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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜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.
Open beaches and low cliffs provide unobstructed views for dramatic sunrises and long-exposure seascapes.
Reflective water surfaces in planting season create mirror-like photos; visit around sunrise or after rain for best reflections.
Colorful temple architecture, detailed carvings and ritual activity offer great cultural portrait and detail shots.
Early-morning scenes of boats, nets and fish auctions make for lively documentary-style photographs.
Migratory and shorebird activity, especially at dawn and dusk, is ideal for wildlife photography — bring a telephoto lens.
Panoramic views over the plains and coastline at golden hour; good for wide-angle landscape shots.
Street-level scenes, vendors and food close-ups capture everyday local life and colors.
Food in Citong
Citong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Comforting bowl of minced-braised pork over rice, available at small eateries and lunch counters across the area.
Must-Try!
A night-market staple — soft omelette with fresh oysters, starchy batter and savory sauce; try it at the local market for the freshest versions.
Locally caught fish or squid grilled simply with salt or soy-based sauces; best at harbor-side stalls or seafood restaurants.
Milkfish is popular in central and southern Taiwan — served fried, in soup, or congee at regional eateries.
Taiwan’s famous drink available everywhere — try a local tea shop’s signature blend with tapioca pearls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Buy fresh produce, breakfast snacks like soy milk, youtiao (fried dough) and rice rolls; great for experiencing daily life.
Evening street-food stalls selling oyster omelette, grilled skewers, stinky tofu and sweet desserts — the best place to sample many local specialties.
Small stalls near the harbor sell grilled and steamed seafood straight off the boats — perfect for ultra-fresh meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, speak softly, avoid walking directly in front of worshippers and follow any posted rules; photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Remove shoes when entering private homes and sometimes small guesthouses; look for shoe trays or ask hosts.
Politeness to elders is important — use a respectful tone and accept offers of tea or food with both hands.
Taiwanese value orderly queues and polite public behavior — wait your turn and avoid loud or disruptive conduct in public transport and markets.
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
Tipping in Citong
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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 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...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields make for pleasant outdoor exploring; occasional rain showers — bring a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; typhoon season peaks from July to September, so monitor forecasts and expect occasional disruptions.
One of the best times to visit: comfortable temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies ideal for coastal walks and photography.
Mild to cool winters with occasional chilly nights but rarely freezing; bring a light jacket — rainfall can still occur during cold fronts.
Citong at Night
Hiking in Citong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
Flat trails ideal for cycling and easy walks, with riverside vistas, farming landscapes and birdlife.
Short, accessible boardwalk trails through tidal flats and wetlands, excellent for birdwatching and gentle nature walks.
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.
The nearest larger airport serving domestic and some international flights; reachable by road from Citong and offers bus and taxi connections to surrounding towns.
A smaller regional airport with some domestic services; accessible by bus or car and useful for travelers connecting to southern-central Taiwan.
The main international gateway for Taiwan located near Taipei; best for international arrivals — connect to Citong by train, bus or car (longer travel time).
A larger southern airport useful if combining visits to southern Taiwan; farther away but an option for some international flights and domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin and are involved in agriculture, fishing and local businesses.
Some Hakka families live in central-west Taiwan; their cultural influence appears in food and festivals in nearby areas.
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.
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.
Taiwan’s national pastime — many locals follow professional and college teams and informal games are popular.
Widely played and watched at schools, parks and community courts; pick-up games are common.
Leisure cycling along coastal and rural routes is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Common indoor sports played at community centers and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Citong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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?).
Shellfish and peanuts are commonly used — carry allergy cards in Chinese and tell vendors about severe allergies before ordering.