A holiday itinerary allows you to follow “Pi’s” footsteps throughout Taiwan
By , TravelKing
Updated: 2013/4/17
Updated: 2013/4/17
The event has ended this year.
Taipei City Zoo (Photo by Bruce)
Life of Pi, an Oscar-winning movie, was filmed 75 percent of scenes at various Taiwan destinations. Over the tour of 3 days, you may first visit the vivid capital of Taiwan, Taipei, to meet the adorable animals that Pi’s family owned. Then, you may go to Taichung where the main scene of the Pacific Ocean was shot as the wave-generating pool was built at the former Taichung Shuinan Airport. Taichung is also where the crew members stayed the most during the 10 month filming in Taiwan. Last destination will be the Mexican beach in the movie which was shot at Kenting Baisha Bay, Pingtung. Come to Taiwan to begin your adventure to thread Pi’s footsteps through the north of Taiwan to the south.
Day 1:
Moring: Taipei City Zoo -> Afternoon: Taipei Maokong Gondola -> Evening: Dinner & Shopping at Shilin Night Market -> Hotel
Moring---
All of the animals appear in the opening scene of Life of Pi were from Taipei City Zoo, including sloths, rhinoceros, Burmese pythons, leopard, flamingos, Formosan sika deer, Malayan tapirs, ring-tailed lemurs, orangutans, zebra and a Taiwan native Formosan black bear, which is about three minutes long in the movie. Taipei City Zoo has cooperated with the film company in order to erect signs at the zoo to mark the locations for visitors to recognize these adorable movie stars in “Life of Pi”
How to go to Taipei City Zoo?
Take MRT Wenhu line(捷運文湖線) to Taipei City Zoo Station(台北市立動物園站) directly.
Afternoon---
Maokong Gondola goes from the outskirts of the city to the top of the surrounding mountains. It runs in between 4 stations: Taipei City Zoo, Taipei City Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station and Maokong Station with a total distance about 4.03 kilometers, offering panoramic views over the beauties and landscapes of Maokong. Maokong is one of Taiwan’s two places that are renowned for the high-quality Tie-Guan-yin tea. It is an ideal base for experiencing distinctive tea culture and tea tasting, as well as a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.
How to take Maokong Gondola?
Visitor may take the gondola at the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station. For more details of gondola route, please visit http://gondola.trtc.com.tw/eng/information.htm.
Evening---
Shilin Night Market is one of the most popular Taipei night markets among both local and international travelers. This Taipei’s largest night market in Shilin district with utmost in convenience has MRT Jiantan Station nearby, offering wide selections of Taiwan snacks and various fun activities. Popular Taiwan snacks in Shilin Night Market include Sausage Wrapped in Glutinous Rice, Oyster Omelet, Fried Chicken Fillet and Bubble Ice.
How to go to Shilin Night Market?
Take Taipei MRT Danshui Red Line to MRT Jiantan Station.
Day 1:
Moring: Taipei City Zoo -> Afternoon: Taipei Maokong Gondola -> Evening: Dinner & Shopping at Shilin Night Market -> Hotel
Moring---
All of the animals appear in the opening scene of Life of Pi were from Taipei City Zoo, including sloths, rhinoceros, Burmese pythons, leopard, flamingos, Formosan sika deer, Malayan tapirs, ring-tailed lemurs, orangutans, zebra and a Taiwan native Formosan black bear, which is about three minutes long in the movie. Taipei City Zoo has cooperated with the film company in order to erect signs at the zoo to mark the locations for visitors to recognize these adorable movie stars in “Life of Pi”
How to go to Taipei City Zoo?
Take MRT Wenhu line(捷運文湖線) to Taipei City Zoo Station(台北市立動物園站) directly.
