Dayuan, located in northern Taoyuan, is home to Taoyuan International Airport and the future Taoyuan Aerotropolis. For many international visitors, it serves as their first stop in Taiwan. I often wonder: if foreign friends are visiting or preparing to depart, how can I quickly introduce them to authentic Taiwanese cuisine and local culture? Surprisingly, all of this can be easily experienced in Dayuan!
◦ Taoyuan Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Taoyuan
Taiwan High Speed Rail
Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour From Taipei
02｜Popular Attractions in Taoyuan
XPark Taiwan Aquarium Ticket
Window on World Theme Park Ticket
Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area Ticket
Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
Pushin Ranch Tickets in Taoyuan
Simbalion Art Studio Admission Ticket in Taoyuan
Saw Seen Woo Ying Cheng Admission Ticket
Taoyuan Mountain Foot Deer Farm Sambar House Admission Ticket
03｜Things To Do in Taoyuan
Glamping in Taoyuan by Orchard Villa
◦ The History of Dayuan
The original name of Dayuan, “Daqiu Yuan,” was derived from the early agricultural landscapes of the area. Without irrigation facilities, the region was characterized by vast dry fields and scattered thatched cottages, creating a rural farming scene. Due to its coastal terrain, soil conditions, and climate, drought-resistant crops such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and watermelons were common in the childhood memories of Dayuan’s elders. Today, with the construction of Taoyuan International Airport, some residents, having lost their farmland, transitioned to construction or other industries. As a result, Dayuan has gradually evolved from a rural community into an urbanized area, opening a new chapter in its development.
◦ Attractions in Dayuan
01｜Zhuwei Fishing Harbor
Zhuwei Fishing Harbor is the first place I think of taking my foreign friends when they arrive in Taiwan! Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, this harbor offers clean and reasonably priced seafood stalls, making it a perfect spot for introducing visitors to Taiwan’s seafood culture.
In addition to a wide variety of fresh seafood, ready-to-eat delicacies like sashimi and grilled seafood are particularly popular. One of my favorite spots is Stall 56, Xu Ji Sashimi. Although the shop is small, it boasts a clean and comfortable environment, and every friend I’ve brought there agrees that its quality rivals that of high-end Japanese restaurants.
Zhuwei Fishing Harbor Opening Hours: 0800-1800 No. 25, Ln. 451, Yugang Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan
02｜Zhuwei Beach
I’ll never forget the excitement on my American friend’s face when I first brought him to Zhuwei Beach. Given the vast size of North America, many states are landlocked, and for many Americans, a beach trip often requires planning a special vacation. The idea of seeing the ocean right after stepping off the plane left him both surprised and thrilled. He couldn’t stop talking about how this experience gave him an amazing first impression of Taiwan.
Before leaving Taiwan, he even hired a car to revisit Zhuwei, eager to see the ocean and enjoy the seafood—almost as if he wanted to pack all his love for this place into his suitcase to take home!
Zhuwei Beach Located just south of Zhuwei Fishing Harbor.
03｜Xucuogang Wetland
Traveling south along the West Coast Expressway from Zhuwei Fishing Harbor, you’ll arrive at Xucuogang Wetland—the largest coastal wetland in northern Taiwan. Once an abandoned military camp, this wetland has transformed into a haven for migratory birds, thanks to its ideal estuarine terrain and extensive river system. It’s a must-visit birdwatching hotspot for bird enthusiasts.
Beyond birdwatching, Xucuogang Wetland is perfect for exploring intertidal zones. Home to hundreds of plant species, it’s also a treasure trove of Taiwan’s endemic species, making it a true ecological paradise!
Xucuogang Wetland Located on the right bank of the Laojie River estuary.
04｜B-terminal Food Outlet
A long time ago, I went out of my way to watch airplanes take off and land from the observation deck at Taoyuan Airport’s Terminal 2. Back then, just finding the entrance to the underground parking lot took me ages. Now, it's much more convenient—simply walk up to the B-terminal Food Outlet observation platform and feel the thrill of planes flying right at you.
Originally, I had only planned to watch the aircraft, but as soon as I stepped into the dessert shop on the first floor, I was nearly overwhelmed with excitement! The shop features several large figurines, and even through the glass windows, you can feel the magic they bring!
B-terminal Food Outlet Opening Hours: 1100-1930 No. 568, Sec. 1, Sanmin Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan
05｜Hengshan Calligraphy Art Park
Calligraphy has an irresistible charm for foreigners. When my American friend visited, he were so captivated by the calligraphic inscription at the entrance that he stopped to take numerous photos.
Inside the park, the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Center is Taiwan’s first government-operated calligraphy-themed museum, dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of calligraphy. For some, the architecture inspired by calligraphy is full of poetry and grace. While strolling along the pathways, I even encountered a few people meditating in quiet contemplation, and it felt as though a serene atmosphere surrounded them, reminiscent of the peacefulness during the act of writing.
Hengshan Calligraphy Art Park No. 100, Daren Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan
06｜Newly Renovated Park
The Newly Renovated Park was originally a military base. After renovations, it was transformed into a military-themed park in Dayuan. Located close to the airport, the park offers a great view of planes taking off and landing, making it an excellent spot for plane watching and photography.
An interesting feature of the park is the children’s version of the "500 Obstacle Challenge," which includes activities like climbing poles, scaling high walls, crossing trenches, jumping off platforms, and walking balance beams. This fun setup allows kids to experience a mini "military training" adventure while playing.
Newly Renovated Park Opening Hours: 0800-1800 Ln. 234, Zhonghua Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Dayuan
01｜Ding Xiang Breakfast
Established in the 1980s, Ding Xiang, located next to Zhuwei Elementary School, has been a go-to food spot for many people before heading to work or school. Watching regulars eagerly grab steaming hot soup dumplings, you can feel the shop’s popularity among the locals!
With affordable prices, quality ingredients, and generous portions, Ding Xiang leaves a lasting impression on me. It’s the kind of sense of belonging you can only find in a charming, old-fashioned shop filled with warmth and familiarity.
Ding Xiang Breakfast Opening Hours: 0400-1100 No. 14, Zhuwei St., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
＊All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
＊Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.
◦ Other Areas in Taoyuan
➤ Zhongli | The Ever-Gleaming Charm of the Military Villages
➤ Guanyin | The Land of Lotuses with Deep Ties to Guanyin Bodhisattva