Things To Do
in Zhunan

Zhunan is a coastal township in Miaoli County on Taiwan’s west coast, known for its fishing harbor, seaside views and strong local Hakka cultural influence. The town serves as a practical gateway between the central Taiwan plains and nearby low mountains, with easy rail connections and a relaxed small-town pace. Local life centers around seafood, temple festivals (particularly Mazu-related culture) and a stretch of pleasant coastline popular with cyclists and sunset-watchers.

Zhunan offers a blend of working harbor activity, everyday Taiwanese town life, and quick access to nearby hiking and regional attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Zhunan Old Street, where you can explore traditional shops and local delicacies. As you stroll, be sure to try the famous Taiwanese breakfast items like soy milk and crispy fried dough. The vibrant atmosphere and the sounds of vendors will immerse you in the local culture.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the nearby Miaoli County Hakka Cultural Museum to learn about the rich heritage of the Hakka people. The exhibits are engaging and informative, showcasing traditional crafts, music, and food. Take your time to appreciate the cultural significance of the Hakka community in this region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the Zhunan Harbor to enjoy a scenic view of the coastline. Grab dinner at one of the seafood restaurants that line the harbor, offering fresh catches of the day. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

day 2
Nature and Tea Plantations
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the nearby tea plantations in the hills surrounding Zhunan. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process, from leaf picking to brewing. Enjoy sampling various types of tea, appreciating the delicate flavors while surrounded by lush greenery.

afternoon
:

After your tea experience, hike along one of the scenic trails that wind through the plantations. The hike offers stunning views of the valleys and is a perfect opportunity to take memorable photographs of the landscape. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst the tea fields, enjoying the fresh air and tranquility.

evening
:

Return to Zhunan and explore the local night market, where the vibrant lights and aromas create an inviting atmosphere. Try various street foods, from stinky tofu to bubble tea, and enjoy the lively ambiance. Spend some time shopping for unique souvenirs and handcrafted items from local artisans.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🍺Beer (local, at a bar)$2-4
🚆Short train ride (local TRA)$0.7-3
🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night)$30-60
Coffee or bubble tea$1.5-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to the coast with great seafood and sunset views
  • Strong local culture (Hakka influence and temple traditions)
  • Easy rail access and a quieter, authentic small-town experience
  • Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
  • Smaller town infrastructure—some services may require travel to a larger city
  • Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in certain months
  • "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "多少錢?(duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
  • "在哪裡?(zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is...?
  • "我不能吃海鮮 (wǒ bùnéng chī hǎixiān)" - I can't eat seafood

Places to Visit in Zhunan

Visit one of these nice places.

Zhunan Fishing Harbor

Capture working boats, early-morning fish markets, and colorful nets—excellent for candid maritime scenes and sunrise light.

Coastal Bikeway and Promenade

Long coastal stretches offer wide seascapes, cycling motion shots and sunset vistas over the Taiwan Strait.

Local Temple (Mazu/folk shrine)

Temples with ornate carvings, lanterns and ritual activity provide vibrant cultural and architectural photo opportunities—respect rituals and signage.

Rice Paddies and Low Hills (nearby countryside)

Seasonal patterns of paddies and small hills create classic Taiwanese rural landscapes—great for golden hour photography and seasonal shots.

Harbor-front Night Scenes

Evening seafood stalls, illuminated shop signs and reflections on wet pavement make attractive night photography subjects.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zhunan

Zhunan’s cuisine emphasizes fresh west-coast seafood and regional Hakka specialties; meals tend to be straightforward, flavorful and affordable. Local vendors, night markets and family-run restaurants make it easy to try small-plate dishes and seasonal catches.

Zhunan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fresh Seafood (grilled, sashimi, hot pot)

Seafood straight from the harbor—grilled fish, squid, shellfish and seafood hot pot are widely available at harbor-side restaurants and markets.

Must-Try!

Hakka Stir-fry & Lei Cha (Thunder Tea Rice)

Hakka cuisine features preserved vegetables, salt-baked chicken, and lei cha—a savory tea-rice bowl—found in local Hakka eateries and specialty restaurants.

Bawan (Taiwanese meatball) and Taiwanese street snacks

Common night-market items include bawan, scallion pancakes and small seafood-based snacks; easy to find at evening markets and stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Harbor Fish Market

Early-morning market where local fishermen sell the day’s catch; great for buying fresh seafood or trying simple harbor-side cooked plates.

Local Night Market / Street Stalls

Evening markets offer grilled seafood, skewers, local desserts and bubble tea—ideal for sampling a variety of flavors affordably.

Climate Guide

Weather

Zhunan has a subtropical coastal climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall peaks during the plum-rain season in late spring and the typhoon season in summer/early autumn; autumn tends to be the driest and most comfortable time for travel. Sea breezes moderate temperatures along the coast, but humidity remains high much of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and religious etiquette

Be respectful at temples—avoid loud behavior, follow signs about photography, remove hats if required and do not touch offerings.

Shoes and indoor manners

Some homes or traditional eateries may ask you to remove shoes—watch for cues and follow hosts’ directions.

Politeness and queuing

Taiwanese people value polite, low-key interaction; form orderly lines for buses and service counters, and greet with a nod or ‘hello’ rather than a loud approach.

