Things To Do
in Changzhi

Changzhi Township (長治鄉) is a quiet, agricultural township in northern Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, surrounded by low hills, rice paddies and small villages. The area is known for its relaxed rural atmosphere, local temples, and easy access to coastal wetlands and southern Taiwan scenic areas. Visiters can experience authentic local markets, scooter rides through countryside roads, and short trips to nearby Maolin and Dapeng Bay.

Changzhi is a good base for travelers wanting off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences while remaining within reach of Kaohsiung’s urban amenities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the historic Changzhi Old Street, where quaint shops and traditional architecture set the scene. Enjoy a local breakfast of Taiwanese pancakes and soy milk at one of the charming street vendors. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the vibrant culture and rich history that surrounds you.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Changzhi Cultural Park, which showcases local art and historical exhibitions that highlight the region's heritage. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café known for its artisanal coffee and homemade pastries. Spend some time exploring the lush gardens and perhaps catch a local performance if one is scheduled.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the Changzhi Night Market, where the scent of street food fills the air. Sample a variety of local delicacies such as stinky tofu and bubble tea while browsing through the lively stalls. Conclude your evening with a relaxing walk around the illuminated park nearby, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

day 2
Nature and Scenic Views at Taitung Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at Taitung Park, where the fresh air and natural beauty invigorate your spirit. As you walk along the trails, take time to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Bring your camera to capture the serene landscapes and vibrant flora.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park’s scenic spots, soaking in the tranquility of nature. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or exploring the various walking paths that meander through the park. Don't forget to visit the park's observation tower for a panoramic view of Changzhi.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a cozy restaurant near the park and indulge in a traditional Taiwanese dinner featuring local ingredients. Reflect on your day while enjoying the peaceful ambiance and perhaps a cup of herbal tea. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodations, enjoying the calming sounds of nature.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee / Tea at café$2-4
🚕Taxi short ride (within town)$5-10
🚌Local bus fare$0.5-2
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Taiwanese experience with friendly locals
  • Good access to coastal wetlands, birdwatching and nearby scenic areas
  • Lower costs compared with big cities; night markets and local food
  • Convenient base for exploring Pingtung and southern Taiwan
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities within the township
  • Public transportation options are limited; scooter/car recommended
  • Some attractions require a car or longer travel to reach
  • Language can be a small barrier in very local, family-run shops
  • "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
  • "請問…? (qǐng wèn...?)" - Excuse me / May I ask...?
  • "多少錢? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is it?
  • "廁所在哪裡? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
  • "我不要辣 (wǒ bú yào là)" - I don't want spicy (food)

Places to Visit in Changzhi

Visit one of these nice places.

Rice Paddies at Sunrise

Expansive fields in the early morning produce reflective water surfaces and soft light — ideal for golden-hour landscapes and rural portraits.

Township Temple Streets

Traditional temples and old streets offer colorful architecture, lanterns and candid scenes of local religious life.

Dapeng Bay / Coastal Wetlands

Boardwalks, sunsets, migratory birds and wide seascapes make this a versatile spot for landscape and wildlife photography.

Foothill Trails and Waterfalls (Maolin area)

Canyons, streams and forested trails provide lush scenery and seasonal butterfly migrations for dramatic nature shots.

Night Market Scenes

Vibrant lights, crowded stalls and street-food action present great opportunities for colorful night photography and street portraits.

Culinary Guide

Food in Changzhi

Changzhi’s cuisine is typical of southern Taiwanese countryside cooking: fresh produce, seafood from nearby coasts, rice and noodle dishes, and savory street snacks. Many eateries are family-run and reflect a mix of Hokkien (Minnan) flavors with some indigenous and Hakka influences from the region.

Changzhi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)

A comforting bowl of soy-braised minced pork over rice; available at local lunch shops and markets.

Must-Try!

Milkfish Soup (虱目魚湯)

A southern Taiwan specialty—light, clear soup made with milkfish, popular in Pingtung and nearby coastal areas.

Salted Crispy Chicken (鹽酥雞)

A favorite street-food snack: bite-sized fried chicken seasoned with basil and salt; find it at night markets.

Fresh Tropical Fruit

Seasonal fruits such as mango, pineapple and wax apple are sold at markets and roadside stands.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Morning Market

Small, daily market where vendors sell fresh produce, breakfast items and homemade snacks — great for tasting local flavors and buying fruit.

Night Market Stalls

Evening stalls near the township center offering skewers, fried snacks, sweet pancakes and beverages; social hub for locals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Changzhi has a humid subtropical climate: hot and humid summers (June–September) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season; mild, drier winters (December–February) with cool nights; and transitional springs and autumns that are generally pleasant. Annual rainfall is concentrated in the late spring to late summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite Greetings

A simple hello (你好, nǐ hǎo) and a slight nod are polite. Taiwanese are generally friendly and conservative; be courteous and patient.

Respect for Temples

Remove hats, speak quietly and follow photo rules at temples. Don’t touch offerings or altar items and observe any local rituals respectfully.

Shoes and Indoor Behavior

Remove shoes when entering some homes and traditional guesthouses; follow hosts' cues and use slippers if provided.

Queuing and Public Behavior

Queueing in an orderly fashion is common and expected in public transport and ticket lines. Loud or boisterous behavior is generally frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Changzhi is generally safe with low violent crime rates, and locals are welcoming to visitors. Common risks include traffic accidents (many scooters on the roads), heat-related illness in summer, and seasonal typhoons — check forecasts and follow local advice. Carry basic travel insurance, keep valuables secure, and be cautious when riding scooters or biking on rural roads.

Tipping in Changzhi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is appreciated but not expected to be tipped. For tour guides or exceptional service you may round up or offer a small thank-you gift.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used in rural areas; EasyCard (IC transit card) is handy for buses and some shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but bring cash for markets, small eateries and scooter rental.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming vegetation and fewer tourists — good for hiking and cycling; occasional rains as the season progresses.

Summer

Hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon squalls; ideal for coastal activities but be prepared for strong sun, high humidity and typhoons starting in mid-summer.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, clearer skies and lower humidity — one of the best times for outdoor exploration and photography.

Winter

Mild winters with cool nights; some areas (Maolin) may attract migratory butterflies in certain months — generally comfortable but bring a light jacket.

Nightlife Guide

Changzhi at Night

Changzhi’s nightlife is low-key compared with larger cities — evenings center on night markets, small local bars and tea houses. For a livelier scene, Kaohsiung is a short drive away and offers nightclubs, live music, rooftop bars and a wider restaurant scene. Night markets remain the best place to experience local flavors, snacks and social life late into the evening.

Hiking in Changzhi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Maolin National Scenic Area Trails

A short drive away, Maolin offers forested trails, river gorges, waterfalls and is famous for seasonal butterfly migrations and indigenous cultural sites.

Dapeng Bay Coastal Walks

Gentle boardwalks and shoreline paths ideal for sunset photography, birdwatching and easy seaside strolls.

Kenting National Park (day trip)

Further south but reachable for a day trip; rugged coastal trails, lighthouse views and varied coastal ecosystems for hiking and photography.

Local Foothill Trails and Village Walks

Numerous short, informal trails around the township and nearby hills provide accessible walks through rice terraces and small forests — ideal for half-day hikes and countryside exploration.

Airports

How to reach Changzhi by plane.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

The nearest major international airport (~35–60 minutes by car depending on location). Offers domestic and international flights and good road and rail connections to Pingtung and Kaohsiung city.

Tainan Airport (TNN)

A smaller airport to the northwest with limited domestic flights; reachable by car or public transport for some regional connections.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei; several hours by train or car—useful if combining a northern itinerary with a southern visit.

Getting Around

Walkability

The township center is walkable for short visits and market exploration, but most attractions and scenic spots are spread out. Renting a bicycle or scooter is the most practical way to get around; sidewalks can be limited on rural roads so be cautious when walking alongside traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Taiwanese (Hoklo / Minnan)

The majority population in Changzhi and Pingtung — speak Taiwanese (Hokkien) and Mandarin.

Hakka

Present in smaller numbers across southern Taiwan with distinct customs and dialects.

Indigenous Communities (wider Pingtung region)

Pingtung County includes indigenous groups such as the Paiwan and Rukai in surrounding areas — they contribute cultural heritage and festivals to the region.

Young Families and Farmers

Local economy is centered on agriculture, with many family-run farms and small businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is very popular across Taiwan — local parks and school teams play regularly and community games are common.

Basketball

Street and school basketball are widespread pastimes, especially among younger residents.

Cycling

Cycling for sport and recreation is popular on rural roads and coastal routes; many visitors enjoy bike tours.

Fishing and water sports

Coastal communities engage in recreational fishing and occasional small-scale water activities near bays.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Changzhi is generally light compared with urban centers, but many residents use scooters which can make roads feel busy and fast-moving. Main roads connect easily to Pingtung City and Kaohsiung; public buses serve the area but schedules can be infrequent. For convenience and flexibility, renting a scooter or car is recommended; use caution during rush hours and in wet conditions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Changzhi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural eateries; ask for 素 (sù) dishes and visit temples or vegetarian restaurants in larger towns for more choices.

Vegan

Vegan choices require careful asking — many seemingly vegetable dishes may contain fish sauce or lard; larger supermarkets and city restaurants offer clearer vegan labeling.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and fried items often contain wheat. Carry a translation card to explain gluten-free needs to cooks.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and pharmacies are available locally for minor illnesses and first aid. For more serious medical care or specialist services, major hospitals are in Pingtung City and Kaohsiung (about 30–60 minutes away by car). Taiwan’s National Health Insurance provides high-quality care; international visitors should carry travel insurance and bring necessary prescriptions.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide