Bianzhou Park is a large grassy park in Taoyuan District of Taoyuan City. Here you can enjoy three circular "pump track" bike paths, slides, walking paths, and more. You can also check out the nearby Hexian Temple.
Historical Background: Bianzhou Park was completed in 2014, with mostly just grassy spaces. The park was renovated in 2021 to include three pump tracks. Pump tracks are hilly obstacles made especially for bicycles. They have wavy, hilly, and quarter-pipe-like structures. The park is popular on weekends and you will often see small children practice riding balance bikes here. Hexian Temple was constructed in 1987, and the main deity there is the Lotus Leaf Immortal Master, who is said to be the God of Construction, his God statue was thought to have been brought over from China over 100 years ago. Before the temple was built, the God was carried from place to place and worshipped by construction workers in Taiwan. There is also a funeral and cremation area near the temple. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 north and turn right on Jianxing Road. The park is at the end of the road. There is limited free parking on the side of the road and paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 north and turn right on Jianxing Road. The park is at the end of the road. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRC/Bus: You can take the local train to Taoyuan TRC Station, then take bus 168 to the Park City station. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
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Taoyuan is a large, bustling city in northern Taiwan, known for having Taiwan's largest airport. But Taoyuan also has hidden treasures such as one of the best historical old streets in Taiwan, interesting cultural sites, amazing seafood markets, and mountain areas to explore.
Brief Historical Background of Taoyuan: The name Taoyuan literally means "peach garden" in Chinese because the area used to have many peach orchards. Since prehistoric times, Taoyuan was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines, who had a large settlement in modern-day Nankan. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and start farming, and many of them planted peach trees, which is how Taoyuan got its name. During the Japanese Era, Taoyuan City was planned and developed. Under the ROC, Taoyuan County was established in 1950, and later Taoyuan City was made the county seat. In 2014, Taoyuan City and Taoyuan County were combined into the special municipality of Taoyuan City. Taoyuan International Airport was completed in 1979 and is Taiwan's largest airport. Toayuan has a population of over 2.2 million and is one of the fastest-growing populations in Taiwan due to the low cost of living and proximity to Taipei. Basic Taoyuan Travel Tips:
When should you go to Taoyuan? In my opinion, the best weather in Taoyuan is from March-May, and October - November, when the temperatures stay around 26 degrees Celsius and there is not as much rain. Summers are also nice, with the most sunny weather, but also hot and rainy. Winters can be cold (but not below freezing) and usually wet. Overall, there is no wrong answer as to what time of year you should visit Taoyuan. You will have a great time here at any time of year. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours near Taoyuan: There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taoyuan that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here, which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you. Here are some of the most popular tours of Taipei on Tripadvisor:
Attractions in Taoyuan: There are many attractions that you can enjoy in Taoyuan such as Daxi Old Street, Hakka Tea Culture Center, Lala Mountain, Treemore Garden, MV Resort, Shimen Reservior, Dongyanshan, Tomita Garden Farm, Simbalion Art Studio, Taoyuan Jurassic Museum, Saw Seen Edo Style Theme Park, Yangmei Eco Farm, Jinge Tourist Factory, Mountain Foot Deer Farm, Yukids Island, Youth Experience Park, Xpark Aquarium, Window on World Theme Park, Capybara Ranch, Chiao Hu Wonderland, Blu Night Aquarium Hotel, Xinwu Green Tunnel, Xinxikou Suspension Bridge, Xiaowulai, Jiaobanshan, Sanmin Bat Cave, Caota Sand Dunes, Taiwu New Village and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: The only way to get to Taiwan is via airplane. Planes leave daily from Taoyuan Airport. Taoyuan Airport: Taoyuan is Taiwan's largest airport and typically has cheaper flights and more flight times to choose from. It's about an hour's journey from Taoyuan Airport to the center of Taipei. You can travel via MRT, HSR, bus, or taxi to get to Taipei. You can get 30% off the Taoyuan Airport VIP lounge on KKday here. How to get around in Taoyuan: Taoyuan's transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below: By Train: Gets you to the city center of all major cities in Taiwan. It is about 800NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Roughly half the price of the HSR. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By HSR: (High-Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. By MRT: (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bus: Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations such as sun moon lake. You can book an inter-city bus on Klook here. By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD. You can charter a car on Klook here or KKday here. By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike bike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Tourist Site Map: Check out our map below of tourist sites in Taiwan, which is constantly updated:
Taoyuan's Airport Alley (aka Lane 234, Chunghua Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City 桃園市大園區中華路234巷, or Dayuan Puxin Village Airplane Alley 大園埔心里飛機巷)is a small road along the south side of Taoyuan Airport that is a popular place for plane spotters, aviation enthusiasts, and photographers. It is one of the best views of airplanes at Taiwan's largest and busiest airport.
