Winter Itinerary · Dec–Feb
Taiwan Winter Itinerary 2026: Hot Springs, Alishan & South Taiwan
Winter is one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The south stays warm (22–26°C in Kaohsiung and Tainan), Alishan's cloud sea is at its most dramatic, and the hot springs of Beitou and Jiaoxi feel extraordinary in the cold mountain air. This 8-day route starts in the warm south and works its way north — saving the best hot spring experience for last when you need it most.
Winter weather: South Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan, Kenting) stays mild and sunny — perfect sightseeing conditions. Central mountains (Alishan, Sun Moon Lake) are cool and misty, 8–15°C. Taipei in winter is 12–18°C with occasional drizzle. Pack a light jacket and waterproof layer for the north.
Best eSIM for this trip: The 15-day 10GB plan ($20) covers your 8-day winter trip with generous buffer. You'll use data for weather checks, hot spring bookings, and the Alishan shuttle app.
Day-by-Day Route
1
Kaohsiung
Fly into Kaohsiung — Lotus Pond
Fly directly into Kaohsiung (KHH) — the warm south is the perfect winter arrival. Take the MRT from the airport to the city in 15 minutes. Afternoon at Lotus Pond: the dragon and tiger pagodas are surrounded by lotus flowers in winter bloom. Watch the sunset from the Kaohsiung Harbour waterfront. Dinner at Pier-2 Art District.
2
Tainan
Tainan — Anping Fort + Temple Trail
Short train north to Tainan — winter here is warm (24°C), sunny, and uncrowded. Visit Anping Fort in the morning, the Dutch-built sea fort that launched Taiwan's colonial history. Walk the temple trail through Chihkan Towers and Koxinga Shrine in the afternoon. Tainan winter food: milkfish congee at a traditional breakfast shop, then coffin bread for lunch.
3
Tainan
Tainan Continued — Old Market District
Second day in Tainan's old market district: Hayashi Department Store (1932 Art Deco Japanese department store), the colourful Sinhua Old Street (30 min bus), and the weekend organic market near Zhongzheng Road. Afternoon walk along the Tainan canals at golden hour. Dinner at a family-run beef soup restaurant — a Tainan winter speciality.
4
Alishan
Alishan Forest Railway — Cloud Sea Sunrise
Train from Chiayi to Alishan on the narrow-gauge forest railway (2.5 hrs — book ahead). Check in and sleep early: the 4am Zhushan sunrise shuttle is the reason you're here. In winter, the cloud sea below Alishan is at its thickest — from Zhushan Viewing Platform, you watch the sun rise above an ocean of cloud with the mountain peaks as islands. The cedar forest trails are stunning in the morning mist.
5
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake — Winter Fog + Bicycle
Descend from Alishan to Chiayi, then bus to Sun Moon Lake via Puli. In winter, morning fog rolls across the lake surface creating one of Taiwan's most atmospheric views. Rent a bicycle and cycle part of the 33km lake loop — the Ci'en Pagoda section has the best views. Warm up with a bowl of Thao aboriginal mochi by the lakeside ferry dock. Stay overnight.
6
Taipei
HSR to Taipei — Beitou + Wulai Hot Springs
HSR from Taichung to Taipei (40 min). Drop bags at your hotel then head straight to Beitou: MRT to Xinbeitou for the public sulphur spring baths (under $2, bring a towel). If you want something more dramatic, take the bus to Wulai — aboriginal hot spring pools in a mountain gorge, 45 minutes south of Taipei. Return to the city for a warm bowl of sesame noodles at Yongkang Street.
7
Northeast
Jiaoxi Hot Springs + Jiufen
Train east to Jiaoxi — a small town in Yilan County famous for its carbonate hot springs. Unlike the sulphur springs of Beitou, Jiaoxi's springs are clear and odourless; foot baths line the main street. Afternoon drive to Jiufen: in winter the hillside tea houses are cosy and warm, and the mountain mist makes the gold-rush alleyways look like a Studio Ghibli scene. Return to Taipei by train.
8
Taipei / Fly Home
CKS Memorial Hall — Departure
Morning walk through the CKS Memorial Hall gardens — the changing of the guard ceremony runs every hour on the hour. Last stops: Dihua Street for preserved plums, dried mango, and the best pineapple cakes in Taipei. Airport MRT from central Taipei to Terminal 1 takes 35 minutes. Clear skies in winter make for a brilliant last view of the city as you take off.
Recommended eSIM for winter travel
15-day / 10GB plan — $20. Book hot spring time slots, check Alishan weather, navigate the Jiaoxi streets — data is essential.
Winter Travel Tips
- South-first strategy — flying into Kaohsiung and out of Taipei lets you enjoy the warm south when you arrive fresh, and end with Taipei's cooler, more dynamic energy.
- Alishan sunrise permit — the Zhushan viewing platform is popular. Arrive at least 20 minutes before sunrise to secure a front-row spot. The shuttle bus from Alishan station runs from 3:30am.
- Hot spring etiquette — bring a small towel, no swimsuit required in the private pools (most guesthouses have private spring-fed baths). Public pools like Beitou require swimwear.
- Jiaoxi foot baths — free public foot soak basins line the main street near the train station. Pack a small towel. Best experienced in the evening when the cooler air makes the warm water more satisfying.
- Packing — light jacket and waterproof layer for Taipei and the mountains. The south needs only T-shirts. Alishan at 2,200m altitude requires a warm fleece even if the rest of Taiwan feels mild.
- Lunar New Year — if visiting in late January or early February, Lunar New Year brings crowds, higher prices, and some closures. It's also one of the most atmospheric times to experience Taiwan — temple fairs, lanterns, and fireworks. Book accommodation 3 months ahead if your dates overlap.