Things To Do
in Chaozhou
Chaozhou (潮州) is a small, working-town township in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan, known for its agricultural surroundings, seafood markets and relaxed local life. The town mixes traditional Taiwanese temple culture, bustling street-food stalls and straightforward everyday commerce rather than major tourist attractions. It is a convenient base for exploring Pingtung County’s coastal fishing harbors, wetlands and nearby low hills, with easy access to Kaohsiung by train or car.
Visitors come for authentic local food, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace compared with Taiwan’s larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Chaozhou Ancient City, where you can admire the traditional architecture and beautiful temples. Stroll through the historic streets, taking in the sights of the intricate carvings and decorations that tell the stories of the city's heritage. Don't forget to stop by the famous Kaiyuan Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the region, to soak in its serene atmosphere.
After a delicious lunch at a local eatery, head to the Chaozhou Cultural Museum to learn about the city's rich cultural history and traditions. Explore the exhibits that showcase ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and local crafts, giving you a deeper appreciation for Chaozhou's artistic legacy. As the afternoon sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the city walls, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In the evening, experience the vibrant night market scene at the Chaozhou Night Market, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies, including the famous Chaozhou beef hotpot. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with local vendors, street performers, and the enticing aroma of street food. Cap off your night by enjoying a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house, where you can unwind and reflect on your day's adventures.
Begin your day with a visit to a local market to experience the bustling atmosphere and sample fresh produce and snacks. Join a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Chaozhou dishes, such as oyster omelets and spring rolls. This hands-on experience will not only teach you about local flavors but also connect you with the culinary traditions of the region.
After lunch, visit a local tea plantation where you can discover the art of tea picking and the process of tea production. Participate in a guided tasting session, where you'll learn about the different types of teas produced in Chaozhou, including the renowned Tieguanyin. Enjoy the serene surroundings of the plantation as you sip tea and take in the beautiful views of the lush hills.
As evening approaches, head to a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Chaozhou banquet, known for its fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. Enjoy dishes such as braised duck and shrimp dumplings, all while soaking in the ambiance of a family-run eatery. Finish off your culinary journey with dessert at a local sweet shop, where you can try traditional pastries and sweets unique to the area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚍Local bus ride | $0.60-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $45-90 |
| 🍺Beer at a small bar | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local Taiwanese town atmosphere and cuisine
- Affordable food and lodging
- Convenient base for exploring southern Pingtung and nearby coasts
- Good opportunities for food, market and cultural photography
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Public transport can be infrequent for rural excursions
- Hot, humid summers with typhoon risk
- English signage and speakers are less common than in major tourist centers
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "請問，廁所在哪裡？ (qǐng wèn, cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- "多少錢？ (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is it?
- "我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "對不起 (duì bù qǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Chaozhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, colorful storefronts, market stalls and locals going about their routines—best in the morning and at dusk.
Temples with ornate carvings, lanterns and ritual activity are excellent for architectural and cultural photography—respectful distance during ceremonies is advised.
Classic Taiwanese rail scenes with locals boarding local trains—good for candid commuter photography.
Sunrise and sunset over waterways, fishing boats and mudflats offer dramatic light and birdlife opportunities.
Wide-open landscapes, reflections in flooded fields and seasonal agricultural activity make for peaceful, pastoral shots.
Food in Chaozhou
Chaozhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Milkfish is a southern Taiwan staple—try milkfish soup, milkfish congee or fried milkfish at local seafood stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
A beloved Taiwanese street-food classic—crispy, savory and often found at night markets and food stalls in Chaozhou.
A comforting bowl of rice topped with savory braised pork—available in almost every local eatery.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning markets sell fresh produce, seafood and breakfast items—great for sampling local fruits, steamed buns and soy milk.
Evening street-food clusters where you can taste oyster omelettes, grilled seafood, stinky tofu and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or a simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) is appreciated. Use polite language with elders and show deference in temple settings.
Remove shoes when entering some homes and certain traditional businesses—follow hosts' cues.
Dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and do not point at altars or step on incense offerings; ask before photographing rituals or people closely.
Taiwanese value order—queue politely for shops and buses, and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Chaozhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally unnecessary in small eateries and taxis; exceptional service may be acknowledged but is not expected. Many hotels and some tourist services may include service charges.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used—carry cash for markets and small stalls. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and convenience stores; contactless/mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, JKoPay) are increasingly common in urban areas. ATMs compatible with international cards are available in town and in nearby Pingtung/Kaohsiung.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and gradually humid with occasional rain—flowers and agricultural activity start to pick up; good for outdoor exploring but carry a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid and sunny with frequent heavy showers and the official typhoon season (June–October); plan outdoor activities in the morning and monitor weather warnings.
Pleasant and slightly cooler with clearer skies—one of the best times to visit for comfortable weather and fewer storms.
Mild and drier compared with northern Taiwan—temperatures are comfortable though evenings can be cool; no snow in this region.
Chaozhou at Night
Hiking in Chaozhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat riverside paths ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and cycling along the Gaoping River estuary with good sunrise and sunset views.
A short drive from Chaozhou, Maolin offers forested trails, waterfalls and seasonal butterfly migrations—good for half-day or full-day hikes.
Located near Kaohsiung, about an hour away—popular for short hikes, city views and encounters with wild macaques; accessible as a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Chaozhou by plane.
The closest major international airport—about a 45–80 minute drive depending on traffic; reachable by car, taxi or a combination of train and bus.
Smaller regional airport farther north—useful for some domestic and limited regional flights; about 1.5–2 hours by car.
Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei—approximately 3.5–4 hours by high-speed rail plus local transit; best for international arrivals if flying into Taipei.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority in much of southern Taiwan—local language and culture reflect Minnan (Hokkien) traditions and cuisine.
Smaller numbers of Hakka and other Han communities with distinct cultural influences in the region.
Pingtung County has indigenous populations in certain areas—cultural events and traditions are present in the broader county.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan and local pickup games and youth leagues are common.
Basketball is popular among youth and adults with many neighborhood courts in towns and cities.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity for exploring flat coastal roads; fishing is both a livelihood and pastime in coastal communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaozhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist at some restaurants and Buddhist-style eateries; tell vendors '我不吃肉' (wǒ bù chī ròu) and use '不葷' or '素食' to indicate vegetarian. Many street stalls focus on meat and seafood, so look for dedicated vegetarian stalls in markets or larger towns nearby.
Vegan and gluten-free options are limited in small towns—larger grocery stores in Pingtung or Kaohsiung stock more choices. Communicate dietary needs clearly in Mandarin or use a translation card.
Seafood is widespread—if you have shellfish allergies, explicitly state this in Mandarin: '我對海鮮過敏' (wǒ duì hǎixiān guòmǐn). Cross-contamination in small kitchens is possible.