TaoyuanPlay Recommendations

Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine and Shinto Cultural Park is located at No. 200, Section 3, Chenggong Road, Taoyuan District. Originally built in 1938 as Taoyuan Shinto Shrine during the Japanese colonial era, it is now Taiwan's most completely preserved Japanese-style Shinto shrine architecture and one of the few shrines outside Japan that retains its original form. The grounds feature elegant wooden structures including torii gates, the worship path, main hall, and offering hall, surrounded by the greenery of Hutoushan Park. Admission is free. Weekend markets and live music performances are common, making it ideal for photography and Japanese-style cultural experiences. Easily accessible by bus, Ubike, or car.

Taoyuan Shinto Shrine is located within the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine and Shinto Cultural Park at the foot of Hutoushan, next to Taoyuan Veterans General Hospital. Built in 1938, it is Taiwan's only most completely preserved Japanese-style shrine architecture and the most intact Shinto shrine outside Japan. Admission is free. The grounds feature traditional Japanese-style wooden architecture, torii gates, a temizuya (hand-washing pavilion), worship path, and offering hall, ideal for photography. Weekends often feature kimono rentals, shrine markets, street performer shows, and local treats like tofu pudding and coffee. Charms and goshuin stamps are also available. Conveniently accessible by bus, Ubike, and parking lots, it is a great destination for families, friends, or couples.

Old Baiji Tunnel is located beside the Northern Cross-Island Highway (Taiwan Highway 7) in Dasi District, Taoyuan City. Built during the Japanese colonial era, this historic tunnel is about 343 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. Inside, antique copper-colored rails and hand-pushed cart scenes are preserved. The 2025 renovation added lighting and an ecological observation pool, creating a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of the anime Spirited Away. The flat, accessible trail is suitable for all ages, families, and couples seeking summer relief, walking, or cycling, and can be extended to the Baiji Forest Trail and other historic paths. Open 24 hours for free with nearby parking and cafes, it is a popular summer retreat and cultural destination in Dasi.

Caota Sand Dunes Geological Park is located in Caota Village, Guanyin District, Taoyuan City, and is Taiwan's largest coastal sand dune landscape. Stretching about 8.1 kilometers, these shifting dunes are shaped daily by the northeast monsoon and ocean waves. The park is open free around the clock, with no visitor center or shops, ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and family walks. The dunes, wind turbines, and blue sky create stunning scenery often called Taiwan's Sahara or Totoro Tunnel—an excellent spot for admiring the coastline, sunsets, and windmills, and a unique photo destination.

Hutoushan Environmental Park sits on the edge of Taoyuan City, just a few minutes' drive up the mountain. It offers free parking and public restrooms, making it a popular free leisure destination for locals and tourists. The expansive grounds feature observation decks, walking trails, lawns, a children's play area, and eco-friendly design, suitable for family outings, romantic dates, or solo strolls. Daytime visitors can hike and picnic along the trails, while nightfall offers panoramic views of Taoyuan's city lights from the observation deck. The park also hosts Tao Ta No. 1, an installation art piece from the 2018 Taoyuan Land Art Festival that presents a tech-inspired look by day and lights up in rainbow colors at night, becoming a popular photo spot.

Yingfu Songqiong Temple is located on Kangzhuang Road in Dasi District, Taoyuan City, and is the only Taoist temple in Taiwan with an ingot-gold hall. The temple primarily worships the Jade Emperor and preserves the Han and Tang dynasty Rich-Welcoming and Poverty-Banishing ceremony. Worshippers can pray for wealth before the six-color moon blocks and walk through the colored divination block tunnel to experience the blessing atmosphere. The spacious temple grounds offer free parking, accessible by car or by bus followed by a short walk. Open year-round with free admission, it is a must-visit for spring New Year blessings, fortune seeking, or simply experiencing Dasi's local religious culture.