Attractions · Taoyuan
Things to do in Taoyuan.
The gateway city's own sights sit inland from the airport: Daxi's old streets, the Xpark aquarium at the high speed rail station, and the Shihmen Reservoir hills.
Daxi Old Street
Baroque-fronted shophouses on Heping Road, dried tofu in every form, and the wooden furniture and tofu shops of a town that was rich on river trade. One of the north's best old street afternoons.
How to book: Free to wander. Buses from Taoyuan and Zhongli stations; weekends are busiest and best for atmosphere.
Xpark Aquarium
The Japanese-run aquarium beside Taoyuan HSR station: a great tank of rays and sharks, penguins, and jellyfish lit like art. A strong rainy day and family anchor next to the outlet mall.
How to book: Timed tickets, bought online in advance for weekends and holidays; entry slots are enforced. The HSR and airport MRT both stop at the door.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookShihmen Reservoir
The great dam lake in the hills above Daxi: maple roads in winter, boat rides from the piers, and the live fish restaurants of the shore road, a Taoyuan institution.
How to book: Small entry and parking charges at the gates. Buses from Zhongli and Daxi; the restaurants are the point as much as the view.
Planning the stay itself: the city guides cover what is on, and the hotels page covers where to sleep near it.