Toufen Travel Guide

Explore Toufen, Taiwan with our comprehensive guide. Discover top attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, and more!


Introduction to Toufen

Toufen is a small city located in the heart of Miaoli County in Central Taiwan. It is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant food scene. Toufen is easily accessible by public transportation, and it is an ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Toufen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Toufen is home to several museums and historical sites that give a glimpse of Taiwan’s rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the following notable attractions:

  • Yong’an Street: Yong’an Street is a historic street that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It is lined with traditional shop houses, temples, and food vendors.
  • Toufen City God Temple: The Toufen City God Temple is a Taoist temple that was built in the 19th century. It is dedicated to the City God, who is believed to protect the city from evil spirits.
  • Mengjia Longshan Temple: The Mengjia Longshan Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the nearby city of Taichung. It is renowned for its traditional architecture, intricate dragon carvings, and bustling night market.

Natural Attractions of Toufen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Toufen is blessed with abundant natural beauty, from towering peaks to lush rice paddies. Visitors can explore the following outdoor attractions:

  • Lehua Night Market: The Lehua Night Market is one of Toufen’s most popular attractions. It is a great place to try local delicacies, browse souvenirs, and people-watch.
  • Dahu Strawberry Fields: The Dahu Strawberry Fields are a great place to pick your own fresh strawberries and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Xiangtian Lake: Xiangtian Lake is a man-made lake located in the heart of Toufen. It is a popular spot for picnics, boat rides, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toufen

Toufen is a popular destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The following routes offer striking views of the local scenery:

  • Jhuohua Mountain: Jhuohua Mountain is located in the nearby city of Hsinchu. It is one of Taiwan’s most picturesque peaks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Dabaoshan Mountain: Dabaoshan Mountain is located in the Shei-Pa National Park. It is a challenging hike, but the spectacular scenery at the summit is well worth the effort.
  • Xiangtian Lake Trail: The Xiangtian Lake Trail is a relatively easy hike that circles around Xiangtian Lake. This trail offers some of the best views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Toufen: Activities and Tours

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Toufen has something to offer for everyone. Some of the best things to do in Toufen include:

  • Try the local cuisine: Toufen is famous for its street food, such as oyster omelets, fried chicken, and stinky tofu. Visitors can also try local specialties such as Hakka-style rice cakes and savory rice balls.
  • Visit the night market: The Lehua Night Market is among the top three night markets in Miaoli County. It is a great place to try local delicacies, buy souvenirs and immerse in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore the countryside: Toufen’s scenic countryside is dotted with traditional villages, picturesque temples, and lush rice fields. Visiting these rural areas will give you a chance to experience the local lifestyle of farmers and fishermen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toufen

Toufen is a small city, but it has a lot to offer. Below is an itinerary that outlines how to spend a week in Toufen:

Day Activities
1 Visit Toufen City God Temple and Yong’an Street
2 Hike Jhuohua Mountain or Dabaoshan Mountain
3 Explore the Dahu Strawberry Fields and enjoy a picnic
4 Take a day trip to the nearby city of Taichung and visit the Mengjia Longshan Temple
5 Try the local cuisine at the Lehua Night Market
6 Cycle around the Xiangtian Lake Trail
7 Relax in the countryside and experience local living

Food and Drink Scene of Toufen

Must-Try Dishes

Toufen is renowned for its street food, which has its unique Hakkka influence. Some of the must-try dishes in Toufen are:

  • Oyster Omelets: A combination of oysters, eggs, and starch, this traditional Taiwanese snack is a must-try for any tourist.
  • Fried Chicken: Succulent chicken pieces, coated in sweet potatoes or other Taiwanese herbs, are a popular snack in Toufen.
  • Stinky Tofu: A popular Taiwanese snack that is either loved or hated. Stinky tofu is known for its strong odor and unique taste based on the fermentation process.
  • Hakka-style Rice Cakes: These rice cakes feature a crispy exterior and a tender interior, stuffed with aromatic savory fillings like pork, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
  • Savory Rice Balls: These delicious rice balls come stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