Please note this place is not to be confused with Airplane Alley in Songshan, Taipei. Historical Background: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (aka Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport, or TPE) serves mainly northern Taiwan including Taipei City and is the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan. The Taoyuan International Airport opened in 1979, due to overcrowding in the smaller Songshan Airport in Taipei City, and was part of the Ten Major Construction Projects under President Chiang Ching-kuo. The airport was originally named after his father, former president Chiang Kai-shek, but was changed to the Taoyuan International Airport in 2006. Currently, China Airlines, EVA Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan have their headquarters at Taoyuan International Airport. Terminal 2 in Taoyuan International Airport was opened in 2000 due to more overcrowding. Terminal 3 is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2026. A fourth terminal is also planned. In 2019 the airport saw over 48 million passengers and 265,000 aircraft. Airplane Alley, officially Lane 234 of Chunghua Road, is a small road in Puxin Village of Dayuan District in Taoyuan City. It is a small road that connects the south side of the Taoyuan Airport to the north side. Due to its proximity to the airport, there are no tall buildings nearby obstructing the view, but there is the National Freeway 2 Bridge. Specifically, airplanes flying over the road are landing on the 05L runway at Taoyuan Airport. There are usually lots of people here on weekends, but there is enough room for everyone to watch the airplanes. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Places to eat / restaurants at Taoyuan Airport: Terminal 1: Before Security: B1 Food Court (including Burger King), 1F Subway, 3F Food Court (including Starbucks) After Security: 3F Departure Hall Terminal 2: Before Security: B2 Food Court, 1F (two coffee shops only), 4F Food Court, 5F Old Street Food Court After Security: 3F Departure Hall, 4F Departure Hall For full food options in the Taoyuan Airport in Chinese, check out this article here. Where to stay: Looking for the best hotels near Taoyuan Airport? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there By Car/Taxi: Take National Freeway 2 to Taoyuan Airport, then take the next exit and drive on the small backroad (Lane 234 of Chunghua Road) to the airplane watching area. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 2000 NT one way. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 to the airport, then drive to Lane 234 of Chunghua Road to the airplane watching area. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. Time: about 1.5 hours one way from Taipei. Price: A full tank of gas (150 NT) one way. You will not be able to take much luggage. By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): To get to Taoyuan International Airport from Taipei Main Station, take the airport MRT to Dayuan Station. The airplane alley is then about a 20 minute walk from the station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 160 NT one way. By HSR (High Speed Rail): Take the HSR to Taoyuan HSR Station, then switch to the Airport MRT and go to Dayuan Station. The airplane alley is then about a 20 minute walk from the station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 180 NT one way. Map: Check out the map of the plane watching spot below:
Shuizhiqiu Park is a large park in Guanyin District of Taoyuan. Here you can enjoy a large slide tower with three slides, a maze, swings, and more. It is one of the best parks in northern Taiwan.
Historical Background: Shuizhiqiu Park was completed in 2021. The main feature of this park is the large silo-shaped tower with three slides of differing heights. The tower stands nearly three stories tall. The park also features swing sets, a climbing hill, a maze, many paths and grassy areas, a gravel pit, and restrooms. During heavy rains, the park also acts as a floodwater catchment basin. As of 2024, the pond behind the park (Miao Pond 廟埤) was undergoing renovation. The park is very busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Please note that playing on the tower during off-time hours is prohibited. Price: Free Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM during the summer 9 AM to 5 PM during other times. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 14 southwest to Guanyin. The park is on the side of the road, and it is hard to miss the huge tower. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 14 southwest to Guanyin. The park is on the side of the road, and it is hard to miss the huge tower. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By MRT: Take the airport MRT to Dayuan Station, then switch to bus 5040 Via Zhongcuo. From Taipei Main Station, the whole trip takes about an hour and a half. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
TaiMall Park is a fun playground and park in front of TaiMall in Luzhu District of Taoyuan, built in 2020. Here you can enjoy a large jungle gym area, climbing areas, slides, swings, a skating rink, basketball courts, and more. You can also check out the nearby TaiMall shopping area.
Historical Background: TaiMall was completed in 1999, and was the first large-scale mall built in Taiwan. TaiMall Park was built in 2020, and includes 13 swing sets, and slides 15 meters high, a 10 meter high climbing dome, a basketball court, a circular plaza, flower gardens, grassy areas, and a skating rink. The main feature of the park is a custom-made three-story giant dome climbing net slide imported from South Korea, where visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the park from the platform before sliding down a 15-meter slide. The total cost for the park was 80 million NT. The land where the park was built was originally owned by TaiMall, but was given to the Taoyuan City Government, however TaiMall still maintains the grounds. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From central Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 West to Nankan and turn right into TaiMall. The park is on the south side of the mall. There is paid parking near TaiMall. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From central Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 West to Nankan and turn right into TaiMall. The park is on the south side of the mall. There is paid parking near TaiMall. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: You can take the 1961A Commuter Line from Taipei Main Station to TaiMall. The whole trip takes about an hour. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Taoyuan Shinto Shrine (also known as the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine, or Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine and Cultural Park 桃園忠烈暨神社文化園區) is a former Japanese Shinto Shrine that has recently been renovated and refurbished in Taoyuan. It is said to be the best-kept Shinto Shrine outside of Japan. It is like getting a taste of Japan without having to leave the country.
Brief Historical Background: The Taoyuan Shinto Shrine was built on Hutou Mountain in 1938 during the Japanese era in Taiwan. The purpose of the shrine was to help promote the Shinto Religion within the Japanese Empire. The Shrine is mainly made from unpainted and unvarnished cypress and cedar wood. The shrine is comprised of three main sections: the main stairway at the base of the hill leads to the first section with green areas, stone lanterns, and a Torii gate. The second section includes the main entrance and surrounding walls. The third section includes the main worship hall which was used for Shinto worship but is now used to remember ROC military veterans. Taiwan was once home to hundreds of Shinto Shrines during the Japanese era. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, many of these shrines were either destroyed or converted into Martyr's Shrines, so it is rare for a Shinto Shrine such as this one to still stand so complete and undefiled. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, it was renamed the Taoyuan Martyr's Shrine in 1950. In the 1907's after the ROC and Japan broke off official relations, plans were made to remove monuments of Japan's past colonial rule. Like many other former Shinto Shrines in Taiwan, plans were made for the Taoyuan Martyr's Shrine to be converted into a modern Chinese-style building. However, many local prominent figures advocated for the preservation of the historical wood building, and eventually, the Taoyuan City Government agreed. In 1986, a restoration project began which was completed in 1987. Further improvements were made in 1995. The area is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Most of the visitors are local Taiwanese, but the site also attracts many Japanese tourists. For an in-depth look at the history of the site, check out this blog by Josh Ellis. I highly recommend checking out his two-part blog on the shrine before you try to write a blog or give a tour of the area so you don't sound like a doofus. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From central Taoyuan City, take Chenggong Road north up toward Hutou Mountain. The Shinto Shrine is on the side of the road before it goes up the mountain. There is a small paid parking lot next to the temple. If the parking lot is full, there is parking on the side of the road on Chenggong Road or at the hospital nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From central Taoyuan City, take Chenggong Road north up toward Hutou Mountain. The Shinto Shrine is on the side of the road before it goes up the mountain. There is a small paid parking lot next to the temple. If the parking lot is full, there is parking on the side of the road on Chenggong Road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Taoyuan TRA Station, you can take bus 213 to Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine bus station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
Sanlian Pond is a group of three ponds known for its large white egret statue and views of passing trains in Yangmei District of Taoyuan County. Nearby are lots of bike paths, including paths that link up to and encircle other nearby ponds. You can also check out the nearby Fugang Old Street.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Fugang was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. Fugang Old Street includes Zhongzheng Road, Xinyi Street, Fuyuan Road, Xinming Street, Zhonghua Street, and Chenggong Road, which are in front of the present Fugang Station. Formerly known as "Bogonggang 伯公岡" Fugang Station was established in 1929 during the Japanese colonial period, after the northward shift of the Western Trunk Line. After the train station was established, a local market street began to form in front of the station. Bogongang Park is named after the old place name of Fugang. However, with the rerouting of major stops along the railway (now only local trains stop here), prosperity in the town began to stall, while leaving the beautiful baroque style buildings here as a testament to the area's former glory. Sanlian Pond was chosen to be part of the 2018 Taoyuan Land Art Festival. The giant white egret statue was chosen because egrets coexist with both rice paddies and ponds that are abundant in the area. The artist behind the sculpture is Hsu Tsung-chieh (許宗傑), who won the first prize at the Kaohsiung World Trade Center Exhibition in 2017. The statue is made from long stainless steel pipes and is over 10 meters long, with the bird standing 9 meters tall. The nearby ponds are meant to reflect the statue's image in the water showing its integration into the landscape. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The pond is on the east side of town and can be confusing to get there by car. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The pond is on the east side of town and is easily accessible by scooter. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRA: You can take the local train to Fugang TRA Station. The pond is within walking distance. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Fugang Old Street in Yangmei District of Taoyuan was once a vibrant market in front of the newly built Fugang Train Station. Here you can enjoy well preserved historical residences and shops in the area, that have remained virtually unchanged for 100 years. It is definitely worth checking out if you are interested in the history of the area.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Fugang was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. The Fugang Old Street includes Zhongzheng Road, Xinyi Street, Fuyuan Road, Xinming Street, Zhonghua Street, and Chenggong Road, which are in front of the present Fugang Station. Formerly known as "Bogonggang 伯公岡" Fugang Station was established in 1929 during the Japanese colonial period, after the northward shift of the Western Trunk Line. After the train station was established, a local market street began to form in front of the station. The old street area began at Zhongzheng Road, expanding westward. Many of the buildings on Fugang Old Street still retain their original construction, with the Lu Family Mansion being the most distinctive. However, with the rerouting of major stops along the railway (now only local trains stop here), prosperity in the town began to stall, while leaving the beautiful baroque style buildings here as a testament to the area's former glory. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The train station where the old street starts is right in the middle of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The train station where the old street starts is right in the middle of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRA: You can take the local train to Fugang TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Once you arrive at Yongan Harbor, there are many bike rental places available at the mouth of the harbor and along the bike path. Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Yangmei is a relatively developed and affluent town within Taoyuan. Hidden in the town is the not well known Yangmei Old Street, with a few historical buildings scattered here and there. If you didn't know it, you might mistake it for just an ordinary Taiwan street.