Taoyuan City Travel

Taoyuan City, Taiwan Province — the "Gateway City" and "Ecological Oasis" of Northern Treasure Island, bordering Taipei to the north and Hsinchu to the south. It integrates the retro charm of Daxi Old Street, the serene scenery of Cihu, the forest oxygen bar of Lalashan, and the childlike fun of Window on China, blending cultural history, natural ecology, and family leisure. Unlock Taoyuan's diverse charm in 3 days and 2 nights, and feel the tranquility and vitality of Northern Treasure Island.

60+

Historical & Cultural Sites

Popular Commercial Districts & Old Streets

20+

Core Attractions

30+

Specialty Foods

Night view of Daxi Old Street, Taoyuan City, Taiwan Province

Taoyuan Daxi Old Street Night View - Ancient Capital Landmark

A landmark cultural landscape of Taoyuan City, the century-old street is built along the Dahan River. Red brick walls and arcade buildings are full of retro charm. The street is lined with dried tofu shops, traditional snacks, and creative cultural stores. When the lanterns light up at night, the atmosphere is at its peak, making it the core destination for experiencing Taoyuan's nostalgic charm.

Taoyuan City 3 Days 2 Nights Nature & Culture Trip

Visit century-old streets, enjoy lake and mountain scenery, explore forest secrets, enjoy family time, decode Taoyuan's diverse charm

                    
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights

                    
Main Destinations
Daxi Old Street, Cihu Memorial Park, Shimen Reservoir, Lalashan Nature Reserve, Window on China Theme Park, Qingtang Park, Fuxing Township

                    
Target Audience
History enthusiasts, nature explorers, families with children, photography lovers, leisure vacationers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥1300-¥2300

Old Street Nostalgia Tour

Daxi Old Street · Daxi Wude Hall · Taoyuan Qingtang Park

Highlights

Stroll along Daxi Old Street in the afternoon to feel the retro atmosphere and taste century-old dried tofu; explore Daxi Wude Hall in the evening to learn about history; check in at the night view of Qingtang Park at night to feel the city's tranquility.

Attractions

Daxi Old Street

The most representative nostalgic old street in Taoyuan City, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty along the Dahan River. The street retains a large number of red brick walls and Baroque-style arcade buildings, gathering century-old dried tofu shops, traditional snacks, cultural and creative stores, and antique shops. It is a must-visit place to experience the cultural history and street atmosphere of Taoyuan.

Daxi Wude Hall

Built in 1935 during the Japanese occupation, it is one of the most completely preserved Wude Halls in Taiwan. The architecture blends Japanese and Western elements, with wooden structures and red brick exterior walls complementing each other. It was once a training place for Bushido and is now a history museum displaying the cultural and folk customs of the Daxi area.

Qingtang Park

A newly developed ecological leisure park in Taoyuan City, featuring lakes, wetlands, and lawns as the core landscape. The park is planted with a large number of flowers, plants, and trees, and is equipped with a lakeside trail, viewing platforms, and a parent-child play area. When the lights turn on at night, the reflections on the lake and the lights complement each other, making it a popular spot for citizens and tourists to take a leisurely stroll.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

B&Bs near Daxi Old Street
Hotels in Zhongli District
Accommodation near Taoyuan Railway Station

Food Recommendations

Daxi Dried Tofu
Taoyuan Pork Thick Soup
Traditional Oil Rice
Red Yeast Meatball
Peanut Candy

Travel Tips

Some dried tofu shops on Daxi Old Street offer samples; try before you buy
Qingtang Park has the best scenery from evening to night; it is recommended to visit after 17:00
The old street has many cobblestone paths; comfortable sneakers are recommended

Nature & Culture

Cihu Memorial Park · Shimen Reservoir · Lalashan Nature Reserve

Highlights

Visit Cihu in the morning to feel the serene atmosphere; tour Shimen Reservoir in the afternoon to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery; ascend Lalashan in the evening to watch the sea of clouds and experience the forest oxygen bar.

Attractions

Cihu Memorial Park

A famous memorial park and natural scenic area in Taoyuan City, divided into Cihu and Houcihu. The lake surface is calm like a mirror, surrounded by lush green trees and a quiet environment. The park features memorial sculptures and exhibition halls, making it a great place to experience the historical atmosphere and take a leisurely walk.

Shimen Reservoir

An important water conservancy project and tourist attraction in Northern Taiwan, spanning the Dahan River. The lake is vast, surrounded by mountains, and equipped with facilities such as a lakeside highway, viewing platforms, and trails. You can cycle, fish, or take a boat tour. When the maple leaves turn red in autumn, the lake and mountain scenery complement each other, making it a popular spot for maple viewing in Taoyuan.

Lalashan Nature Reserve

A famous forest ecological scenic area in Taoyuan City, located in Fuxing Township, at an altitude of 1000-2000 meters. It boasts large areas of primeval forest, millennium-old red cypress tree groups, and rich flora and fauna. The air is fresh, making it a natural oxygen bar. When the maple leaves turn red in autumn, the scenery is breathtaking, and you can also overlook the sea of clouds of the Xueshan Mountain Range.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Take Taoyuan Bus routes 509 or 510 to Cihu Station for Cihu
Shimen Reservoir is about 20km from Cihu; chartered car or carpooling is recommended
Lalashan is about 40km from Shimen Reservoir; self-driving or joining a day tour is recommended

Ticket Information

Cihu Memorial Park: Free
Shimen Reservoir: NT$100 (including parking fee)
Lalashan Nature Reserve: NT$150

Travel Tips

Lalashan is at a high altitude with lower temperatures; bring warm clothing
Shimen Reservoir boat tickets need to be purchased in advance; queuing is required during peak season
Some trails in Lalashan are steep; pay attention to safety and follow park guidelines

Family & Leisure

Window on China Theme Park · Fuxing Township · Taoyuan Tourist Night Market · Return Trip

Highlights

Check in at Window on China Theme Park in the morning for family fun; explore Fuxing Township in the afternoon to experience indigenous culture; visit Taoyuan Tourist Night Market in the evening to taste delicious food; purchase local specialties and return.

Attractions

Window on China Theme Park

A famous family theme park in Taiwan, featuring "Mini World" as its core attraction. It replicates world-famous architecture and landscapes at a 1:25 scale, such as the Egyptian Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and European castles. It also features amusement rides, performance shows, and a water park, making it an excellent choice for family outings.

Fuxing Township

A settlement of the indigenous Atayal people in Taoyuan City, preserving rich indigenous culture. You can visit Atayal tribal villages, experience traditional handicraft making, and taste indigenous foods like wild boar meat. The surrounding mountain forests are beautiful, with several hiking trails, making it a great place to experience indigenous culture and natural ecology.

Taoyuan Tourist Night Market

One of the most popular night markets in Taoyuan City, gathering various Taiwanese specialty snacks and trendy goods. The stalls are dense, and the variety of food is abundant, such as Oyster Omelet, Large Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage, and Stinky Tofu. It is the core venue for experiencing Taoyuan's night market culture and tasting authentic cuisine.

Practical Information

Experience Items

Window on China Theme Park rides
Shimen Reservoir boat tour
Lalashan forest trail hiking
Fuxing Township indigenous handicraft making

Specialty Recommendations

Daxi Dried Tofu gift boxes
Longtan Peanut Candy
Fuxing Township wild boar sausage
Shimen Reservoir dried fish
Taoyuan Wax Apples

Return Guide

Taoyuan City is about 15km from Taoyuan International Airport; take the Airport MRT, bus, or taxi
Taoyuan Airport is a major hub in Taiwan with direct flights to many cities in mainland China
Specialties can be purchased at Daxi Old Street, Taoyuan Tourist Night Market, or dedicated souvenir shops, supporting electronic payments and cash

Must-Try Foods in Taoyuan City

Daxi Dried Tofu

A signature specialty of Taoyuan, dating back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It is handmade from high-quality soybeans and braised through multiple processes. The texture is Q-bouncy and chewy, with a savory and fragrant taste. It comes in various flavors such as original, five-spice, and spicy. It is a must-buy souvenir and food item on Daxi Old Street.

Shimen Fresh Fish

A specialty dish around Shimen Reservoir, using fresh live fish from the reservoir, cooked in various ways such as steaming, braising, or boiling. The fish meat is tender and fresh without any earthy smell. Paired with local vegetables and sauces, the taste is delicious, making it a signature dish to try when visiting Shimen Reservoir.

Taoyuan Pork Thick Soup

A classic Taoyuan snack, made with fresh pork shreds, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, cooked in a thick broth. Drizzled with a special garlic sauce and black vinegar, the texture is smooth and the taste is savory with a hint of sourness. It is a daily favorite breakfast and staple for the people of Taoyuan.

Longtan Peanut Candy

A specialty of Longtan District in Taoyuan, made with locally grown peanuts, maltose, and white sugar. The texture is crispy, sweet, and non-sticky, retaining the original flavor of the peanuts. It is an excellent choice for a traditional and nostalgic souvenir.

Taoyuan City Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Mar-May): Mild climate, cherry blossoms in full bloom in Fuxing Township, suitable for outdoor activities and flower viewing
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Maple leaves turn red at Lalashan, best lake and mountain scenery at Shimen Reservoir, peak tourist season
Winter (Dec-Feb): Warm and dry, fewer crowds, suitable for leisurely tours of the city and old streets

Must-Try Foods

Daxi Dried Tofu
Shimen Fresh Fish
Taoyuan Pork Thick Soup
Longtan Peanut Candy
Red Yeast Meatball
Fuxing Township Wild Boar Meat

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. NT$800 (including Window on China Theme Park)
Accommodation: NT$800-1800/night
Food & Drink: NT$350-800/day
Transport: NT$200-400/day
Total: Approx. NT$3800-7500

FAQ

Recommended Taoyuan transport card? → EasyCard and iPass are widely accepted for MRT, buses, and some food stall payments
What age is Window on China suitable for? → Children aged 2-12 have the best experience; adults can also enjoy the mini landscapes
Transport from Taoyuan Airport to the city? → The Airport MRT goes directly to Taoyuan Station and Zhongli District, about 30 minutes
Best time for maple viewing at Lalashan? → Mid-November to early December, when the maple leaves are at their reddest