Taoyuan Tourism

We went on a Wednesday. It was very hot. We expected a bustling harbour with lots of food stalls. I think we were there at the wrong time. There are lots of places upstairs to eat fresh seafood but it wasn't very busy. I think going in winter or later at night might be better. Very authentic, no English spoken, no English menus, not easy to get a taxi back but eventually you get one. 2 Chinese temples

This fishing village gives you a taste of real fishing harbor - the magnificent harbor view of the fishing port with rainbow arch like bridge; and a pure products from its sea market place. One may enjoy the view and the thrill of shopping seafood, both wet and dried; but don't forget to go up one level of the fish market to a huge eating place, a food court specialized in seafood. If your visit is in the evening, the sunset is as attractive as the village.

I was transiting in Taipei and decided to get out of the airport. It was a weekend and the entire place was teeming with locals. There was a open air market place selling cooked food, local delicacies. I tried every single stall there (minus the fermented toufu), and the food was just awesome. I did not go into the fresh food market nor the restaurants on the upper level as the crowd was just unbelievable. The cab driver on the way there told me it was a mistake to come on a weekend due to the crowd. Well, this was a transit, not as if I had the luxury of time. One thing every tourist should be aware of. There is ample cab service to this place. But there is none going from this place back to the airport!!! Hailing a cab on the streets is also out of the question. Tip: go to the convenience store where you could politely ask the staff to help you call for a cab. They were very happy to help. All in all, a pleasant experience with the friendly locals.

So I was told during the weekend this place is bustling from everyone from Taipei coming to buy the best fish and seafood. Having said that, when I came around early afternoon, the weather was grey and the buildings are grey so atmospheric wise it was only so-so. Was interesting to look at the harbour though with the fishing boats. And there was a small windy park to fly kites too.

This could have been a major tourist attraction; unfortunately, it was one of the dirtiest places I have ever visited in my life..People simply threw trash everywhere, even when trash bins were right in front of them. I wonder if Taiwanese have any concept of cleanliness at all. I was elated to see such a wide expanse of beaches, but when I saw the debris and the trash, I really got ticked off. It's a shame that no one seemed to care. I would stay away from this place. It's not worth a visit. Hong Kong, which is only an hour or so away, has much cleaner beaches.