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:
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Taixi Night Market is a small night market operating only on Saturdays in rural Taixi Township. Here you will not find any other foreign tourists and you can enjoy a truly local small town night market experience.
Historical Background: Taixi Night Market branches out from Minzi Road Lane 30 and Minzu Road Lane 10 in downtown Taixi. There are about 30 stalls that come here every Saturday evening. Like many small towns in Taiwan, this town's night market only visits once a week to satisfy the tastes of the local people here, and the stalls move to other night markets in the area on other nights of the week. Usually you will see a sizable crowd here on Saturday evenings but not tons of people like you would see at other full-time tourist markets in Taiwan. Hours: 5 PM to 10:15 PM Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 17 along the west coast of Taiwan until you reach the town, which is on the northern coast of Yunlin. . There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: Take National Highway 1 to Yunlin, then take wither Freeway 61 or 78 west to Taixi. 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. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below:
Tax season is here. In Taiwan, taxes must be filed before May 31st. As a foreigner, you might be wondering how to file a tax return and what the regulations are. Luckily Taiwan has made it easy by creating an online tax filing system that you can complete from your computer, although you do still have to physically send some forms to the tax office. Let us answer some common questions about tax filing that might come up:
Forward: The following is Q+A for tax year 2023 only, based on information provided on Taiwan's Ministry of Finance website for your reference only. Personal income tax can be a complicated issue; for specific answers regarding your tax situation please contact the Taiwan tax office: +886-2-2311-3711. Press 7 for English service. The ultimate decision for tax payable is up to the discretion of the Taiwan tax office. Q: When should I file Taxes? A: Between May 1st to May 31st after the tax year (tax year is same as calendar year). If you are leaving the country and do not plan to return to Taiwan, you must file an early tax return within 10 days before you leave. We recommend going to the tax office in person for an early filing. Q: When are Taiwan tax payments due? A: Tax payments are due by May 31st, after which there will be penalties for late payments. Q: What makes me eligible for paying Taiwan taxes (or what makes me a tax resident)? A: You become a Taiwan tax resident if you stay in Taiwan longer than 183 days, or if you are a Taiwan national and have household registration (戶籍) in Taiwan and visit for at least one day. The address in your ARC is not household registration, it's a registration process from the local administrative office (戶政事務所). If you stay less than 90 days in Taiwan, in general, you do not have to file taxes, and VAT or sales taxes are reimbursable. If you worked in Taiwan and stayed over 90 days but less than 183 days, you need to pay taxes on your Taiwan-based salary even if your income came from overseas, and you will pay a fixed rate of 6% or 18% income tax (your company may have deducted this from your salary already). If you have Taiwanese dual citizenship and Taiwanese house registration, then you need to pay taxes if you have stayed in Taiwan for over 31 days. Days are cumulative in a tax year, and it doesn't matter what you came for during these days. Q: How do I count the days I stayed in Taiwan? A: Please note that the day you come to Taiwan doesn't count, but the day you leave does. It's a good idea to keep track of the number of days you have been in Taiwan via the stamps on your passport. Q: What is the income tax rate?/ How much is Taiwan tax? A: The income tax rate for non-residents who earn at least 1.5 the minimum wage per month (39,600 NT as of 2023) is 18% (you can get a tax refund if you pay 18% taxes and then become a tax resident). 18% usually is applicable to white-collar foreign workers. For non-residents who earn less than 1.5 the minimum wage per month (39,600 NT as of 2023), the income tax rate is 6% (you can get a tax refund if you pay 6% taxes and then become a tax resident). 6% is usually applicable to most blue-collar foreign workers. The 2023 tax rate for residents (staying over 183 days in Taiwan) is as follows (source: Taiwan Ministry of Finance):
Filing taxes in a foreign country can be a scary prospect. However, Taiwan makes it easy by providing many tools and resources such as the E-file program and also an online in-browser system. This is not a comprehensive guide but is written to help give you an idea of how to file taxes online and avoid unnecessary confusion.
A complete guide to the system can be found here. Filing online does not require an understanding of Chinese characters, and you can complete it all in English. The hardest part will be using your NHI Card or digital certificate to enter the system. If you can't figure it out even after reading this guide, you can just file in person at the Tax office. Filing in person doesn't take long either, but it may be far away and you will have to wait in line. You can also hire an accounting firm or law firm to help. For the government's e-filing guide FAQ, click here. For our full FAQ regarding income tax for foreigners in Taiwan, click here.
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:
Beigang Iron Bridge is the longest bridge ever built by the Taiwan Sugar Company, that used to connect sugar fields in Chiayi to the Beigang Sugar Factory. Unfortunately, the bridge was washed away in floodwaters during Typhoon Sinlaku in 2008.
