Things To Do
in Xikou

Shredded turkey over rice with savory sauce; a Chiayi classic often available at local vendors and small restaurants.

Must-Try!

Minced or braised pork in a soy-based sauce served over steamed rice — a ubiquitous comfort dish found in local diners.

Depending on season you can find mangoes, lychees, pomelos or wax apples sold at markets and roadside stands.

Local tea houses offer brewed oolong or pouchong and small snacks like sun cakes, steamed buns or sweet potato treats.

Typical weekday market where vendors sell fresh produce, breakfast foods (soy milk, rice rolls), and small cooked dishes — a great place to try authentic local tastes.

For more variety head to the larger town’s night market in the evening for skewers, stinky tofu, oyster omelettes and Taiwanese snacks.

A simple '你好 (nǐ hǎo)' and a polite demeanor go far. Avoid loud, confrontational behavior and be patient in queues.

Dress modestly, remove hats if entering inner sanctums, don’t touch religious objects without permission, and observe any photography rules.

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home; hosts often provide slippers or ask visitors to go barefoot.

Wait to be invited to start eating, and use both hands when offering or receiving items; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice as it resembles funeral rites.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and often not expected; round up small amounts for exceptional service at tourist-oriented businesses, but do not feel obliged in local eateries.

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) is widely used in rural areas; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. Use an EasyCard for public transit in nearby cities, and mobile payments are increasingly common but less reliable in very small shops.

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make spring pleasant for outdoor activities; occasional rain showers occur — bring a light rain jacket.

Hot, humid and rainy with the main typhoon and monsoon season from June to September; afternoons can be very warm so plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.

Generally the most comfortable season — cooler, less humid and clearer skies; ideal for hiking, cycling and photography.

Mild winters compared with northern Taiwan — cool and drier with temperatures occasionally dipping at night; bring a light jacket for evenings.

Small regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient if available, otherwise ground transport links to Chiayi City are short (taxi or bus).

A larger regional airport with domestic and limited international connections; about 1–2 hours by car depending on route and traffic.

Main international gateway for Taiwan (near Taipei); expect a 2.5–3.5 hour drive to Xikou or domestic transfer via train/bus to Chiayi then local transport.

Major southern Taiwan airport with international routes; travel time to Xikou typically 1.5–3 hours by car or a combination of train and bus.

The majority of residents are Hoklo Taiwanese (Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien speakers), involved in farming, local business and services.

There is a Hakka presence in parts of Chiayi County with unique cultural traditions and cuisine.

Indigenous communities are present in the broader region (more commonly in mountain areas), contributing to Taiwan’s cultural diversity.

Like many rural areas in Taiwan, Xikou has an aging demographic as younger residents often move to cities for work.

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited in rural Xikou; Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants and vegetable dishes at markets can work. Always say '我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)' and verify no fish sauce or lard is used.

Vegan choices are available mainly in larger towns. Communicate clearly about animal products (eggs, dairy, lard) and consider shopping for fresh fruit and vegetable dishes.

Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon locally; Muslims may need to eat at vegetarian spots, pack food or travel to nearby Chiayi City for halal options.

If you have allergies, carry translated notes in Chinese explaining the allergens and confirm with cooks; cross-contamination can happen in small kitchens.