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Yangmei was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. The township of Yangmei is named after the Chinese Bayberry. During the Qing Dynasty, Han Chinese immigrants found wild Bayberry (Yangmei 楊梅) trees covering the mountains and thus so named the area. During the Japanese era of Taiwan, Yangmei became a transportation hub in northern Taiwan, with convenient railway and highway transportation. Yangmei District was originally an agricultural town. However, with the completion of the National Freeway 1 in 1978 and the establishment of two interchanges, rapid industrial development occurred in the 1980s. There are now multiple industrial zones within Yangmei. The population of Yangmei is about 180,000 and is increasing every year. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take National Freeway 1 southwest to the Yangmei Exit. The old street starts is right in the middle of town on Dahua Street and Dacheng Street. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 1 southwest to Yangmei and turn right on Dahua Street and Dacheng Street. The old street starts is right in the middle of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRA: You can take the local train to Yangmei TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Bogonggang Park is a fun grassy park in Yangmei District of Taoyuan. Here you can enjoy a large covered performance area, playground equipment, and lots of bike paths, including paths that link up to and encircle nearby ponds. You can also check out the nearby Fugang Old Street.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Fugang was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. The Fugang Old Street includes Zhongzheng Road, Xinyi Street, Fuyuan Road, Xinming Street, Zhonghua Street, and Chenggong Road, which are in front of the present Fugang Station. Formerly known as "Bogonggang 伯公岡" Fugang Station was established in 1929 during the Japanese colonial period, after the northward shift of the Western Trunk Line. After the train station was established, a local market street began to form in front of the station. Bogongang Park is named after the old place name of Fugang. However, with the rerouting of major stops along the railway (now only local trains stop here), prosperity in the town began to stall, while leaving the beautiful baroque style buildings here as a testament to the area's former glory. Bogonggang Park is usually not very busy even on weekends, unless there are special events planned here. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The park is on the north side of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The park is on the north side of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRA: You can take the local train to Fugang TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Rugu Mountain in Taoyuan is popular for its amazing night views as well as panoramic views of the Taoyuan Plain. Here you can also find many tea and coffee shops on top of the mountain where you can enjoy the views. It is a great place to enjoy the landscape and natural scenery in Taoyuan.
Historical Background: The name Rugu means a woman's breast, and the mountain was named this because of its unique shape. Rugu is also the name of Mrs. Tang, from the Tang Dynasty, who breastfed her mother-in-law who had lost all her teeth due to old age, and is a symbol of filial piety in Chinese culture. The area around Rugu Mountain was settled by Hakka farmers from China, and many of the coffee shops and restaurants nearby serve Hakka food. There are also many tea plantations on the mountain due to abundant rainfall in the area. Rugu Mountain is 390 meters high. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy views of the Dahan River Plain, Zhongli, Yangmei Qingpu, and Linkou, and on clear days you can even see Taipei City and the Taipei 101 fireworks. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take National Freeway 3 to Longtan. Then take Highway 67 up the mountain. There is lots of free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Longtan, take Highway 67 up the mountain. There is lots of free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: The nearest bus stop is Nansheqi南蛇崎. It is about a 1 KM walk up the mountain from there. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Jiaobanshan is a scenic area in the mountainous Fuxing District of Taoyuan. Here you can enjoy majestic views of Xikou Suspension Bridge and the Dahan River. You can also enjoy a local shopping area and the aboriginal culture of the area nearby.
Brief Historical Background: Fuxing District is the largest district in Taoyuan City, and also the least populous (13,000) and is home to the Ayatal aboriginal tribe who have inhabited the area for centuries. They named the area Pyasan, meaning a trading post. The area was named Jiaobanshan during the Qing Dynasty by Liu Mingchuan because the area resembled triangular shapes, shaped by the Dahan River. In 1954, the area was renamed Fuxing (meaning rejuvenation) District by Chiang Kai-shek as a token of the rejuvenation of the nation. The area is known for its aboriginal culture and as a recreational mountain area, especially for such places as Xiaowulai and Lalashan. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take Provincial Highway 7 east up Fuxing District until you get near Jiaobanshan and turn right onto Ren'ai Road. There is limited parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 7 east up Fuxing District until you get near Jiaobanshan and turn right onto Ren'ai Road. There is limited parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: You can take many different busses to Taoyuan Bus Fuxing Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
Longtan Lake is a beautiful scenic lake in the middle of Longtan District of Taoyuan. Here you can find majestic scenery, stroll across five bridges around the lake, enjoy local cuisine, and marvel at the Longtan temple which sits on an island in the middle of the lake. It is also the location of boat races during the Dragon Boast Festival. It is a great place to spend an afternoon with the whole family.
Brief Historical Background: Longtan Lake is man made, and was created for irrigation purposes in 1748 by local leader Zhimuliu. During the Qing Dynasty, the lake was called Lingtanpi in honor of the local temple at the time, but was changed to Longtan during the Japanese era likely as a mistake since the name sounds the same in Taiwanese. The Lake spans 18 Hectares and is about half a meter deep. After the construction of the suspension bridge in 1971 and Nantian Temple in 1972 on a man made island in the lake, the lake soon became a major tourist attraction in the area. In the summer, a child's splash pool opens on the southern side of the lake. There are also bike paths, a children's playground, walking trails, a music memorial hall, and paddle boat rentals. The area Hours: 24/7 Longtan Dragon Boat Races: June 8th-10th 2024 Check out our full guide to Taiwan's dragon boat festival here. Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take National Freeway 3 to Longtan. The pond is near the city center. There is limited paid parking near Nantian Temple and also other paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 3 to Longtan, then continue southwest until you reach the lake. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: There are many buses that leave from Zhongli TRA station to Longtan. The ride takes about an hour. You can also take an inter-city bus from Taipei Main Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
You may have been to the Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan's largest airport, but do you know about the two plane-spotting balconies in Terminal 2, Lego area, mock old street eating area, or dumpling-shaped benches? In this blog, we will reveal some of the secrets to Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport.
Historical Background: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (aka Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport, or TPE) serves mainly northern Taiwan including Taipei City and is the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan. The Taoyuan International Airport opened in 1979, due to overcrowding in the smaller Songshan Airport in Taipei City, and was part of the Ten Major Construction Projects under President Chiang Ching-kuo. The airport was originally named after his father, former president Chiang Kai-shek, but was changed to the Taoyuan International Airport in 2006. Currently, China Airlines, EVA Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan have their headquarters at Taoyuan International Airport. Terminal 2 in Taoyuan International Airport was opened in 2000 due to more overcrowding. Terminal 3 is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2026. A fourth terminal is also planned. In 2019 the airport saw over 48 million passengers and 265,000 aircraft. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Places to eat / restaurants at Taoyuan Airport: Terminal 1: Before Security: B1 Food Court (including Burger King), 1F Subway, 3F Food Court (including Starbucks) After Security: 3F Departure Hall Terminal 2: Before Security: B2 Food Court, 1F (two coffee shops only), 4F Food Court, 5F Old Street Food Court After Security: 3F Departure Hall, 4F Departure Hall For full food options in the Taoyuan Airport in Chinese, check out this article here. Where to stay: Looking for the best hotels near Taoyuan Airport? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get to Taoyuan International Airport from Taipei: By Car/Taxi: Take National Freeway 2 to Taoyuan Airport. There is paid parking at the airport. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 2000 NT one way. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 to the airport. There is paid scooter parking at the airport. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. Time: about 1.5 hours one way from Taipei. Price: A full tank of gas (150 NT) one way. You will not be able to take much luggage. By Bus: Take Ubus from Kbus from Taipei Main Station straight to the airport T1 or T2. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan Airport via inter-city bus on Klook here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 160 NT one way. By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): To get to Taoyuan International Airport from Taipei Main Station, take the airport MRT to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 160 NT one way. By HSR (High Speed Rail): Take the HSR to Taoyuan HSR Station, then switch to the Airport MRT. – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 180 NT one way. How to get from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station: By Car/Taxi: Take National Freeway 2 from Taoyuan Airport and then transfer onto National Freeway 1. Take the exit to Taipei. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 2000 NT one way. By Bus: There are buses that leave from both Terminal 1 and 2 straight to Taipei Main Station Hourly (Kbus and Ubus). You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan Airport via inter-city bus on Klook here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 160 NT one way. By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Take the Airport Express Train MRT from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station. The Express Trains are faster and have space for luggage. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 160 NT one way. By HSR (High Speed Rail): Take the airport MRT from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to Taoyuan HSR station. (High-Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Time: about 40 minutes one way. Price: About 180 NT one way. Map: Check out the map below:
Taoyuan Tourist Night Market is a large night market in the center of downtown Taoyuan. Popular foods here include lamb soup, squid soup, fried chicken, and more. Even though it is a tourist night market, you will usually only find locals here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taoyuan.
Brief Historical Background: Originally Taoyuan Night Market started near Jingfu Temple and branched out onto Zhongshan Road and was known as Zhongzheng Road Night Market. However because the night market obstructed important traffic routes, the night market was relocated twice before in 1988 it was moved to its current location on Beipu Road and Zhengkeng 2nd Street. The night market is approximately 3 km long and has over 200 stalls. Most of the stalls sell local snacks, but there are also many clothing stores and children's gaming areas. Popular foods here include Dingbiancuo, fried chicken, squid soup, oyster omelet, shaved ice, lamb soup, taro soup, rice cakes, and more. You can also check out the commercial district on Zhongshan Road near the night market. Hours: 5:30 PM to 12 midnight every day Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Taoyuan Confucius Temple is behind Taoyuan Senior High School on Houtoushan. There is limited paid parking next to the temple. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Taoyuan Confucius Temple is behind Taoyuan Senior High School on Houtoushan. There is limited paid parking next to the temple. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: The temple is within walking distance of Taoyuan TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
Xinmin Old Street is a historical area in Taoyuan City near Jingfu Temple, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is a great area to explore in Taoyuan where you can learn more about the history and culture of Taiwan. There are also many shops and restaurants on the old street.
Brief Historical Background: The name Taoyuan literally means "peach garden" in Chinese because the area used to have many peach orchards. Since prehistoric times, Taoyuan was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines, who had a large settlement in modern-day Nankan. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming, and many of them planted peach trees, which is how Taoyuan got its name. During the Japanese Era, Taoyuan City was planned and developed. Under the ROC, Taoyuan County was established in 1950, and later Taoyuan City was made the county seat. In 2014, Taoyuan City and Taoyuan County were combined into the special municipality of Taoyuan City. Taoyuan International Airport was completed in 1979 and is Taiwan's largest airport. Toayuan has a population of over 2.2 million and is one of the fastest-growing populations in Taiwan due to the low cost of living and proximity to Taipei. Taoyuan Jinfu Temple, commonly known as Taoyuan Grand Temple, is located in Zhonghe Village, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, and is the religious center for local residents. During the Qing Dynasty, there were frequent epidemics in Taoyuan, and to combat these disasters, the construction of a temple was proposed. The site was selected for construction and named "Jingfu Temple 景福宮" in 1745. According to the earliest accounts passed down, the temple god, Kaitan Holy Emporer or Tan Goan-kong, was brought from Zhangpu by ancestors of the Chen family to Taiwan. The temple was then rebuilt in 1809 and numerous times since then. In 1947, with the approval of the Taoyuan County Government, residents used the land in the large square in front of the temple to build houses for business purposes. This led to disputes over the demolition and return of the land involving forty-one households. Usually the old street is not very busy and it is not well known as a tourist old street. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Xinmin Old Street is right in the middle of Taoyuan City. There is limited free parking near the harbor, and also paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Xinmin Old Street is right in the middle of Taoyuan City. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: The old street is within walking distance of Taoyuan Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
Taoyuan Confucius Temple is Taiwan's newest Confucius Temple, built in 1989. Besides being a ceremonial and worship area for local students and teachers, it also has beautiful gardens and great views of Taoyuan City. There is also a large children's park right next to it. It is a great place to relax if you are in Taoyuan.
Brief Historical Background: The Taoyuan Confucius Temple was completed in Huotou Mountain Park in 1989 and is the newest of Taiwan's thirteen government-established Confucius temples. On November 28, 1955, the Taiwan Government decided to establish Confucius temples in each county and city to promote traditional Chinese beliefs and teachings. As there was no Confucius temple in Taoyuan at the time, the statue and shrine of Confucius were placed in the Taoyuan Wen Chang Temple. In 1984, locals felt that the Wen Chang Temple was insufficient to express reverence for Confucius, so the people of Taoyuan initiated an effort to establish another Confucius temple on Huotou Mountain. The temple was completed and inaugurated on September 28, 1989, and includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West Wing Halls, and Chongsheng Shrine. After its completion, local residents formed the Taoyuan County Chongsheng Association, which provides student scholarships awarded to students in both public schools and private schools in the area. Teachers and students also perform rituals in the temple. Ritual processions include the beating of drums and gongs, welcoming a deity into the Dacheng Hall, and presenting incense and food offerings at an altar. After the ceremony concludes, with the deity is taken away, and the ritual ends. Over the years, people have suggested simplifying the ceremony and offering vegetarian offerings, however, Taoyuan Confucius still used meat offerings until 2007. Also, despite protests from government officials regarding mixing Taoism with Confucianism, there is a wooden statue of Confucius placed in the east wing of the temple donated by the Chongsheng Association. The statue, carved from camphor wood and painted, stands about three feet tall. The statue was planned to be removed but after protests from parents and students, the statue was allowed to stay. Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM every day Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Taoyuan Confucius Temple is behind Taoyuan Senior High School on Houtoushan. There is limited paid parking next to the temple. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Taoyuan Confucius Temple is behind Taoyuan Senior High School on Houtoushan. There is limited paid parking next to the temple. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: The temple is within walking distance of Taoyuan TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below:
Baishajia Lighthouse located in Guanyin District of Taoyuan is a prominent historical monument in the area. Built in 1901 during the Japanese era, it survived allied bombings and still operates for nearby ships to this day. The area around the lighthouse is also open for the public to enjoy.
Historical Background: Taoyuan's coastline has been a major fishing area for centuries. To aid with local boats as well as military operations, the Japanese chose the coastal area in Guanyin as a suitable location for a lighthouse. Construction for the lighthouse was planned in 196, shortly after the Japanese took control of Taiwan. Typhoons and local thieves hindered the construction. The lighthouse was finally completed in 1901. The Baishajia Lighthouse uses a rotating lens electric lamp, which is the largest of all lighthouses in Taiwan. The rotation of the lens is facilitated by a mercury trough. Every 20 seconds, there it emits a flash of white light followed by a flash of red light (each shining for 0.23 seconds with 9.77 seconds of darkness). The nominal range of the white light is 25.7 nautical miles, and 22.6 nautical miles for the red light. During the early days of the Japanese colonial period, the lighthouse used a third-order rotating lens kerosene lamp manufactured in France, and the copper plate with the inscription "Babbier & Benard Constructeurs, Paris, 1897" which is still in use today. During WWII, an Allied aircraft shot down by anti-aircraft guns crashed near the lighthouse, damaging its upper half. Repairs to the lighthouse were completed in 1946, and the height was reduced slightly to 27.7 meters. Price: Free Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Mondays Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take Expressway 61 to Taoyuan and take the 44 Taoke (桃科) exit. The lighthouse is right next to the expressway near the exit on the northeast side. There is limited free parking near the harbor, and also paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 15 south from Taipei and then turn right onto highway 38 at Xucuo. The lighthouse is right next to the expressway near the exit on the northeast side. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Zhongli TRA Station, you can take bus 5033 west to the harbor. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Xinwu Green Tunnel (aka Xinwu Green Corridor 新屋綠色走廊) is a popular cycling path along the west coast of Taoyuan through a belt of trees that resembles a green tunnel. Here you can enjoy the landscape, find roadside food options, and also understand more about the culture and history of the area. It is one of the most popular cycling destinations in northern Taiwan.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Xinwu was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. One prominent family that came to settle in Xinwu was the Fanjiang family. Later, the clan expanded further and further inland and created new homes, Qixinwu (起新屋) in Chinese, and the name Xinwu for the area stuck. You can still visit the Fanjiang Family's ancestral home dating back to the Qing Dynasty in Xinwu, however, it is not covered in this blog. Yong-an Fishing Harbor was established in 1953 and is a secondary-class port. Before that, it was known as Kaotouwu Port (崁頭屋港) which dates back to the 1800s during the Qing Dynasty, located on the north side of the mouth of the Shezi River. Originally a small fishing port, Yong-an Fishing Port has expanded over the years, including dredging channels and extending to allow for larger fishing vessels. The Xinwu bike path is about 4 KM long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The area is usually busy on holidays and weekends. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take expressway 61 to Taoyuan and take the exit near Xinwu. The Green Tunnel is just west of the expressway. There is limited free parking near the green tunnel and Yongan Harbor, and also paid parking nearby. The green tunnel is about 3 KM down the coast from Yongan Harbor. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take provincial highway 15 south from Taipei and stop at the Green Tunnel or Yongan Harbor. The green tunnel is about 3 KM down the coast from Yongan Harbor. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Zhongli TRA Station, you can take bus 5027A west to the harbor. The green tunnel is a about 3 KM down the coast from Yongan Harbor. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Once you arrive at Yongan Harbor, there are many bike rental places available at the mouth of the harbor and along the bike path. Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Yongan Fishing Harbor in Xinwu Township of Taoyuan is popular for its tourist seafood market, beautiful pedestrian bridge, as well as the newly created Yongan Conch Cultural Park (永安海螺文化體驗園區), which is a cultural and artistic center for the area. There are also great seaside bike paths nearby. Here you can enjoy the landscape, shop for freshly caught seafood, and also understand more about Hakka culture and the history of fishing in Taiwan. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taoyuan.
Historical Background: Yong-an Fishing Harbor was established in 1953 and is a secondary class port. Before that it was known as Kaotouwu Port (崁頭屋港) which dates back to the 1800s during the Qing Dynasty, located on the north side of the mouth of the Shezi River. Originally a small fishing port, Yong-an Fishing Port has expanded over the years, including dredging channels and extending to allow for larger fishing vessels. The current port is 27,600 square meters, with room for approximately 450 vessels in total. Now there are about 99 small fishing vessels that dock in the harbor. The main catches here are mackerel, squid, black scraper, bonito, shark, and yellowtail fish. "Yong-an Sea-view Bridge 永安觀海橋" was completed in 2002 and is 110 meters long and 20 meters tall. It is a large iron arched bridge spanning Yong-an Fishing Port. In the evening it also lights up with colorful LED lights. Yong-an Sea-view Bridge attracts many photography enthusiasts, Instagrammers, and sunset watchers. Yong-an Fishing Port opened a tourist seafood market in 2004, making the surrounding coast become a popular tourist destination. It includes a two-story fish auction hall, where fishing vessels load and unload their catches. Since its opening, the tourist seafood market has seen tens of thousands of visitors every year. Yongan Conch Cultural Park was completed in 2021. Sitting on 5.6 Hectares, the white building is meant to resemble a "conch curved shell" and symbolizes the Hakka people's spirit to take on the ocean (Yongan Harbor is the only fishing port in Taiwan mainly dominated by Hakka ethnic group). Designed by Dai Xiao-qin (戴小芹), it integrated elements such as Hakka Culture, marine life, and local ecology. It is also a green, energy saving building that won the 21st Public Construction Quality Award. Price: Free Hours: Yongan Seafood Market: 9 AM to 7 PM every day Yongan Conch Cultural Park : 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday to Sunday Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take expressway 61 to Taoyuan and take the exit near Xinwu. The harbor is just west of the expressway. There is limited free parking near the harbor, and also paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take provincial highway 15 south from Taipei and stop at Yongan Harbor. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Zhongli TRA Station, you can take bus 5027A west to the harbor. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Zhuwei Fishing Harbor is a recreational tourist harbor in Taoyuan, Taiwan. It includes a large seafood market and a long rainbow arch bridge across the harbor. If you love fresh seafood for a good price, you definitely need to come here.
Background: Zhuwei Fishing Harbor had its beginnings in 1952 when a small boat dock was created in the area. Later a levee was built in 1959. The harbor was massively expanded in 1993, and was declared a tourist fish market in 2000. The harbor lies only 3 KM from Taoyuan International Airport. The main fish caught and sold here are Catfish, Sharks, Black pomfret, Squid, Bonito, and mullet. Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM Price: Free Hotels near Taoyuan: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities and Tours: Don't forget that there are many activities available along Taiwan's Northern Coast such as Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Diving, Snorkeling Kayaking, Canoeing, Water Biking, River Tracing / Canyoneering, ATVing, Horse Riding, Archery, Tree Climbing, Glamping, Motorcycling, Motorbike Tour, Dragon Boat Racing, Shen'ao Rail Bike, and more on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take expressway 61 to Taoyuan and take the exit near Zhuwei. The harbor is just west of the expressway. There is limited free parking near the harbor, and also paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take provincial highway 15 south from Taipei stop at Zhuwei Harbor. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Taoyuan, take bus 5017 west to the harbor. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below:
Despite Taiwan being a tropical island, it also has a surprising amount of sand dunes. The Guanyin Caota Sand dunes in Taoyuan are Taiwan's longest stretch of sand dunes, over 8 KM in length. They have become a major Instagram selfie location due to being such a unique geological feature so close to Taipei.
Background: The sand dunes at Caota have been forming for thousands of years, thanks to silt being washed into the ocean from the Taoyuan plain from nearby rivers, such as the Shunagxikou River (雙溪口溪). Recently, wicket fences have been placed around the sand dunes to prevent erosion and the spread of sand in unwanted places. Also, in the past few years, many land-based wind farms have been erected here. The dunes are part of Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area, which includes a beach that may or may not ban swimming, but you can wade here, go Stand Up Paddleboarding, or surf. Recently the sand dunes have become a hot spot for Instagrammers, but the area is still usually free of people even on weekends due to the lack of convenient transportation. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour to the Caota Sand Dunes on KKday here. Hotels near Taoyuan: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you. How to get there: By Car: Take Expressway 61 South from Taipei and get off at the Cata Exit (33). There is limited parking on a dirt road near the sand dunes. The way to the sand dunes is not clear, but it is a huge area and hard to miss. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: Follow underneath Expressway 61 South from Taipei and get off near the Cata Exit (33). There is limited parking on a dirt road near the sand dunes. The way to the sand dunes is not clear, but it is a huge area and hard to miss. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By MRT/Bus: You can go to Dayuan MRT station, then take a bus to Guanyin or Xin Village Road. The bus ride should take about 20 minutes. Then it is another 20 minute walk to the dunes. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike bike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
Cihu Lake (aka Cihu Mausoleum 慈湖陵寝, or Mausoleum of Late President Chiang) in Daxi District of Taoyuan is one of the most interesting parks in Taiwan. Much of the park is full of statues of a former dictator, Chiang Kai-shek. Also, Chiang Kai-shek's former residence and his mausoleum are on the site. It is definitely a unique place worth visiting.
People often don’t realize that Taoyuan has a lot to offer to tourists. Many of the places here aren’t represented as well in English as other sites in Taipei, which is why we want to help everyone realize what a great place it is. Historical Background: Chiang Kai-shek's residence at Cihu lake was built in 1975, and it was known as his favorite residence because it reminded him of his home town in Fenghua, Zhejiang, China. When Mr. Chiang died, he requested that his body be kept in a sarcophagus at Cihu until Taiwan took back the Chinese mainland, at which time he could be buried again in his home town. The area around the lake was controlled by the ROC army until 2007, when it was transferred to the Taoyuan City Government. The area was closed briefly in 2008 and then, at which time many statues of the former dictator were moved to a park nearby, under the direction of DPP president Chen Shui-bian. Later the park was reopened when KMT president Ma Ying-jiu won the election in 2008. In 2018 the mausoleum was vandalized with red paint, after which it was closed to the public. As of 2017 there were 219 statues in the park, 190 of which are of Chiang Kai-shek, 27 of Sun Yat-sen, and 2 of Chiang Ching-kuo. Price: Seeing statues and visitors' center: Free Back part of Cihu Park: 100 NT per person 50 NT for cars You can book a tour to Cihu on KKday here. Hours: 9 AM - 4:45 PM Tours: You can book a tour to Cihu on KKday here. Hotels in Taoyuan: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to Get There: By Car/Scooter: From Daxi, take provincial highway 7 east until you reach Cihu, it is hard to miss. There is a large paid parking lot near the park. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: From Taoyuan, take bus No. 116 or No. 7. You can also book tickets to travel via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below.
Shimen Dam and reservoir are popular destinations in Taoyuan City of Taiwan. The dam is open to the public, and around the dam are many parks and trails to enjoy, as well as great scenery of the surrounding mountains and plains.
Background: The name "Shimen 石門" which means "stone gates" comes from the fact that the dam was built on a narrow gorge in the Dahan River valley, which was called the "stone gate." Shimen Dam was completed in 1964 and took 9 years and NT 1.4 billion to complete. It was the ROC's first major water project. 2,000 people were displaced due to the dam's construction. The reservoir created year round water capacity for surrounding farmland, doubling agricultural yields. Since it was built, the water capacity has been reduced by about a third due to silting. The dam has also become a popular tourist destination due to the beautiful scenery surrounding it. Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Price: Entrance Fee: 80 NT for cars, 30 NT for scooters How to get there: By Bus: Take Taoyuan Bus 505 from Zhongli Station south until you reach the Dam (about a two hour ride). By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 3 in Taoyuan South until you reach county road 63. Then turn south toward the reservoir. There is parking near either side of the dam. Map: Please see below: |
Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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