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Destination Deep Dive: Taitung
- Rachel Faulds
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Located on Taiwan’s eastern coast, Taitung is often referred to as the island’s “beautiful back garden.” Separated from the bustling west coast cities by a dramatic mountain range, visiting this region felt genuinely special to us—Nabeel even joked that it had the prettiest 7-Eleven we’ve ever seen.
Largely untouched by mass tourism, Taitung encourages you to slow down, eat well, and take in the peaceful rhythm of life here. Whether it’s the coastal views, cultural depth, or incredible local hospitality, there’s something quietly powerful about this place.
Before diving into everything Taitung has to offer, I have to give a special shout-out to one of our favorite parts of the trip: the food. Sampling the local cuisine was hands-down one of the highlights of our time here—and it’s something I’d recommend to anyone planning a visit.
A few of our personal favorite spots included:
Pizza Takeaway: 義大利隔壁手工披薩No. 142, Lianhang Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950 A family restaurant offering handmade pizza.
Rui Ta Breakfast Restaurant: 瑞塔早餐店No. 65, Lianhang Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950A cozy spot for classic Taiwanese breakfast dishes, served fresh and fast.
Dalu'an Aboriginal Cultural Theme Restaurant - Azure Frontier打鹿岸原住民人文主題餐廳 - 湛藍邊境No. 590, Section 2, Jilin Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950A must-visit for anyone wanting to try Indigenous cuisine in a beautiful, ocean-view setting—flavorful, authentic, and unforgettable.
Nabeel infront of our favourite Pizza Spot: Pizza Takeaway: 義大利隔壁手工披薩No. 142, Lianhang Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950
Though our original reason for visiting Taitung was to race Challenge Taiwan, one of the unexpected joys of racing abroad is getting to engage with the communities that host us. Taitung offered so much more than just a beautiful course. From its deep cultural roots to its breathtaking landscapes, this region reminded us exactly why we share what we do at Travelled Triathlete—to spotlight the places, people, and stories that make triathlon travel such a meaningful way to experience the world.
Beyond race day, Taitung revealed itself as a destination full of depth, history, and connection. Here’s just a glimpse of what makes it so special:
Rich Indigenous Heritage: Home to seven officially recognized indigenous tribes, including the Amis, Paiwan, and Bunun, Taitung is considered one of the most culturally rich regions in Taiwan. Over 35% of the county’s population identifies as indigenous—the highest percentage in the country source: Taitung Tourism Bureau.
Ancient History: The Beinan Archaeological Site is Taiwan’s most complete prehistoric settlement. More than 1,500 stone coffins and over 20,000 artifacts have been uncovered here, offering a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s Neolithic past source: National Museum of Prehistory.
Natural Wonders: Taitung’s geology is shaped by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, resulting in dramatic landscapes that include coastal cliffs, hot springs, and lush mountain ranges source: Taitung Tourism - Geology.
Vibrant Festivals: Local celebrations like the Sailfish Festival in Chenggong and the Lantern Festival Blessing Procession in Taitung City are more than just events—they are living expressions of spiritual belief, community pride, and artistic flair.
Art and Culture: Taitung’s creative scene thrives on the fusion of indigenous and Han Chinese influences. From open-air sculptures to the Baoding Art and Cultural Center, the region pulses with a quiet yet powerful artistic energy source: Taitung Arts.
Fun Fact: Taitung is home to Taiwan’s oldest cave-dwelling culture. The Basian (Eight Immortals) Caves, perched on a cliffside along the coast, contain archaeological evidence of the Changbin Culture, which dates back over 15,000 years—making it the earliest known human settlement on the island source: Taitung Tourism.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Taitung is accessible by a scenic five-hour train ride from Taipei or a quick domestic flight. Once there, visitors can explore on foot, bicycle, scooter, or use local buses and taxis. The region’s relaxed pace encourages travelers to savor each experience. Learn more about travel options at Taitung Tourism.
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi
The People of Taitung: Indigenous Tribes and Cultures
Taitung is home to seven indigenous tribes, each with distinct languages, customs, and rich histories:
Amis: Taiwan’s largest indigenous group, known for colorful harvest festivals and seafaring traditions.
Puyuma: Renowned for warrior heritage and storytelling.
Rukai: Masters of weaving and builders of iconic slate houses.
Paiwan: Famous for intricate wood carving and ancestral rituals.
Bunun: Known for unique polyphonic vocal music and mountain hunting culture.
Yami (Tao): Residents of Orchid Island, deeply connected to the ocean.
Thao: Smaller tribe noted for tattooing traditions and ties to Sun Moon Lake.
Tribal Village Experiences
Visitors can immerse themselves in indigenous culture by touring tribal villages to learn traditional crafts, witness performances, and participate in ceremonies. These tours offer a rare glimpse into customs preserved for centuries. For respectful, authentic experiences, check out the Taitung Tribal Village Experiences.
