Things To Do
in Luodong
Luodong is a riverside town in Yilan County known for its vibrant markets and agricultural backdrop. It serves as a gateway to the Dongshan River and nearby hot springs, offering easy day trips to nature and coastline. The town blends rural charm with a lively food scene, anchored by the famous Luodong Night Market.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, seasonal festivals, and plenty of photo-worthy moments along the riverbank.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Luodong and check into your accommodation. Take some time to refresh and prepare for a day of exploration. Head out to a local café for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.
Stroll through the vibrant Luodong Night Market and savor some local street food delicacies. Explore nearby parks and breathe in the fresh air, enjoying the lush surroundings. Don't forget to visit the iconic Luodong Sports Park and its scenic landscapes.
Return to the night market for dinner, where the aromas of sizzling delicacies fill the air. Try some famous Taiwanese snacks like oyster omelette and bubble tea. End the day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated town streets.
Visit the Luodong Forestry Culture Park to learn about the area's timber history and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Wander through the park's trails and discover various historical buildings. Grab brunch at a nearby café that features locally sourced ingredients.
Explore the nearby National Center for Traditional Arts, where you can immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture through exhibits and performances. Participate in workshops to learn crafts such as paper cutting or pottery. Visit the charming shops and galleries that showcase local art.
Dine at a local restaurant offering traditional Taiwanese dishes with a modern twist. Enjoy the ambiance of the historic district, surrounded by beautifully lit old buildings. Wind down with a visit to a tea house to sample some of Taiwan’s finest teas.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.5-1 |
| 🍜Meal at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚌1-way local transit ticket | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Excellent seafood and night market culture
- Good value for money
- Close to nature and hot springs
- Limited direct international connections
- Some signage in Mandarin only
- Summer humidity can be intense
- Smaller nightlife than bigger cities
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問洗手間在哪裡？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "可以刷卡嗎？" - Can I pay with a card?
Places to Visit in Luodong
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide riverside space with golden-hour light, birds, and reflective water views—great for landscape and street photography.
Lush greenery, historic trees, and open lawns provide a backdrop for nature and architectural photography.
Colorful stalls, neon signs, and candid street scenes offer dynamic photo opportunities as the market comes alive.
Long, straight water vistas and urban-riverside scenes ideal for wide-angle city-nature shots.
Food in Luodong
Luodong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street-food classic featuring fresh oysters folded into a fluffy egg batter with a light starch coating; commonly found at night markets.
Must-Try!
A fragrant braised chicken dish cooked with sesame oil, soy, and rice wine; commonly served with rice and vegetables in local eateries.
Tender pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices, served over steamed rice; a comforting staple in many markets and family-style restaurants.
Fresh squid grilled with a savory glaze, a frequent sight at night market stalls and seaside vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s signature night market, packed with stalls offering fried chicken, seafood snacks, desserts, and regional treats.
A local market area where you can taste everyday Taiwanese snacks and purchase fresh produce and small goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite phrases and modest behavior are valued; a small nod or bow is common when greeting; address elders with respect.
Dress modestly, keep voices low, and ask for permission before taking photos in sacred spaces.
When sharing meals, wait for the eldest to start eating; use both hands when presenting or receiving items; avoid sticking feet toward others or pointing at people.
Safety
Tipping in Luodong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Taiwanese restaurants; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated in tourist areas, but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take credit cards. In cities, mobile payments and contactless options (where available) are becoming common. For public transit, EasyCard/iPASS-like cards are convenient for rides.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery and blooming flowers; carry a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings; occasional showers possible.
Hot and humid, with high humidity and afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; great for outdoor exploration and photography; rainfall tapers off compared with summer.
Cool to mild conditions with higher humidity; nights can be chilly; layering is recommended and indoor dining is popular.
Luodong at Night
Hiking in Luodong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside paths offering relaxed hikes and birdwatching along the Dongshan River.
Short to moderate hikes in the Jiaoxi area, reachable by a brief drive from Luodong.
Scenic hillside trail with viewpoints in the broader Yilan region, suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Luodong by plane.
Closest major airport to Taipei; convenient for domestic travel and short international connections; about 1 hour by high-speed rail and road from the Yilan area.
Main international gateway; all major international routes; typically a 1.5-2 hour trip by car/rail to Luodong.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of multi-generational families involved in farming, markets, and local trades.
Many visitors from Taiwan’s other cities; weekend trips are popular in the Yilan area.
Growing presence, particularly around the night market, nature areas, and hot springs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is deeply ingrained in Taiwan’s sports culture and widely played in schools and local clubs.
Common in community centers and schools; casual pickups are easy to join.
A popular pastime in gyms and recreation centers across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Luodong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most markets and many eateries offer vegetable-forward dishes, tofu-based options, and clear-on-broth choices. When ordering, ask for no meat broth and confirm sauces are vegetarian.