Currently a new "Daughter Bridge" has been completed to connect the two sides, and further construction is expected to connect the two sides of the river via pedestrian walkways by 2025. Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Yunlin was inhabited by native peoples. During the Dutch era in Taiwan in the 1600s, Chinese farmers first began to move here. One notable Chinese pioneer was Yan Siqi (also known as Pedro Chino, or the Pioneer King of Taiwan). He created a settlement in Ponkan or Bengang in Mandarin (modern day Beigang) and recruited over 3000 farmers from Fujian and nearby regions in China to come farm in Taiwan. He also had 13 ships and a merchant trade and formed an alliance with the local indigenous population. Dutch and Chinese farmers introduced mango, sweet potato, pineapple, and many other crops to Taiwan at this time. When Koxinga invaded Taiwan, many local Chinese farmers such as Chen Lixun supported him and were rewarded with lands once the Dutch were conquered. During the Qing Dynasty, Beigang was known as Bengang (笨港), and its waterways were made deeper than other areas in Taiwan, allowing for larger ships and more trade. Beigang soon became one of the most prosperous areas in central Taiwan. After many Typhoons and floods, the Beigang River became silted and shallow, and also due to silting Beigang was moved further and further from the seashore. Up to the Japanese colonial period, the port lost its function as a maritime trading location, but it remained a center for agricultural commerce. The establishment of sugar mills during the Japanese colonial period also brought significant economic benefits to Beigang for nearly a hundred years. However, since the Japanese colonial period, due to the silting of the port, the lack of a main railway line passing through, and the absence of a major highway, its economic influence has diminished significantly. Beigang Creek Iron Bridge The Beigang River Iron Bridge, also known as the Fuxing Bridge or Fuxing Iron Bridge, was built during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan and later rebuilt and extended during the ROC era. It is located over the Beigang River at the border of Beigang Town in Yunlin County and Xingang Township. Currently, it is abandoned and partially destroyed due to flooding. During the Japanese Era, the Beigang River Bridge was originally a wooden structure built to facilitate the transportation of sugarcane to the Beigang Sugar Factory during the Japanese colonial period. Construction began in 1909 by the Beigang Sugar Manufacturing Society for the Beigang Line of the sugar industry railway between Beigang and Chiayi, which was completed and opened on August 30, 1911, along with the wooden Beigang River Bridge, spanning a length of 220 meters. In 1917, passenger services started operating. In 1943, the wooden Beigang Creek Bridge between Beigang and Wan Zai Nei was washed away by flooding, causing a train passing at that time to derail into the creek, resulting in dozens of casualties, making it the deadliest accident in the history of sugar railway passenger services. During the ROC Era after World War II in 1945, due to strong public demand, the Beigang River Bridge was repaired in 1951 and named the "Fuxing Iron Bridge." The Beigang Creek Iron Bridge had a total of 76 bridge piers, including 74 reinforced concrete girder piers. The upper structure of the bridge consisted of 74 composite steel beams and 2 lower-bearing steel plate girder beams. Train services resumed to Beigang. In 1967, the Beigang River was dredged, and embankments were built on the east bank of the iron bridge. Because of this, in 1968, the Taiwan Sugar Company raised and extended the Beigang Creek Iron Bridge by about 600 meters. The project was completed in June 1969, extending the total length of the bridge to 878 meters, making it the longest bridge used by the Taiwan Sugar Railway. On August 17, 1982, passenger services on the Beigang Line ceased, and the Beigang River Iron Bridge remained only for transporting raw materials. In 1998, Taiwan Sugar Factory completely ceased railway transportation in the area and the Beigang Line was discontinued. After the Beigang River Iron Bridge was decommissioned, Taiwan Sugar planned to demolish it in May 2000. Fortunately, it was saved due to the efforts of local activists. The bridge was made a historical site in 2001. Unfortunately, on September 12, 2002, several bridge piers at the north end of the bridge's water area were washed away by flooding, leading to its closure. Although efforts were made to repair it, the bridge suffered damage from flooding again during Typhoon Sinlaku in 2008. In 2021, The "Daughter Bridge" was finished alongside the old Fuxing Bridge to connect the two sides via pedestrian walkways. However, the Daughter Bridge was not finished and connected at the time of writing. In 2022, the central government approved a budget of 180 million yuan to support the reconstruction and repair project of the Beigang Iron Bridge on the Xingang, Chiayi side. Construction started on May 9, 2023, and is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025 to complete the connection between the two sides. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Scooter: From Chiayi, go east on Highway 164 until you reach Beigang. The bridge is on the east side of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the no. 257 Xingang / Minxiong Exit and keep going east on Highway 164 until you Reach Beigang. The bridge is on the east side of town. There is paid parking near the riverside at the end of the old street. 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/Train: From Chiayi HSR Station, you can take bus 7235 for about 40 minutes to Beigang Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see 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:
Beigang was once the second largest city in Taiwan, second only to Tainan City, and was central Taiwan's most important maritime trading post. After the silting of the Beigang River, the town mostly relies on agriculture for its economy, but Beigang Old Street is also one of the most important religious sites in Taiwan due to the worship of Mazu in Beigang Chaotian Temple. Besides the temple, there are also many food and shopping options nearby. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to central Taiwan.
Historical Background: Before Chinese settlers came to the area, Yunlin was inhabited by native peoples. During the Dutch era in Taiwan in the 1600s, Chinese farmers first began to move here. One notable Chinese pioneer was Yan Siqi (also known as Pedro Chino, or the Pioneer King of Taiwan). He created a settlement in Ponkan (笨港 Bengang, modern day Beigang) and recruited over 3000 farmers from Fujian and nearby regions in China to come farm in Taiwan. He also had 13 ships and a merchant trade and formed an alliance with the local indigenous population. Dutch and Chinese farmers introduced mango, sweet potato, pineapple, and many other crops to Taiwan at this time. When Koxinga invaded Taiwan, many local Chinese farmers such as Chen Lixun supported Koxinga and were rewarded with lands once the Dutch were conquered. During the Qing Dynasty, the waterways around the Beigang River were made deeper than other areas in central Taiwan, allowing for larger ships and more trade. Beigang soon became one of the most prosperous areas in central Taiwan. In 1700 Chen Lixun donated to build the "Penkan Tianfei Temple," now the "Beigang Chaotian Temple 北港朝天宮." The temple housed a statue of Mazu brought from Meizhou in Fujian. Soon, it became the most important temple in the area. The temple has undergone reconstruction in 1730, 1770, and 1884. Currently the temple sees more than a million visitors a year and is considered one of the most important Mazu temples in Taiwan, and is part of the annual Mazu pilgrimage. After many Typhoons and floods, the Beigang River became silted and shallow, and also due to silting the seashore moved further and further westward away from the town. In 1750, due to the southward shift of the river channel, Beigang Old Street was divided into two: North Street (now Beigang Town) and South Street (now Xingang Township, Chiayi County). Up to the Japanese colonial period, the port lost its function as a maritime trading location, but it remained a center for agricultural commerce. The establishment of sugar mills during the Japanese colonial period also brought significant economic benefits to Beigang for nearly a hundred years. The construction of Chaotian Temple and the widespread belief in Mazu further contributed to Beigang's fame. However, since the Japanese colonial period, due to the silting of the port, the lack of a main railway line passing through, and the absence of a major highway, its economic influence has diminished significantly. Currently the population of Beigang is about 38,000 and it continues to fall every year. Beigang Old Street is usually still busy especially on weekends due to religious pilmagriges. The street is especially busy during the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Chiayi, go east on highway 164 until you Reach Beigang. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the no. 257 Xingang / Minxiong Exit and keep going east on highway 164 until you Reach Beigang. There is paid parking near the riverside at the end of the old street. 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/Train: From Chiayi HSR Station, you can take bus 7235 for about 40 minutes to Beigang Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see 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:
Yanping Old Street (aka Xiluo Old Street) is a well-preserved historical part of Xiluo Township of Yunlin County dating back to the Kingdom of Tungning, the Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese era of Taiwan. Here you can find historical landmarks as well as good food and cultural attractions. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Yunlin.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native Taiwanese plains tribal peoples. During the Dutch colonial period, Han Chinese settlers began to migrate and cultivate the land, gradually increasing in number. During the Kingdom of Tungning after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, an even larger number of Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang, making it an important transportation hub from northern to southern Taiwan. There also was a ferry along the Zhuoshui River, further connecting the town to the rest of the world. The Zhuoshui River also made irrigation easy, and the area is often known as the granary of Taiwan. The original name for Xiluo was Luoyang (螺陽), named by early settlers to commemorate their hometown Luoyang Town in Huian County, Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province. Yanping Old Street is also named after Prince Yanping (延平王) which was the honorific name of Koxinga, the ruler of the founders of the town. After the completion of the Xiluo Great Bridge in 1952, the town continued as a transportation hub linking north and south Taiwan. However after the completion of National Freeway 1 in 1978, the bulk of traffic moved onto the new highway and Xiluo turned into a rural backwater, with most of its economy based on agriculture. Currently, the population of the town is about 44,000 and is falling every year. Although usually not especially busy, the old street usually has tourists and shoppers and is full of interesting historical buildings. Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo 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. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please 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:
Zhenwen Academy (aka Jhen Wen Academy or Chenwen Academy) is a Qing Dynasty Civil Servant Academy in Xiluo Township of Yunlin dating back to the 1700s, and the only such Academy in Yunlin County that has survived to the current day. It now sits as a cultural and historical landmark, alongside with Nantian Academy-Yide Branch. It is important to the local people as a religious and scholarly site, especially for local students. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Yunlin.