Taiwan and Beijing: Buddhist Monasteries, Night Markets, and Breathtaking Geography

As the world’s third-tallest building, the Taipei 101 towers over the Taiwan's capital city at 1,670 feet, with no other skyscraper in the city coming within 600 feet of its height. Though it’s a 21st-century achievement, Taipei 101 is also a soaring tribute to Asia’s past, as its architecture mirrors the rhythmic tiers found in Buddhist pagodas. Topped by a 60-foot spire, the tower also intentionally resembles a bamboo stalk—a homage to the spectacular forests that make the island a popular ecological attraction. With Ritz Tour’s 10-day, 8-night tour, you’ll not only see the Taipei 101, you'll visit the unspoiled national parks and Buddhist shrines of Taiwan that inspired its design. Afterward six nights in Taiwan, you'll finish the tour with two nights in Beijing to experience the Forbidden City.

Click here for a detailed daily itinerary.

Days 1–2: Depart from Los Angeles en route to Beijing, crossing the International Date Line along the way. In Beijing, you’ll take a connecting flight to Taipei, Taiwan's capital, and stay at the Howard Hotel. The tour will stop at Taipei's National Palace Museum, home to ancient paintings, bronze statues, intricately carved jade figurines, and other national treasures and artifacts. At night, browse the famous Raohe Street Night Market illuminated by glittering lights. Here, artists make glass figurines, street vendors grill traditional Chinese food, and visitors buy colorful novelty gifts.

Days 3–4: Spend the day along the crescent-shaped Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest body of water. The beauty of this emerald-green lake surrounded by mountains makes for a picturesque setting for several cultural attractions. You'll stop at Wenwu Temple, modeled after a northern Chinese palace, featuring a bronze sculpture of Confucius and a pair of crimson-stone lion statues.

The next day, visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastery, tucked amid a tranquil bamboo forest. At this active monastery, you can sample oolong tea, listen to Buddhist chants, and have a one-sided conversation with a silent monk. Afterward, head to Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung, where the neon skyline illuminates the serene Love River and the Lio Ho night market buzzes until sunrise.

Days 5–7: Explore the tropical beaches of Kenting National Park before spending the night at Taitung's Formosan Naruwan Hotel. In the morning, the tour continues along the East Coast National Scenic Area and its Baxian Caves. Also known as the Caves of the Eight Immortals, this network of sea caves houses Taoist shrines.

The next day is dedicated to touring the stunning geographical vistas at Taroko National Park, named after the Taroko Gorge that was carved by the Liwu River. Keep an eye out for wild boar, black bears, sambar deer, and the park’s 144 bird species.

Days 8–9: Fly to Beijing and settle in at the Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong. Highlights on this leg of your journey include photo opportunities at 2008 Olympic sites, from the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube stadiums. You’ll also stop at the Forbidden City, where you can admire the intricate architecture of the Hall of Preserving Harmony and walk underneath the massive Gate of Supreme Harmony. Just outside the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest city square and the home to several monuments.

Day 10: Head to the airport for your LA-bound flight home.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.