Things To Do
in Toucheng
Toucheng (頭城) is a coastal township in Yilan County on Taiwan’s northeastern shore, known for its fishing ports, surf beaches and views of Guishan (Turtle) Island. The town blends traditional markets and old streets with modern attractions like the Lanyang Museum and a growing surf culture around Wushi/Waiao beaches. Toucheng sits on the broad, fertile Lanyang Plain, offering easy cycling routes, seafood dining and quick access to Jiaoxi’s hot springs and inland mountain parks.
It’s a quieter alternative to Taipei with strong local character, seafood-focused cuisine and outdoor activities year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the picturesque beaches of Toucheng, where the soft golden sands meet the clear blue waters. Enjoy the gentle sound of waves crashing while you breathe in the fresh sea air, perfect for a morning meditation or yoga session. Afterward, indulge in a local breakfast at a beachside café, trying out fresh seafood dishes that are unique to the area.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby coastal paths that lead you to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Stop by the Toucheng Leisure Fish Market, where you can see local fishermen at work and sample some delicious, freshly caught seafood. As the sun begins to dip, take a moment to relax on the beach, enjoying the warm sun on your skin.
As night falls, head to a local night market where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample a variety of Taiwanese street foods. Try dishes like oyster omelets and stinky tofu while mingling with locals and other travelers. End your evening with a walk along the beach, catching the moonlight reflecting off the water.
Begin your day at the Toucheng Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town's rich history and traditions through interactive exhibits. Engage with local artisans who are eager to share their crafts, from pottery to traditional weaving. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Taiwanese pastries.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Toucheng Old Street, where you can explore quaint shops selling handmade goods and local snacks. Take a guided tour of the beautifully preserved temples, each telling a unique story of the area's past. Don't forget to stop for tea at a local teahouse, experiencing the traditional Taiwanese tea culture.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant that specializes in Hakka cuisine, where you can savor hearty dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Engage with the friendly staff who may share stories about the dishes and their cultural significance. Conclude your day by attending a cultural performance, showcasing traditional music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Café coffee | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
| 🚲Bike rental (day) | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich coastal scenery with good surf and seafood.
- Laid-back local atmosphere and proximity to hot springs and mountains.
- Good rail and road connections to Yilan and Taipei.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment compared with larger cities.
- Typhoon and heavy-rain risk in summer and early autumn.
- Public-transport options within rural areas can be less frequent—some attractions require scooter or car.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問… (Qǐngwèn…)" - Excuse me / May I ask…
- "這個多少錢？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "廁所在哪裡？ (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "我不能吃海鮮 (Wǒ bùnéng chī hǎixiān)" - I can’t eat seafood
Places to Visit in Toucheng
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking architecture that echoes the coastal landscape; great for exterior and interior shots about regional history and geology.
Golden sands, surfing action, and views of Guishan Island at sunrise and sunset—excellent for dynamic seascapes and lifestyle photos.
Narrow lanes, traditional facades and local vendors that capture everyday Taiwanese small-town life.
Wide agricultural plains meeting the sea provide sweeping landscape shots, especially during golden hour and with rice-field reflections.
Lookouts along the coast offer framed views of Turtle Island—best viewed with telephoto lens or during early morning light.
Food in Toucheng
Toucheng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish, squid and shellfish served raw or simply grilled at harbor-side stalls and small restaurants; best at Wushi Fishing Harbor and evening markets.
Must-Try!
A warming pot of seasonal seafood, vegetables and local broth—great after a day of surfing or hiking; many family-run restaurants offer well-priced versions.
Simple breakfast stalls sell scallion pancakes (蔥油餅), egg crepes and soy milk—perfect for an early start before exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small vendors selling traditional snacks, fried seafood bites, sweets and drinks; try fried tempura-like seafood and local desserts.
Freshly prepared seafood, grilled skewers and sashimi sold near the fishing ports—go in the late afternoon or early evening for best selection.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and behave respectfully in temples—avoid loud behavior, and follow any photography signs. Show deference to elders and local customs.
It’s common to remove shoes before entering someone’s home and some traditional guesthouses—follow host cues and use provided slippers.
Taiwanese are generally orderly—queue for trains, buses and food vendors. Cutting in line is frowned upon.
Keep voices low on trains and buses and set phones to vibrate; loud phone calls are considered impolite.
Safety
Tipping in Toucheng
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Taiwan and many places include service charges; small tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not required. For guided tours or private drivers, a modest tip is fine.
Cash (NTD) is widely used for street food, markets and small shops—bring cash for harbor stalls. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and many shops. Carry an EasyCard (悠遊卡) for local buses and regional trains; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming rice paddies and fewer rainy days early on; a pleasant time for cycling and outdoor photography but expect occasional showers later in spring.
Hot, humid and the busiest beach season; ideal for surfing and swimming but also the main typhoon and heavy-rain period (especially Jul–Sep). Bring sun protection and monitor weather forecasts.
Often the most comfortable travel window after typhoon season ends—pleasant temperatures, clearer skies and good surf conditions; great for outdoor activities and food festivals.
Cooler and drier with occasional cold snaps but generally mild compared with northern climates; a good time for hot springs, landscape photography and quieter streets.
Toucheng at Night
Hiking in Toucheng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
When permitted, guided visits to Turtle Island include marine-wildlife spotting and short island trails; these are seasonal and require advance booking.
Near Jiaoxi, a short network of trails with waterfall viewpoints and forested steps—suitable for half-day hikes and family outings.
A longer drive inland offering alpine forests, suspension bridges and higher-elevation trails—great for a full-day or overnight trip from Toucheng.
Short coastal trails and headland paths near the harbor and beaches provide easy walks with good coastal vistas and sunrise/sunset photography opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Toucheng by plane.
Main international gateway to Taiwan, ~1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; accessible by bus and then train or direct bus services to Yilan (takes longer).
Smaller domestic and regional airport closer to Taipei; ~1.5 hours by car to Toucheng and useful for some domestic connections.
Located to the south along the east coast, useful if combining trips to Hualien and eastern Taiwan—longer drive but possible as part of regional travel plans.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Hoklo-speaking Taiwanese Han with deep local ties to fishing and agriculture.
The area has historical ties to the Kavalan people and other indigenous groups; cultural traces remain in place names and some local traditions.
A growing presence of young surfers, hospitality workers and entrepreneurs attracted to the surf and tourism economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A local favorite around Wushi and Waiao; surfing schools and rental shops serve beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Leisure cycling on flat Lanyang Plain routes and designated paths attracts families and photographers.
Both commercial and recreational fishing are important—local fishermen and charter trips are part of the coastal lifestyle.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toucheng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small harbor restaurants; try noodle shops, vegetarian restaurants in larger towns (Yilan/Luodong) or order vegetable-based dishes at regular eateries. Note that many broths and sauces may contain fish or meat stock—ask (in Mandarin) if dishes are vegetarian.
Vegan and strict gluten-free dining can be challenging; larger towns nearby have better choices. Bring snacks and learn key phrases to clarify ingredients when ordering.
Seafood is central to local cuisine—if you have allergies, communicate clearly, avoid harbor stalls and opt for noodle or rice shops. Keep emergency medication on hand.