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native peoples. During the Kingdom of Tungming after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, the first Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang. The original name for Xiluo was Luoyang (螺陽). Zhen Wen Academy 振文書院 In 1797, a group of respected individuals from Xiluo, led by Liao Chenghe, contributed funds to construct the Temple of Wenchang Emperor which acted as a precursor to Zhenwen Academy. This temple was also dedicated to Confucius and other revered figures. It wasn't until 1814 that the Zhenwen Academy was formally established. Zhenwen Academy originally consisted of one hall, one courtyard, and six side corridors, but was later renovated and expanded During the Japanese era, among various academies that existed in Yunlin during the Qing Dynasty, including Longmen, Kuiwen, and Xiuwen, Zhenwen Academy was the only one that endured. After WWII, the academy was registered as a third-class historical site in 1985. However, in 1986, it suffered damage during Typhoon Wayne. Restoration efforts commenced in July 1987. Following the 921 earthquake on September 21st, 1999, the building was damaged and further restoration work was needed. The academy reopened in 2004. Nantian Academy-Yide Branch 南天修文院懿德分院 Nantian Academy Yide Branch, formerly known as Yide Hall, can be traced back to the initiative of the late Liu Wan, a distinguished individual in Xiluo Town. In the autumn of 1934, Liu Wan rallied local leaders to establish this institution, situated east of Zhenwen Academy. Its founding mission was to promote Confucianism and celebrate Chinese cultural traditions, advocating for a virtuous society. Despite facing threats of demolition by the Japanese during WWII, the hall suspended activities during the war. After WWII, the hall resumed activities and underwent further expansion. In July 1970, the "Three Graces," 三恩主 (Sān Ēn Zhǔ) namely Guan Yu, Lu Dongbin, and Siming Zhaoyun, who were revered as saints, and Wenchang Emperor 文衡聖帝 (Wén Héng Shèng Dì), were enshrined at Yide Hall. Subsequently, in 1971, Yide Hall was renovated and officially renamed as Nantian Academy Yide Branch. Following the renovation of Yide Branch into a two-story palace building, the upper hall housed the Three Graces, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Cheng Huangye, and Tudigong. The lower hall was dedicated to the promotion of Confucianism. Now, many local students frequent the lecture hall for study and review. The caretakers here also provide air conditioning and tea for the students. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. The Academy is on the south side of town along Highway 154 and is hard to miss. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo Town. The Academy is on the south side of town along Highway 154 and is hard to miss. 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. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. The Academy is then in walking distance. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please 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:
Xiluo Bridge (aka Xiluo Great Bridge) was once the second-longest bridge in the world and connects Yunlin County to Changhua County across the Zhuoshui River. Here you can also find a large public square and grassy park which is free for everyone to enjoy. It is one of Taiwan's historical landmarks that you should not miss.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native Taiwanese plains tribal peoples. During the Dutch colonial period, Han Chinese settlers began to migrate and cultivate the land, gradually increasing in number. During the Kingdom of Tungming after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, an even larger number of Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang, making it an important transportation hub from northern to southern Taiwan. There also was a ferry along the Zhuoshui River, further connecting the town to the rest of the world. The Zhushui River also made irrigation easy, and the area is often known as the granary of Taiwan. The Zhuoshui River which the Xiluo River crosses is the longest river in Taiwan and is often considered the boundary between north and south Taiwan. Due to the Zhuoshui River's wide river surface, some early European maps of Taiwan mistakenly divided Taiwan into two islands. During the Japanese era, there were only railway bridges spanning the Zhuoshui River, but no bridges for cars or pedestrians to cross. At that time, people had to cross via ferry or the railway. Starting from the 1920s, the Japanese continued to improve Taiwan's road systems and by the end of 1935, only the Zhuoshui River and the Gaoping River remained impassable by car. In September 1934 the construction of a bridge over the Zhuoshui River was first proposed by local residents. Construction of the bridge began in 1938, with completion scheduled for March 1942. Subsequent construction was halted due to the diversion of steel materials for wartime use, leaving the road incomplete. After WWII, in 1946, the Provincial Assembly proposed to allocate American aid to complete the Xiluo Bridge, with support from local residents. In May 1952, after the steel trusses manufactured with US aid arrived in Taiwan (manufactured by the United States Steel Export Company, which was a front for the US government that could not sell steel directly to Allies), construction resumed. The Xiluo Bridge was completed on December 25, 1952, and officially opened on January 28, 1953. Xiluo Bridge is 1,939 meters long and 7.3 meters wide. It has 31 spans, 32 piers, and a foundation 20 meters deep. It is made from Warren truss steel girders, painted gray-green when opened to traffic in 1952, then repainted gray in January 1962, and changed to red in August 1986. When completed in 1952, the Xiluo Bridge was the world's second-largest bridge after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA. It was also the longest bridge in Taiwan at the time, earning the title of the "largest bridge in the Far East." After the completion of the Xiluo Great Bridge in 1952, the town continued as a transportation hub linking north and south Taiwan. However after the completion of National Freeway 1 in 1978, the bulk of traffic moved onto the new highway and Xiluo turned into somewhat of a rural backwater, with most of its economy based on agriculture. Currently, the population of the town is about 44,000 and is falling every year. Although usually not especially busy, the old street usually has tourists and shoppers and is full of interesting historical buildings. Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo 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. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below:
Taoyuan is a large, bustling county 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 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. 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 post popular tours of Taipei on Tripadvisor:
Attractions in Taoyuan: There are many attractions that you can enjoy in Taoyuani 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. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. Some of the Klook links may not work if you are using an Ad blocker. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 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:
Yunlin is a rural county in western Taiwan that for many expats is simply a large landmass on their way to another destination. However, there are many worthwhile places to visit here, such as interesting historical sites, natural beauty, and rich culture worth exploring.
Below I will list some of the best places in Yunlin that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Yunlin was inhabited by native peoples. During the Dutch era in Taiwan in the 1600s, Chinese farmers first began to move here. One notable Chinese pioneer was Yan Siqi (also known as Pedro Chino, or the Pioneer King of Taiwan). He created a settlement in Ponkan (modern day Beigang, Yunlin) and recruited over 3000 farmers from Fujian and nearby regions in China to come farm in Taiwan. He also had 13 ships and a merchant trade and formed an alliance with the local indigenous population. Dutch and Chinese farmers introduced mango, sweet potato, pineapple, and many other crops to Taiwan at this time. During the Qing Dynasty, Yunlin became its own county under governor Liu Mingchuan. The most economically important town, Douliu, continued to be the center of commerce in the Japanese era, and the area was combined with Tainan County. In 1950 Yunlin became its own county again, and Douliu was upgraded to a city. Douliu is unique because it is the largest city in Yunlin, but is not named after Yunlin County like all the other largest cities in each county (there is no Yunlin City). Currently, Yunlin's economy is mainly composed of agriculture and fishing. The population of Yunlin County is about 650,000 and continues to drop every year due to emigration, with young people moving to bigger cities for work opportunities. In addition, the area is underdeveloped compared with other places in Taiwan. How to get around in Yunlin? As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. However, you can also a great deal of Yunlin by taking the train, inter-city bus, or local bus (there is no MRT in Yunlin). Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide 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 Bus/Train: You can book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Basic Yunlin Travel Tips:
When should you go to Yunlin? In my opinion, the best weather in Taoyuan is from October - March, 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 and windy but usually dry. Overall, there is no wrong answer as to what time of year you should visit Yunlin. You will have a great time here at any time of year. Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:
Taiwan is the most friendly country in the world for foreigners, and one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Many have called it the best kept secret in Asia. Taiwan is not usually known as a travel destination, mainly because of PRC China that tries to downplay its existence, and the fact that the Taiwan Tourism Bureau does not do a very good job. We will try to make up for that with this blog.
Embarking on a new life in Taiwan as an expat can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to securing the right to live and work legally. From understanding the different types of work permits like the Employment Gold Card to navigating the process of obtaining residency, there are many important considerations. In this post, we'll provide essential legal tips and insights to help expats successfully establish themselves in Taiwan while staying compliant with local laws and regulations.
If you only have a few days in Taiwan and you want to go somewhere outside of Taipei, you should definitely go to Taroko Gorge. On an island full of mountains, rain forests, beaches, and abounding natural beauty, Taroko Gorge might just take the top spot as the most beautiful scenic area in Taiwan.
Taroko National Park is well known for its amazing marble cliffs and canyons carved out by the Liwu River. It is also a popular spot for hiking, rafting, and river tracing. If you have the time, come to the East coast and see it. If you don't have time, then make some time! History and Background: Taroko National Park is well known for its marble cliffs and canyons, and is also known as "The Marble Gorge." Millions of years ago, the rock we see today was sediment at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, but oceanic and tectonic pressure turned it into limestone, and later into marble. Later the Eurasian plate was uplifted where Taiwan is today, and a gorge was cut out of the limestone thanks to the Liwu River. Taroko means "human being," from the Truku tribal language. Originally the Tupido Tribe settled in the area of what is now Tianxiang Taiti mesa. They built the Tupido Tribe Trail which was only 30 cm wide, and resided there until they were massacred by the Japanese in 1914. In 1917, the Japanese expanded the original trail made by the Tupido Tribe to 1.5 M and forced aboriginal tribesmen to carry goods along the trail to the east coast. This is now the Zhuilu Old Trail. Currently only 3km of the trail is open to the public. The Japanese created a national park in the Area in 1937, which was disestablished by the ROC in 1945, and then reenstated in as a national park in 1986. When to visit? Hualien is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and heavy rain season lasts from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is usually dryer. Currently the park is closed due to damage from the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake. Where to stay? Most of the accommodation you will find is near the city center. If you only want to visit Hualien City and Taroko Gorge, you can consider booking a hotel near downtown, walking or cycling around the city, and taking a bus to Taroko Gorge. We have stayed at and recommend Dream Taiwan Homestay (Agoda / Booking.com / Expedia / Hotels.com), a high quality hostel for the money in downtown Hualien, Farglory Hotel (Agoda / Booking.com / Expedia / Hotels.com), right next to Farglory Ocean Park with amazing views of Hualien, and Goldenflower B&B (Agoda / Booking.com) in Yuli right next to Sixty Stone Mountain. You can 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: From Taipei, Take National Highway 5 to Yilan and then drive on the Suhua Highway 9 to Hualien. A few miles before Hualien City, the gorge will be on your right. By Train: Take the train to Hualien station, and from there you can rent a scooter or car, or take a tour bus to the gorge. For more travel information see here. You can book tickets to travel to Hualien via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. How to get around in Taroko Gorge: As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. However, you can also a great deal of Tainan by taking the train, inter-city bus, local bus, biking, or just walking. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. By Bus: You can book a shuttle bus to Taroko Gorge from Hualien on Klook here. Scooter Rental: Looking for scooter rental in Hualien? You can search KKday here or Klook here to look for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. Car Rental: If you are looking for car rentals in Hualien, you can also search Klook here or KKDay here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Tours: You can find more tours and activities in Hualien such as Surfing, Paragliding, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, River Tracing, River Rafting, Whale Watching, Snorkeling, Diving, ATV / 4-wheeling, Paintballing, Farm Dream Estates Zoo, Water Biking, Oyster Harvesting, Shrimp Harvesting, Indigenous Experience, Glamping, Cycling, Ziplining and much more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Hours: 8:30AM-5PM (Zhuilu old trail is open from 7AM to 10PM). Currently the park and Zhuilu trail are closed due to damage from the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake. Flying a Drone? Apply for a drone permit here. Price: Free! (Except Zhuilu old trail, which is 200 NT per adult. See below for more info.) Map: Please see below:
Zhuilu Old Trail (aka Jhueilu/Zhuilu Old Road) is known as "the best day hike in Taiwan" and has a trail on "the No. 1 cliff in east Asia." It is for sure one of the most beautiful and exciting hiking trails in Taiwan. It features a vertical cliff section with amazing views 500 meters above the world's deepest marble gorge (Taroko Gorge).
