Yonghe Travel Guide

Discover the culturally and naturally rich Yonghe, Taiwan. This travel guide covers all the must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, itineraries, food, accommodations, culture, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations of Yonghe.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Yonghe, Taiwan

Taiwan is a nation full of picturesque towns, breathtaking natural scenery, and culturally rich cities. One such town that highlights Taiwan’s beauty, history, and culture is Yonghe. Yonghe is a must-visit town located in New Taipei, Northern Taiwan, which draws visitors from all around the world. In this comprehensive travel guide to Yonghe, we will take you through its must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, food, accommodations, culture, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations.

Introduction to Yonghe

Yonghe, known as “The City of Temples,” is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, originating from the first migrants who arrived from mainland China in the early 18th century. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s vibrant culture and history by visiting the various temples, traditional markets, and historical sites. Yonghe is also home to several hiking and biking routes, an affirmation in outdoor adventure seekers’ hearts.

List of Places to Visit in Yonghe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Yonghe is famous for temples, and some of the well-known ones include:

  • Lao-tse Temple: Built-in 1831, the Lao-tse Temple symbolizes tranquility and peace. The temple has several interesting features, such as stone chimes and two dragon statues that protect the temple entrance.
  • Yonghe Longshan Temple: Considered the largest temple of its kind in Taiwan, the Yonghe Longshan Temple is home to elaborate sculptures, carvings, and calligraphy that signify ancient Chinese art and architecture.
  • Huaxi Street Night Market is the oldest night market in Taipei, located in the nearby Wanhua district. It is famous for having a wide range of options and fresh seafood.

Natural Attractions of Yonghe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Yonghe is not just about temples and markets- it has several natural wonderlands worth exploring. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers could try the following:

  • Fuzhoushan Trail: Short and easy to hike, with a fantastic view of the Taipei 101 tower’s top towards Maokong, the WenShan, and Muzha districts of Taipei City.
  • Xiaoguanyinshan Trail & Waterfall in Zhonghe: Cross through the water to see the waterfall and view a great panoramic view of Taipei City.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yonghe

Yonghe is an adventure enthusiast’s dream destination, with several hiking and biking routes providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the town’s glorious natural scenery and discover its rich cultural heritage. The routes worth checking out:

  • Dahushan Hiking Trail
  • Hiking Routes around Xiaoguanyinshan Trail
  • Xinbeitou Trail

Best Things to Do in Yonghe: Activities and Tours

Yonghe has several enriching activities that showcase the town’s natural beauty or cultural depth:

  • Wulai Scenic Area: A must-visit scenic area that boasts of rushing waterfalls, natural hot springs, aboriginal cultural performances, and specializes in tea and traditional pastries.
  • Experience Cultural Differences: Enhance your cultural knowledge through experiences such as prayer at Longshan temple, tea-tasting, paint traditional lanterns, learn a unique calligraphy brush style known as Xing Shu, and shadow puppet plays.
  • Zhinan Temple tower: It has the best scenic view spot of the entire city known as Taipei 101.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yonghe

If you’re planning a week-long vacation to Yonghe, here’s a suggested itinerary to ensure you have a satisfying experience:

Day Destination Activity
1 Longshan Temple Sightseeing, dining
2 Xindian District Eco-tourism, visit the Xindian River
3 Gongguan Shopping Neighborhood Shop, dine
4 Nanxiang Food District Explore the perfect blend of Shanghai and Taiwanese flavors
5 Wulai hot spring and waterfall Feeling relaxed in the hot springs, enjoy the waterfall surrounded by nature
6 Beitou hot spring valley Steaming hot spring, tall green trees
7 Museum Of Drinking Water Discover the history of water and the aqueduct system in Taipei

Food and Drink Scene of Yonghe

Must-Try Dishes

Yonghe has a rich and diverse culinary culture that foodies will certainly adore. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Shaved Ice: You can see several shaved ice dessert shops in Yonghe with various toppings and sauce.
  • Roasted Chestnuts: One of the famous street snacks in Yonghe is roasted chestnuts that you can find in every busy street.
  • Fish Balls: A must-try snack in Yonghe is Fish Balls, commonly served with tofu, kimchi, or curry.
  • Oyster Omelet: A popular Taiwanese street food that’s an omelet made with oysters and other toppings.

Local Beverages

Taiwan is famous for its bubble tea, and Yonghe is no exception. Here are some must-try beverages:

  • Bubble Tea: A popular drink made with tea, milk, sugar, and chewy pearls; this famous Taiwanese drink is a must-try!
  • Taiwanese beer: Taiwan has several brands of beer that come in different flavors, and you should grab one while in Yonghe.

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

Yonghe’s accommodation options range from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly backpackers’ hostels. A few of our suggested accommodations are:

  • The Grand Hotel: It is an elegant hotel offering visitors excellent hospitality and luxurious accommodations with scenic outdoor surroundings.
  • Mellow Fields Hotel: Situated in a peaceful environment, The Mellow Fields Hotel is an affordable option suited for families, couples, and backpackers.

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

Yonghe has several stunning souvenirs suitable for every budget. Here are some options to consider:

  • Tea: Taiwan is renowned for its tea; grab some of the nation’s finest teas as a keepsake.
  • Calligraphy Brush: Perfect for art enthusiasts, purchase authentic calligraphy brushes in Yonghe to take home.
  • Traditional lanterns: Colorful and beautiful lanterns reflecting Taiwan’s tradition are popular souvenirs to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Yonghe

Yonghe, as a town, follows traditional customs and cultural values that visitors should be aware of. A few examples are:

  • Temples: When visiting temples, be respectful by wearing suitable clothing, speaking in hushed tones, and following markers to prevent areas of the temple from destruction.
  • Tipping Culture: It is not customary to tip in Taiwan, except for hairdressers and taxi drivers, although it does not mean it is mandatory.
  • Queuing: Lines are important in Taiwan, and it is customary to queue for services, shops or attractions.

Best Time to Visit Yonghe

The best time to visit Yonghe is during the fall and winter, between November and February. This is because the weather in Yonghe is generally cool during these seasons, making it comfortable for sightseeing, hiking, or biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yonghe

Do:

  • Try the food; Yonghe is renowned for its delicious cuisine and street-food culture.
  • Visit the temples and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
  • Educate oneself about Taiwanese culture and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring insect repellent.
  • Don’t litter in public areas; this is frowned upon in Taiwan.
  • Don’t forget to plan ahead- as Yonghe has a lot to offer, plan in advance to make the most out of your trip.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yonghe

Yonghe is one of the safest towns in Taiwan with low crime rates, although it’s essential to safeguard oneself from pickpocketing and theft. Visitors should ensure that they do not leave their valuables in visible spots, especially when in crowded areas like night markets.

Health in Yonghe

Taiwan has an excellent healthcare system, accessible to both locals and foreign nationals. In case of any health emergency or concern, Yang-Ming University Hospital, located in Taipei City, is available 24/7 to provide assistance.

Getting to Yonghe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Yonghe is accessible by air, road, and rail. A few options to help one reach Yonghe are:

Airports Near Yonghe

Taiwan Taoyuan International airport is the nearest airport to Yonghe, located approximately 40 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Yonghe

Yonghe is served by several bus stations, including the Taipei Bus Station, which allows visitors to take a direct bus from Taipei to Yonghe.

Other Options

The well-developed rail transport system in Taiwan makes it convenient to visit Yonghe via MRT, local bus, or taxi.

How to Get Around in Yonghe

Yonghe has several transportation options, including the MRT, buses, trains, taxis, and bicycles.

Where to Go Next from Yonghe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Yonghe is situated near several breathtaking destinations, and guests could explore the following after their Yonghe visit:

  • Wulai: Famous for its hot springs and aboriginal cultural experiences.
  • Taipei: The bustling city capital of Taiwan, Taipei, boasts of historic landmarks, world-renowned museums, vibrant nightlife, and scenic landscapes.
  • Jiufen: The picturesque town of Jiufen is a blend of traditional and modern architecture with winding paths, narrow stairs, and eclectic shops.

Conclusion

Yonghe is a must-visit town in Northern Taiwan, filled with cultural, historical, and natural attractions that create a unique blend of traditional and modern-day architecture. In addition, Yonghe’s culinary culture is something one should explore while enjoying the scenic beauty of the town. With so much to see and explore, a trip to Yonghe should definitely be a part of any Taiwan itinerary.

Yonghe Baofu Temple Yonghe Baofu Temple