Beinan Travel Guide (Taitung County/Eastern Taiwan/Taiwan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Beinan

Beinan is a small township located in Taitung County, Eastern Taiwan. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Beinan is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique travel experience, away from the crowded tourist spots.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore Beinan’s historical and natural attractions, the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and its local culture and customs. We will also provide practical information on transportation options, safety and health, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Beinan

To experience the best of Beinan, you need to visit its cultural and natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in Beinan.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Beinan Cultural Park: A park that showcases the life and culture of the Beinan people, an indigenous tribe from Taiwan. Visitors can see traditional houses, ritual areas, and exhibitions that illustrate the Beinan way of life.
Beinan Archaeological Site: A historical site of the Beinan culture, dating back to 1,500 BC. Visitors can explore the ruins and artifacts that reveal the society, religion, and daily life of the Beinan people.
National Museum of Prehistory: A museum that exhibits the prehistoric artifacts and fossils of Taiwan, including those from Beinan. Visitors can learn about Taiwan’s history, geology, and evolution from its early beginnings.

Natural Attractions of Beinan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Jiaming Lake: A scenic lake located at the top of Central Mountain Range, at an altitude of 3,520m. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and birdwatching while surrounded by mountains and forests.
Sanxiantai: A scenic coastline with unique rock formations and a long bridge that connects the mainland to a small island. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and watching the breathtaking sunrise.
Jinfeng Falls: A majestic waterfall located in a remote area of Beinan. Visitors can hike through the forest and cross a suspension bridge to reach the falls, which are about 30m high and surrounded by cliffs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beinan

Beinan’s natural beauty and varied terrain offer excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. Here are some popular routes to explore:

Mt. Dulan Trail: A challenging 9km hike that takes visitors to the highest point of Dulan Mountain at 3,129m. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Fuli Trail: A 5km hike that starts at Beinan Cultural Park and goes through a forest trail to reach Fuli Mountain. The trail leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Eastern Rift Valley.
East Coast Cycling Trail: A 170km cycling route that goes along Taiwan’s scenic east coast, passing through Beinan’s Sanxiantai and other attractions. The trail offers stunning ocean views and goes through fishing villages, temples, and natural reserves.

Best Things to Do in Beinan: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and cycling, Beinan offers various activities and tours that cater to different interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Beinan:

Indigenous cultural experiences: Join a guided tour or workshop that showcases Beinan’s indigenous culture, such as traditional music, dance, weaving, or cooking.
Tea plantations visit: Take a tour of Beinan’s tea plantations and learn about the history and process of tea production, tasting different types of locally grown tea.
Fishing tour: Join a fishing tour and experience the local way of fishing in the ocean or rivers. Some tours offer the catch-and-cook option, where visitors can learn to cook their catch with local ingredients.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beinan

To make the most of your trip to Beinan, here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay:

Day	Activities
1	Arrive in Beinan, visit Beinan Cultural Park, National Museum of Prehistory
2	Hike to Fuli Mountain, visit Taitung city
3	Visit Sanxiantai, Jinfeng Falls
4	Cycling tour along the East Coast Trail, visit local fishing village
5	Visit Jiaming Lake, trekking or camping
6	Day trip to Green Island, snorkeling or diving
7	Relax and explore Taitung city, indulge in local food and shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Beinan

Beinan’s rich culture and geography influence its food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Pig blood cake: A Taiwanese street food made from pork blood, rice flour, and soy sauce, flavored with spices and herbs.
Aboriginal-style dishes: Beinan’s indigenous cuisine includes dishes like millet wine, grilled mountain boar, and bamboo rice.

Local Beverages

Taitung beer: A locally brewed beer made from local hops and malt. It offers a refreshing and smooth taste that complements Beinan’s warm climate.
Brown sugar tea: A popular drink in Taiwan made from black tea and brown sugar, offering a sweet and earthy taste.

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

Beinan offers various options for accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

Luminous Hot Spring Resort & Spa: A luxury hot spring resort that offers comfortable rooms, spa services, and swimming pools with a mountain view.
Affordable Taitung Homestay: A cozy homestay that provides free bicycle rentals and comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere.
Toongtong leisure stay: A unique accommodation option that offers traditional Taiwan-style rooms, surrounded by a tranquil garden.

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

Beinan offers various souvenirs and local products that are unique to its culture and geography. Here are some of the best things to buy in Beinan:

Indigenous weavings: Beinan’s indigenous tribes have a rich weaving tradition, producing colorful and intricate designs on clothes, bags, and accessories.
Tea and tea accessories: Beinan’s tea production is famous for its unique taste and processing, and it offers different varieties to choose from.
Mango products: Beinan’s warm climate and fertile land make it ideal for growing mangoes, which are used to produce different products like sauces, jams, and dried mango slices.

Local Culture and Customs of Beinan

Beinan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its indigenous tribes, Han Chinese settlers, and Japanese occupation. Visitors can learn about the local culture and customs by participating in traditional activities, visiting museums and local events, and interacting with the locals.

Indigenous culture: Beinan’s indigenous tribes have a distinct culture and language, reflecting their close relationship with nature, spirits, and ancestors. Visitors can participate in workshops, ceremonies, and festivals that showcase their music, dance, and traditional practices.
Han Chinese customs: Beinan’s Han Chinese settlers brought their culture and traditions, such as lantern festivals, dragon boat races, and seasonal celebrations. Visitors can learn about these customs by visiting local temples and markets.

Best Time to Visit Beinan

Beinan enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 16℃ to 27℃ throughout the year. The best time to visit Beinan is from October to April, where temperatures are cooler and less humid, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beinan

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Beinan:

Do:

Respect the culture and traditions of the locals: Beinan is home to various indigenous tribes, Han Chinese settlers, and multicultural communities. Respect their customs, language, and way of life.
Try the local food and drinks: Beinan offers a unique blend of indigenous and Han Chinese cuisine, along with locally grown tea, fruits, and drinks. Sample different dishes and flavors to get a taste of Beinan’s culture.

Don’t:

Litter or damage the natural environment: Beinan’s natural attractions and landscapes are fragile and vulnerable to human impact. Avoid littering, damaging, or harming the flora and fauna of Beinan.
Disrespect the local culture and traditions: Beinan is proud of its cultural heritage, and its locals value their identity and customs. Avoid making fun or disrespecting their culture, religion, or practices.

Safety and Health

Beinan is a safe and healthy destination, with low crime rates and good quality medical facilities.

Safety in Beinan

Natural hazards: Beinan’s natural attractions and trails offer outdoor adventures, but some areas can be hazardous, such as landslides, rockfall, or flooding. Be aware of the weather conditions and follow the safety guidelines of each activity.
Traffic and transportation: Beinan’s roads can be narrow and winding, with steep slopes and sharp turns. Be cautious when driving or cycling and follow the traffic rules.

Health in Beinan

Healthcare facilities: Beinan has a good quality healthcare system, with hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies available in the area.
Food and water hygiene: Beinan’s food and drink scene offers various choices, but travelers should be cautious of hygiene and quality standards, especially for street food and drinks from unknown sources.

Getting to Beinan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Beinan is accessible by different transportation options, including air, rail, and road.

Airports Near Beinan

Taitung Airport: The nearest airport to Beinan, located about 13 km away, offering domestic flights to Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other destinations.
Kaohsiung International Airport: A large airport located about 270 km away from Beinan, offering international and domestic flights to various destinations worldwide.

Bus Stations Near Beinan

Taitung Bus Station: The main bus station of Taitung City, offering various routes to Beinan and other destinations in Taiwan.
Taiwan Bus: A well-established bus company that operates routes nationwide, including Beinan and Taitung.

Other Options

Car rental: Renting a car or a scooter is a popular option to explore Beinan and its surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Beinan

Beinan is a small township that can be easily explored by foot or by bike.

Bicycle rentals: Renting a bike is a convenient and affordable option to explore Beinan and its surrounding areas. Bikes can be rented at the Beinan Cultural Park, Taitung City, and other rental shops.
Hiking trails: Beinan has various hiking trails that offer scenic views and outdoor adventures. Be prepared with appropriate gear, food, and water.
Taxis and buses: Taxis and buses are available in Beinan and Taitung City, but they may not be as frequent or convenient as in larger cities.

Where to Go Next from Beinan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Beinan’s location and transport connections offer various nearby destinations and excursions to explore after your visit. Here are some suggestions:

Green Island: A small island located off the coast of Taitung, known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beaches.
Taitung City: The largest city in Taitung County, offering a blend of modern urban life and traditional culture. Visitors can explore its night markets, museums, temples, and local events.
Taroko National Park: A stunning national park located in Hualien County, known for its marvelous gorge, marble cliffs, and hiking trails. Visitors can take day tours from Beinan or stay overnight in nearby hostels.

Conclusion

Beinan is a hidden gem in Eastern Taiwan, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. This comprehensive travel guide showcases the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture in Beinan, making it easier for travelers to plan their trip and enjoy a memorable experience.

Beinan Image Gallery

A traditional stilt house of the Beinan people, one of the 16 aboriginal tribes of Taiwan, in Beinan Cultural Park