Best things to do in Taoyuan District

At Leofoo Village Theme Park, you can explore themed areas, ride over 30 exciting rollercoasters, and interact with exotic animals on safari. Established in 1979 under the name Leofoo Wildlife Park, the park was reopened in 1989 as Leofoo Village Theme Park and now offers a selection of areas, including the "Arabian Kingdom," "South Pacific," and "Wild West," where you can ride on log flumes and other thrill rides. In the "African Safari" area, you can ride and feed horses, as well as observing Bengal tigers, baboons, and African lions from a tour bus. Consider bringing an umbrella for shade from the sun or rain, as the theme park offers little escape from the elements.

Taste traditional Taiwanese snacks while soaking in the spiritual atmosphere at Hsinchu Cheng Huang Temple. Dedicated to Cheng Huang, the mythical leader of the underworld, the temple has many colorful and traditional wall paintings. Buy some snacks such as mi-fen, gong-wan and rou-yuan from the food stalls in front of the temple, and don't miss the giant abacus on the rooftop, which Cheng Huang uses to measure people's righteousness, according to legend. The peaceful surroundings bring many people to pray in the temple.

Hike though Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, one of Taiwan's major recreational areas. Visitors come for a range of physical activities and bird-watching in a setting framed by lush trees. Ride the old train route to see the defunct timber plants, aerial lifts, and cable transport equipment used for moving cut wood. Bring your own snacks and hiking equipment, as this area remains quite remote and without many tourist facilities.

At Flying Cow Ranch, you can explore a working dairy farm, meet the animals, and try the produce. The eco-friendly, sustainable park includes many family attractions, and paths around the grounds afford pleasant strolls in a pastoral landscape. Kids can try their hand at bottle-feeding young calves and milking cows, and at an extra cost can participate in various workshops, including ice cream making and baking. Should you get hungry, check out the food vendors around the farm, serving sit-down meals or fast food. Bear in mind that the ranch's pathwayss can be quite steep, which elderly visitors may find challenging.

Discover traditional Taiwanese wooden architecture at Neiwan Old Street. Walk across the suspension bridge into the street itself and feel the atmosphere reminiscent of the past. Stroll along the streets and stop in one of the restaurants to try ginger lily-flavored glutinous rice, Hakka tea, Hakka rice cakes ("muachi"), and many other dishes. Pay a visit to the old cinema--an antique building converted to a restaurant where you can watch old movies while having your meal. Buy handmade souvenirs in quaint shops or from vendors working along the street.

Get acquainted with the local culture and history at Daxi Old Street. Once a busy merchant street bustling with the trade of tea and camphor, today it represents a tourist attraction where you can get a great sense of the local way of life. See the many stores and houses, whose architecture represents a mixture of Western and Eastern style, with numerous Baroque facades decorating the shops, cafes, and restaurants. Mingle with the locals and learn about the history of the street and the town, and don't forget to check out what's on offer at the small stores.

At the large-scale shopping mall of Big City, you can peruse high-end international and local brands, and have the opportunity to try out the sports and entertainment facilities. Across the mall's eight stories and basement level, you'll find whole floors dedicated to men's, women's, and children's clothing, as well as almost everything else imaginable. Explore homewares, electronics, toys, take a break in the food courts, or slip away for a couple of hours to catch a movie in the cinema.

Visit Hsinchu Zoo to see Nile crocodiles, orangutans, tigers, and different kinds of birds. This rather small zoo takes great care of its animals and adopts them for various reasons, the primary one being protection of endangered species. The zoo also serves as an educational center, as it teaches about preserving nature and animal conservation. Walk around the zoo, learn about animals of Taiwan, and view small gardens filled with greenery.

Escape some of the hustle and bustle with a peaceful stroll through Eighteen Peaks, while you remain close to the city center. Abundant with paved surfaces, this walking trail is popular among locals for leisurely walks and daily exercise. Strolling along this path will take you past vibrantly colored flowers when in season, butterflies, squirrels, and birds, as well as pavilions that serve well for picnics or a brief rest. The park has plenty of restrooms as well as places you can refill your water bottle.

Experience the local culture first-hand at Nanliao Port. The energetic, but not crowded port area offers a range of fun and exciting activities, while also providing plenty of spots to relax. Go for a walk on the docks, or rent a bike and join many others who prefer this way of getting to know the area. The white sandy beach makes a great spot for sunbathing, with the warm, shallow water offering the perfect conditions for the whole family to go swimming. Take the kids to the small onsite amusement park, and keep an eye on the sky, where you might see dozens of colorful kites depending on the day. Don't miss the fish market, where you can try some of the local delicacies.