Things To Do
in Citong

Citong is a quiet coastal/rural community in central-west Taiwan known for its rice paddies, coastal landscapes and small-town temples. It offers a slow-paced experience with strong agricultural traditions and easy access to wetlands and fishing harbors. Local life centers on markets, family-run eateries and seasonal farming rhythms, giving visitors a chance to see everyday Taiwanese countryside.

Citong makes a good base for photographing sunrises over the Taiwan Strait, exploring nearby hills and sampling fresh seafood and night-market snacks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the enchanting Citong Old Street, where the aroma of traditional Taiwanese breakfast foods fills the air. Indulge in local delights such as scallion pancakes and soy milk while soaking in the rich history of the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming alleys adorned with red lanterns and historical architecture.

afternoon
:

After lunch, tour the nearby historic temples, including the revered Citong Temple, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant colors. Engage with local artisans as you explore shops selling handcrafted goods, giving you a taste of the unique culture. Spend some time at the picturesque Citong River, where you can relax and enjoy the serene views.

evening
:

As the sun sets, visit a local night market to experience the buzzing atmosphere filled with food stalls and handmade crafts. Sample a variety of street foods, from stinky tofu to bubble tea, while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the cool night breeze.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Kick off your day with an early hike in the nearby forests of the Alishan National Scenic Area, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Listen to the sounds of nature as you walk along well-marked trails, keeping an eye out for the unique flora and fauna native to Taiwan. Take in breathtaking views from various lookout points, capturing the perfect sunrise photos.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head to the Alishan Railway to experience a scenic train ride through the mountains, providing you with a unique perspective of the surrounding beauty. Upon reaching your destination, explore the charming mountain village, where you can learn about the indigenous culture and traditions. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, such as mountain vegetables and freshly caught fish.

evening
:

Return to Citong as the day winds down, and unwind at a local tea house where you can savor traditional Taiwanese tea. Engage in conversation with the tea master, who will share insights about the art of tea brewing. As night falls, stroll through the quiet streets, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Street-food meal$2-5
🍽️Casual restaurant main course$6-12
Coffee or bubble tea$2-4
🚌Local bus fare$0.7-2
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural and coastal Taiwanese experience away from big-city crowds
  • Excellent seafood and seasonal farm-fresh produce
  • Great opportunities for landscape, wildlife and cultural photography
  • Close to wetlands and scenic hilltops for day trips
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options in the immediate area
  • Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
  • Accommodation choices are fewer — mostly small guesthouses
  • Typhoon season can disrupt travel plans in summer/early autumn
  • "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (xièxie)" - Thank you
  • "請問廁所在哪裡? (qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
  • "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
  • "多少錢? (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
  • "可以刷卡嗎? (kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Do you accept cards?

Places to Visit in Citong

Visit one of these nice places.

Coastal Sunrise over the Taiwan Strait

Open beaches and low cliffs provide unobstructed views for dramatic sunrises and long-exposure seascapes.

Rice Paddies and Irrigation Canals

Reflective water surfaces in planting season create mirror-like photos; visit around sunrise or after rain for best reflections.

Local Temples

Colorful temple architecture, detailed carvings and ritual activity offer great cultural portrait and detail shots.

Fishing Harbor

Early-morning scenes of boats, nets and fish auctions make for lively documentary-style photographs.

Wetlands and Birdwatching Areas

Migratory and shorebird activity, especially at dawn and dusk, is ideal for wildlife photography — bring a telephoto lens.

Nearby Hilltops (e.g., Bagua Mountain Area)

Panoramic views over the plains and coastline at golden hour; good for wide-angle landscape shots.

Old Streets and Market Stalls

Street-level scenes, vendors and food close-ups capture everyday local life and colors.

Culinary Guide

Food in Citong

Cuisine around Citong reflects Taiwan’s coastal and agricultural mix: plenty of seafood, rice-based dishes, simple bento-style lunches and classic Taiwanese street food. You’ll find family-run stalls and small restaurants serving freshly caught fish, braised meats and seasonal vegetables, plus ubiquitous bubble tea and pastries.

Citong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)

Comforting bowl of minced-braised pork over rice, available at small eateries and lunch counters across the area.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette

A night-market staple — soft omelette with fresh oysters, starchy batter and savory sauce; try it at the local market for the freshest versions.

Fresh Grilled Fish / Seafood

Locally caught fish or squid grilled simply with salt or soy-based sauces; best at harbor-side stalls or seafood restaurants.

Milkfish Dishes

Milkfish is popular in central and southern Taiwan — served fried, in soup, or congee at regional eateries.

Bubble Tea

Taiwan’s famous drink available everywhere — try a local tea shop’s signature blend with tapioca pearls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Morning Market

Buy fresh produce, breakfast snacks like soy milk, youtiao (fried dough) and rice rolls; great for experiencing daily life.

Night Market

Evening street-food stalls selling oyster omelette, grilled skewers, stinky tofu and sweet desserts — the best place to sample many local specialties.

Fishing Harbor Stalls

Small stalls near the harbor sell grilled and steamed seafood straight off the boats — perfect for ultra-fresh meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall is highest in summer and early autumn, with the typhoon season from July to September bringing occasional heavy rain and strong winds. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times for outdoor activities, while winter is generally mild but can be cooler with seasonal frontal rains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly, speak softly, avoid walking directly in front of worshippers and follow any posted rules; photography may be restricted in certain areas.

Shoes and Entering Homes

Remove shoes when entering private homes and sometimes small guesthouses; look for shoe trays or ask hosts.

Respect for Elders

Politeness to elders is important — use a respectful tone and accept offers of tea or food with both hands.

Queuing and Public Behavior

Taiwanese value orderly queues and polite public behavior — wait your turn and avoid loud or disruptive conduct in public transport and markets.

Gift Giving

If invited to a home, a small gift like fruit or a packaged treat is appreciated; avoid giving clocks or sharp objects as gifts (cultural taboos).

Safety Guide

Safety

Citong is generally safe with low violent crime; normal precautions against petty theft apply. Watch for heavy scooter and motorcycle traffic — helmet use is mandatory and roads can be busy and narrow. During typhoon season and heavy rains, avoid low-lying coastal roads and follow local advisories. Be prepared for occasional earthquakes (small shakes are common) and know emergency numbers: 119 for fire/ambulance and 110 for police.

Tipping in Citong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; small gestures of appreciation are fine at upscale restaurants but not expected. Service charges may be included in tourist hotels or larger restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used in rural areas and markets; major cards are accepted at bigger hotels and restaurants. Use an EasyCard or iPass for local buses and some rental bikes; mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay, Line Pay) and QR-payments are increasingly common in towns.

ATMs and Currency

ATMs are available in nearby towns; inform your bank of travel plans and carry some cash for smaller vendors. Currency exchange services are found at major cities and airports.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming fields make for pleasant outdoor exploring; occasional rain showers — bring a light rain jacket.

Summer

Hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; typhoon season peaks from July to September, so monitor forecasts and expect occasional disruptions.

Autumn

One of the best times to visit: comfortable temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies ideal for coastal walks and photography.

Winter

Mild to cool winters with occasional chilly nights but rarely freezing; bring a light jacket — rainfall can still occur during cold fronts.

Nightlife Guide

Citong at Night

Citong itself is relatively quiet after dark with local night markets and small tea houses or cafés open into the evening. For bars, live music or a more active nightlife scene, visitors typically travel to larger nearby towns or cities where there are pubs, live-music venues and karaoke (KTV) lounges. Night markets offer the liveliest nighttime experience locally, with food, games and socializing.

Hiking in Citong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bagua Mountain (Baguashan) Trails

A nearby hill area with paved paths, a large Buddha statue and panoramic views over plains and coastline — good for sunrise/sunset hikes and photography.

Riverside and Dike Trails along the Zhuoshui River

Flat trails ideal for cycling and easy walks, with riverside vistas, farming landscapes and birdlife.

Coastal Wetland Boardwalks

Short, accessible boardwalk trails through tidal flats and wetlands, excellent for birdwatching and gentle nature walks.

Nearby Hills and Agricultural Paths

A network of small local trails that wind through tea-plantations, orchards and rice fields — ideal for low-impact hiking and cultural immersion.

Airports

How to reach Citong by plane.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

The nearest larger airport serving domestic and some international flights; reachable by road from Citong and offers bus and taxi connections to surrounding towns.

Chiayi Airport (CYI)

A smaller regional airport with some domestic services; accessible by bus or car and useful for travelers connecting to southern-central Taiwan.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The main international gateway for Taiwan located near Taipei; best for international arrivals — connect to Citong by train, bus or car (longer travel time).

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

A larger southern airport useful if combining visits to southern Taiwan; farther away but an option for some international flights and domestic connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Citong’s central area and markets are walkable; however, attractions like rice paddies, wetlands and hilltops are spread out and usually require a bicycle, scooter or car. Pavements can be narrow in rural stretches, so exercise caution when walking along roads with scooter traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Taiwanese (Hoklo/Taiwanese)

The majority of residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin and are involved in agriculture, fishing and local businesses.

Hakka Community

Some Hakka families live in central-west Taiwan; their cultural influence appears in food and festivals in nearby areas.

Older Rural Population

Like many rural parts of Taiwan, Citong has a significant older demographic due to youth migration to cities; this shapes a quiet, traditional local character.

Young Commuters and Seasonal Workers

Younger people commute to larger towns for work; seasonal laborers work in agriculture during planting and harvest seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Taiwan’s national pastime — many locals follow professional and college teams and informal games are popular.

Basketball

Widely played and watched at schools, parks and community courts; pick-up games are common.

Cycling

Leisure cycling along coastal and rural routes is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Badminton & Table Tennis

Common indoor sports played at community centers and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic near Citong is generally lighter than in big cities but roads can be narrow and dominated by scooters. Peak congestion appears around market times and during school commute hours. Regional travel is served by local buses and Taiwan Railways (TRA) stations in nearby towns; for faster intercity travel, use the High Speed Rail (THSR) stations in Taichung or Chiayi and transfer by bus or taxi. Renting a car or scooter gives the most flexibility for exploring rural and coastal sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Citong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (including Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in larger towns), but many dishes use fish sauce or lard — ask about ingredients and use the phrase “我吃素” (wǒ chī sù) to indicate vegetarian.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited; request no egg, no dairy and no fish sauce. Larger towns offer vegan restaurants but carry snacks or a translation card for rural eateries.

Gluten-Free

Soy sauce and wheat-based batter are common; rice-based dishes (plain rice, steamed fish) are safer choices. Ask about wheat-containing sauces using “有沒有麩質?” (yǒu méiyǒu fūzhì?).

Allergies

Shellfish and peanuts are commonly used — carry allergy cards in Chinese and tell vendors about severe allergies before ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and pharmacies are available locally for minor ailments. For more serious care, nearby county hospitals and medical centers in larger towns provide full services; emergency transport to city hospitals is possible. Taiwan’s healthcare system is high-quality, but visitors should carry travel insurance and any necessary prescriptions. Emergency numbers: 119 (ambulance/fire) and 110 (police).

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide