Popular Tours & Experiences in Taito Ward

Taitung boasts a diverse range of local delicacies. You can savor chewy rice noodles (mi tai mu), hearty pig's blood soup (beinan zhu xie tang), and chewy Hakka rice cakes (ma shu). As Taitung is coastal, don't miss the fresh seafood, with many stir-fry restaurants available around Fugang Fishing Harbor. Indigenous cuisine is also a highlight; consider visiting tribal restaurants for unique dishes blending mountain and sea ingredients. For a perfect ending, indulge in the sweet and juicy Taitung sugar apple (shijia).

Taitung offers many opportunities for families to create lasting memories. Take your children to Luye Highland for grass sledding fun, or join the Hot Air Balloon Festival in the summer to experience the wonder of liftoff. Chulu Ranch is a great place to interact with animals, allowing kids to get up close with cows and sample fresh dairy products. For older children, Liquid Lake offers water sports like kayaking and SUP boarding. Tiehua Music Village provides ample green space and art installations, ideal for picnics and kite flying.

Both Taitung and Hualien are located on Taiwan's east coast, but their travel experiences differ. Taitung is known for its more pristine natural scenery, rich indigenous culture, and leisurely pace, making it ideal for travelers seeking deep experiences and a relaxed atmosphere. It features vast valley landscapes, pristine coastlines, and unique hot air balloon events. Hualien, on the other hand, is famous for the majestic Taroko Gorge, and its tourist development is more mature with attractions like the Theme Park offering large amusement rides. While both showcase the beauty of the east coast, the experiences are distinct.

The Taitung International Hot Air Balloon Festival is typically held during the summer, primarily between July and August, lasting for about a month. The main venue is Luye Highland, offering tethered balloon rides twice daily (early morning and late afternoon) for a brief aerial experience. In the evenings, the event features a hot air balloon glow concert, combining light and music for a visual and auditory feast. As the exact dates may vary slightly each year, it's advisable for travelers to check the specific schedule for the current year before planning their trip.

The most recommended ways to travel from Taipei to Taitung are by train or plane. Taking the Puyuma or Taroko Express trains is a popular choice, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Taitung Station, with scenic and comfortable journeys. For speed, you can fly from Taipei Songshan Airport to Taitung Airport (Feng Nian Airport), a flight of approximately 1 hour. Driving is also an option, though it's a longer journey, allowing for spontaneous stops at attractions, ideal for those who enjoy in-depth exploration.

Taitung offers numerous attractions for a self-guided tour. Visit the Mr. Brown Avenue in Chishang for a healing bicycle ride through vast rice fields. Duoliang Station, hailed as 'Taiwan's most beautiful train station,' offers stunning Pacific Ocean views. Along the east coast, the Qaluan Recreation Area and Sanxiantai are known for their unique landscapes and sea-eroded platforms, perfect for sunrise viewing and photography. In the city, the Tiehua Music Village and Slow Market buzz with creative energy and live music at night, providing a great taste of local life. These attractions combine natural beauty and cultural charm for a rich and diverse Taitung experience.

Taitung is a significant center for the Amis people, offering diverse cultural experiences. Join tribal tours to delve into Amis history, traditions, and wisdom in communities like Chenggong or Changbin. The summer harvest festival (Feng Nian Ji) is a key opportunity to appreciate their songs, dances, attire, and rituals, though local customs must be respected. Many tribes also offer traditional food preparation (e.g., sticky rice, wild vegetable dishes) and handicraft workshops (weaving, pottery), allowing visitors to create their own souvenirs and experience the unique Amis artistic aesthetics.

Taitung provides a wide array of accommodation options to suit different traveler needs. For sea views, the east coast offers unique boutique guesthouses with direct ocean vistas. Travelers seeking relaxation can opt for hot spring hotels in Zhiben Hot Spring area. The city center has various design hotels and business hotels for convenience. Nature lovers might prefer campsites or glamping for a starry night experience. Hostels are also available for budget-conscious solo travelers looking to socialize.

From Taitung City, you can plan several exciting day trips. Head north along Provincial Highway 9 into the Rift Valley to visit Chulu Ranch for animal encounters or Luye Highland for grass sledding. Continue to Chishang Township for a leisurely bike ride through Mr. Brown Avenue. To the south, visit Duoliang Station on the South-Link Highway for breathtaking sea views. Along the eastern coast, explore the artistic installations at Xiaoyeliu and Qaluan Recreation Area, and walk across the bridge at Sanxiantai – all feasible for a fulfilling day trip.

Taitung offers many romantic experiences for couples. Enjoy leisurely walks on quiet east coast beaches, or stargaze together on clear nights, marveling at the vastness of the universe. Cycle hand-in-hand through the rice paddies of Mr. Brown Avenue, enjoying the gentle breeze. Alternatively, indulge in a private hot spring bath at one of the Zhiben Hot Spring resorts for a therapeutic and intimate experience. In the evenings, visit Tiehua Music Village to soak in the romantic atmosphere of live music, creating sweet memories together.