Religion and Spirituality in Taitung:
Taiwan’s spiritual landscape is a blend of Buddhism, Daoism, and local folk beliefs that coexist and interweave to create a vibrant spiritual community. Temples in Taitung serve not only as places of worship but as cultural hubs.
Lantern Festival Blessing Procession
This annual event lights up downtown Taitung with thousands of lanterns as temples and community groups pray for good fortune and safety. The procession winds through the city, passing landmarks such as the Taitung City Office and Baoding Art and Cultural Center, culminating at Waterfront Park. It’s a breathtaking blend of faith and festivity. More on Taitung Lantern Festival.
Sailfish Festival
Held each October and November in Chenggong, this festival honors the ocean’s bounty. Both Han Chinese and indigenous communities worship the sailfish god at Wan Shan Ye Temple, praying for a safe and prosperous fishing season. It’s a vivid example of how spirituality connects people to the sea that sustains them.
Chengguangao Matsu Temple
Built in 1871 and rebuilt in 1949, this is the oldest Mazu temple on Taiwan’s east coast. Mazu, the sea goddess, is revered for protecting fishermen and sailors. What makes this temple unique is the involvement of indigenous artists in its decoration, symbolizing unity between Han settlers and indigenous peoples — a hallmark of Taitung’s inclusive cultural heritage. Address: No.33 Chengguang Rd., Chenggong Township, Taitung County.
Visiting Temples in Taitung: What to Expect
Dress modestly and remove hats before entering.
Observe rituals respectfully; joining in prayers or lighting incense is welcome if invited.
Always ask permission before photographing worshippers or ceremonies.
Purchasing incense or paper offerings supports temple activities and is encouraged.
Archaeology: Taitung’s Ancient Past
Beinan Archaeological Site: Taiwan’s most complete prehistoric settlement, revealing thousands of stone coffins and artifacts. Its iconic moon-shaped pillars offer a peaceful space to reflect on the island’s ancient past.
National Museum of Prehistory: Exhibits relics from Taiwan’s prehistoric cultures with a focus on indigenous history. Family-friendly features include a maze and playground.
Basian Cave: Located on coastal cliffs, Basian Cave is where Taiwan’s oldest prehistoric culture, the Paleolithic Changbin Culture, was discovered. Visitors can explore exhibits at the nearby visitor center. Learn more at the National Museum of Prehistory.
The Land:
Hot Springs
Taitung’s hot springs emerge from mountains, river valleys, and coastal areas, perfect for relaxing amidst spectacular scenery. The Jhihben hot springs area is particularly popular for its therapeutic waters and resorts.
Geological Wonders
Taitung sits at the tectonic boundary of the Philippine and Eurasian plates. Millions of years of uplift, erosion, and wave action have sculpted mountains, cliffs, rivers, and beaches. This dramatic landscape offers superb hiking, photography, and nature appreciation. More on Taitung Geology.
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi
The Art
A dynamic artistic community thrives in Taitung, inspired by its indigenous and Han Chinese heritage. Venues like the Baoding Art and Cultural Center showcase local traditions alongside contemporary art. Visitors can attend exhibitions, workshops, and festivals celebrating the region’s rich cultural diversity. Details at Taitung Arts.
Practical Tips for Visiting Taitung
Transportation: Accessible by train (5 hours from Taipei) or domestic flights. Explore locally by scooter, bike, bus, or taxi.
Best Time to Visit: September to November offers pleasant weather and lively festivals.
Accommodations: Options range from indigenous guesthouses to hot spring resorts.
Respectful Tourism: Dress modestly when visiting temples and tribal villages. Always ask permission before photographing people and engage thoughtfully with local customs.
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi
Final Thoughts
Taitung is a hidden gem where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly. From ancient archaeological sites and indigenous traditions to natural hot springs and vibrant festivals, it offers a deeply enriching experience. Whether exploring tribal villages, soaking in a hot spring, or joining a lantern procession, Taitung invites you to slow down and connect with Taiwan’s heart and soul.
For more details and planning resources, visit the official Taitung Tourism website.
Sources and Further Reading
We've made every effort to gather reliable, well-sourced information for this post, and we’re committed to continually reviewing and updating our content to maintain its relevance and accuracy. Our approach relies on reputable sources to present an informed view and the use of AI for translations, but please remember that this information has been drawn from external sources. As such, while we trust these sources, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy. Our aim is to provide the most current and insightful information available, and we welcome any updates or corrections as we work to honor the integrity of the destinations we share.
Please note that this post was written from our perspective and experiences as a interracial heterosexual couple from Canada. Your experiences may vary. Please read the Canadian travel advisory (or your own countries travel advisory) prior to travel.
