Carry-On Only for Taipei: China Airlines, EVA Air, TPE Airport Tips

Taipei is one of the most rewarding cities in Asia for carry-on travel — the city is safe, walkable, and has an excellent metro system that makes navigating with a single bag effortless. China Airlines, EVA Air and STARLUX each publish a 7 kg Economy main-bag allowance. Published checks do not establish a probability of gate weighing. If you are flying via Taipei and plan to continue domestically to Hualien for Taroko Gorge, the carry-on rules apply on the domestic hop as well. Pack carefully and Taipei rewards you with night markets, bubble tea on every corner, and one of the best cities in the world to eat in.

Airline Rules at a Glance

These are alternative size descriptions, not three different fixed boxes. Bulky shapes still need safe stowage and can require checking. Personal-item weight and any combined limit should be confirmed rather than inferred from the main-bag cap.

China Airlines Business and EVA Royal Laurel/Premium Laurel/Business allow two main pieces, each up to 7 kg. STARLUX First/Business permits two main pieces sharing 14 kg, at most 10 kg each. Check every operating carrier on connections; themed aircraft do not establish a separate baggage benefit.

TPE: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) handles all major international flights to and from Taipei. It is a large, modern airport with two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus.

MRT to the city. The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the best way to reach central Taipei from TPE. The express service takes 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station and costs NT$160. Trains run every 15 minutes. The commuter service makes more stops and takes longer. Both use the same platform and the station direction is clearly signed.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is the secondary airport inside the city, used for domestic flights and some routes to nearby cities including Tokyo Haneda and Seoul Gimpo. If you are flying domestically to Hualien for Taroko Gorge, you will use TSA — it is connected to the Taipei Metro and is much faster to reach from the city centre than TPE.

Terminal amenities. Both terminals at TPE have adequate food options and duty-free. The airport is efficient rather than spectacular — Taipei's appeal is in the city itself, not the airport.

Packing for Taipei

Taipei has a subtropical climate. Summers (June through September) are hot and humid with typhoons possible. Winters (December through February) are mild but can be rainy and cool. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activities.

Night market clothing. Taipei's night markets — Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia — require nothing special. Comfortable shoes that you do not mind getting slightly dirty on busy street food evenings are the main consideration. Light breathable clothing for summer is sensible given the heat and crowds.

Hiking for Taroko Gorge. If you are doing the Taroko Gorge day trip or spending a night in Hualien, pack comfortable walking shoes that can handle uneven trail surfaces. Taroko's most popular trail (Shakadang) requires nothing technical but hiking shoes or trail runners are more comfortable than city shoes.

Bubble tea and street food. These do not affect packing, but Taipei's street food culture means you will eat more cheaply and well than almost anywhere in Asia. Budget extra room in your daily spend, not your bag.

Electronics and voltage. Taiwan uses 110V / 60 Hz with US-style flat two-pin plugs. US and Canadian electronics work without adapters. European and UK devices require voltage conversion or a compatible dual-voltage charger (check the label — most modern laptops and phone chargers are compatible).

Taipei Night Markets

Shilin Night Market is the most famous and the most visited — expect crowds but also the widest variety of food. Raohe Night Market, on the eastern side of the city, is smaller, less touristy, and many repeat visitors prefer it. Both are well-connected by metro. No special clothing or preparation is needed — just arrive hungry and bring cash (NT$), as many stalls do not accept cards.

Getting to Hualien (Taroko Gorge)

The fastest option is the domestic flight from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) to Hualien (HUN) — a 40-minute flight, multiple times daily. The scenic option is the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) Puyuma Express train from Taipei Main Station — about 2 hours and one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Asia. For carry-on travellers, both options work well: the domestic flight uses TSA which is metro-accessible, and the train station is at Taipei Main Station where the airport MRT terminates.

Bottom Line

Weigh your packed main bag against the booked class and check both main-bag and personal-item size conditions. Confirm any connection separately. Taipei itself is extremely carry-on friendly: the metro goes everywhere, luggage storage is available at major stations if needed, and the city's walkability means you rarely need more than a day bag once settled.