Culture
Feature itineraries
Alishan Indigenous Culture and Tea Experiential Private Tour
3
3 DAYS
Fairly EasyThe drive from Chiayi climbs into the Alishan mountain range, reaching Tsou indigenous communities at elevations above 1,000 meters where tea cultivation and community-managed forest occupy the same terrain. The first two days are spent immersed in Alishan indigenous culture and experiencing Indigenous life as it was yesterday and is today. We first arrive in Chashan, the southernmost Indigenous community in the Alishan National Scenic Area. It is home to Indigenous Tsou, Indigenous Bunun, and Han Chinese (Hakka) peoples. This community is unique in that many of its young people have returned in recent years to serve as local guides or to start their own businesses, such as guesthouses and coffee shops. These young people have energized this community’s tourism efforts, while reconnecting with their roots and learning from their elders. On Day 1, you become quickly acclimated to Indigenous Tsou culture with an exploration of Chashan Community’s culture park. Gain an understanding of the traditional uses of plants, view a traditional watchtower, and experience the sounds of a traditional air whistle (a device used by the elders to signal the start of a meeting). Then, enjoy a meal of fusion cuisine (traditional Indigenous and locally grown ingredients made using modern cooking methods). This is followed by time spent with a local guide in a natural swimming pool, cooling off or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting. After changing clothes and enjoying another dinner of fusion cuisine, our local guide leads us in a torch lighting ceremony and tells us stories and legends. On Day 2, we head into the mountains above Chashan to experience more of traditional Alishan indigenous life, such as making a bird call from shellflower stalks and archery. From there, we head to the Danayigu Ecological Park. This nature reserve, located within the Indigenous Tsou community of Shanmei, is famed for its success in restoring its river and Taiwan shoveljaw carp population. There are several areas along the river for viewing these fish, including from above, along the Danayigu Suspension Bridge. Lunch is at one of Taiwan’s few “floating restaurants,” meaning that food is served in the river on trays that float. This is followed by a guided cultural tour. To end the day, we head to Shizhuo, a “hub” along the Alishan Highway with convenience stores and snack shops. On Day 3, there will be a major shift in our cultural exploration of Alishan as we visit a tea plantation and learn about and experience traditional tea processing methods. We wrap up this journey by sampling locally produced teas, followed by a Chinese cuisine lunch in a nearby restaurant. This 3-day, 2-night adventure includes round-trip transport from the Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station. Alternative pickup locations are available upon request (additional charges may apply).
Cross-Mountain Spine Cycling Tour
8 8 DAYS ModerateThis eight-day guided cycling tour covers 555km and 8,400m of elevation, traversing Taiwan’s central mountain spine from Taipei to Kenting. The route includes sustained climbs, long descents, and quiet rural roads. Riders experience wild hot springs, the Taiwan KOM Challenge route, Sun Moon Lake, and the tea fields of Alishan. The journey concludes at Kenting’s southern beaches, with regional cuisine and cultural sites along the way.
Ancient Trails & Hot Springs
5 5 DAYS Fairly EasyA five-day private itinerary through the indigenous territory and coastline of southern Taiwan — a Paiwan stone-slate village, two national trails, and hot spring accommodation across Pingtung and Taitung. The route covers the Jinshuiying National Trail and the permit-controlled Alangyi Historic Trail, with overnight stays at hot spring hotels. Private transport throughout.
Mt. Nanhuda 5-Day Trek
5 5 DAYS ModerateMt. Nanhuda stands at 3,742 meters in Shei-Pa National Park, reached by four days of sustained ridge walking through glacier-carved terrain. The route connects two high-altitude cabins by way of a five-peak traverse and a descent into the Nanhu Valley cirque. Meals are prepared at each cabin and sleeping equipment is provided. The itinerary is designed for fit travelers with hiking experience who want genuine alpine exposure in Taiwan without technical climbing.
Jiaming Lake Trekking 4-day Guided
4 4 DAYS Fairly EasyA 4-day / 3-night trek to Jiaming Lake, Taiwan's second highest mountain lake, including two nights in mountain cabins and summiting two of Taiwan's Top 100 peaks. The route covers high-altitude terrain in Yushan National Park and is designed for hikers seeking a structured, guided experience.
Birds of Central Taiwan 3 Days
3 3 DAYS Fairly EasyThis three-day private itinerary moves through three of central Taiwan's most productive birding areas — Daxueshan National Forest, Xitou, and Sun-Link Sea Nature Education Area. The route is structured around resident endemic species, including the Mikado Pheasant and Taiwan Blue Magpie, with a private bilingual ornithologist guide throughout. All transport and accommodation arranged.
Why Adventure Asia
The company aims to serve soft/medium vacation options to the experienced adventure customer seeking uniquely styled expeditions, rather than traditional tourist-oriented itineraries that are prevalent.
