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In the southeast of Taiwan is the city of Taitung, the capital of the province of the same name. The city itself is not very special. It is especially a great base to explore the region. The city is on a logical route between the north and south of the east coast of Taiwan and is easily accessible by train.
台东
台东 in Taitung (台灣)
台东
台东 guide
What to do in 台东
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 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. Another famous attraction is Lyudao Lighthouse, which is 33 meters (108 feet) high.
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.
Xiaoyeliou
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.
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.
Liyu Mountain Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
Food in 台东
The best place to know the gastronomy of Taitung is to visit its 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. The market is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, only.
Climate in 台东
In Taitung City, the wet season is hot, oppressive, and overcast and the dry season is warm, humid, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 63°F to 89°F and is rarely below 57°F or above 93°F.
The best time of year to visit Taitung City for warm-weather activities is from late October to mid April.
