Things To Do
in Beinan

Beinan is a tranquil township in eastern Taiwan’s Taitung County, set along a scenic reach of the Pacific coast and rolling highlands. It hosts the renowned Beinan Archaeological Site, one of Taiwan’s most important prehistoric discoveries and a window into ancient cultures. The area blends coastal scenery, Indigenous heritage, and easy access to nearby mountains and valleys, making it a relaxed base for exploration.

Visitors can enjoy low-key beaches, markets, and nature trails while staying away from more crowded tourist hubs.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your trip by visiting the Beinan Cultural Park, where you can learn about the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. Stroll through the beautifully preserved archaeological site and marvel at the ancient relics. Don't forget to take snapshots of the stunning landscapes that frame the park.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby National Museum of Prehistory to delve deeper into the history and culture of Taiwan's early civilizations. Engage with interesting exhibits and interactive displays. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the surrounding nature trails.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Taiwanese dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties such as braised pork rice and bubble tea. Spend your evening wandering around the night markets, soaking in the lively atmosphere and picking up unique souvenirs. End the day with a peaceful stroll along the riverside.

day 2
Natural Wonders
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area, where lush landscapes and stunning mountains await. Enjoy a leisurely hike amidst the diverse flora and fauna while taking in the breathtaking views. Bring along a packed breakfast to enjoy in the heart of nature.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, relax at the famous Chihpen Hot Springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Indulge in a rejuvenating soak, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of babbling streams. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying a mud bath for an extra treat.

evening
:

As night falls, grab dinner at one of the hot spring resorts that offer an array of local seafood dishes. Afterward, experience the calm ambiance of the hot springs at night, with the steam rising and the stars above. Take some time to reflect on the day's adventures in this tranquil setting.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🚕Short taxi ride$4-8
🧋Bubble tea$2-4
🏨Budget hotel per night$40-70
🧭Public transit day pass$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Excellent access to coast and mountains from a single base
  • Strong Indigenous culture and fresh seafood
  • High walkability in town centers and coastal paths
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Some rural areas have fewer English-speaking services
  • Public transport can be sparse outside main towns
  • Weather can be humid in summer and unpredictable during typhoon season
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "謝謝" - Thank you
  • "請問廁所在哪裡?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少錢?" - How much is this?
  • "可以刷卡嗎?" - Can I pay by card?
  • "幫忙/請" - Please / Help
  • "我不懂" - I don’t understand
  • "太好了" - Great/Excellent
  • "你會說英文嗎?" - Do you speak English?
  • "再見" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Beinan

Visit one of these nice places.

Beinan Cultural Park and Beinan Archaeological Site

Open-air mounds and museum grounds provide historical context with soft morning light and wide landscape shots.

Taitung Forest Park

Expansive greenery, lakes, and winding paths offer opportunities for nature photography and candid park scenes.

Liyushan Park Lookout

Elevated viewpoints over the city and coast, ideal for sunset panoramas.

Beinan Coastline Viewpoints

Rugged shorelines and turquoise water provide dramatic seascapes, especially at sunrise and during windy days.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beinan

Beinan’s cuisine blends fresh seafood, Indigenous flavors, and simple countryside cooking. Expect a lot of seafood, tropical fruits, soy-based dishes, and comforting family-style meals, with ample tea and local fruit beverages to refresh after a day of exploration.

Beinan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Three-Cup Chicken

A fragrant chicken dish cooked with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine; widely found in local eateries and casual restaurants.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette

A classic Taiwanese street staple combining oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter, served with savory sauce at night markets and stalls.

Grilled Seafood Skewers

Freshly caught seafood skewers grilled over charcoal, popular at coastal stalls and market vendors.

Mango Shaved Ice

A tropical summer dessert featuring ripe mango, shaved ice, condensed milk, and mango syrup.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Taitung Night Market

A hub for local snacks, seafood skewers, and desserts on weekend evenings, with Indigenous-influenced bites and fresh fruit treats.

Coastal Street Stalls

Seasonal stalls along the Beinan coastline offering grilled seafood, bubble tea, and simple street dishes.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is humid subtropical, with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Rain is common in the monsoon season, and typhoons can affect the coast from late summer into autumn. Overall, comfortable conditions for outdoor activities prevail much of the year, with seasonal variations in precipitation and humidity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Personal Space

Greet with a polite nod or short Mandarin greeting like 'Ni hao'; maintain modest personal space and avoid loud conversations in public or sacred spaces.

Shopping and Vendors

Haggle gently only at markets where it’s common; thank vendors with a smile and cash exchange with both hands when appropriate.

Respect for Culture

Respect Indigenous cultures and ceremonies; ask before taking photos of people or performances.

Home Etiquette

If visiting homes or traditional venues, remove shoes when asked and greet elders respectfully.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beinan is generally safe for travelers, with typical urban and rural safety considerations. Watch for sun exposure, slippery trails after rain, and ocean currents at beaches. Carry basic emergency numbers (119 for EMS, 110 for police) and have travel insurance; stay informed on typhoon advisories during the season.

Tipping in Beinan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and most service charges are included. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not expected, particularly in casual eateries.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) and credit cards are widely accepted in towns and tourist spots. Mobile wallets and contactless payments are increasingly common, but carry some cash for markets and small stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid, and prone to afternoon storms and the chance of typhoons. Carry water, wear sun protection, and plan indoor or shaded activities during peak heat; coastal breezes make evenings pleasant.

Autumn

Milder temperatures with comfortable humidity, ideal for outdoor activities, cycling, and photography without the extreme heat.

Winter

Cool to mild with occasional rain; pack light jackets and rain gear. Outdoor exploration is still pleasant on sunny days.

Spring

Refreshing and often rainy early on, with blooming flora making trails and coastal routes especially scenic.

Nightlife Guide

Beinan at Night

Beinan’s nightlife tends to be low-key, with seaside cafes, bars, and small live-music venues concentrated near the coast and in Taitung City. Expect relaxed, friendly atmospheres rather than high-energy clubs. Many visitors enjoy sunset drinks at waterfront spots followed by casual dining and night market wanderings that continue well into the evening.

Hiking in Beinan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Beinan Hills and Coastal Ridge

A series of gentle to moderate trails with ocean vistas and forested sections.

Liyushan Summit Trail

A short ascent to city overlook points for panoramic views of Taitung and the coast.

East Rift Valley Lookout Trails

Easy to moderate trails parallel to the valley, offering agricultural landscapes and distant sea glimpses.

Airports

How to reach Beinan by plane.

Taitung Airport (TTT)

A regional airport near Beinan with domestic flights to Taipei and other cities; convenient for arrivals and departures.

Hualien Airport (HUN)

Located to the north, offering domestic connections; a longer ride by train or road to Beinan but provides alternative access to eastern Taiwan.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beinan and the nearby towns are quite walkable, especially around the Beinan Archaeological Park, Taitung City center, and the coastline. A mix of short strolls and bike-friendly lanes makes it easy to explore without a car, though longer trips to suburbs or coastal viewpoints may require a bike rental or local bus.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Indigenous Communities

Amis and Bunun communities contribute rich cultural traditions, music, and crafts to the region.

Han Chinese and New Residents

A mix of locals, migrants, and travelers add variety to markets and dining options.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

East coast waves at nearby beaches attract surfers of all levels; rental shops and lessons are widely available.

Cycling

Coastal and valley routes are popular for road biking and scenic rides.

Hiking

Gentle to moderate trails in the hills around Beinan and the broader Taitung area offer scenic overlooks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate. Public buses connect Beinan with Taitung City and nearby villages; renting a scooter or bicycle is common for exploring. Roads along the coast can be winding, so drive with care, especially in rain or high winds.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beinan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist in many places, especially set menus at larger eateries and some hotel restaurants. Look for tofu and mushroom dishes, or ask for vegetable-forward preparations and no seafood offal; many places can accommodate requests with a little advance notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Beinan and nearby towns, with larger hospitals located in Taitung City. For major medical needs, you’ll go to Taitung Hospital or private clinics; English-speaking staff may be limited, so having travel insurance and a translation app is helpful. In emergencies, dial 119 for EMS or go to the nearest hospital promptly.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide