Discover Taoyuan: Taiwan’s Gateway with Surprises
While Taoyuan (桃園) is often known as the home of Taiwan’s busiest international airport, it’s more than just a transit hub—it’s a vibrant city with a fascinating mix of history, culture, nature, and modern amenities. Situated just 40 minutes from Taipei, Taoyuan is a place that’s rich in local heritage, offers beautiful parks, and features exciting developments that blend the old and new.
From its traditional temples to its modern shopping districts, from bustling night markets to peaceful natural escapes, Taoyuan has something for everyone. Whether you’re in town for a short stay or exploring for the first time, this city is full of surprises that make it a great destination in its own right.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top attractions, best experiences, and reasons why Taoyuan is a must-visit when traveling to Taiwan.
✈️ Taoyuan: The Gateway to Taiwan
Taoyuan is probably best known for the Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan’s largest airport and one of the busiest in Asia. Serving as the main entry point for international travelers, the city has long been a place that welcomes visitors from all over the world. But Taoyuan is much more than just an airport city—it’s an area with a rich history, a blossoming cultural scene, and a variety of attractions that make it an exciting destination.
Taoyuan’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas of northern Taiwan. Whether you’re headed to Taipei, the beautiful Taichung, or the scenic Yangmingshan National Park, Taoyuan is strategically positioned, offering travelers a blend of convenience and accessibility.
🌳 Nature and Outdoor Adventures in Taoyuan
Taoyuan is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, making it a fantastic destination for those who enjoy hiking, exploring parks, or simply unwinding in scenic settings.
1. Shimen Reservoir: A Tranquil Retreat
One of the most popular natural spots in Taoyuan is the Shimen Reservoir (石門水庫), an artificial lake surrounded by lush mountains. The reservoir offers a peaceful environment for walking, cycling, and enjoying the scenery. Visitors can rent bikes or take leisurely strolls around the area, taking in views of the water and surrounding forests. The reservoir is also home to a floating pavilion and a water pump station, both of which are interesting points of interest.
Best for: Scenic views, cycling, and nature walks.
2. Dasi Old Street: Exploring Local Heritage
Located in the Dasi District, Dasi Old Street (大溪老街) is a charming and historic area that offers visitors a glimpse into Taoyuan’s past. The street is famous for its traditional architecture, particularly the Hakka-style buildings, and its local products such as dried tofu and pineapple cakes. It’s a great spot to shop for unique souvenirs, try out local snacks, or simply wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Best for: History, Hakka culture, and local snacks.
3. Lala Mountain: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
For those seeking a more adventurous escape, Lala Mountain (拉拉山) offers incredible hiking trails and serene surroundings. Known for its old cedar trees and the panoramic views it offers, Lala Mountain is a great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and photography. Visitors can hike to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. Lala Mountain also offers a chance to learn about Taiwan’s indigenous cultures and appreciate the region’s untouched beauty.
Best for: Hiking, nature, and scenic photography.
🏯 Cultural and Historical Attractions
Beyond its natural beauty, Taoyuan is home to a variety of cultural attractions that give visitors a deep dive into Taiwan’s rich heritage.
4. Tao Yuan Temple: A Spiritual Experience
The Tao Yuan Temple (桃園大廟) is one of the most famous temples in Taoyuan, dedicated to the goddess Matsu. It’s a place where both locals and visitors come to pray for health, prosperity, and good luck. The temple’s traditional architecture and vibrant decorations offer a colorful and spiritual experience, and its tranquil atmosphere makes it a peaceful spot for reflection.
Best for: Spirituality, architecture, and cultural exploration.
5. Taoyuan Arts Center: For a Creative Escape
If you’re into the arts, the Taoyuan Arts Center (桃園藝術中心) is the perfect place to spend a day soaking in some creativity. The center hosts a range of art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, showcasing local and international talent. The building itself is an architectural marvel, blending modern design with elements of Taiwanese culture. It’s a great spot to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s growing arts scene.
Best for: Art lovers, performances, and modern design.
🍜 Taoyuan’s Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure
Like much of Taiwan, Taoyuan boasts an impressive culinary scene. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to modern fusion dishes, Taoyuan offers a variety of flavors that will leave any food lover craving more.
6. Night Markets: Bustling with Flavor
Taoyuan’s night markets are a great way to experience the city’s street food culture. The Taoyuan Night Market (桃園夜市) is one of the largest in the city, and here you’ll find everything from stinky tofu to bubble tea, fried chicken to squid on a stick. Don’t forget to try the famous pineapple cakes, which are a local specialty and make for a perfect souvenir.
Best for: Street food, local snacks, and a lively atmosphere.
7. Hakka Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition
Taoyuan is home to a significant Hakka population, and the district is known for its unique Hakka cuisine. Hakka-style dumplings, salted chicken, and stir-fried mountain vegetables are some of the dishes you must try in the area. The Hakka people have their own distinct cooking styles and flavor profiles, which make for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Best for: Hakka food, local dishes, and traditional dining experiences.
🚇 Getting Around Taoyuan
Taoyuan is well-connected to both Taipei and other parts of Taiwan, thanks to its efficient transportation infrastructure. The Taoyuan International Airport is a major hub for international flights, while Taoyuan MRT offers an easy way to travel between the city and Taipei in just 40 minutes. In addition, buses, taxis, and rental bikes are all great options for getting around Taoyuan.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, many of the city’s attractions, like Dasi Old Street and Shimen Reservoir, are easily walkable and offer a chance to experience Taoyuan’s charm up close.
🌟 Best Time to Visit Taoyuan
Taoyuan has a temperate climate, with hot, humid summers and cooler winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers can be a bit too hot and humid for some, while winters are relatively mild but pleasant.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Taoyuan is More Than Just an Airport Stop
Though often overshadowed by its neighboring cities, Taoyuan is a hidden gem that offers a unique mix of nature, culture, history, and food. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, exploring Taiwanese traditions, or indulging in the city’s vibrant culinary scene, Taoyuan offers an experience that goes beyond just being a stopover.
Next time you find yourself in Taiwan, don’t just rush through Taoyuan—take the time to explore and discover its many treasures. Whether it’s a short day trip or an extended stay, you’ll be sure to find something special in this dynamic city.
Top Tips for Visiting Taoyuan: Taiwan’s Underrated Gateway City
Often known only as the location of Taiwan’s main international airport, Taoyuan is much more than a transit point. This rapidly developing city offers a rich mix of cultural heritage, high-tech hubs, natural escapes, and local life. Whether you’re spending a quick layover or planning a dedicated visit, Taoyuan has plenty of surprises waiting. Here are the top tips to help you explore this overlooked gem in northern Taiwan.
✈️ 1. Use Taoyuan as Your First or Last Stop in Taiwan
Since Taoyuan International Airport is the main gateway for international arrivals and departures, why not begin or end your Taiwan trip with a short stay here? It’s only 20–30 minutes from the airport to central Taoyuan by car or taxi.
✅ Pro Tip: If you have a layover of 6+ hours, you can easily explore a few local highlights or enjoy a hot spring before your next flight.
🏞️ 2. Visit Daxi Old Street and Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park
Daxi is one of Taoyuan’s most famous districts, known for:
Daxi Old Street – historic baroque-style buildings, tofu snacks, and handmade woodcrafts
Cihu – where you’ll find a lake, garden paths, and the unique Chiang Kai-shek Sculpture Park, filled with relocated statues from across Taiwan
✅ Bonus: There are beautiful riverside walking paths and photo ops everywhere in this area.
🧖 3. Relax in a Hot Spring at Bade or Daxi
Taoyuan has some lesser-known but relaxing hot spring resorts, especially in Daxi, Bade, and nearby Fuxing District. These are great places to unwind if you want a quieter, more local hot spring experience.
✅ Tip: Visit in the evening for a steamy soak under the stars.
🧋 4. Experience Local Taoyuan Flavors
While not as famous as Taipei’s food scene, Taoyuan has some great local eats, including:
Daxi dried tofu – a flavorful local specialty
Hakka cuisine – such as stir-fried pork with ginger or lei cha (ground tea with rice)
Peach-based desserts – the name “Taoyuan” literally means “peach garden”!
✅ Visit: Taoyuan Night Market and Zhongli Night Market for snacks, bubble tea, and local favorites.
🌸 5. Visit in Spring for the Floral Festivals
Each spring, Taoyuan hosts stunning flower festivals, especially in Yangmei, Guanyin, and Xinwu districts. These events feature vast fields of tulips, cosmos, and cherry blossoms.
✅ Best Time: Late February to early April for peak blooms.
🚗 6. Rent a Car for Day Trips to the Mountains
The surrounding areas of Taoyuan, like Fuxing and Lala Mountain, offer cool escapes from the city heat with stunning mountain views, indigenous culture, and old-growth forests.
Lala Mountain (拉拉山) – famous for ancient cypress trees and peach orchards
Shimen Reservoir – for scenic drives and waterside picnics
Xiaowulai Skywalk – a glass-floored bridge over waterfalls!
✅ Tip: Weekdays are best to avoid crowds and enjoy the views in peace.
🏙️ 7. Don’t Miss Zhongli — Taoyuan’s Cultural Core
Zhongli is a major hub within Taoyuan, known for its multicultural vibe, shopping areas, and thriving night market. It also has a significant Hakka and Southeast Asian community, which adds to its rich cultural flavor.
✅ Explore: Zhongping Road Story House and nearby heritage buildings.
🏢 8. Discover Taoyuan’s High-Tech Side
Taoyuan is one of Taiwan’s most important industrial and technology hubs. In recent years, new attractions have opened up around the Asia Silicon Valley initiative, including:
Hutoushan Innovation Park – a green space with tech exhibitions and art
Taoyuan Arts Center – for exhibitions, performances, and modern architecture lovers
🚄 9. Use the Airport MRT or TRA for Easy Travel
The Taoyuan Airport MRT connects you quickly to Taipei and downtown Taoyuan. The TRA rail network also makes it easy to head south to Hsinchu or north toward Keelung.
✅ Pro Tip: Consider staying near Taoyuan HSR Station if you’re planning to travel to multiple cities.
🧳 10. Shop Duty-Free or Visit a Themed Mall Before You Fly
If you’re flying out of Taoyuan, head to the Gloria Outlets near the HSR station for last-minute shopping and food. Or, check out TaiMall or MetroWalk for themed zones and entertainment for kids and adults alike.
✅ Tip: Many malls have shuttle services to the airport or train stations.
Final Thoughts
Taoyuan is often overlooked by travelers focused on Taipei, but that just means fewer crowds and more authentic local experiences. From peaceful mountain trails and traditional food streets to cutting-edge tech zones and hot springs, Taoyuan is a surprisingly diverse destination that rewards those who take the time to explore it.
So next time you fly into Taiwan, don’t just pass through — give Taoyuan a chance to surprise you.