Top 10 Things To Do In Taitung: Live The Laid Back Life

1. Green Island

It may be a small island, but it has lots of fun-filled activities to offer. Green Island in Ludao Township is the perfect destination for nature lovers, divers, and anyone who just wants to take a break from the bustling cities. You can go for a walk to enjoy the scenery and see the abandoned aboriginal village or rent a scooter for around 20 USD to explore the rest of the area.

The island is also well-known for its colorful coral reefs and marine creatures, and snorkeling is one of the best ways to see them. Snorkeling gear is available for rent at around 7 USD. Another famous attraction is Lyudao Lighthouse, which is 33 meters (108 feet) high. Take photos of the historical landmark and marvel at the beach views. The lighthouse is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Green Island

Address: 194-1, Nanliao Village, Ludao Township, Taitung County

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Contact: +886-672-510

2. Fugang Port

Fugang Port is where you can board ferries heading to Green Island, and it also offers a glimpse of the fishing industry. At around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning, the boats will return to the port with their freshly caught fish. You can buy seafood from the fishermen and let one of the nearby restaurants cook it for you. The sight of the vessels is enough to make your visit worthwhile.

Fugang Port

Address: No.297, Fugang St., Taitung City,Taitung County,Taiwan

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours; fish are sold from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Contact: +886-89-841-520

3. Xiaoyeliou

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Xiaoyeliou on Songjian Road is home to a wide variety of unique sandstones. Head to the visitor center to learn more about the geological features and then see the tofu, honeycomb, and fungus rocks up-close. The view of Green Island will make your visit even more memorable. You can also go camping in the area, which costs 26 USD on weekdays and 33 USD on weekends.

Xiaoyeliou

Address: 500, Sec. 1, Songjiang Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County 950, Taiwan

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the Visitor Center

Contact: +886-89-281136

4. Jhihben Hot Spring

From the Japanese Colonial period to the present, Jhihben Hot Spring remains one of Taitung’s most beloved destinations. Enjoy a relaxing bath while admiring the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The hot water is odorless and contains sodium bicarbonate, which can detoxify your body and make your skin healthier. There are also some areas where you can still see old, Japanese-style houses.

This is not a photo of Jhihben Hot Spring

Jhihben Hot Spring

Address: 954, Taiwan, Taitung County, Beinan Township

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Contact: +886-89-357-131

5. Liyu Mountain Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In the middle of the city is a 75-meter high (246-foot) carp-shaped mountain that can be reached on foot by crossing the old railway station on Bo’ai Road. Visit Liyu Mountain Park and head to the top for a majestic view of downtown Taitung. You can also just walk around to marvel at the scenery and the historic ruins around the area. Another attraction you should check out in the park is the Dragon and Phoenix Temple, which houses stone coffins and many other relics from the Neolithic era.

Liyu Mountain Park

Address: Bo'ai Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Contact: +886-89-841-520

6. National Museum Of Prehistory

Located near the Beinan River, the National Museum of Prehistory will take you back to pre-Dutch Taiwan. Go for a walk and be mesmerized by the display of huge animals from the Ice Age. At the “Prehistory Of Taiwan” underground section, you will see the impressive replicas of the prehistoric people and their daily activities such as pottery and slate coffin making. It also houses over a thousand well-preserved artifacts from that period. The placards are in English, and they will give you a deeper understanding of the exhibits. Surrounding the museum is Beinan Cultural Park, which brings us to the next entry on the list.

National Museum Of Prehistory

Address: 1, Museum Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County 950, Taiwan

Price: from 3 USD

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Contact: +886-8-9381166

Website: National Museum Of Prehistory

7. Beinan Cultural Park

Beinan Cultural Park is the largest prehistoric site in the country and is part of the National Museum of Prehistory. According to experts, it used to be a village inhabited by the Neolithic Beinan people. Take a stroll to see the thousand-year-old crescent stones and some of the relics that were left behind. Archeological digs are still ongoing, and you may have a chance to witness them. There’s also a wooden platform offering a panoramic view of the sea and the mountains.

Beinan Cultural Park

Address: 200, Culture Park Rd., Nanwang Ward, Taitung City, Taitung County

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Contact: +886-89-233-466

Website: Beinan Cultural Park

8. Water Running Upward

There’s a place in Donghe Township where the laws of gravity are broken. You will see a canal with water flowing upward, despite its uphill location. The stone tablet beside it says “miracle”, and you will surely agree with it. Water Running Upward is a one-of-a-kind attraction, indeed. After witnessing the phenomenon, you can marvel at the seaside view.

Water Running Upward

Address: Dulan, Donghe Township, Taitung County

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Contact: +886-89-841-520

9. Eight Immortals Cave

Centuries of sea erosion have created these caves, all of which are 150 meters (492 feet) high. According to Chinese mythology, these natural wonders used to be the residences of beloved deities. Explore the Eight Immortals Cave in Changbin Township to admire not only the statues of the gods, but also the collection of artifacts from the Prehistoric period. You will see different types of ancient items made from stones and bones.

Eight Immortals Cave

Address: 1-4, Shuimuding, Sanjian Village, Changbin Township, Taitung County

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Contact: +886-89-881418

10. Taitung Night Market

Tables and chairs are placed on the street and vendors offer the most unique and delicious local dishes. Taitung Night Market in Zhengqi Road is the place to be if you want to dine in the most exciting way. Visit the many stalls for a chance to taste pan-fried buns, crispy pockets, tofu flowers, tangyuan, and the giant takoyaki. The takoyaki consists of fish ball, shrimp, broccoli, mushroom, and chopped octopus. If you’re not yet hungry, you can play pinball or try out the balloon shooting games. It’s also not as crowded as the other night markets, which makes it even more special. The market is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, only.

Taitung Night Market

Address: Zhengqi Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950

Opening Hours: 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Contact: +886 8 932 5301

Savor Taitung’s tranquil vibes

Mountains and ocean surround the metropolis, providing a relaxing atmosphere all throughout the year. Even during the summer, most of the areas remain foggy. It’s definitely something you won’t experience in other tropical cities. Take a break from the loud and crowded places and feel the magic of Taitung. From the tranquility to the unique destinations, you can expect plenty of precious moments here.