History: The Zhuilu Old Trail was created hundreds of years ago by the Truku indigenous people to connect their villages in Taroko Gorge and the central mountain range. Originally the cliff sections of the trail were just 30 cm wide! These indigenous people remained basically autonomous and undisturbed until the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. However after conflicts such as the Xincheng incident in 1896 and the Weili Incident in 1906, where combined more than 50 Japanese people were killed by indigenous warriors, the Japanese decided to tighten control of the mountain aborigines and natural resources in the area, and started the Truku War. The war lasted from May-August 1914, and in the process the Japanese forced indigenous men to widen the Zhuilu Trail to 1.5 meters so that they could transport artillery through the mountainous terrain. 37 people died during this widening process during and after the war, which included using dynamite to blast open the rock while only using ropes. The Truku lost the war, which included 3,000-5,000 indigenous warriors with modern weapons pitted against a Japanese fighting force of over 10,000. The Japanese lost over 300 men in the fight. After the war, the Japanese tried to dismantle their culture by scattering the people, preventing them from hunting, and forcing the children to attend Japanese schools. The Japanese then built the Old Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road which stretched 145 KM from Taroko Gorge to Wushe in Nantou from 1914 to 1933, with the Zhuilu Old Trail as part of it. They set up police stations/outposts along the trail as well, including Badagang Village which had a school, hospital, and inns for travelers. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, the trail was disused except for some expert hikers, and the Japanese police outposts were abandoned. After the 921 earthquake in 1999, the trail was closed for nine years until 2008. At around 2016 (probably after a typhoon), the 7KM after the Zhuilu Cliffs were closed off, so now the only walk-able part of the trail is 3.1 KM long from Swallow Grotto to the Zhuilu Cliff Outpost. It doesn't seem like this part of the trail will reopen soon. The cliff section of the trail is 750 meters above sea level, and nearly 500 meters above the valley floor. The distance between these cliffs and the cliffs on the opposite side of the gorge is only about 200 meters. The mountain that the cliffs are part of rises 1600 meters above sea level, and over 1000 meters above the valley floor, and is made completely of marble. Hours: Currently the trail is closed due to damage from the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake. Must enter between 7 AM and 10 AM the day of the permit (unless the gorge is closed due to typhoon/natural disaster) Permits Required: Only a park access permit is required. You can apply for a permit in English here. Only 96 people are allowed on weekdays and 156 people on weekends and holidays. Police permits are no longer required for this trail. Drones: Please note that if you want to fly a drone in Taroko National Park, you need to apply for a permit at least seven days in advance. You can apply to fly a drone (Chinese only) here. Price: 200 NT per person Duration: 6.2 Km round trip 500 meter elevation gain About 6 hours The trail is 3.1 KM one way to the Zhuilu Cliff Outpost, and gains 500 meters in elevation. It took me (one person with only one 30 minute break to fly a drone) three hours there and back (I was told this is a very fast pace). Some people say that it takes an average of six hours there and back. If you are taking people that are not in shape, expect to take most of the day hiking. When to go: On a sunny dry day. The rocks can get slippery and a fall on some of the trails could kill you. But if you are careful and bring proper hiking boots and gear, hiking on a wet day should be fine. Avoid typhoons and heavy rains at all costs. There gorge will close during typhoons anyway. Typhoon season lasts from May to October. Other than that, this hike is great year round. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. Where to stay? Most of the accommodation you will find is near the city center. If you only want to visit Hualien City and Taroko Gorge, you can consider booking a hotel near downtown, walking or cycling around the city, and taking a bus to Taroko Gorge. We have stayed at and recommend Dream Taiwan Homestay (Agoda / Booking.com / Expedia / Hotels.com), a high quality hostel for the money in downtown Hualien, Farglory Hotel (Agoda / Booking.com / Expedia / Hotels.com), right next to Farglory Ocean Park with amazing views of Hualien, and Goldenflower B&B (Agoda / Booking.com) in Yuli right next to Sixty Stone Mountain. You can find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. How to get there: By Train/Bus: Take the TRA to Hualien Station, and then switch to the Hualien Bus 1133A. Get off at Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou 燕子口). Also you can take the TRA to Xincheng Station and take Taroko Bus 302. You can book tickets to travel to Hualien via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Go west on the Central Cross Island Highway until you reach swallow grotto after Xipan Tunnel. There is only parking near Jinheng Park (靳珩公園) 500 meters down the road from the trail entrance. Looking for a scooter rental in Hualien? You can search KKday here or Klook here to look for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals in Hualien, you can also search Klook here or KKDay here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Tours: You can book a tour of Zhuilu Old Trail on Klook here or KKday here. Map: For the location of the start of the trail, please see below:
The Dragon Boat Festival (aka Double Fifth Festival) is a special time of year, during which Taiwan gets a major holiday vacation and there are Dragon Boat Races. During this time, people also must eat Zongzi. We have created this guide for you to see the official dragon boat races all around Taiwan and understand more about this special cultural festival.
Historical Background: Originally Dragon Boat Festival may have started during the Qin Dynasty as a day to remove evil spirits and bad luck that were thought to appear on the fifth day of the fifth month. The best known origin story for the Dragon Boat Festival is that it commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and official of the Chu Dynasty during the Warring States Period. He opposed the Chu Dynasty joining an alliance with the Qin, and therefore was banished. When the Qin Dynasty finally took over the Chu Dynasty, he committed suicide by entering the Miluo River (汨羅江 Mìluójiāng) and drowning himself. It was said that the local people went looking for him by rowing dragon shaped canoes, and threw sticky rice balls into the water so that the fish would eat the rice and not Qu Yuan's body. Because of this, during Dragon Boat Festival everyone eats stick rice, or Zongzi, and holds dragon boat races to commemorate Qu Yuan's memory. Another tradition is for people to balance eggs, which is thought to bring good luck during the "unlucky" holiday. Dragon Boat races usually involve a team rowing together, while someone beats a drum to keep rhythm and someone else stands at the front of the boat to catch the flag. Dragon Boat Festival is an official holiday in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, China, and is celebrated by Chinese heritage communities throughout Asia and the world. When is Dragon Boat Festival? The fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. 2024: June 10th 2025: May 31st 2025: June 19th 2026: June 9th Can I go Dragon Boat Racing in Taiwan? Yes! You can join this Dragon Boat tour on Klook or this one on KKday any time of year. The cost is about 1300 NT per person. When are Dragon Boat Races in Taiwan? Training starts about a month before Dragon Boat Festival. The actual races begin a few days before or on Dragon Boat Festival, and can last a few days after as well. Races usually start at about 9 or 10 AM and last the whole day (some will end in the afternoon, some will have races at night). Where are the 2024 Dragon Boat Races in Taiwan? Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships: 台北國際龍舟錦標賽 Dates: (June 8-June 10 2024) Location: Dajia Riverside Park 大佳河濱公園 (under Dazhi Bridge going to Neihu near the airport along the Keelung River. There is parking at the riverside park, but it can get very crowded late in the day). New Taipei Dragon Boat Race 新北市龍舟錦標賽 Dates: (June 9-10 2024) Location: Luzhou Breeze Park 微風運河水域 Keelung Dragon Boat Festival 基隆龍舟競賽 Date: (June 9-10 2024) Held at Badouzi Harbor 八斗子漁港 Hsinchu County Dragon Boat Festival 新竹縣縣長盃龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Held at No. 93 Xinshi Road Hsinfeng Township. 新豐鄉新市路九十三號 Miaoli Dragon Boat Races 苗栗龍舟賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Held at dragon boat ferry dock along the Zhonggang River in Zhunan. 竹南鎮港墘里中港溪畔的龍舟碼頭 Changhua Lukang Night Boat Races 鹿港夜間龍舟賽 Date: (June 8-10 2024) Location: Lukang, along the FuLu River near Lukang Old Street (彰化福鹿溪水域) Yunlin Dragon Boat Races 雲林龍舟賽 Dates: (closed in 2024 until further notice) Location: Kouhu Township, Yiwu Wet Pond at the north pond (本縣口湖鄉宜梧滯洪池北池) Chiayi Dragon Boat Races 嘉義龍舟比賽 Date: (June 10 2024) Location: Dongshi Harbor 東石漁港 Tainan International Dragon Boat Championships: 台南市國際龍舟賽 Dates: (June 6-June 10 2024) Location: Yunhe River in Tainan Between Anyi Bridge and Chengtian Bridge, near Anping Old Street 臺南市運河(安億橋至承天橋河段) Kaohsiung Love River Dragon Boat Festival: 高雄愛河端午龍舟嘉年華 Dates: (June 8-June 10 2024) Location: The Love River between Kaohsiung Bridge and Zhongzheng Bridge (愛河, 高雄橋-中正橋). Pingtung County Dragon Boat Race 屏東縣端午龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 9-10 2024) Location: Underneath Donggang Great Bridge in Donggang (東港大橋). Yilan County Dragon Boat Race 宜蘭縣端午龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Location: Dongshan River Yicheng Bridge 冬山河義城橋 Hualien County Dragon Boat Race 花蓮縣端午龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Location: TBA (last year it was Liyu Lake 鯉魚潭) Penghu County Dragon Boat Festival 澎湖縣龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Location: Makung No. 3 Harbor (澎湖縣馬公第3漁港). Kinmen County Dragon Boat Festival 金門縣龍舟競賽 Dates: (June 10 2024) Location: Shuangli Lake雙鯉湖 Map: Please see below for a map of dragon boat racing locations.
