Things To Do
in Toufen
Toufen is a tranquil town in Miaoli County, Taiwan, set amid rolling farmland and gentle hills. It serves as a gateway to rural Taiwan, offering easy access to temples, markets, and nearby nature. The town has a friendly, laid-back vibe with convenient rail and road links to bigger cities.
Visitors come for authentic local food, quiet streets, and warm hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Toufen Historic Center, where you can admire the well-preserved architecture and learn about the city's cultural heritage. Stroll through the vibrant streets, stopping to visit local shops and cafes for a taste of traditional Taiwanese breakfast treats. Don't forget to take photos of the charming old buildings that reflect the city’s rich history.
After lunch, visit the nearby Toufen Railway Station, a beautiful example of Japanese colonial architecture. Take a leisurely walk along the railway tracks and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Consider hopping on a train to explore nearby towns, soaking in the local culture as you travel.
As the sun sets, head to a local night market where you can indulge in a variety of street food delicacies. Sample local favorites like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and grilled seafood while mingling with the locals. Conclude your evening by enjoying the lively atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food.
Start your day with a visit to the nearby hot springs, where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. After your soak, take a leisurely hike in the nearby hills to enjoy the stunning views of the landscape.
After a refreshing morning, treat yourself to a traditional Taiwanese lunch at a local restaurant that specializes in mountain cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring the natural trails in the area, where you can encounter unique flora and fauna. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
As evening approaches, return to the hot springs for a second soak, this time under the stars. Experience the magical atmosphere of the hot springs as you unwind in the serene surroundings. Enjoy a simple dinner at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚆Public transit fare (local ride) | $1-2 |
| 🥟Street snack | $1-3 |
| 🧼Laundry or basic services | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, friendly town with easy access to nature
- Good value for rural Taiwan
- Strong local food scene and markets
- Safe and walkable town center
- Limited nightlife and big-city facilities
- Public transport less frequent than bigger cities
- Less English signage in some areas
- Seasonal weather can be humid or typhoons
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問，...在哪裡？" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "多少錢？" - How much is it?
- "你會說英文嗎？" - Do you speak English?
- "我想要這個" - I would like this.
- "可以刷卡嗎？" - Can I pay with a card?
- "洗手間在哪裡？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "我是素食者" - I am a vegetarian.
Places to Visit in Toufen
Visit one of these nice places.
Warm lighting, traditional storefronts, and shadowed alleyways ideal for portraits and street scenes.
Open fields with long horizons, especially during sunrise and sunset for expansive landscape shots.
Cultural architecture and red lanterns provide vibrant color contrasts for photography.
Gentle slopes and tea plants offer textured backgrounds for nature and lifestyle photography.
Food in Toufen
Toufen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple Taiwanese dish featuring tender braised pork served over fragrant, soft rice.
Must-Try!
Hearty braised beef with chewy noodles in a rich, savory broth.
A popular seafood pancake with crispy edges and a savory sauce.
Taiwanese steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickles, and herbs.
Fermented tofu fried to a crisp, often paired with a flavorful sauce and pickled vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market showcasing fresh produce, regional snacks, and seasonal specialties from nearby farms.
Evening stalls offering quick bites, fried snacks, and small plates characteristic of northern Taiwan.
Casual vendors along the town’s historic lanes serving warm snacks and village flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly; remove hats; avoid pointing feet toward altars; show respect when observing religious rituals.
Polite language and a courteous demeanor go a long way; addressing elders with respectful terms is common.
Safety
Tipping in Toufen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; some higher-end places may add a small service charge. Hand tips are not expected in most casual eateries.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in larger restaurants and shops. Public transit accepts EasyCard and other contactless cards for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with occasional heavy showers and typhoons. Stay hydrated, carry a light rain jacket, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies; ideal for walking tours, photography, and village visits without extreme heat.
Cool to mild temperatures; layers recommended. Rain is possible, but frost is rare in Toufen.
Pleasant and fresh with moderate rain chances; great for outdoor markets, trails, and garden strolls.
Toufen at Night
Hiking in Toufen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic day hike through gentle hills surrounding Toufen with farmland views.
Short to moderate hike with vantage points over the town and surrounding countryside.
Airports
How to reach Toufen by plane.
Major international gateway; about 60–90 minutes by high-speed rail or car to the Miaoli area, depending on traffic.
Regional airport serving central Taiwan; about 60–90 minutes by road to Toufen.
Urban airport in the Taipei area; convenient for domestic and some regional flights; travel time varies by transit mode.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnicity with diverse subcultures, including Hakka and Taiwanese communities.
A notable group in Miaoli with distinctive cultural and culinary traditions.
Rural towns in Taiwan often have a significant older demographic; many residents are long-time locals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in Taiwan; local schools and parks often host games and community leagues.
Common recreational sport with public courts in parks and community centers.
Widely played in clubs and gym facilities across the region.
Morning tai chi sessions in parks are common; gentle, social workouts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toufen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes centered on tofu, vegetables, and mushroom-based meals; ask for no meat stock and request vegetable-forward options at most eateries.