In addition to the delicious street food, Toufen has a vibrant drinking scene that features local beer and tea. Visitors can try the following beverages:

  • Kaoliang Wine: This is a strong spirit made from sorghum that is popular all over Taiwan. Toufen is well-known for making high-quality Kaoliang wine.
  • Bubble Tea: Possibly the most famous Taiwanese beverage. Toufen has many stores that serve Bubble Tea, a sweet tea mixed with different flavors and topped with tapioca balls.
  • Taiwan Beer: Taiwan Beer is a refreshing pilsner-style beer that is enjoyed all over Taiwan. Brewed with imported European hops and barley, it’s a must-try for beer lovers.

Where to Stay in Toufen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Toufen has several accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Below are some of the best options:

  • Lyiin Hotel: A modern hotel located in the city center with a great location and friendly staff.
  • Pinkhouse: A cozy guesthouse with adorable pink decor, serving home-style breakfasts.
  • Sleep Aster Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with clean rooms and comfortable beds.

What to Buy in Toufen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For those looking for unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home, Toufen offers some great options such as:

  • Hakka-style Rice Cakes: Hakka-style Rice Cakes make the ideal souvenir for food lovers.
  • Wooden Handicrafts: Toufen is known for producing beautiful wooden handicrafts, including wooden pens, chopsticks, and toys.
  • Kaoliang Wine: Toufen’s famous Kaoliang wine makes a great gift for those who appreciate quality spirit.

Local Culture and Customs of Toufen

Toufen is a multi-ethnic town, with a mix of Hakka and Taiwanese residents. Visitors are recommended to respect local customs, practice basic Mandarin, and greet locals in Hokkien. Understanding the Hakka culture is essential when traveling to Toufen, as it is one of the towns in Miaoli country with the highest percentage of Hakka people.

Best Time to Visit Toufen

The best time to visit Toufen is from September to December when the weather is cooler, and the landscapes are greener. During this time, visitors can take part in cultural festivals such as the Miaoli Harvest Festival and the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toufen

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the street food and enjoy the vibrant local cuisine.
  • Bring back souvenirs and local products to support the local economy.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Break any local laws or regulations.
  • Disrespect religious places and cultural heritage sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Toufen

Toufen is a safe place to visit, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Visitors are encouraged to take precautions, such as securing their belongings and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Toufen

Toufen has a good healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics located in the area. Visitors are recommended to have medical travel insurance and consult their doctor regarding any necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Toufen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Toufen

Toufen is located approximately 75 km from Taoyuan International Airport, which serves as Taiwan’s main international gateway.

Bus Stations Near Toufen

Toufen is well-served by several bus lines that connect it with other major cities in Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung and Hsinchu.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Toufen, with trains leaving regularly from Taipei, Taichung, and Hsinchu.

How to Get Around in Toufen

Toufen is a small city that can easily be explored on foot or with public transport. Visitors can also rent a bike or a scooter for a more independent mode of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Toufen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Toufen is located in central Taiwan, making it easy to reach other destinations in the area. Some of the recommended nearby destinations and excursions are:

  • Shei-Pa National Park: This nearby park is the third-largest national park in Taiwan and offers visitors a chance to explore Taiwan’s natural beauty.
  • Daxi Old Street: This nearby street is lined with traditional shops, food vendors, and historical attractions, making it a great place to experience Taiwanese culture.
  • Nanzhuang: Nanzhuang is a charming Hakka village known for its traditional architecture, local food, and scenic views.

Conclusion

Toufen offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for anyone visiting Taiwan. From exploring museums and historical sites to hiking and biking in the great outdoors, Toufen has something to offer for all travelers. Visitors can indulge in local cuisine, shop for souvenirs and products, and immerse in the local culture and traditions. Plan your trip to Toufen today and discover the magic of this gem in the heart of Taiwan.

Downtown Toufen Downtown Toufen Dahua Temple Dahua Temple