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

day 1
Exploring Historic Temples
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Immersion in Local Markets
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Linkou Forest Park

Large green space with lakes, tree-lined paths and open lawns—excellent for landscape, birding and golden-hour photos.

Guanyin Mountain Overlook

Trails near Guanyin Mountain provide panoramic views over the Taoyuan plain and distant Taipei on clear days—great for sunrise and sunset shots.

Tamsui Riverbank and Cycling Paths

Riverside areas offer long waterfront vistas, sunset colors and scenes of local cyclists and joggers.

Linkou Stadium and Urban Areas

Modern sports facilities, commercial streets and mixed residential architecture are useful for urban and street photography.

Night Markets

Vibrant stalls, neon signs and food action shots make night markets an atmospheric subject after dark.

Culinary Guide

Food in Linkou

Linkou shares much of northern Taiwan’s culinary culture: breakfast shops, night markets, hot pot and seafood restaurants are common, while newer cafes and international options have appeared with suburban development.

Linkou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dan Bing and Soy Milk

Classic Taiwanese breakfast items—egg crepes and warm or cold sweet soy milk—found at many morning stalls and breakfast chains.

Must-Try!

Beef Noodle Soup

Hearty bowls of braised beef and noodles are widely available; look for local shops offering rich broth and tender meat near busy commercial streets.

Hot Pot

Communal hot pot restaurants are popular for family meals, with a wide range of broths and ingredients—great in cooler months.

Night Market Snacks

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

Local Night Market(s)

Linkou and neighboring districts host evening markets where you can sample Taiwanese street staples like fried chicken, scallion pancakes and fruit drinks.

Morning Breakfast Stalls

Small roadside breakfast vendors and chains serve dan bing, soy milk and rice rolls—perfect for a quick, affordable meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Linkou has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, cooler winters. The rainy season peaks in late spring and summer with occasional typhoon impacts. Autumn brings clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures, while winters are damp but rarely freezing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Taiwanese are generally polite and reserved; greetings, a calm tone and modest behavior are appreciated. Use '不好意思' to get attention politely.

Respect for Elders

Show deference to older people in conversation and queueing; offering a seat to elders on public transport is customary.

Shoes Indoors

Many homes and some traditional establishments ask you to remove shoes—follow the host’s lead and use provided slippers if available.

Table Manners

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 Guide

Safety

Linkou is generally safe with low violent crime rates; normal urban precautions against petty theft apply. Watch out for heavy scooter traffic when crossing streets and be cautious on wet or steep hiking trails. Check weather and typhoon warnings in summer and carry emergency contact numbers; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou is a major medical facility nearby.

Tipping in Linkou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Spring

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.

Nightlife Guide

Linkou at Night

Linkou’s nightlife is low-key compared with central Taipei—expect evening markets, casual bars, karaoke (KTV) lounges and a scattering of cafes open late. Young families and hospital staff frequent local eateries and dessert shops, while larger nightlife venues are found by commuting to nearby Xinzhuang, Banqiao or central Taipei for more options.

Hiking in Linkou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Linkou Forest Park Trails

Easy, family-friendly trails around lakes and woodlands—great for leisurely walks, running and nature observation.

Guanyin Mountain Trail (lower routes)

Moderate hikes with rewarding views over the Taoyuan basin and coastline; options for both short climbs and longer ridge walks.

Tamsui Riverside Paths and Greenways

Flat, scenic routes along the river ideal for cycling, walking and sunset viewing rather than steep hiking.

Airports

How to reach Linkou by plane.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

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.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Linkou commercial areas and parks are walkable with pedestrian paths and bike lanes, but much of the district is suburban—distance between attractions sometimes requires a bike, scooter or short bus/taxi ride. Sidewalks are generally present near shops and residential zones.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Taiwanese (Hoklo and Hakka)

The majority of residents are local Taiwanese, including Hoklo and Hakka communities with long-standing roots in the area.

Mainlander Families and New Residents

Post-1949 mainlander population and newer residents who moved to Linkou during suburban expansion form a significant part of the community.

Young Families and Professionals

Recent housing developments have attracted young families and professionals working in Taipei or Taoyuan who favor more space and new amenities.

Medical and Student Community

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and educational institutions bring healthcare professionals, students and visitors to the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community courts; pickup games are common in the evenings and local courts are busy.

Baseball

National pastime in Taiwan; many follow the professional leagues and local youth teams play regularly.

Cycling and Running

Riverside cycling paths and park trails attract cyclists and runners for both leisure and training.

Badminton

Popular indoor sport played at community centers and sports halls across the district.

Transportation

Traffic

Rush hours bring congestion on major roads connecting Linkou to Taipei and Taoyuan, especially on National Freeway arteries and provincial highways. Scooters are common and lanes can be busy; exercise caution when crossing. Public transport includes buses connecting to Taipei MRT stations and the Taoyuan Airport MRT; car and scooter are convenient for local travel but expect peak-time delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Linkou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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 and Allergies

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/Religious Restrictions

Halal-specific restaurants are limited in Linkou; for halal needs, plan ahead or choose vegetarian dishes and check with staff about ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Linkou hosts Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a major tertiary medical center with emergency services and specialist clinics. There are numerous local clinics, dental offices and pharmacies for routine care. For serious emergencies, Chang Gung is well-equipped; carry travel insurance and your medication list.

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