Nangang District of Taipei City is quieter and less busy than nearby Xinyi District, but here you can find a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful mountains, historic buildings, museums, fun parks, great food, and a lack of crowds. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi. Nangang Station was built in 1891 as part of the first railway in Taiwan, connecting Keelung to Taipei, making it a prime location for industry. Nangang's old street sprung up near the train station. Technically the oldest street in Nangang is "Zhongnan Street" which most people refer to when they say Nangang Old Street, but I think the old street also spreads onto Nangang Road and Academia Sinica Road. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River. In the ROC era, Nangang was also an industrial hub for car parts especially the Nankang Tire Factory, which still makes tires today. Nangang has a population of about 113,000 people with about 5,200 people per square kilometer, and has the smallest population of any district of Taipei. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com 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: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. There is paid parking nearby. 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/MRT: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. 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 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:
Pingtung is Taiwan's southernmost county and includes the best beaches, the best outer island, some of the best mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, and also interesting historical and cultural sites. It should definitely be on your list on your next visit to Taiwan.
When to go: Pingtung is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and the heavy rain season last from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. Winters are windy and colder, but the water is still warm enough to swim in. Winter is a better time for activities like hiking and surfing. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Pingtung, or if in a car you can take National Freeway 3. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. 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 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. By Bus: You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By TRA Train: There are many TRA stations in Pingtung which makes this a convenient option. You can book tickets to Pingtung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Plane: There are direct shuttle buses to Pintung from Kaohsing's Xiaogang (KHH) Airport. You can search for cheap flights in Taiwan here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get around in Pingtung: 1. Rent a scooter - the best way to see Taiwan. Electric scooters that do not require a license are also readily available. For better range and speed, rent a gas scooter. You can search for scooter options here or here, and you can check out our scooter rental guide here. 2. Rent a car - more expensive than a scooter but may be more suitable for a large family. 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. 3. Take the bus - cheap but slower than your own transportation, and it doesn't stop everywhere. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 4. Cycle - you can rent a bicycle or bring your own. This is a great way to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 5. Hire a taxi - more expensive than a rental car but perhaps more convenient. You can also search for a car charter service here or here. Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Pingtung on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: See below for a map of places we will cover in this blog:
Nangang Old Street (aka Zhongnan Street) is one of the most unnoticed old streets in Taiwan, but here you can find historic buildings, great food, and a lack of crowds. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi. Nangang Station was built in 1891 as part of the first railway in Taiwan, connecting Keelung to Taipei, making it a prime location for industry. Nangang's old street sprung up near the train station. Technically the oldest street in Nangang is "Zhongnan Street" which most people refer to when they say Nangang Old Street, but I think the old street also spreads onto Nangang Road and Academia Sinica Road. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River. In the ROC era, Nangang was also an industrial hub for car parts especially the Nankang Tire Factory, which still makes tires today. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com 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: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. There is paid parking nearby. 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/MRT: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. 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 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:
Xisheng Old Street (aka Wugoushui Xisheng Old Street) is a historical street in the township of Wanluan in rural Pingtung dating back over 300 years to the Qing Dynasty. Here you can find a group of well-preserved historical Hakka buildings that are religious sites with very few other tourists around. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung County.
Background: For millennia Pingtung had been inhabited by plains aboriginal groups. Their biggest settlement was called Ahou, on the current site of Pingtung City, and another settlement to the northwest along the Gaoping River was called Aligang, which is where Ligang gets its name. The first Chinese settlers came to the area in the late 1600s during the Kingdom of Tungming and Qing Dynasty. Before that time, the area was known as a place of exile for Chinese criminals. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was part of Fengshan County. The first settlers to Neipu were Hakka people who came from China in 1710. They built a Mazu temple here which became the religious center of the area. Wugoushui Xisheng Old Street is so named because from olden times there were five ditches built (original meaning of Wugoushui 五溝水), therefore the village here is named Wugoushui. Xisheng Old Street in Wugoushui Village soon became the economic and cultural center of the area as well. Many of the buildings in the area have remained unchanged since the Qing Dynasty. Although there are many shops and restaurants in town, it is not a "touristy" place that attracts crowds of people. The area is usually not very busy even on weekends. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Neipu. Then travel east to Wanluan Township until you reach the old street. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or 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: You can reach Ligang from Pingtung Bus 8220 or 8217. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung 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 search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 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. Tutor ABC - World's No. 1 Online Platform for learning English and Chinese. Get 10% off all Tutor ABC website listed prices with promo code: FOREIGNERS10 Tutor ABC - 世界第一英語和中文線上學習平台 使用促銷代碼: FOREIGNERS10 可享有 Tutor ABC 網站上列出的所有價格 10% 的折扣 Archives 檔案
May 2024
Tutor ABC - World's No. 1 Online Platform for learning English and Chinese. Get 10% off all Tutor ABC website listed prices with promo code: FOREIGNERS10 Tutor ABC - 世界第一英語和中文線上學習平台 使用促銷代碼: FOREIGNERS10 可享有 Tutor ABC 網站上列出的所有價格 10% 的折扣 Categories
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