Things To Do
in Zhutian

A ubiquitous Taiwanese comfort dish of minced braised pork over rice—widely available in small eateries around Zhutian and very affordable.

Must-Try!

Popular in Pingtung and neighboring coastal towns; try it as soup, fried or in congee in local seafood restaurants—fresh and mild-flavored.

Pingtung produces mangoes, pineapples and papaya—try seasonal fruit from roadside stands or farmers’ markets for peak sweetness.

A Taiwanese night market staple—crispy-soft omelette with plump oysters and a savory-sweet sauce, found in nearby markets.

Dress modestly at temples, remove hats indoors and avoid loud behavior. Do not step on thresholds, and follow any rituals or signage.

Taiwanese value politeness—queue calmly, use a soft voice and say thank you (謝謝). Avoid confronting people loudly in public.

Use both hands for formal exchanges (gifts, business cards) where appropriate, and accept small food offerings politely.

Some homes and traditional guesthouses require removing shoes—look for shoe racks or ask before entering.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is expected without a tip. In higher-end restaurants or for private guides, a small tip (or rounding up) is appreciated but never required.

Cash (NT$) is widely used in small towns—carry some for market stalls and buses. Contactless payment and credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels. EasyCard (transport card) is useful for buses, trains and some stores.

Spring (March–May) brings warming temperatures, flowering trees and active planting—pleasant weather for cycling and outdoor photography. Occasional rain showers increase toward late spring.

Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms and the typhoon season starting—expect high temperatures, strong sun and the chance of tropical storms; plan coastal or beach days early and monitor weather forecasts.

Autumn (September–November) is often the most comfortable time: warm days, lower humidity after typhoon season and clear skies—ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter (December–February) is mild and drier than the north—cooler mornings and evenings but generally comfortable; rare cold snaps can occur but snow is unheard of.

Within easy driving distance—offers coastal cliff walks, short jungle trails and panoramic viewpoints (Longpan Park, Maobitou) suitable for sunrise and sunset photography.

Scenic seaside trails and boardwalks around Dapeng Bay provide easy hikes with birdwatching and estuary views.

A popular urban-natural hike with varied trails and city-to-coast views; about an hour’s drive from Zhutian—good for half-day hikes.

Numerous informal walking routes through rice paddies and between villages—ideal for short, low-difficulty walks and photography.

The majority of residents are ethnic Han Taiwanese (Hoklo), speaking Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien; traditional farming families are common.

There are Hakka communities and other Han subgroups in Pingtung County with distinct cultural practices and foods.

Pingtung County includes indigenous communities (such as the Paiwan and Rukai) in the broader region—indigenous culture is an important part of southern Taiwan’s identity, though less dominant directly in Zhutian township.

Rural townships often have a higher proportion of older residents involved in agriculture; younger people may commute to larger towns for work.

Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan with local youth and community games popular—watching or joining a local game is common in small towns.

Cycling is popular for both commuting and recreation; Zhutian’s flat roads attract cyclists and bike touring is a favored activity for visitors.

While not a sport, scooters are the dominant mode of transport and a core part of everyday mobility and local culture.

Surfing, snorkeling and fishing are popular along the nearby coast and Kenting area, drawing outdoor enthusiasts.