Things To Do
in Sihu

A Taiwanese classic made with fresh local oysters, starch batter and sweet-savory sauce — found at night markets and seafood stalls nearby.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked minced pork over rice; a ubiquitous comfort dish available in small eateries around Sihu.

Locally harvested shellfish, grilled or steamed at coastal stalls and oyster farms; best eaten immediately.

Lightly battered and fried small local fish — a common snack or appetizer to accompany beer or tea.

Small cluster of stalls selling fresh produce, breakfast snacks and local ingredients — good for sampling soybean drinks, rice porridge and savory pancakes.

Scattered seafood and snack vendors in the evening near the waterfront or community centers; try oyster dishes, fried snacks and skewers.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) or nod is polite. Use both hands to give/receive items in formal situations, though this is relaxed in everyday interactions.

Remove hats, speak quietly and avoid pointing feet toward altars when visiting temples. Follow any photography rules and be respectful during rituals.

Remove shoes when entering private homes and some traditional establishments; look for cues at the door.

Sharing dishes is common. Expect communal plates; avoid sticking chopsticks upright into rice and show appreciation by trying local specialties.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected in Sihu; small gestures of appreciation (rounded-up change or a polite thank-you) are sufficient. In higher-end hotels or tour services, service charges may be included; check the bill before tipping.

Cash (NTD) is widely accepted in small eateries, markets and rural vendors. Credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants or shops but not everywhere; bring cash for stalls and farms. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are growing but usage in rural areas may be limited—carry cash for convenience.

Pleasant temperatures and blooming roadside flora; prime time for bird migration through the wetlands. Humidity starts to rise later in the season; occasional rain showers occur.

Hot, humid and often sultry with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the occasional typhoon (June–October peak season). Coastal breezes help at the dikes, but bring sun protection and expect high humidity.

Generally the most comfortable time to visit — cooler, lower humidity and clearer skies; great for outdoor exploration, photography and seafood feasts after the summer growing season.

Mild and somewhat cooler with lower humidity; fewer tourists and crisp mornings are good for birdwatching, though rainfall can still occur intermittently.

Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan — local youth teams and community games are common in rural townships.

Pickup basketball in school yards and community courts is popular with young people.

Leisure and touring cycling along flat coastal and dike roads is popular among locals and visitors alike.

Not a spectator sport per se, but fishing, clam digging and oyster farming are everyday working activities that also serve a recreational role locally.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in a seafood- and farm-focused township. Look for tofu, vegetable noodle soups and egg-based dishes; confirm no fish sauce or dried seafood are used by asking '有沒有用魚露或海鮮？' (Are fish sauce or seafood used?).

Vegan choices are scarce; bring snacks or be prepared to eat simple vegetable soups and rice. Communicate clearly in Mandarin to avoid hidden animal-based ingredients.

Many local dishes contain soy sauce or batter. If you need gluten-free options, request plain steamed dishes, fresh seafood without batter and rice-based items; bring a translation card if needed.

If you have shellfish allergies, exercise caution as cross-contamination is common in a shellfish-producing area. Specify allergies in Mandarin: '我對貝類過敏' (I’m allergic to shellfish).