Things To Do
in Linkou
Linkou is a suburban district in New Taipei City, Taiwan, known for its mix of residential development, green spaces and proximity to Taipei and Taoyuan. Once agricultural, it has rapidly urbanized with new housing, shopping centers and a growing food scene. The area is home to Linkou Forest Park and the large Chang Gung Memorial Hospital complex, drawing both locals and visitors.
Linkou offers easy access to hiking, cycling and riverfront views while retaining quieter neighborhood streets compared with central Taipei.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Longshan Temple, where you can admire its intricate architecture and vibrant decorations. As the sun rises, the temple becomes a peaceful sanctuary, perfect for meditation and reflection. Take your time to capture the spiritual atmosphere, with the scent of incense wafting through the air.
After lunch at a local noodle shop, head to the nearby Qingshan Temple, known for its beautiful mountain backdrop. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the temple's history and significance in the region. Spend some time hiking the scenic trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
As night falls, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the local night market, sampling street food delicacies like stinky tofu and grilled skewers. Engage with friendly vendors and experience the lively ambiance filled with laughter and chatter. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local teahouse, where you can unwind with a cup of traditional Chinese tea.
Begin your morning at the bustling Linkou Farmers’ Market, where locals gather to buy fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors, learning about their products while sampling seasonal fruits. The vibrant colors and sounds of the market provide an authentic glimpse into daily life in Linkou.
After exploring the market, immerse yourself in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Taiwanese dishes. Guided by a local chef, you will discover the secrets of flavor combinations and cooking techniques. Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared in a communal setting, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
In the evening, make your way to a cultural performance at the local theater, where you can experience traditional music and dance. The performances often reflect the rich heritage of the region, allowing you to appreciate the artistry firsthand. After the show, enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring the flavors of authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $2.5-4.5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3.5-8 |
| 🚌Public bus/MRT ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to green spaces and nearby hiking
- Good healthcare facilities (Chang Gung Memorial Hospital)
- Lower pace and cost compared with central Taipei
- Convenient links to Taipei and Taoyuan airports
- Less vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions than central Taipei
- Public transport in some parts still relies heavily on buses; fewer MRT connections
- Summer can be hot and humid with typhoon risk
- Rapid development can mean construction noise in some neighborhoods
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "不好意思" - Excuse me / Sorry (to get attention or apologize)
- "多少錢?" - How much is this?
- "在哪裡?" - Where is ...?
- "我是素食者" - I am vegetarian
- "可以刷卡嗎?" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Linkou
Visit one of these nice places.
Large green space with lakes, tree-lined paths and open lawns—excellent for landscape, birding and golden-hour photos.
Trails near Guanyin Mountain provide panoramic views over the Taoyuan plain and distant Taipei on clear days—great for sunrise and sunset shots.
Riverside areas offer long waterfront vistas, sunset colors and scenes of local cyclists and joggers.
Modern sports facilities, commercial streets and mixed residential architecture are useful for urban and street photography.
Vibrant stalls, neon signs and food action shots make night markets an atmospheric subject after dark.
Food in Linkou
Linkou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Taiwanese breakfast items—egg crepes and warm or cold sweet soy milk—found at many morning stalls and breakfast chains.
Must-Try!
Hearty bowls of braised beef and noodles are widely available; look for local shops offering rich broth and tender meat near busy commercial streets.
Communal hot pot restaurants are popular for family meals, with a wide range of broths and ingredients—great in cooler months.
Fried chicken, stinky tofu, oyster omelets and grilled squid appear at evening markets—ideal for sampling a variety of flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Linkou and neighboring districts host evening markets where you can sample Taiwanese street staples like fried chicken, scallion pancakes and fruit drinks.
Small roadside breakfast vendors and chains serve dan bing, soy milk and rice rolls—perfect for a quick, affordable meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Taiwanese are generally polite and reserved; greetings, a calm tone and modest behavior are appreciated. Use '不好意思' to get attention politely.
Show deference to older people in conversation and queueing; offering a seat to elders on public transport is customary.
Many homes and some traditional establishments ask you to remove shoes—follow the host’s lead and use provided slippers if available.
Wait for elders to start eating and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral rites). Sharing dishes is the norm at meals.
Safety
Tipping in Linkou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and most service charges are included; occasional tourists tip for exceptional service but it’s not expected. Small tips in cafes or for tour guides are appreciated but not required.
Cash (NTD) is widely used for small vendors, while credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and stores. Contactless EasyCard and mobile payments (LINE Pay, JKoPay, Apple Pay) are convenient for public transit, convenience stores and many retailers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; lightweight clothing, sun protection and a portable umbrella are essential. Expect high humidity and occasional haze; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Milder and more comfortable weather with clearer skies—one of the best times for hiking and outdoor photography. Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall decreases compared with summer.
Cool and damp rather than freezing; bring a light jacket and layers. Occasional cold fronts can bring lower temperatures, but snow is extremely rare in Linkou itself.
Warm but changeable weather with blooming trees and occasional rain; allergy sufferers may notice higher pollen. A light rain jacket is useful during this transitional season.
Linkou at Night
Hiking in Linkou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, family-friendly trails around lakes and woodlands—great for leisurely walks, running and nature observation.
Moderate hikes with rewarding views over the Taoyuan basin and coastline; options for both short climbs and longer ridge walks.
Flat, scenic routes along the river ideal for cycling, walking and sunset viewing rather than steep hiking.
Airports
How to reach Linkou by plane.
Main international gateway to northern Taiwan, about 25–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Airport MRT and intercity buses connect to Linkou and Taipei; taxis and private transfers are common for convenience.
Smaller city airport offering domestic and some regional flights; closer to central Taipei and accessible via road and metro connections. Useful for short regional hops but fewer international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are local Taiwanese, including Hoklo and Hakka communities with long-standing roots in the area.
Post-1949 mainlander population and newer residents who moved to Linkou during suburban expansion form a significant part of the community.
Recent housing developments have attracted young families and professionals working in Taipei or Taoyuan who favor more space and new amenities.
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and educational institutions bring healthcare professionals, students and visitors to the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and community courts; pickup games are common in the evenings and local courts are busy.
National pastime in Taiwan; many follow the professional leagues and local youth teams play regularly.
Riverside cycling paths and park trails attract cyclists and runners for both leisure and training.
Popular indoor sport played at community centers and sports halls across the district.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Linkou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Taiwan; many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes or tofu-based alternatives. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and meat-free sections at hot pot places make dining easy—use the phrase '我是素食者' to communicate.
Vegan options exist but may require asking staff to avoid fish sauce or egg. Carry an allergy card in Chinese for medical or ingredient clarity when necessary.
Halal-specific restaurants are limited in Linkou; for halal needs, plan ahead or choose vegetarian dishes and check with staff about ingredients.