Afternoon---
Maokong Gondola goes from the outskirts of the city to the top of the surrounding mountains. It runs in between 4 stations: Taipei City Zoo, Taipei City Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station and Maokong Station with a total distance about 4.03 kilometers, offering panoramic views over the beauties and landscapes of Maokong. Maokong is one of Taiwan’s two places that are renowned for the high-quality Tie-Guan-yin tea. It is an ideal base for experiencing distinctive tea culture and tea tasting, as well as a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.
How to take Maokong Gondola?
Visitor may take the gondola at the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station. For more details of gondola route, please visit http://gondola.trtc.com.tw/eng/information.htm.
Evening---
Shilin Night Market is one of the most popular Taipei night markets among both local and international travelers. This Taipei’s largest night market in Shilin district with utmost in convenience has MRT Jiantan Station nearby, offering wide selections of Taiwan snacks and various fun activities. Popular Taiwan snacks in Shilin Night Market include Sausage Wrapped in Glutinous Rice, Oyster Omelet, Fried Chicken Fillet and Bubble Ice.
How to go to Shilin Night Market?
Take Taipei MRT Danshui Red Line to MRT Jiantan Station.
Taichung Calligraphy Greenway (Photo by Claire)
Day 2:
Moring: Take HSR to Taichung -> National Museum of Natural Science -> Afternoon: Calligraphy Greenway -> Evening: Parkway of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts -> Hotel
The ocean scenes of the film were shot at a giant wave pool built by the crew in Taichung, Taiwan. This specially designed wave-generating pool enable to create 1,000 types of vertical, horizontal and spiral waves. The studio and the wave-generating pool have been planned to open to the public in the future. Although visitors may not see this world’s largest wave pool before it is ready for public, you may still visit the places in Taichung that the director- Ang Lee liked to go when he was looking for an inspiration and savor local delicacies that the crew was deeply intrigued. Moreover, Taichung is a friendly city full of culture, civilization and humanity that you will also be fond of the city.
Moring---
You may take a 50-minute HSR from Taipei Main Station to Taichung HSR Station, and then take a taxi directly to the museum or a complimentary shuttle to the SOGO Department store (National Museum of Natural Science) stop. The National Museum of Natural Science is just 7 minutes walk from the stop. The National Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular attractions in Taichung, where features a special rotating exhibition and hands-on exhibitions for adults and children of all ages.
Afternoon---
Calligraphy Greenway is a greenway that connects a series of green parks from Art Museum, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts to the National Museum of Natural Science with the length of total 3.6 km. After you explore the exhibitions and events in the National Museum of Natural Science, you may wander along the Calligraphy Greenway while appreciating green trees, artworks and charming sceneries on both sides of the greenway. Calligraphy Greenway was the director Ang Lee’s favorite place when he had thoughts to ponder or searched for an inspiration.
How to go to Calligraphy Greenway?
The Calligraphy Greenway is laid out in front of National Museum of Natural Science.
Evening---
Parkway of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is also called the Wuquan Parkway that extend beyond National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. It is located in the end of the Calligraphy Greenway. There are different types of exotic restaurants and coffee shops on both sides of the parkway. The distinct architectures and exterior designed of each restaurant makes the parkway a popular tourist destination among local and international travelers, as well as the nice point for photography or wedding photos.
Moring: Take HSR to Taichung -> National Museum of Natural Science -> Afternoon: Calligraphy Greenway -> Evening: Parkway of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts -> Hotel
The ocean scenes of the film were shot at a giant wave pool built by the crew in Taichung, Taiwan. This specially designed wave-generating pool enable to create 1,000 types of vertical, horizontal and spiral waves. The studio and the wave-generating pool have been planned to open to the public in the future. Although visitors may not see this world’s largest wave pool before it is ready for public, you may still visit the places in Taichung that the director- Ang Lee liked to go when he was looking for an inspiration and savor local delicacies that the crew was deeply intrigued. Moreover, Taichung is a friendly city full of culture, civilization and humanity that you will also be fond of the city.
Moring---
You may take a 50-minute HSR from Taipei Main Station to Taichung HSR Station, and then take a taxi directly to the museum or a complimentary shuttle to the SOGO Department store (National Museum of Natural Science) stop. The National Museum of Natural Science is just 7 minutes walk from the stop. The National Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular attractions in Taichung, where features a special rotating exhibition and hands-on exhibitions for adults and children of all ages.
Afternoon---
Calligraphy Greenway is a greenway that connects a series of green parks from Art Museum, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts to the National Museum of Natural Science with the length of total 3.6 km. After you explore the exhibitions and events in the National Museum of Natural Science, you may wander along the Calligraphy Greenway while appreciating green trees, artworks and charming sceneries on both sides of the greenway. Calligraphy Greenway was the director Ang Lee’s favorite place when he had thoughts to ponder or searched for an inspiration.
How to go to Calligraphy Greenway?
The Calligraphy Greenway is laid out in front of National Museum of Natural Science.
Evening---
Parkway of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is also called the Wuquan Parkway that extend beyond National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. It is located in the end of the Calligraphy Greenway. There are different types of exotic restaurants and coffee shops on both sides of the parkway. The distinct architectures and exterior designed of each restaurant makes the parkway a popular tourist destination among local and international travelers, as well as the nice point for photography or wedding photos.
Kenting Baisha Bay (Photo by 馮順)
Day 3:
Kenting has always been a popular, enchanting holiday destination for all types of travelers and the most favored Taiwan destination for beach lovers. Not only it is a great stop for water activities, also it is the home to tropical forests, meadows, and seaside cliffs. As the hot the exotic floating island during Pi’s journey at Pingtung Banyan Park, the Mexican beach at Kenting Baisha Bay
Moring: Take HSR to Zuoying and then transfer to the bus to Eluanbi Park directly -> Eluanbi Park -> Afternoon: Kenting Baisha Bay -> Evening: Pingting Houbi Lake -> Hotel
Moring---
Eluanbi Park has spectacular geographical sceneries, precious ecosystems, and rare ecologies in the park. The main park lies behind Eluanbi Lighthouse along the coast. Eluanbi Lighthouse is also the landmark of Eluanbi peninsula, the southernmost point of Taiwan with coast covered with coral reefs. The lighthouse is cylindrical shaped colored in white, with a height of 18 meters and circumference of 110 meters. It is also renowned as “the Light of East Asia” for its strong optical power of light that can reach 20 miles at most.
How to go to Eluanbi Park from Taichung?
Take HSR from Taichung HSR Station to Kaohsiung Zuoying Station (about 1 hour ride) -> Transfer to Pingtung Bus or Kaosiung Bus to Eluanbi Park (about 3 hours ride)
Afternoon---
Remember the tiger walking off the Mexican beach and vanishing into the forest without a backward glance? The Mexican beach was actually filmed at Baisha Bay, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Located northwest of Maobitou (Cat Nose) in Kenting National Park, Kenting Baisha Bay (White Sand Bay) features a 500-meter-long white sandy beach, calm bay, suitable for all kinds of water activities such as swimming, diving, riding motorcycles and many other water sports. With a picturesque view of blue sky and ocean, the clam waves make it the wonderful spot for swimming and scuba diving, and water activity gear rentals are also available. This marvelous beach has been named the world’s ‘Best Overall Beach’ and ‘Best Kept Secret’ in Beach Tomato.com Travel Awards in 2011.
How to go to Kenting Baisha Bay?
Take Bus No. 8249, 9188 or Kenting shuttle bus-Orange Line from Eluanbi -> Get off at Yongjin Community -> Change to Kenting shuttle bus-Blue Line to Maobitou -> take a 25-minute walk to Kenting Baisha Bay
Evening---
People who have seen the movie Life of Pi must be stunned by the sea blooms with a phosphorescent glow. Bioluminescence creatures have the ability to use chemicals within their bodies to produce light, and surprisingly can be found in Houbi Lake in Pingtung, Taiwan. The Houbi Lake is also called by the other beautiful name- the fluorescent sea; however, the bioluminescence creatures caused the blue light above this lake still cannot be determined. According to the local residents, the amount of the bioluminescence creatures will increase during April to May, and the lake will previous to blue light throughout the wide range of the water. Although the lights are not as many and bright as the scene presented in the movie, there is a chance that you may see a glowing sea with your own eyes in Taiwan.
How to go to Houbi Lake?
Take Kenting shuttle bus-Blue Line from Maobitou directly to Houbi Lake
Book your Taiwan hotels today at Sinotour.com and get ready to discover the movie scenes of Life of Pi and other beauties of these mesmerizing Taiwan stops!
Kenting has always been a popular, enchanting holiday destination for all types of travelers and the most favored Taiwan destination for beach lovers. Not only it is a great stop for water activities, also it is the home to tropical forests, meadows, and seaside cliffs. As the hot the exotic floating island during Pi’s journey at Pingtung Banyan Park, the Mexican beach at Kenting Baisha Bay
Moring: Take HSR to Zuoying and then transfer to the bus to Eluanbi Park directly -> Eluanbi Park -> Afternoon: Kenting Baisha Bay -> Evening: Pingting Houbi Lake -> Hotel
Moring---
Eluanbi Park has spectacular geographical sceneries, precious ecosystems, and rare ecologies in the park. The main park lies behind Eluanbi Lighthouse along the coast. Eluanbi Lighthouse is also the landmark of Eluanbi peninsula, the southernmost point of Taiwan with coast covered with coral reefs. The lighthouse is cylindrical shaped colored in white, with a height of 18 meters and circumference of 110 meters. It is also renowned as “the Light of East Asia” for its strong optical power of light that can reach 20 miles at most.
How to go to Eluanbi Park from Taichung?
Take HSR from Taichung HSR Station to Kaohsiung Zuoying Station (about 1 hour ride) -> Transfer to Pingtung Bus or Kaosiung Bus to Eluanbi Park (about 3 hours ride)
Afternoon---
Remember the tiger walking off the Mexican beach and vanishing into the forest without a backward glance? The Mexican beach was actually filmed at Baisha Bay, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Located northwest of Maobitou (Cat Nose) in Kenting National Park, Kenting Baisha Bay (White Sand Bay) features a 500-meter-long white sandy beach, calm bay, suitable for all kinds of water activities such as swimming, diving, riding motorcycles and many other water sports. With a picturesque view of blue sky and ocean, the clam waves make it the wonderful spot for swimming and scuba diving, and water activity gear rentals are also available. This marvelous beach has been named the world’s ‘Best Overall Beach’ and ‘Best Kept Secret’ in Beach Tomato.com Travel Awards in 2011.
How to go to Kenting Baisha Bay?
Take Bus No. 8249, 9188 or Kenting shuttle bus-Orange Line from Eluanbi -> Get off at Yongjin Community -> Change to Kenting shuttle bus-Blue Line to Maobitou -> take a 25-minute walk to Kenting Baisha Bay
Evening---
People who have seen the movie Life of Pi must be stunned by the sea blooms with a phosphorescent glow. Bioluminescence creatures have the ability to use chemicals within their bodies to produce light, and surprisingly can be found in Houbi Lake in Pingtung, Taiwan. The Houbi Lake is also called by the other beautiful name- the fluorescent sea; however, the bioluminescence creatures caused the blue light above this lake still cannot be determined. According to the local residents, the amount of the bioluminescence creatures will increase during April to May, and the lake will previous to blue light throughout the wide range of the water. Although the lights are not as many and bright as the scene presented in the movie, there is a chance that you may see a glowing sea with your own eyes in Taiwan.
How to go to Houbi Lake?
Take Kenting shuttle bus-Blue Line from Maobitou directly to Houbi Lake
Book your Taiwan hotels today at Sinotour.com and get ready to discover the movie scenes of Life of Pi and other beauties of these mesmerizing Taiwan stops!