Respect for elders

Show deference to older people, use two hands when offering items, and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zhunan is generally safe for travelers with low violent-crime rates; common-sense precautions against petty theft apply. Watch for scooter traffic when crossing roads and be cautious on wet surfaces after rain. During typhoon season heed local warnings, avoid flood-prone areas and follow evacuation instructions if issued. Carry travel insurance and keep emergency contacts handy.

Tipping in Zhunan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; restaurants and small vendors expect no tip. Higher-end hotels or tour services may include a service charge—rounding up is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash (NTD) is widely used—convenience stores and local vendors accept cash. Contactless cards, mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and domestic e-wallets are increasingly common; carry a Taiwan EasyCard (悠遊卡) for buses, trains and small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (March–May)

Mild temperatures and occasional rain; cherry blossoms and green hills inland make hikes pleasant but pack a light rain jacket and layers.

Summer (June–August)

Hot, humid and often sunny with a higher chance of typhoons from July to September; beach and coastal activities are popular—use sun protection and monitor weather advisories.

Autumn (September–November)

Generally the most pleasant season—warm days, cooler evenings and lower rainfall after typhoon season; great for outdoor activities and cycling.

Winter (December–February)

Mild to cool temperatures with occasional chilly nights; fewer tourists and comfortable daytime weather—pack a warm layer for evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Zhunan at Night

Zhunan’s nightlife is low-key compared with Taiwan’s big cities—evenings center on seafood restaurants, casual bars, night markets and karaoke (KTV). You’ll find locals gathering at eateries or stalls rather than sprawling club scenes; for livelier nightlife, nearby Hsinchu or Taichung offer more options within an hour’s travel.

Hiking in Zhunan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Ridge and Low Hill Trails

Short trails on the low hills behind the coast provide easy loops, views over rice paddies and the Taiwan Strait—good for gentle hikes and sunrise/sunset photography.

Tea Plantation Loops (nearby countryside)

Trails winding through tea terraces and agricultural land offer scenic, shaded walks and insight into local farming.

Regional Mid-Elevation Trails (Miaoli hills)

A range of day-hike options in nearby Miaoli County offer moderate climbs, forested paths and viewpoints—suitable for half- or full-day hikes depending on the trail.

Wetland and Bird-watching Walkways

Coastal wetlands near Zhunan have boardwalks and short trails popular with bird-watchers and nature photographers, especially during migration seasons.

Airports

How to reach Zhunan by plane.

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Main international gateway to northern Taiwan; reachable by car or bus in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and train connections.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

Smaller airport with some regional flights; about 1–1.5 hours drive from Zhunan and convenient for some domestic connections.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Closer to Taipei city for domestic/regional flights; useful if connecting to domestic flights or traveling between Taipei and Zhunan by rail.

Miaoli High-Speed Rail Station (nearby HSR access)

High-Speed Rail station in the Miaoli area gives fast access to Taipei and Taichung; use local buses or taxis to connect to Zhunan.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central town area along the harbor and main streets is quite walkable and flat; attractions near the waterfront, local markets and temples are easy to reach on foot. For reaching more distant beaches, trails or inland sites, expect to use a bicycle, scooter or public transport as distances increase.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hoklo / Minnan Taiwanese

Many residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien and are part of the Han Chinese Hoklo community common across western Taiwan.

Hakka community

Miaoli County, including Zhunan, has a significant Hakka population—Hakka culture, food and festivals are prominent.

Mainland Chinese and other Han groups

Residents with ancestral roots from different regions of China contribute to the cultural mix and linguistic variety.

Indigenous peoples and expatriates

Smaller populations of indigenous Taiwanese and expatriates live in the region, though they are less prominent than Han communities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

A national favorite—local communities follow professional and school baseball and community games are common.

Basketball

Widely played at school courts and community centers; pick-up games are a common social activity.

Cycling

Cycling is very popular along coastal bikeways and inland routes; many locals and visitors rent bikes for short rides.

Fishing

Recreational and small-scale commercial fishing are part of local life around the harbor.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Zhunan is generally moderate; main roads can become busier during rush hours and holiday weekends. Scooters are ubiquitous—watch for them at intersections and when crossing streets. Public transportation includes Taiwan Railways (TRA) regional trains, local buses and taxis; the EasyCard is accepted on many services and makes transfers easier. Parking near the harbor and market areas can fill up during peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhunan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities; night markets and convenience stores have snacks, and many temples/cafes serve vegetable-based dishes—ask vendors for no fish sauce or lard.

Vegan

Vegan choices require asking about ingredients (egg/dairy/fish sauce). Larger nearby towns have vegetarian restaurants; carry a translation card explaining restrictions in Chinese characters.

Gluten-Free

Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce and wheat-based items are frequent—ask vendors about soy sauce and batter on fried items.

Allergies (Seafood/Nuts)

Seafood is prominent—if you have seafood allergies, communicate clearly in Mandarin or use an allergy card to avoid cross-contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and local hospitals serve Zhunan and surrounding Miaoli County for common ailments and minor injuries. For advanced specialist care or emergency treatment, larger hospitals in Miaoli City, Hsinchu or Taichung have wider services—serious cases may be transferred. Visitors should carry travel insurance and, if staying long-term, be aware Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system covers residents, not most short-term visitors.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide