Things To Do
in Beigang
Beigang (北港) is a small, historic riverside town in Yunlin County famous for its grand Chaotian Temple dedicated to Mazu and for preserving traditional Taiwanese religious culture. The town's narrow streets, old shops and food stalls around Bengang Old Street give an authentic taste of rural Taiwan, with popular snacks and seasonal temple festivals. Beigang sits on the Beigang River levee and makes a convenient base for short trips to nearby wetlands, agricultural scenery and the larger cities of Douliu and Chiayi.
Visitors come for temple ceremonies, photography of ornate temple architecture and to experience slow-paced local life and regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iconic Beigang Chao Tian Temple, marveling at its intricate architecture and vibrant decorations. After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding streets, where vendors sell traditional snacks and local crafts. Don't forget to try the famous Beigang rice dumplings at a nearby stall for a true taste of the region.
Head to the Beigang Cultural and Creative Park, where you can explore art installations and local artisan shops. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup. As the afternoon progresses, visit the nearby Beigang River to take in the serene views and perhaps rent a bicycle to explore the riverside paths.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the vibrant evening market scene at Beigang Night Market. Sample various street foods, from stinky tofu to bubble tea, while enjoying the lively atmosphere and local performances. End your day by visiting the temple again, beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical experience.
Begin your day with a visit to the Beigang Old Street, where you can admire the well-preserved buildings that reflect the town's rich history. Stop by a local bakery to taste some freshly baked traditional pastries, a perfect accompaniment to your morning tea. As you wander, chat with locals to learn more about their crafts and stories.
After exploring the Old Street, join a cooking class that teaches you how to make traditional Taiwanese dishes using local ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down to a delicious homemade lunch with your fellow participants. Post-lunch, take a short walk to the Beigang Culture Center to learn about the town's history through engaging exhibits.
In the evening, make your way to a local restaurant known for its seafood, where you can indulge in a fresh catch of the day. Pair your meal with a glass of local beer or a traditional Taiwanese rice wine. Wrap up the day by strolling along the riverside, enjoying the cool breeze and the sound of water flowing.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong living tradition of temple culture and regular festivals
- Authentic, affordable local food and street snacks
- Compact town center that's easy to explore on foot
- Good base for short trips to wetlands, countryside and nearby cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer entertainment options after dark
- Public transport within the town is limited — a scooter, bike or car helps
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon season can disrupt plans
- Fewer high-end accommodation choices compared with larger cities
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡？ (qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少錢？ (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "對不起 / 不好意思 (duìbuqǐ / bù hǎoyìsi)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "我要素食 (wǒ yào sùshí)" - I want vegetarian food
- "廁所在哪裡？(cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Beigang
Visit one of these nice places.
The town's centerpiece: highly ornate roofs, colorful deity statues and busy ritual scenes provide excellent opportunities for detail shots and cultural photography — especially during festivals.
Narrow lanes, traditional shopfronts and street-food stalls give good street-photography moments and candid shots of local life.
Sunrise and sunset views over the river with fishing boats and levee landscapes; the levee also offers long leading lines for wide-angle compositions.
After dark, many temples are dramatically lit—capture neon signs, lanterns and nighttime rituals for atmospheric images.
Seasonal agricultural scenes, bicyclists and farmworkers make for authentic rural Taiwan photography, especially in planting and harvest seasons.
Food in Beigang
Beigang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Comforting bowls of braised pork over rice or thickened meat soups; widely available at small eateries and breakfast shops around town.
Must-Try!
Sticky rice cakes, sesame sweets and sweet rice balls sold near Chaotian Temple — both for offerings and as popular local snacks; try them at old-street stalls.
A Taiwanese classic served at food stalls, often made with freshly harvested oysters from nearby coastal areas — available at local markets and street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The core cluster of old shops and food stalls around Chaotian Temple — great for sweet rice cakes, tofu desserts, braised dishes and other local snacks to try while wandering.
Small morning markets where vendors sell fresh produce, breakfast snacks and prepared foods — ideal for trying local soy milk, youtiao (fried dough) and simple home-style dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples, avoid loud behavior, do not step over incense burners or offerings, and photograph rituals respectfully (ask before shooting people).
Use polite phrases, a nod or slight bow is appreciated; locals often speak Taiwanese Hokkien—attempting a few phrases in Mandarin or Hokkien is welcomed.
Offer and receive items with both hands when possible; avoid pointing and be mindful during religious ceremonies (no flash photography near sacred objects if asked).
Safety
Tipping in Beigang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; staff generally do not expect tips. For exceptional service, rounding up small amounts or leaving loose change is appreciated but not required; upscale hotels and certain tour operators may add service charges.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in Beigang, especially at small stalls and markets. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and some shops; mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are growing but carry cash for local vendors. EasyCard and similar contactless cards are used for some public transport in nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings warming temperatures and occasional heavy rains; pollen and humidity increase. Temple festival season often intensifies—good for cultural events but carry a light rain jacket.
June–August is hot, humid and subject to typhoons (peak season July–September); expect heavy afternoon showers and high humidity. Plan outdoor activities in mornings and keep flexible plans around storm forecasts.
September–November is generally pleasant with lower humidity and cooler evenings—one of the best times to visit for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities.
December–February is mild to cool (by Taiwan standards) and drier; nights can be chilly, especially near the river. Fewer crowds make for peaceful temple visits.
Beigang at Night
Hiking in Beigang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About a 30–60 minute drive: offers hilltop trails, biking paths, panoramic views of the plains and the large Buddha statue; good for short hikes and sunset shots.
A longer day trip (approx. 2+ hours drive toward Chiayi): famous mountain trails, ancient cypress forests and sunrise viewpoints—best for a full-day nature outing.
Easy, flat walking routes along the Beigang River levee and rural lanes—ideal for short, relaxed walks to observe agricultural landscapes and local life.
A short drive to nearby wetland areas for boardwalk walks and birdwatching; seasonal migrations make this worthwhile for nature photographers.
Airports
How to reach Beigang by plane.
About 45–75 minutes' drive depending on traffic; limited international flights but convenient for southern Taiwan access and a practical option for domestic arrivals.
Closer to Alishan/Chiayi attractions and sometimes served by domestic/regional flights; roughly 45–90 minutes by car depending on route.
Taichung (RMQ) is about 1–1.5 hours away and offers domestic and limited international services; Taoyuan (TPE) is the main international hub ~2–3 hours by car or bus—both are common arrival points for international visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are Hoklo people who speak Taiwanese Hokkien and maintain many southern Taiwan cultural practices, including temple festivals.
Smaller Hakka communities and other Han Chinese subgroups live in the broader Yunlin region, contributing to local customs and cuisine.
As with many rural towns, Beigang has an older demographic presence engaged in agriculture and local trade, with younger people commuting to cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular across Taiwan; local communities follow professional leagues and local youth teams, with informal games common in schoolyards and community fields.
Basketball is widely played and easy to find courts in nearby towns and schools — popular among youth and adults alike.
Flat rural roads and levees make cycling a popular recreational activity for visitors and locals; many people rent bikes for short excursions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beigang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian monks' or temple-style dishes (齋菜) are sometimes available at or near temples; ask for '素' (sù) dishes and look for Buddhist vegetarian signs. Many noodle and vegetable dishes can be adapted, but be explicit about no fish/seafood and no lard.
Vegan options are limited outside larger cities; check ingredients carefully—soy sauce and wheat-containing products are common. Bring translation notes for strict allergies and consider eating at vegetarian temple kitchens or larger restaurants in nearby Douliu/Chiayi if necessary.