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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Capture working boats, early-morning fish markets, and colorful nets—excellent for candid maritime scenes and sunrise light.
Long coastal stretches offer wide seascapes, cycling motion shots and sunset vistas over the Taiwan Strait.
Temples with ornate carvings, lanterns and ritual activity provide vibrant cultural and architectural photo opportunities—respect rituals and signage.
Seasonal patterns of paddies and small hills create classic Taiwanese rural landscapes—great for golden hour photography and seasonal shots.
Evening seafood stalls, illuminated shop signs and reflections on wet pavement make attractive night photography subjects.
Food in Zhunan
Zhunan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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 cuisine features preserved vegetables, salt-baked chicken, and lei cha—a savory tea-rice bowl—found in local Hakka eateries and specialty restaurants.
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
Early-morning market where local fishermen sell the day’s catch; great for buying fresh seafood or trying simple harbor-side cooked plates.
Evening markets offer grilled seafood, skewers, local desserts and bubble tea—ideal for sampling a variety of flavors affordably.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be respectful at temples—avoid loud behavior, follow signs about photography, remove hats if required and do not touch offerings.
Some homes or traditional eateries may ask you to remove shoes—watch for cues and follow hosts’ directions.
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.
Show deference to older people, use two hands when offering items, and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Zhunan
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures and occasional rain; cherry blossoms and green hills inland make hikes pleasant but pack a light rain jacket and layers.
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.
Generally the most pleasant season—warm days, cooler evenings and lower rainfall after typhoon season; great for outdoor activities and cycling.
Mild to cool temperatures with occasional chilly nights; fewer tourists and comfortable daytime weather—pack a warm layer for evenings.
Zhunan at Night
Hiking in Zhunan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
Trails winding through tea terraces and agricultural land offer scenic, shaded walks and insight into local farming.
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.
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.
Main international gateway to northern Taiwan; reachable by car or bus in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and train connections.
Smaller airport with some regional flights; about 1–1.5 hours drive from Zhunan and convenient for some domestic connections.
Closer to Taipei city for domestic/regional flights; useful if connecting to domestic flights or traveling between Taipei and Zhunan by rail.
High-Speed Rail station in the Miaoli area gives fast access to Taipei and Taichung; use local buses or taxis to connect to Zhunan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien and are part of the Han Chinese Hoklo community common across western Taiwan.
Miaoli County, including Zhunan, has a significant Hakka population—Hakka culture, food and festivals are prominent.
Residents with ancestral roots from different regions of China contribute to the cultural mix and linguistic variety.
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.
A national favorite—local communities follow professional and school baseball and community games are common.
Widely played at school courts and community centers; pick-up games are a common social activity.
Cycling is very popular along coastal bikeways and inland routes; many locals and visitors rent bikes for short rides.
Recreational and small-scale commercial fishing are part of local life around the harbor.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhunan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 choices require asking about ingredients (egg/dairy/fish sauce). Larger nearby towns have vegetarian restaurants; carry a translation card explaining restrictions in Chinese characters.
Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce and wheat-based items are frequent—ask vendors about soy sauce and batter on fried items.
Seafood is prominent—if you have seafood allergies, communicate clearly in Mandarin or use an allergy card to avoid cross-contamination.