as those for ordinary people.
Men who are not serving in school must first apply to the Military Service Section of the local government to obtain an official document approving the departure of men serving abroad.
Notes
1. After registration and payment, the Tourism Bureau’s overseas travel standardized contract will take effect immediately. Changes or cancellations of the itinerary will be handled according to the contents of the contract.
2. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the group, the company reserves the right to change or swap the itinerary. The confirmation of the itinerary content, meals, flight times, landing cities, and accommodation hotels are based on the information of the final group briefing session.
The food content is mainly based on the actual ones provided by restaurants and hotels on the day. The accommodation room types are mainly based on the actual ones provided by the hotels, and the selection is based on the order of registration.
3. If the attractions that require tickets are closed or cannot be entered due to other force majeure factors, additional paid attractions will be adjusted or refunds will be processed depending on the situation. We apologize for your understanding.
4. If you do not return to the country with the group or change the return airport, you will need to pay the difference in air tickets, and the remaining tour fee will not be refunded.
5. To participate in this trip, you must hold a passport of the Republic of China (the passport is valid for more than six months until the day you return to the country). If you have dual nationality or hold a passport from another country, please check the relevant entry and exit information first.
(Taiwan Immigration and Immigration Service Global Information Network, Japan Exchange Association Taiwan Office), please proactively inform your service staff when registering.
6. If you are a military employee, going abroad must be approved by the unit to which you belong, and the approval stamp must be stamped on your passport. For male servicemen aged 19 to 36 who have not performed military service, going abroad must be approved by the Military Service Section of the household registration unit to which you belong.
And the approval stamp will be stamped on the passport.
7. The minimum number of people in a group is 10 (inclusive) to complete the trip, and the maximum number of people in a group is 40 (inclusive) or less.
8. According to the regulations of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, the daily use time of a bus from departure from the garage to return to the garage shall not exceed 9 hours to avoid traffic conditions caused by driver fatigue.
9. Seasonal attractions arranged to be visited during the itinerary (such as cherry blossom viewing, flower viewing, maple viewing, snow viewing, etc.) may be affected by actual on-site conditions at the time or force majeure factors such as weather.
Make adjustments to visit appropriate sightseeing spots at the right time.
10. Group seat location arrangements are subject to airline arrangements.
11. Once a ticket is issued, it cannot be refunded.
12. Photos of itinerary attractions, restaurants, and meals are for reference only. The scenery or dishes may vary depending on the season and shooting angle, so please understand.
13. If anyone leaves the group during the itinerary and does not participate in the contracted itinerary, it will be deemed to have given up on their own and no refund will be given. Please forgive me.
14. Our company is responsible for creating beautiful travel memories with senior citizens and family members with dementia. If you have such needs, please inform the service staff to provide you with the most appropriate service.
Please also bring your family to build your dream together.
Travel tips
1. Please wear comfortable walking shoes: The itinerary includes Jiafang Organic Tea Garden, Brown Avenue, etc., so it is recommended to wear light clothing and sports shoes for easy walking.
2. Night markets and old streets are mostly open for free exploration: Please bring enough cash (New Taiwan Dollars), as some vendors do not accept credit cards or mobile payments.
3. Weather changes rapidly, and the itinerary may be adjusted flexibly: In case of rain or force majeure, the tour guide will adjust the itinerary as appropriate, and your cooperation is appreciated.
4. Hotel arrangements are based on the same standard: the actual hotel may be adjusted according to the situation on the day, please understand.
5. Please be punctual for the meeting time: After free time, please return to the meeting point on time to avoid affecting the group's itinerary.
6. Taiwanese people are friendly and approachable, and basic English communication is not a problem: a smile and politeness are the best way to get by, and you can ask for help if you encounter any difficulties.
7. Public facilities are well-maintained and toilets are clean and widely available: Night markets, train stations, and tourist attractions often have free or coin-operated toilets. Please bring your own change and toilet paper.
8. The diet is diverse but tends to be heavy in flavor. Please be mindful of your personal eating habits and allergens. If you have any special needs, please inform the tour guide in advance.
9. The weather is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and sun protection products: it is cool in the morning and evening in northern Taiwan in autumn and winter, and it is windy in the mountains and by the sea. Please add or remove clothing as needed.
10. Respect local culture when shopping: Old streets and markets are mostly run by small businesses, so please do not haggle over prices and ask for permission before taking photos.
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Blue-skinned Relief: Slow Travel Through Mountains and Seas
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