Things To Do
in Ruisui
Ruisui (瑞穗) is a quiet agricultural township in Taiwan's East Rift Valley, known for its lush rice fields, dairy farms and soothing hot springs. Framed by the Central Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific coast to the east, it is a convenient base for river adventures, cycling and short trips to Taroko Gorge and Taitung. The town combines low-key rural life, indigenous cultural influences and small-scale foodie draws like fresh milk products and rice-based snacks.
Travelers come for outdoor activities, photography of wide valley vistas and a relaxed, low-tourist pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Ruisui. The warm mineral-rich waters will rejuvenate your body and mind as you take in the surrounding lush landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a nearby eatery after your morning dip.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby rice paddies for a leisurely hike. The breathtaking views of terraced fields and mountains are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Embrace the serenity as you connect with nature and witness the local agricultural practices.
As the sun sets, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant that serves fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. Savor the flavors of Ruisui while enjoying the ambiance of the charming town. After dinner, consider a stroll under the stars to end your day on a peaceful note.
Begin your day with a visit to the Ruisui Ranch, where you can interact with friendly animals and learn about dairy farming. Take part in milking demonstrations and enjoy fresh dairy products right from the source. This engaging experience is perfect for families and animal lovers alike.
In the afternoon, indulge in a unique homemade ice cream treat made from the ranch’s fresh milk. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the scenic pastures to fully appreciate the beauty of the rolling hills. Stop to take photos and enjoy the fresh air.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner. Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese night market experience, where you can sample a variety of local street foods. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with vendors showcasing their goods and the smell of delicious food wafting through the air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3–6 |
| ☕Coffee or milk tea | $2.50–4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.50–1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $5–12 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $25–45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, uncrowded rural landscapes and excellent photography opportunities
- Hot springs and relaxing small-town atmosphere
- Fresh local dairy products and high-quality rice
- Good base for outdoor activities like cycling and river sports
- Limited nightlife and fewer restaurant options compared with bigger cities
- Public transport connections are infrequent—having a vehicle or scooter helps
- Seasonal typhoons and heavy rains can disrupt travel plans
- Smaller medical facilities locally; major care requires travel to Hualien City
- "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 does this cost?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "不要辣 (Bù yào là)" - No spicy, please
Places to Visit in Ruisui
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open paddy fields with mountain backdrops—excellent at sunrise and sunset when colors reflect in irrigated paddies.
Hot spring baths, rustic public pools and steam rising in the cooler mornings make atmospheric photos—capture guests relaxing in traditional tub settings.
Riverbed textures, stepping stones and mountain-fed rivers make for dynamic landscapes, especially after rain when the flow is dramatic.
Dairy farms, grazing cattle, milking sheds and local roads lined with crops create authentic rural compositions.
Food in Ruisui
Ruisui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally produced milk, yoghurt and ice cream—many small dairy stalls and the Ruisui ranch sell fresh scoops and milk-based puddings; a must-try for visitors.
Must-Try!
High-quality local rice cooked simply as steamed rice, braised pork rice (lu rou fan), or packed into bento boxes using regionally grown grains—found at small restaurants and train station bento sellers.
Dishes influenced by Amis and other indigenous groups such as millet-based snacks, wild vegetable dishes and grilled meats; look for community events or specialty stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, rice products and homemade snacks—good place to sample local produce and buy picnic supplies.
If you’re willing to take a 30–50 minute drive by car or train, Dongdamen offers a wide variety of regional street foods, indigenous dishes and desserts not commonly found in smaller towns.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering private homes and some guesthouses; follow host cues and use indoor slippers if provided.
Greet with a friendly nod or '你好' and be polite in queues. Respect elders and avoid loud, disruptive behavior in small-town settings.
When visiting temples or indigenous cultural sites, dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and follow any posted rules.
Safety
Tipping in Ruisui
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; excellent service can be acknowledged with a small tip but it’s not expected. In spas or tour companies, a service charge may be included—check your bill.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollars) is widely used in small shops and rural markets. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, and EasyCard/contactless options are common for transport and convenience stores. Bring some cash for rural purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings pleasant temperatures, blooming roadside flowers and active agricultural planting; ideal for cycling and photography. Occasional rains—pack a light rain jacket.
June–August is hot and humid with higher rainfall and occasional typhoons (mid-summer into autumn). Early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities; book accommodations early for holiday weekends.
September–November often has clearer skies after the monsoon season but still carries some typhoon risk early in the season; comfortable temperatures and good visibility for sightseeing.
December–February is mild compared with northern Taiwan; nights can be cooler—perfect for hot springs. The valley may experience fog in mornings and crisp air at elevation.
Ruisui at Night
Hiking in Ruisui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short riverside and agricultural trails ideal for easy hikes and photography; visit early for birds and morning mist.
Trails and guided river routes near the Xiuguluan River offer scenic river canyons and access points for rafting operators; choose established paths and check water conditions.
A drive or train ride away, Taroko offers some of Taiwan’s best hikes (Shakadang Trail, Baiyang Trail, etc.) and dramatic marble-walled canyons—ideal as a full-day or overnight excursion from Ruisui.
Shorter foothill hikes give panoramic views of the East Rift Valley and are accessible from country roads—good for sunrise or sunset outings.
Airports
How to reach Ruisui by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Hualien City, about a 30–50 minute drive north of Ruisui (depending on route). Limited domestic flights connect to Taipei and other cities; many travelers arrive by train or car instead.
Smaller regional airport south of Ruisui that offers domestic connections; accessible by car in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on route. Good option if continuing to Taitung or the south-east coast.
Taiwan’s primary international gateway near Taipei. From Taoyuan, travel by high-speed rail, train or bus/car to Hualien area—total journey time several hours; domestic flights to Hualien can shorten travel time when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population includes Hoklo and Hakka Taiwanese families engaged in agriculture and local businesses.
Indigenous communities contribute cultural, culinary and craft traditions to the region; visitor opportunities include cultural events and community-run experiences.
Like many rural areas, the township has an older average age compared with cities, with younger people often working in urban centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling the East Rift Valley is extremely popular—flat stretches and scenic views attract recreational cyclists and long-distance riders.
Baseball is a national favorite in Taiwan; local communities play and follow professional leagues avidly.
Nearby rivers provide seasonal rafting and river-based adventure sports suited to different skill levels; guided trips are common.
Day hikes into foothills and longer treks into the Central Mountain Range are popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ruisui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and simple vegetable dishes at markets can be found. Learn the phrase “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” and ask staff if dishes contain meat, fish sauce or lard.
Vegan options are rarer—ask specifically about dairy, eggs and fish products. Bring snacks and use larger nearby towns (Hualien/Taitung) if you need more variety.
Cross-contamination can occur and many sauces contain soy, wheat or oyster sauce. Carry translation cards for specific allergies and prefer plain steamed rice, vegetables and grilled meats cooked without sauces.