Things To Do
in Beibu

Beibu is a coastal township in northeastern Taiwan characterized by rocky cliffs, small fishing harbors, rice terraces and patches of subtropical forest. The town offers a quiet, authentic local atmosphere with seafood-focused markets, a handful of temples and easy access to scenic coastal and mountain trails. Daytime activities center on outdoor exploration and photography while evenings are dominated by night-market snacks and low-key seaside bars.

Beibu is a convenient microbase for travelers seeking slow-paced Taiwanese coastal life within reach of larger cities by bus or train.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Beibu
morning
:

After landing at Beibu Airport, take a moment to soak in the scenic beauty surrounding the area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Taiwanese dishes like soy milk and fried dough sticks. Once you’re energized, take a stroll around your accommodation to get a feel for the local vibe.

afternoon
:

Explore the bustling market of Beibu, where you can find unique handicrafts and local delicacies. Try your hand at bargaining while interacting with the friendly stall owners. Don't forget to taste some fresh fruits and buy souvenirs to take home.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the coastal promenade for a picturesque view of the sunset over the East China Sea. Grab dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant, where you can savor freshly caught fish and shellfish. End your day with a leisurely walk on the beach, listening to the calming sound of the waves.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Beibu Cultural Museum to learn about the rich history and heritage of the region. Spend the morning exploring its exhibits, showcasing local art and indigenous artifacts. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the traditions that shape the Beibu community.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take part in a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse. Witness the art of tea-making while enjoying its delicate flavors and aromas. Engage with the locals and learn about their customs and the significance of tea in Taiwanese culture.

evening
:

Join a traditional folk performance in the lively town square, where music and dance bring the stories of Beibu to life. As you watch, enjoy some street food from nearby vendors, sampling local snacks like stinky tofu or grilled squid. The vibrant atmosphere will give you a taste of the local spirit as you mingle with community members.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee$2-4
🚌Local bus fare$0.5-1.5
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-8
🏨Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night)$30-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic coastal Taiwanese atmosphere with fresh seafood
  • Excellent outdoor and photography opportunities with fewer crowds
  • Close enough to larger transport hubs for easy access
  • Limited nightlife and fewer accommodation options than bigger towns
  • Dependence on cash in certain shops and markets
  • Weather can be disrupted by typhoons in summer
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "謝謝" - Thank you
  • "請問...在哪裡?" - Excuse me, where is...?
  • "多少錢?" - How much is it?
  • "我對海鮮過敏。" - I am allergic to seafood.

Places to Visit in Beibu

Visit one of these nice places.

Harbor at Sunrise

Golden light on fishing boats and nets; excellent for capturing local livelihoods and reflections on calm water.

Sea Cliffs and Sea Arches

Dramatic basalt cliffs and natural arches along the coast provide sweeping landscapes, especially late afternoon with low sun.

Rice Terraces

Tiered paddies that reflect the sky after rain — great for wide-angle shots and seasonal color.

Old Town Lane and Temple

Narrow streets, tiled roofs and temple lanterns offer colorful close-ups and cultural portrait opportunities, particularly during festivals.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beibu

Beibu's cuisine is driven by its coastal setting: expect very fresh seafood, simple home-style preparations, and Taiwanese street-food staples. Flavors lean toward soy, garlic, rice wine, and local citrus; small eateries and stalls offer the most authentic meals. Meals are informal, often enjoyed at family-run shops, seafood markets or night markets. Tea culture and sweet treats are common for after-dinner snacks.

Beibu Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Fresh Fish (海鮮烤魚)

Whole fish grilled over charcoal, seasoned simply with salt, pepper and local citrus; best at harbor-side stalls and family seafood restaurants.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

A classic Taiwanese street dish made with fresh oysters, egg, starch batter and savory-sweet sauce; commonly found at night markets.

Seafood Hotpot (海鮮鍋)

A communal pot of local shellfish, fish, vegetables and tofu — ideal for sharing at small coastal restaurants.

Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)

Comfort food staple of minced-braised pork over rice; available at local diners and breakfast shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Morning Fish Market

Early-morning market by the harbor where fishermen sell the day's catch; a great spot for sashimi, steamed clams and to observe local seafood trade.

Town Night Market

Evening market with grills, fried snacks, bubble tea and small stalls selling oyster omelettes, skewers and desserts — the best place to sample street food variety.

Climate Guide

Weather

Beibu has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent rain and occasional typhoons, and mild, drier winters with cool breezes along the coast. Annual rainfall is concentrated in late spring and summer; autumn often brings the clearest skies. Temperatures range from about 12–32°C (54–90°F) depending on season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Dress at Temples

Dress modestly when entering temples; avoid loud behavior and follow any photography rules posted on-site.

Shoes Off Indoors

Remove shoes when entering homes and some small guesthouses; hosts will often indicate this or provide slippers.

