What is China Airlines' carry-on size limit?

China Airlines allows one cabin bag up to 7 kg with dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm in economy class. A personal item is also allowed but must fit under the seat. The limit is enforced, particularly on international routes departing Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Does EVA Air weigh carry-on bags at the gate?

EVA Air is known for actively weighing carry-on bags. The economy limit is 7 kg with dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm. EVA Air is considered one of the stricter carriers among major Asian airlines for carry-on enforcement. Bag sizers may also be in use. Weigh your bag before the airport.

How do I get from TPE Taoyuan Airport to central Taipei?

The Taoyuan Airport MRT (express or commuter line) connects TPE Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station in approximately 35 minutes on the express service. A single ticket costs NT$160. Taxis are available but take significantly longer during peak hours due to highway traffic and cost several times more.

Is there a dress code at Taipei night markets?

No dress code applies at Taipei's night markets. Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, and the others are casual street food environments where any clothing is appropriate. The only practical consideration is comfortable shoes — night markets involve a lot of standing and slow walking on crowded streets.

Can I fly carry-on only on the domestic route from Taipei to Hualien for Taroko Gorge?

Yes. Domestic flights from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) to Hualien (HUN) are operated by Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air with small turboprops. The carry-on allowance on these routes is typically 7 kg with smaller dimensions than international flights. Check the specific allowance for your ticket — domestic Taiwan rules are strict on overhead space.

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. Both of Taiwan's major carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air, operate a 7 kg carry-on weight limit that is actively enforced. EVA Air in particular has a reputation for weighing bags and enforcing the limit at the gate. 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

Airline	Weight	Dimensions	Personal Item	Enforcement
China Airlines (Economy)	7 kg	56 × 36 × 23 cm	Allowed	Enforced
EVA Air (Economy)	7 kg	55 × 40 × 20 cm	Allowed	Strictly weighed at gate
Starlux Airlines (Economy)	7 kg	55 × 40 × 23 cm	Allowed	Enforced

EVA Air's 55 × 40 × 20 cm dimension limit is notably shallow at 20 cm depth — shallower than most competing carriers. Standard cabin bags that fit China Airlines may not meet EVA Air's depth requirement. Check your bag dimensions against both limits if you are flying both carriers on a trip.

EVA Air Hello Kitty jets. EVA Air's Hello Kitty-themed aircraft operate on certain routes including Taipei to some Japanese cities. The carry-on rules are identical to the standard fleet — same 7 kg limit, same dimensions. The theme is entirely cosmetic.

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

EVA Air's strict 7 kg enforcement — with scales at the gate and dimensional sizers in use — is the hardest constraint for a Taipei trip. Pack to 7 kg actual weight, not estimating. Use both the cabin bag and the under-seat personal item allowance. 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.