Things To Do
in Gaoshu
Gaoshu (高樹鄉) is a quiet, agricultural township in northern Pingtung County, Taiwan, known for broad rice paddies, fruit orchards and a slow-paced rural way of life. The landscape is dominated by flat farmland, country lanes lined with banyan trees and scattered traditional temples that anchor community life. Visitors come for farm experiences, cycling through fields, and easy access to nearby southern attractions like Pingtung City and Kenting for day trips.
Gaoshu offers an authentic taste of Taiwanese countryside culture, especially for travelers who prefer low-key, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Gaoshu's historic center, where traditional Taiwanese architecture stands alongside modern shops. Visit the local markets to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh Taiwanese breakfast dishes like dan bing (egg crepes) and soy milk. Take some time to chat with local vendors and learn about the history of the area.
In the afternoon, visit the Gaoshu Cultural Center to delve deeper into the town's rich heritage and artistic expressions. Here, you can explore exhibits showcasing local crafts and participate in workshops to create your own mementos. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk through the nearby parks, soaking in the serene environment.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you can savor traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, take a stroll along the riverbank, where the twinkling lights reflect off the water, creating a magical ambiance. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local tea house to sample some exquisite Taiwanese teas.
Begin your day with a hike to the nearby Baolai River, where you can witness stunning landscapes and the tranquil flow of water. The morning is perfect for birdwatching, so keep your eyes peeled for the unique avian species that inhabit this area. Don't forget to capture the picturesque views with your camera.
After your hike, head to the Baolai Waterfall for a refreshing picnic lunch amidst nature. Spend some time swimming in the natural pools or simply relaxing on the rocks while enjoying the sound of cascading water. As the afternoon sun shines, explore the surrounding trails to discover hidden gems and stunning viewpoints.
As dusk approaches, return to Gaoshu and dine at a riverside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. Enjoy a delicious meal while listening to the soothing sounds of the river nearby. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the night market and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (local cafe) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (town) | $5-12 |
| 📱Prepaid SIM/data (short stay) | $10-30 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / simple B&B (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Taiwanese experience with close contact to agriculture and local life
- Quiet, uncrowded landscapes ideal for photography, cycling and slow travel
- Convenient base for exploring Pingtung County and accessing southern attractions
- Limited nightlife, few tourist facilities and modest English-language services
- Public transport is sparse — a car or scooter is often necessary for full access
- "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 toilet?
- "這個多少錢？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don’t eat meat (vegetarian)
- "不要辣 (Bù yào là)" - No spicy, please
Places to Visit in Gaoshu
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide flat fields create reflective surfaces and strong light contrasts — sunrise and golden hour at sunset are ideal for dramatic rural landscapes.
Narrow roads lined with old trees, utility poles and traditional houses make for atmospheric street photography and portrait backdrops.
Colorful temple architecture, lanterns and ritual scenes offer candid cultural photography opportunities—be respectful when documenting worshippers.
Vibrant piles of seasonal fruit, vendors and morning light make great still-life and street photography subjects.
Small elevated spots along township roads give panoramic views of patchwork fields — good for wide-angle shots and drone photography where permitted.
Food in Gaoshu
Gaoshu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A ubiquitous Taiwanese comfort dish of minced braised pork over steamed rice; easy to find at local eateries and a satisfying, inexpensive meal.
Must-Try!
Depending on season you can try fresh longan, pineapple, mango or taro at roadside stands and markets — often picked that morning.
Light noodle dishes and small plates like oyster omelette or fried tofu show up at small diners and markets; great for quick bites.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets in Gaoshu provide fresh produce, breakfast items like soy milk and youtiao, and seasonal snacks; vendors are friendly and many items are very affordable.
A short trip to Pingtung City yields a larger night market experience with grilled seafood, stinky tofu, bubble tea and many street snacks not available in Gaoshu itself.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly at temples, avoid loud behavior, and do not point feet at altars. Photography is usually allowed but be respectful of worshippers and ritual times.
A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and 謝謝 (xièxie) go a long way. Rural residents appreciate politeness and brief greetings when entering shops or markets.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering someone’s home; follow the host’s lead and wear clean socks or bring slippers if invited indoors.
Safety
Tipping in Gaoshu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may be included in bills at larger hotels or restaurants. Small gestures like rounding up or leaving loose change are appreciated but not expected.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, NTD) is widely used in rural areas and at small markets. Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants and hotels in larger towns but not always in small eateries. Mobile and contactless payments (EasyCard for public transit, Apple Pay/Google Pay, LINE Pay) are common in urban areas; bring cash when exploring Gaoshu itself.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warming temperatures, blossoming vegetation and the start of planting season; expect occasional rain as the plum-rain (meiyu) season approaches in late spring. Mosquitoes increase as it gets warmer.
Hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; typhoon season runs roughly July–September — monitor forecasts and plan flexible travel. Great time for fruit harvests but bring sun protection and hydration.
Generally the most pleasant travel season with cooler, drier weather after typhoon season subsides; clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.
Mild winters with cooler mornings and evenings but rarely freezing; still comfortable for outdoor exploration though some cloudy days occur.
Gaoshu at Night
Hiking in Gaoshu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy walks and farm tracks letting you experience rice-paddy views, irrigation canals and village scenery — suitable for morning or late-afternoon outings.
Within a reasonable drive, foothill trails and scenic areas (Maolin and neighboring hills) offer more elevation, forested paths and seasonal butterfly migrations — check travel times and guided options.
A longer drive to the south brings access to coastal trails, rocky headlands and biodiversity in Kenting — ideal for combining a countryside visit to Gaoshu with coastal hiking on a separate day trip.
Airports
How to reach Gaoshu by plane.
The closest major international airport (about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic). Offers domestic and international flights and good road connections to Pingtung County.
A small airfield with limited services primarily for general aviation; commercial flight options are minimal — most travelers use Kaohsiung for scheduled flights.
The main international gateway to Taiwan (around 4–5 hours by car or rail). Useful for international arrivals but requires additional domestic travel to reach Gaoshu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents are Han Taiwanese (including Hoklo/Minnan and some Hakka families) engaged in farming and local trades.
Pingtung County has indigenous communities in the foothills and mountains of the region; while not all live in Gaoshu itself, their cultures influence the broader area.
As in much of rural Taiwan, there are migrant agricultural workers from Southeast Asia who contribute to farm labor and local services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played across Taiwan, including Gaoshu — look for community courts where locals play pickup games.
Baseball has nationwide popularity; amateur games and school teams are common in many townships.
Cycling for leisure and sport is popular in rural Pingtung for both locals and visitors enjoying flat countryside routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gaoshu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural diners. Use the phrase 我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu — I don't eat meat) and ask for vegetable or tofu dishes; Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants are rare in small townships, so plan ahead or shop at markets for fresh produce.
Communicate allergies clearly and be aware that many sauces contain soy, wheat or fish-based ingredients. Pack specialty items if you have strict needs and consider staying nearer larger towns for more dining choices.