Politeness and Queueing

Taiwanese are generally polite and orderly; wait your turn in lines and greet with a simple '你好' (ni hao).

Waste and Recycling

Taiwan has strict recycling and trash sorting rules; follow local bins and avoid littering.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beibu is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft can occur so keep valuables secure. Natural hazards include strong coastal currents, slippery rocks, and seasonal typhoons — heed local warnings and avoid swimming in rough seas. Roads can be narrow and motorbike-heavy; wear helmets if you rent scooters and drive cautiously. Emergency services are reliable; dial 119 for fire/ambulance and 110 for police.

Tipping in Beibu

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and service charges are rare in small towns; exceptional service can be rewarded but is not expected. For guides or private drivers, a small tip is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) is widely used, especially in markets and rural shops. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels; contactless options and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common. Carry a stored-value transit card (EasyCard) for buses and local transport where available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming vegetation make coastal walks pleasant; occasional rain showers increase, so pack a light rain jacket. Spring festivals and temple events may be active.

Summer

Hot, humid and sunny with peak beach and snorkeling season; watch for afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season (July–September) which can disrupt travel. Hydration and sun protection are essential.

Autumn

Often the most comfortable season with cooler breezes, clearer skies and lower rainfall — excellent for hiking and photography. Seafood markets are active with seasonal catches.

Winter

Mild but cooler weather with brisk coastal winds; fewer tourists and lower prices, but some outdoor services may operate on limited schedules. Rain and occasional cold fronts can make mornings chilly.

Nightlife Guide

Beibu at Night

Beibu's nightlife is low-key: night markets are the main evening attraction with food stalls and small game booths, and a few family-run bars or seaside cafes stay open late. There are no large club scenes — expect relaxed social spots where locals gather for snacks, tea and conversation. During festivals or temple events evenings can be lively with performances, lanterns and street vendors.

Hiking in Beibu

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Beibu Coastal Trail

A scenic cliff-top trail offering sweeping ocean views, tidepool access and multiple photography vantage points; best early morning or late afternoon.

Dawan Ridge Trail

A moderate inland ridge hike through subtropical forest with lookout points over rice terraces and the coast; offers birdwatching opportunities.

Mangrove Boardwalk and Wetland Loop

Easy, family-friendly route through coastal wetlands and mangrove areas ideal for birding and learning about local ecology.

Airports

How to reach Beibu by plane.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Domestic and some regional flights; closer to northeastern coast for quick transfers by taxi or train, convenient for domestic connections.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Main international gateway serving global flights; reachable by bus or train followed by local transport — expect 1–2 hours transfer depending on traffic.

Hualien Airport (HUN)

Regional airport on Taiwan's east coast useful if arriving from other eastern destinations; services are limited compared with Taoyuan but can be convenient for some itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central town area and seafront are very walkable with short distances between cafes, markets and sights. Outer coastal roads and trails may require a bike, scooter or short taxi ride; sidewalks can be narrow in places, so exercise caution at night.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Fisherfolk and Farming Families

Traditional fishing and agriculture families form the backbone of the community, preserving local practices and seasonal rhythms.

Urban Commuters and Young Families

Some residents commute to nearby cities for work while raising families in a quieter environment; younger people maintain small cafes and guesthouses.

Small Indigenous or Local Ethnic Communities

The region may include small indigenous or cultural minority groups with unique traditions; their presence contributes to local cultural events and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

One of Taiwan's most popular spectator sports; local communities follow professional and amateur games with enthusiasm.

Basketball

Widely played and watched among youth and adults; informal pick-up games are common in town courts.

Surfing and Watersports

Coastal conditions in some nearby spots support surfing, paddleboarding and snorkeling when the sea is calm.

Transportation

Traffic

Local roads can be narrow and busy with scooters, bicycles and occasional larger vehicles; congestion spikes during holiday weekends and festival times. Public transportation includes regional trains and local buses but schedules may be less frequent than in the city — plan ahead for return trips. Taxis are available but less numerous than in urban centers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beibu.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities; ask for '勿放肉' (do not add meat) and favor vegetable noodle soups, tofu dishes and temple-style vegetarian stalls. Carry snacks as a backup in remote areas.

Vegan/Gluten-Free

Vegan choices can be found at some tea houses and vegetarian restaurants; gluten-free requests are harder in street food — ask about wheat-based sauces and batters and choose boiled or steamed dishes where possible.

Seafood Allergies

Given the coastal setting, cross-contamination with seafood is common — clearly communicate allergies in Chinese or carry a translated allergy card.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Taiwan has high-quality healthcare; small clinics are usually available in town for minor issues and a regional hospital in the nearest larger town handles emergencies. Travelers should carry travel insurance and any prescription medications; bring a translated list of prescriptions if necessary. Emergency number is 119 for ambulance.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide