Things To Do
in Jiuru
Jiuru (九如) is a quiet agricultural township in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan, surrounded by rice paddies, orchards and small village clusters. It serves as a low-key base for exploring southern Taiwan’s coastal towns, wetlands and Kenting’s national park to the southeast. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with local markets, temple festivals and roadside eateries reflecting traditional Taiwanese small-town culture.
Visitors come for rural scenery, nearby seafood and easy access to Pingtung and Kaohsiung attractions while avoiding big-city crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Jiuru and take some time to settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Taiwanese treats. Spend the morning exploring the quiet streets and soaking in the local culture.
Visit the Jiuru Tea Garden, where you can learn about tea production while wandering through lush greenery. Indulge in a tea tasting session, sampling some of the best brews the region has to offer. The serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, enjoying the flavors of the coast. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and watch the fishing boats come in. End the night with a visit to a night market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and local delicacies.
Start your day with a hike in the nearby Jiuru Scenic Area, where trails wind through breathtaking landscapes. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and enjoy panoramic views from the higher elevations. A packed breakfast can be done picnic-style amidst nature.
After the hike, visit the nearby Wang Chuan Waterfalls for some stunning photo opportunities. You can also take a refreshing swim in the natural pools to cool off after your trek. Enjoy a packed lunch by the waterfall, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.
Return to Jiuru for a quiet dinner at a family-run eatery, famous for its homemade dishes. Share stories with locals who frequent the place and hear about the town's captivating history. Wrap up the evening with a visit to a local hot spring for ultimate relaxation under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.60-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Taiwanese atmosphere with scenic landscapes.
- Close access to coastal seafood hubs, wetlands and Kenting National Park.
- Lower prices and fewer tourists compared with big-city destinations.
- Good base for cycling, birdwatching and relaxed exploration of southern Taiwan.
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions within the township itself.
- Public transport options are sparser—a car or scooter is useful.
- Summers are hot and typhoon risk can disrupt travel plans.
- Fewer international-dining options and English signage outside major towns.
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問… (qǐngwèn...)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
- "多少錢？ (duōshao qián?)" - How much is it?
- "廁所在哪裡？ (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "不用了，謝謝 (bù yòng le, xièxie)" - No, thank you
Places to Visit in Jiuru
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive paddy fields at golden hour, classic southern Taiwan rural scenes with water reflections and farmers working in season.
Coastal wetlands with wide horizons, tidal flats and sunset views; ideal for bird and landscape photography.
Fishing boats, auction scenes and seafood stalls provide colorful, active compositions—especially around dawn or dusk.
Dramatic coastal rock formations, clear seas and a lighthouse that makes a strong focal point at sunrise or sunset.
In winter months the valley hosts migrating butterflies; lush terrain and rivers create great nature shots.
Food in Jiuru
Jiuru Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Pingtung specialty: served fried, in soup, or as congee; fresh milkfish is found at coastal restaurants and Donggang seafood stalls.
Must-Try!
Comfort food staple — minced braised pork over rice available at roadside diners throughout Jiuru and nearby towns.
Night-market classic — a savory omelette with fresh oysters and sweet-spicy sauce, commonly found at Pingtung and Kaohsiung markets.
Perfect for the southern heat — toppings include mango, pomelo and local fruits at dessert stalls and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-scale market selling fresh produce, breakfast snacks, tofu and local fruits — great for quick bites and people-watching.
Regional night market with a broad range of street foods, seafood stalls, dessert vendors and local snacks to sample.
Coastal fish market specializing in tuna and seasonal catches — buy fresh seafood or eat at nearby seafood eateries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly nod or '你好' (nǐ hǎo). A relaxed, respectful tone works better than loud behavior in small towns.
Remove hats, be quiet and avoid pointing footwear toward altars. Ask before taking photos of rituals or people.
Many homes and some traditional eateries ask visitors to remove shoes—follow the host’s lead.
Form lines at stalls and buses; pushy behavior is frowned upon. Use two hands when offering/receiving items like cards or small gifts.
Safety
Tipping in Jiuru
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may be included at higher-end restaurants. Small cash tips are appreciated but not expected—rounding up is fine.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, NTD) is widely used in small towns and markets; credit cards are accepted at hotels, medium-to-large restaurants and many stores. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in cities but less so in rural Jiuru—carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and pleasant with occasional rain; flowers and orchards come into bloom. Good time for outdoor activities before the summer heat intensifies.
Hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F); ideal for beach visits but bring sun protection and hydrate. Typhoon season starts to ramp up (June–October) so monitor forecasts.
Generally comfortable with less humidity and clearer skies; a good window for hiking and cycling. Remaining typhoon risk in early autumn can bring sudden heavy rain.
Mild and drier than the north of Taiwan, with cooler nights but seldom freezing; great for outdoor exploration and birdwatching in wetlands.
Jiuru at Night
Hiking in Jiuru
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for river valleys, forested trails and winter butterfly migrations; a mix of easy walks and more scenic hiking routes.
Coastal hikes with dramatic rock formations, beaches and lighthouse viewpoints—suitable for varied fitness levels.
Shorter trails near Kaohsiung with panoramic city and harbor views; watch for wild macaques and slippery sections after rain.
Flat, accessible boardwalks and paths around wetlands for birdwatching and easy nature walks, ideal for sunrise and sunset visits.
Airports
How to reach Jiuru by plane.
Major regional airport about 40–70 minutes by car from Jiuru depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and is the most convenient gateway to southern Taiwan.
Smaller domestic airport north of Jiuru, useful for select domestic or regional connections; ground transport to Jiuru takes around 1–1.5 hours.
Taiwan’s primary international hub near Taipei; about 3.5–4.5 hours away by high-speed rail and car—useful for international arrivals who plan to traverse the island.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Jiuru—many residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien in daily life alongside Mandarin.
Pingtung County includes indigenous groups such as the Rukai and Paiwan in nearby higher-elevation areas, contributing cultural festivals, crafts and traditions.
Like many rural areas, Jiuru has an older demographic as younger people often move to cities for work and education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Taiwan’s most popular sport—watching local and professional games is a favorite pastime in cities and regional centers.
Common recreational sport for younger locals and in school programs; pickup games in town courts are frequent.
South Taiwan coast near Kenting offers surfing, snorkeling and diving opportunities during calmer months.
Traditional and competitive sport in southern Taiwan during the Dragon Boat Festival, with teams and community events along rivers and bays.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jiuru.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in the form of vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and Buddhist-style restaurants. Ask for “素菜” (sù cài) or use apps/phrase cards to indicate no meat/fish, as many broths and sauces may contain fish or pork flavors.
Vegan options exist but can be more limited; confirm no fish sauce or lard is used. Bigger towns have dedicated vegetarian/vegan eateries; carry a translation card describing restrictions.
Rice and fresh seafood are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauces and processed items often contain gluten. Ask chefs about ingredients and favor simple grilled or steamed dishes.