Full-day Trip
[Option 1] Yushan National Park — high-elevation wildflowers & alpine ecology
Option 1 starts at Sun Moon Lake and takes you into Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range along a scenic biodiversity corridor. As you climb, you will witness a clear vertical vegetation zonation—shifting from sub-tropical broadleaf forests, through the misty cloud forest belt, into sub-alpine coniferous stands of Spruce and Taiwan Hemlock, finally reaching the alpine grassland ecotone.
At Tatajia (2,600 m), the nature walk begins. The route is family-friendly, featuring paved paths and boardwalks on gentle slopes (approx. 2.5–3 hours). It leads to iconic landmarks such as the “Great Hemlock” and the Linzhi Mountain saddle (approx. 2,800 m), offering sweeping views of the Yushan (Jade Mountain) and Alishan mountain ranges.
As Yushan is East Asia’s highest peak, this excursion provides rare access to alpine ecosystems without technical hiking. Late April is a rewarding time for naturalists, featuring blooming alpine rhododendrons and frequent sightings of approachable montane endemics like the White-whiskered Laughingthrush and Taiwan Rosefinch. All-day excursion suitable for all ages: safe trails, no exposed terrain, and a relaxed pace.
Photo Credit: I-Ching Chen
Photo Credit: I-Ching ChenAdditional references:
[Option 2] Taiwan Tea Culture & Indigenous Community Experience — tea landscapes, local heritage & cultural immersion
Option 2 is a cultural immersion focused on the deep connection between people and the land in Central Taiwan. The itinerary explores Sun Moon Lake’s tea agronomy, specifically the famous Ruby 18 cultivar. Guests will visit a working tea estate to observe the transition from leaf to cup, featuring a guided sensory tasting and a hands-on tea crafting experience (such as traditional kneading) suitable for all ages.
The journey also engages with a Bunun indigenous community, highlighting the ethnobotany of millet—a crop vital to biodiversity and tribal identity. Through interactive storytelling and demonstrations, guests will learn how agricultural traditions and ecological wisdom are preserved and passed down across generations.
Designed with a relaxed pace, this option involves light walking and accessible activities, making it perfect for families and multi-generation travelers seeking a meaningful cultural connection.
Photo credit: Hao Weng Shih
Photo credit: Hao Weng ShihAdditional references: