Taoyuan Travel Guide

Get a travel guide to Taoyuan featuring important cultural attractions, best hiking/biking routes, must-try dishes, where to stay and what to buy in Taoyuan.


Introduction to Taoyuan

Taoyuan is a city located in Northern Taiwan, known for its cultural and historical significance, natural beauty, and delicious food offerings. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and is home to a bustling airport, serving as the gateway to Taiwan. Many visitors to Taiwan pass through Taoyuan but fail to take the time to explore the city’s treasures. This guide will help you plan your Taoyuan trip, from top attractions to accommodations, food and drink options, local culture, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Taoyuan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Taiwan’s history and culture are rich and fascinating, and Taoyuan is no exception. If you love to explore historical and cultural landmarks. visit the following places:

  • Daxi Old Street which goes back to the Japanese colonial era
  • Taoyuan Martyrs’ Shrine where you can learn about one of Taiwan’s major historical events
  • Gloria Outlets, Tongluo Wetland Conservation Area

Natural Attractions of Taoyuan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lover? You’ll be spoilt for choice in Taoyuan. The city is home to stunning natural landscapes that showcase Taiwan’s lush beauty include:

  • Cihu Mausoleum, a park dedicated to late President Chiang Kai-shek
  • Shimen Reservoir, where you can have a picnic with panoramic views of the valley
  • Lion’s Head Mountain, which is a great hiking spot.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taoyuan

If you’re looking for an adventure, Taoyuan has impressive hiking and biking trails to explore. Among the best routes are:

  • Caoling Historical Trail which meanders through mountains and follows an ancient trade route
  • Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, popular for its magnificent seaside views and bike paths
  • Lion’s Head Mountain Trail which is an ideal quick escape out of Taoyuan city.

Best Things to Do in Taoyuan: Activities and Tours

There are many activities and tours that will take the guesswork out of planning your Taoyuan itinerary:

  • Taste traditional Taiwanese food on a food tour around Taoyuan Night Market
  • Visit Leofoo Village Theme Park for an exciting fun-filled day
  • Taoyuan Arts Center, with interactive exhibitions and performances.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taoyuan

Getting to know this vibrant city takes time, so here’s an ideal week-long itinerary to help you organize your trip: Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Taoyuan city Day 2: Spend a day enjoying Lion’s Head Mountain Trail and Cihu Mausoleum Day 3: Explore the sights and sounds of Daxi Old Street and Taoyuan Martyrs’ Shrine Day 4: Visit Yeheng Terraced Fields, Taoyuan Lakewood and Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Day 5: Spend a relaxing day exploring the Shihmen Reservoir nature reserve Day 6: Taoyuan Art Center or attend Leofoo Village Theme Park Day 7: Visit Gloria Outlets, Tongluo Wetland Conservation Area and depart or continue your Taiwan travels.

Food and Drink Scene of Taoyuan

Must-Try Dishes

Taoyuan’s cuisine features a blend of traditional Taiwanese dishes and flavors with influences from nearby countries. Don’t forget to sample the following specialties:

  • Beef noodle soup, a local favorite that you can find on most menus
  • Pan-fried dumplings, a mouth-watering bite that perfectly complements swigs of beer
  • Braised pork, a savory dish simmering in soy sauce and seasoning.

Local Beverages

Don’t leave Taoyuan without trying some of the following:

  • Bubble tea, a refreshing drink that originated in Taiwan
  • Taiwan Beer, the country’s most popular beer
  • Kaoliang, a unique distilled liquor with a nutty flavor that the locals love.

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

Taoyuan offers a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers - from budgeted apartments to luxurious international hotels. Top picks include:

  • Monarch Skyline Hotel, a five-star hotel located near the airport
  • The Cloud Hotel, a unique and stylish option with co-working spaces
  • Chateau de Chine Hotel, the city’s landmark luxury hotel with high-end amenities.

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

Looking for authentic gifts to take back home? Taoyuan offers a wide range of quality local products and souvenirs, including:

  • Luce dry noodles, an instant noodle brand that adds a local twist to a classic dish
  • Green tea and Hakka tea, popular tea blends from Taiwan
  • Cihu Mao porcelain figurines, handmade and painted by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Taoyuan

When visiting Taoyuan, it is essential to respect the local culture and customs. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Don’t tip. In Taiwan, tipping is not expected, and trying to tip may cause confusion
  • Respect the locals’ privacy and personal space
  • Always take off your shoes before entering a person’s home.

Best Time to Visit Taoyuan

The best time to visit Taoyuan is from October to December or from March to May, when temperatures are mild, and the city is lush with greenery. Avoid traveling to Taoyuan during the summer months from June to August as temperatures can be scorching.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taoyuan

Do:

  • Carry cash with you to make purchases, as not all places accept credit cards
  • Use Hello, thank you, and goodbye in Mandarin Chinese to show respect
  • Try your best to haggle when shopping for souvenirs.

Don’t:

  • Photograph people without their permission
  • Litter or smoke in public places
  • Use a loud voice or curse in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Taoyuan

Taoyuan is a safe city, and violent crime rates are low. However, you should take precautions to prevent theft and remain safe, which includes:

  • Be careful when withdrawing cash, and avoid doing so at night, to reduce the risk of robbery or theft.
  • Keep your wallet and valuables in a safe place, and avoid carrying them all in one place

Health in Taoyuan

The city is safe health-wise and, as a traveler, you only need to take general precautions such as drinking bottled water, wearing sunscreen at all times, and packing insect repellent.

Getting to Taoyuan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Taoyuan

Taoyuan’s main airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, serving as the gateway to Taipei and the rest of Taiwan.

Bus Stations Near Taoyuan

There are several bus stations in Taoyuan, including the Taoyuan Bus Station, which offers convenient services to the surrounding cities in Taiwan.

Other Options

Other transportation options include the metro, taxi, and private car.

How to Get Around in Taoyuan

Getting around Taoyuan is relatively easy, and you can explore the city using the following modes of transportation:

  • Metro: Taoyuan has a new metro system that connects the airport to the city center and offers fast and affordable transport options
  • Bus: The bus system in Taoyuan offers a convenient and cheap way of traveling to and around the city
  • Taxi: Taxis in Taoyuan are relatively affordable and a comfortable traveling option.

Where to Go Next from Taoyuan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Make your Taoyuan experience complete by planning a side trip to neighboring destinations such as Taipei, Hsinchu, or Miaoli. These vibrant cities offer a host of tourist sites and other attractions to explore.

Conclusion

Visiting Taoyuan offers a fascinating encounter with Taiwanese culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or a relaxing getaway, Taoyuan has something for every type of traveler. Use this guide as a starting point for planning your next trip to Taoyuan.

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