Dream Trip to Taoyuan | Unlock a Unique Journey in Taoyuan, Taiwan

Taoyuan, Taiwan, this charming city, possesses both the vibrancy of a bustling metropolis and the tranquility of a natural countryside. Located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, with an average annual temperature of around 22°C 🌡️, it's suitable for travel year-round. Follow this guide to explore the beauty of Taoyuan. Prior Preparations - Documents: Mainland residents traveling to Taoyuan, Taiwan, need to apply for a "Taiwan Travel Permit for Mainland Residents" and an "Exit & Entry Permit for Taiwan, China." The Travel Permit can be obtained from local entry-exit administration offices, while the Entry Permit can be processed through travel agencies. - Transportation: You can first arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. From the airport to the city, you can choose airport buses, MRT, or taxis. Within the city, transportation options include buses, taxis, and shared bikes. Buses have extensive coverage, and you can also use an EasyCard for convenient and cost-effective travel. - Accommodation: We recommend staying in Zhongli District, which offers convenient transportation and a variety of nearby restaurants. Daxi District is also a good choice, with many unique B&Bs, allowing you to better experience the local culture. Must-See Attractions 1. Daxi Old Street: As a historical epitome of Taoyuan, the old street is filled with nostalgic charm. Many ancient buildings are preserved here, with Baroque-style facades, making you feel like you've traveled back in time. The streets are lined with specialty snacks and handicraft shops. Strolling through them, you can savor traditional delicacies like Daxi dried tofu and savory rice pudding, and also find exquisite souvenirs. Wandering along the old street, feeling the traces of time, is an unmissable experience in Taoyuan. 2. Xpark Aquarium: This is a Japanese-style urban aquarium, with the theme of "sustainable coexistence," showcasing a rich diversity of marine life. From adorable penguins to mysterious jellyfish, from colorful tropical fish to giant sharks, each exhibition area is uniquely designed. Here, you can not only observe marine life up close but also learn about marine ecology through various interactive facilities, making it an ideal destination for family trips. 3. Hutoushan Environmental Park: Covering an area of approximately 2.5 hectares, the park was once a landfill and has now been transformed into a beautiful park with excellent facilities. There are telescopes, benches, a parking lot, and scenic pavilions. From the observation deck, you can overlook the beautiful cityscape of Taoyuan. At night, the dazzling starry sky and city lights complement each other, creating an extremely romantic atmosphere. Come here for a stroll, enjoy the scenery, and relax. 4. Wing On Fishing Harbor: Located nine kilometers south of Taoyuan's Xinwu Township on the coast, the harbor has actively developed its fishing tourism in recent years. The 115-meter-long arched bridge has diverse light displays. Standing on the bridge's viewing platform, you can watch fishing boats enter the harbor. In the evening, with the gentle sea breeze, admire the warm orange sunset glow, or go to the Guanhai Pavilion to watch the boundless blue sea. These beautiful scenes will surely captivate you. You can also savor fresh seafood nearby and experience the local fishing village culture. 5. Futian Flower Farm: A secret garden with a European atmosphere, resembling a fairy tale world. There are Dutch-style windmills, vintage cars, and a glass chapel in the center of the lake, making every corner incredibly photogenic. Visitors can go to the adorable animal farm and experience the joy of feeding alpacas. At the "Love Castle" scenic restaurant, you can enjoy delicious food while admiring the beautiful flower fields and distant mountains. Stroll through the park, feel the rich exotic ambiance, and enjoy a leisurely vacation. Food Recommendations 1. Taoyuan Sesame Oil Chicken: A must-try dish in Taoyuan, the rich and fragrant sesame oil chicken soup has a mellow flavor and tender chicken, not only warming the stomach but also nourishing the body. Ingredients like ginger slices and rice wine are added during the stewing process, creating an enticing aroma that lingers. It's a traditional local health-preserving dish. 2. The Alley Bubble Tea: A classic Taiwanese bubble tea, with chewy tapioca pearls paired with rich and smooth milk tea, the sweetness is just right, not overly sweet. Every sip allows you to experience the chewiness of the pearls and the sweetness of the milk tea. It's a favorite among bubble tea lovers and can be found throughout the streets and alleys of Taoyuan. 3. Soybean Milk and Fried Dough Sticks: A simple yet delicious traditional Taiwanese breakfast, the soybean milk has a rich taste, and the fried dough sticks are crispy and delicious. Dipping the fried dough sticks into the soybean milk, they absorb the sweetness of the soybean milk while retaining their crispiness, starting your day full of energy. 4. Taoyuan Roast Duck: The skin is roasted to a golden crisp, like a thin layer of glaze. With a gentle bite, it makes a crisp sound. The meat is tender and juicy, rich but not greasy. Paired with spring onions, cucumbers, and sweet bean sauce, wrapped in a thin pancake, the rich flavors burst in your mouth, making it a mouthwatering delicacy. Things to Note - Currency: Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar, which can be exchanged at the airport, banks, or exchange offices in the city. Some businesses also accept UnionPay cards, but for convenience, it's recommended to have some cash on hand. - Language: The main languages used locally are Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien. Communication in Mandarin is generally not a problem. - Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Maintain quietness in public places and avoid cutting in line. When dining in restaurants, remember to tip the waitstaff appropriately. - Weather: Taoyuan summers are hot and rainy, so remember to bring an umbrella and take sun protection measures. Winters are relatively warm, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket.