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A Long Weekend in Taoyuan

From Historic Streets to Mountain Reservoirs

Trip Overview

Discover Taoyuan, Taiwan's gateway city that offers far more than just an international airport. This 3-day itinerary takes you through charming historic districts, serene mountain landscapes, and vibrant local markets. Experience the perfect blend of cultural heritage at Daxi Old Street, natural beauty at Shimen Reservoir, and authentic Taiwanese night market culture. The pace is moderate, allowing time to savor local cuisine and explore at leisure while covering Taoyuan's diverse attractions. From riverside parks to creative villages, you'll discover a side of Taiwan that many travelers miss, with easy access to both urban conveniences and peaceful natural retreats.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$60-90 per day
Best Seasons
October to April (cooler, less humid weather)
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Taiwan, Culture enthusiasts, Nature lovers, Food explorers, Weekend escapers from Taipei

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Historic Charm & Cultural Heritage

Daxi District
Immerse yourself in Taoyuan's rich heritage by exploring the beautifully preserved Daxi Old Street, followed by riverside relaxation and an authentic night market experience.
Morning
Daxi Old Street
Wander through this beautifully preserved baroque-style street lined with traditional shops dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Admire the ornate facades featuring intricate carvings and motifs. Sample local specialties like dried tofu (dougan), peanut candy, and traditional pastries. Browse handicraft shops selling wooden toys and traditional Taiwanese souvenirs. The architecture tells stories of the area's prosperous past as a trading hub.
2-3 hours $10-15
Arrive early (before 10am) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
Lunch
A traditional restaurant along Daxi Old Street specializing in local dishes
Hakka and traditional Taiwanese Budget
Afternoon
Daxi Riverside Park and Zhongping Road Story House
Take a leisurely stroll along Daxi Riverside Park, enjoying views of the Dahan River and the historic Daxi Bridge. The park offers peaceful walking paths and photo opportunities. Visit the nearby Zhongping Road Story House, a charming cultural space showcasing local history and art exhibitions. The Japanese-era architecture provides insight into the area's colonial past and transformation into a creative community space.
2 hours $0-5
Evening
Taoyuan Night Market
Experience authentic Taiwanese night market culture with endless food stalls offering oyster omelets, stinky tofu, bubble tea, grilled squid, and sweet potato balls. Try local games and shop for affordable clothing and accessories

Where to Stay Tonight

Taoyuan City Center (Mid-range hotel near the train station)

Central location provides easy access to both Daxi and tomorrow's destinations, with excellent transportation connections and proximity to the night market

Buy Daxi's famous dried tofu (dougan) as gifts - it's vacuum-packed and travels well. The best shops have lines of locals, which is always a good sign of quality.
Day 1 Budget: $65-85
2

Reservoir Views & Creative Villages

Longtan & Zhongli Districts
Discover Taoyuan's natural beauty at Shimen Reservoir and explore the artistic atmosphere of Matsu New Village, blending scenic landscapes with creative culture.
Morning
Shimen Reservoir and Shihmen Reservoir Scenic Tsui House
Explore one of Taiwan's most important water resources and scenic spots. Walk along the reservoir's edge enjoying mountain and water views, visit the Shihmen Reservoir Scenic Tsui House for panoramic vistas, and learn about the dam's engineering significance. The area features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and observation points. Spring brings cherry blossoms while autumn offers pleasant hiking weather. The reservoir's emerald waters against mountain backdrops create stunning photo opportunities.
3-4 hours $5-10
Rent a bicycle at the entrance to cover more ground and enjoy the lakeside cycling paths
Lunch
A lakeside restaurant near the reservoir serving fresh fish dishes
Taiwanese seafood and local specialties Mid-range
Afternoon
Matsu New Village Cultural and Creative Park
Step into a transformed military dependents' village now serving as a vibrant arts and culture hub. Wander through renovated houses featuring artist studios, indie shops, vintage cafes, and exhibition spaces. The village preserves the unique architecture and atmosphere of Taiwan's military village culture while showcasing contemporary art and design. Browse handmade crafts, enjoy creative installations, and soak in the nostalgic yet modern ambiance of this community space.
2 hours $5-10
Evening
Longtan Large Tourist Pond
Enjoy a peaceful sunset walk around this scenic pond with its iconic suspension bridge and temple. The area comes alive with locals exercising and families relaxing. Grab dinner at nearby eateries specializing in Hakka cuisine

Where to Stay Tonight

Zhongli District (Comfortable business hotel in the city center)

Convenient location between today's attractions and tomorrow's destinations, with good dining options and transportation links

Visit Matsu New Village on weekends when more artist studios are open and special events or markets may be happening. Weekdays are quieter but some shops close.
Day 2 Budget: $70-95
3

Parks, Panoramas & Coastal Charm

Guishan & Dayuan Districts
Experience Taoyuan's natural landscapes from mountain parks to coastal wetlands, ending with a unique visit to Taiwan's westernmost lighthouse.
Morning
Hutoushan Environmental Park
Hike through this expansive park featuring well-maintained trails, observation decks, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers panoramic views of Taoyuan city and, on clear days, glimpses of Taipei 101. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while walking through forests and past ponds. The trails vary in difficulty, with the main path being accessible for most fitness levels. Bird watching opportunities abound, and the elevated position provides excellent photography spots of the surrounding landscape.
2-3 hours $0
Bring water and snacks as facilities are limited on the trails
Lunch
A local eatery near the park serving home-style Taiwanese comfort food
Traditional Taiwanese Budget
Afternoon
Baishajia Lighthouse and Xucuogang Wetlands
Visit Taiwan's only lighthouse built on a coast without reefs, featuring distinctive white architecture against coastal landscapes. The lighthouse area offers ocean views and interesting maritime history. Continue to the nearby Xucuogang Wetlands, an important ecological site where you can observe migratory birds, coastal vegetation, and tidal ecosystems. Wooden walkways allow close observation without disturbing wildlife. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes this a unique conclusion to your Taoyuan journey.
2-3 hours $0-5
Evening
Taoyuan Arts Plaza area
End your trip with a cultural note by visiting the arts plaza area. Enjoy dinner at nearby restaurants and perhaps catch an evening performance or exhibition if available. The area represents Taoyuan's modern cultural development

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Taoyuan International Airport (Airport hotel or city center hotel depending on departure time)

Convenient for early departures or provides a final night in the city center if departing later

The Xucuogang Wetlands are best visited during migration seasons (April-May and September-October) when bird diversity peaks. Bring binoculars if you're a bird enthusiast.
Day 3 Budget: $55-80

Practical Information

Getting Around

Taoyuan is best explored with a combination of public transportation and occasional taxis or ride-sharing. The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) connects major districts, while local buses serve specific attractions. Renting a scooter (with international license) offers flexibility for reaching Shimen Reservoir and coastal areas. The Taoyuan Metro connects the airport to the city center efficiently. Consider purchasing an EasyCard for seamless payment on all public transport. Taxis are affordable for short distances, and ride-sharing apps work well throughout the city.

Book Ahead

No major advance bookings required for attractions. Book accommodation 1-2 weeks ahead for better rates. If visiting during Taiwanese holidays (Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival), book hotels earlier as domestic tourism peaks.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, light rain jacket (year-round), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), reusable water bottle, light layers for air-conditioned spaces, small backpack for day trips, mosquito repellent for wetlands and parks, camera for scenic spots

Total Budget

$190-260 for 3 days (excluding international flights and shopping)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in budget hostels or guesthouses ($20-30/night), eat primarily at local eateries and night markets ($10-15/day), use only public buses and trains, pack lunch for reservoir visits, focus on free attractions like parks and wetlands. Skip taxi rides by planning routes carefully around bus schedules. Total daily budget can drop to $40-50.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at upscale resorts near Shimen Reservoir with lake views, hire a private driver for all three days for convenience and flexibility, dine at high-end restaurants specializing in refined Taiwanese cuisine, book guided cultural tours of Daxi with local historians, enjoy spa treatments at your hotel, and arrange photography tours of scenic spots. Daily budget increases to $200-300.

Family-Friendly

Add more time at Longtan Large Tourist Pond where children can feed fish and enjoy playground areas. Visit Daxi Riverside Park for open spaces to run. Choose easier, shorter trails at Hutoushan. Allocate extra time at night markets for games and activities kids enjoy. Stay in family rooms with more space. Consider visiting the Taoyuan Totoro Bus Station for photo opportunities that children will love. Pack snacks and plan for more frequent rest stops.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Taoyuan

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Taoyuan

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Taoyuan

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Taoyuan

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Taoyuan

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