Things To Do
in Taibao
Taibao is the compact county seat of Chiayi County in southwestern Taiwan, known for its quiet civic center, parks and convenient High Speed Rail (HSR) access. The city sits on fertile plains framed by rice fields and low hills, making it a good base for Alishan day trips and rural exploration. Taibao hosts the National Palace Museum Southern Branch, a modern cultural landmark that attracts art and history lovers.
Compared with nearby Chiayi City, Taibao is calmer, more walkable and easy to navigate for short stays.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Chiayi Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Taibao. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to get a taste of Taiwan's morning delicacies. Explore the nearby parks or take a stroll through the quaint streets to soak in the local atmosphere.
Visit the Cheng Huang Temple, an iconic spot in Taibao filled with history and beautiful architecture. Have lunch at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant to savor local flavors. Spend the afternoon at Taibao Park, where you can relax and enjoy the greenery.
Savor a delicious dinner at a night market known for its street food, indulging in local specialties. After dinner, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as vendors showcase their goods and performances entertain. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk back to your accommodation.
Start your day with a trip to the Alishan National Scenic Area, famous for its stunning sunrise views over the mountains. After a scenic drive, hike the trails and enjoy the lush landscape unique to this region. Have a picnic breakfast surrounded by towering trees and fresh mountain air.
After your hike, visit the Alishan railway station and ride the historic forest railway. Pause for lunch at a nearby tea house, sampling the region's famous Oolong tea. Spend the afternoon exploring the small trails or visiting the local shops that offer handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, take in the breathtaking views from a viewpoint along the mountain. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local mountain lodge, experiencing hearty Taiwanese dishes. Return to Taibao for a restful night, inspired by the day’s natural adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (2 people) | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee / Bubble tea | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.7-1.5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient access by Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) for easy travel around Taiwan
- Close to Alishan and rural landscapes for nature and photography
- Calm, walkable downtown with cultural attractions like the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
- Affordable food and friendly local service
- Smaller city with limited nightlife and entertainment compared with larger Taiwanese cities
- Public transport to some rural attractions requires planning or transfers
- Summer heat, humidity and typhoon season can disrupt travel plans
- Fewer international restaurant or specialty-diet options in the immediate area
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xiè)" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡？ (qǐng wèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少錢？ (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si)" - Excuse me / sorry (polite attention-getter)
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Taibao
Visit one of these nice places.
Contemporary museum architecture set in landscaped gardens — excellent for architectural and cultural shots, interior exhibits rotate seasonally.
Modern transport hub with clean lines, public art and a busy plaza — good for urban and travel photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Expansive flatlands around Taibao produce classic countryside scenes, particularly at sunrise/sunset when flooded paddies reflect the sky.
If you go up to Alishan, iconic sunrise, sea of clouds, old cypress forests and mountain railways offer dramatic nature photography.
Colorful temples, prayer rituals and lively market stalls provide opportunities for cultural and street photography.
Food in Taibao
Taibao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Chiayi specialty of shredded turkey over rice with savory soy-based sauce — simple, cheap and ubiquitous in the area. Look for neighborhood stalls and small restaurants serving hearty portions.
Must-Try!
Minced or chopped pork braised in soy and spices served on rice — a Taiwanese staple available everywhere from food stalls to sit-down eateries.
A night-market favorite of fried eggs, oysters and a sweet-savory starch sauce; best tried at evening markets in Taibao or nearby Chiayi.
Taiwan’s famous milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls — many local chains and independent shops in Taibao offer quality versions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Smaller than Chiayi’s markets but good for sampling turkey rice, oyster omelettes and grilled snacks; selection can vary by day. For a bigger market experience, take a short ride into Chiayi City’s night markets.
Daily morning markets and wet markets sell fresh produce, snacks and prepared foods — great for tasting local fruits, soy products and breakfast items.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly nod or light bow and saying 你好 (nǐ hǎo) or 謝謝 (xiè xiè) goes a long way; using basic Mandarin or polite phrases is appreciated.
Show deference to older people in social settings; allow elders to be served first and use polite language around them.
Remove shoes when entering some private homes and follow temple customs (don't climb altars, follow worshippers respectfully).
Form orderly lines for trains and buses; avoid loud public displays and respect personal space in crowded places.
Safety
Tipping in Taibao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is appreciated but not expected. High-end hotels or tour companies may accept tips, but small restaurant and taxi drivers generally do not expect them.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; cash (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) is preferred for markets and small vendors. Use an EasyCard for local buses, some taxis and bike rentals; mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings warming temperatures, occasional rain and blooming roadside vegetation — comfortable for sightseeing but pack a light rain jacket.
June–August is hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and occasional typhoons; plan indoor alternatives and stay hydrated.
September–November is pleasant and cooler with lower humidity — a great time for outdoor activities and Alishan visits.
December–February is mild compared with northern Taiwan but cooler in the mountains; expect more rain at times and bring layers for evening chill.
Taibao at Night
Hiking in Taibao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous mountain region with old-growth cypress forests, well-marked trails, the Alishan sunrise viewpoints and easy-to-moderate hiking paths; popular for day trips from Taibao.
Scenic reservoir near Chiayi with walking paths, birdwatching opportunities and pleasant lowland hikes.
Lowland walking and cycling routes through agricultural landscapes around Taibao — ideal for relaxed, close-to-local-life exploration and photography.
Airports
How to reach Taibao by plane.
Small regional airport serving limited domestic and occasional international routes; convenient for local connections but limited flight options.
A regional airport about an hour’s drive south, with more domestic flights and some international services; reachable by car or bus.
Major southern gateway with many international routes, roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or train; good option for international arrivals heading to Taibao.
Taiwan’s main international airport near Taipei — accessible via High Speed Rail (HSR) and trains for cross-island travel to Taibao.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Han Taiwanese of Minnan (Hoklo) heritage who speak Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin.
Hakka minorities are present in parts of Chiayi County with distinct cultural traditions and festivals.
Indigenous communities live in the nearby mountainous regions (e.g., Alishan area) and contribute to the region’s cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of Taiwan’s most popular sports; local games, youth leagues and viewing are common community activities.
Basketball courts in parks and schools are busy throughout the year; pickup games are common among locals.
Cycling is very popular, both as transport and recreation; flat rural roads around Taibao are especially suited to relaxed rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taibao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at Buddhist temples and many restaurants; look for '素' (su) on menus. Night markets are meat-heavy, so request vegetable versions or visit dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Chiayi city if needed.
Vegan choices can be found but are less common; communicate restrictions clearly in Mandarin (我吃素 / 我不能吃麩質). Pack snacks if you have strict needs and seek larger cafes or hotels that can adapt dishes.
Carry medication for severe allergies and learn key phrases to explain your allergy in Mandarin. Cross-contamination is possible at busy street stalls.