Major city · Taiwan
Toucheng頭城
Base in Toucheng for 1–2 nights only if you want surf, the Lanyang Museum and Guishan Island; otherwise it is a half-day stop between Taipei and Jiaoxi.
Toucheng is the northern gateway to Yilan County, about an hour from Taipei by Tze-Chiang Limited Express. It has seven rail stations, a surf beach at Wai'ao, the Lanyang Museum, and boat access to Guishan Island from March to November. Most travellers use it as a coastal stop or a quiet two-night base rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TWD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain and typhoons), weekends and holidays (Freeway No. 5 congestion)
- Airport
- TPE
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Taiwan ↗Check visa-exemption length, passport validity and the online arrival card (TWAC) on the official sites before you fly.
- Taiwan ↗An EasyCard (or iPASS) covers MRT, buses, local trains and many convenience-store purchases; buy one at the airport or a station.
- Taiwan ↗When a local government declares a typhoon day, transport and sights can close for the day; follow the official notice, not the forecast alone.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Toucheng110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Toucheng, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Night markets, breakfast shops and many small restaurants take cash only; carry NT$1,000–2,000 (≈ US$35–70) in small notes.Taiwan-wide
- SIM or eSIMChunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at TPE and KHH arrivals…Taiwan-wide
- Tap waterTreated at source, but locals boil or filter it.Taiwan-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; a 10% service charge appears in many sit-down places and hotels.Taiwan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Taiwan-wide
- SafetyToucheng is a low-crime coastal township; the real risks are typhoons and heavy rain June–September, slippery rocks at Wai'ao and Honeymoon Bay…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean toilets in every MRT station, convenience stores and department stores; paper goes in the toilet in most new buildings — follow the sign.Taiwan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close on Monday (the National Palace Museum opens daily).Taiwan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTPE Taiwan Taoyuan International (Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then train or bus to Toucheng; total about 2.5–3 h).
- Getting aroundLocal trains link the seven stations along the coast; regional buses connect Toucheng with Jiaoxi, Yilan City and Luodong.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Metro or bus rideLocal train ride along the coastNT$15–50 (≈ US$1–2) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketLanyang Museum entryNT$110 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personNT$700 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per roomNT$2,800 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per roomNT$5,500 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NT$1,200 (≈ US$40) · Mid NT$2,500 (≈ US$85) · High NT$4,500 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TPE Taiwan Taoyuan International (Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then train or bus to Toucheng; total about 2.5–3 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Mar (16 rain days), driest Jul (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Toucheng: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
15 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
15 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
16 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
15 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
16 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
15 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local trains link the seven stations along the coast; regional buses connect Toucheng with Jiaoxi, Yilan City and Luodong. Bicycles rent near Toucheng Station (about NT$200/day, electric-assist about NT$500/day). A car or scooter helps for Honeymoon Bay and the northern coast.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jiaoxi
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Local train from Toucheng, about 10 min
Hot-spring town; rent a bike at the station (about NT$300/24 h) and ride Highway No. 2 back to Toucheng.
Yilan City
goDoor to door: About 40–50 min
Local train or regional bus from Toucheng
County capital for markets and food; a half-day is enough.
Suao
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train south along the coast
Seafood and the coastal road; combine with Dong'ao if you have a car.
Datong Township
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus or car via Yilan City
Mountain hot springs and forest; too far for a comfortable return day.
Nanao
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train south along the coast
Quiet coastal township; sleep one night rather than rush back.
Yuanshan
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train to Yilan City, then bus or taxi
Orchards and the Erjie area; easiest with a car.
Wujie
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train to Luodong, then local bus
Mostly residential and farmland; only worth it if you are already in Luodong.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Toucheng town centre
Walk to the old street, station and Lanyang Museum; best for a car-free stay.
Wai'ao
Surf beach and cafés; 2 stops by local train from Toucheng, quieter at night.
Wushi Harbor area
Seafood market and whale-watching boats; useful if you have an early Guishan Island departure.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NT$1,200–2,000 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- NT$2,000–3,500 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- NT$3,500 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or small hotel1 × 2 nights × NT$2,800 | NT$5,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × NT$2,500 | NT$10,000 |
| Tze-Chiang Limited Express, Taipei → Toucheng, one way2 × NT$250 · check | NT$500 |
| Local train, Toucheng → Jiaoxi, one way2 × NT$20 · check | NT$50 |
| Bicycle rental, one day2 × NT$200 | NT$400 |
| Guishan Island entry fee2 × NT$100 · Boat and agency fees are extra; check | NT$200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NT$300 | NT$600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NT$1,740 |
| Trip total≈ NT$4,770 per person per day, bed included | NT$19,090≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in New Taiwan dollars; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Scallion pancake with egg near Toucheng Station | NT$1–200 (≈ US$1–7) |
| Brunch or pasta main | NT$200–400 (≈ US$7–14) |
| Seafood meal at Wushi Harbor | NT$400–600 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Hot pot set | NT$400–600 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Sukiyaki set | NT$600–800 (≈ US$20–30) |
| Upscale teppanyaki set | NT$2,000 (≈ US$70)+ |
| Lanyang Museum entry | NT$110 (≈ US$4) |
| Local train ride along the coast | NT$15–50 (≈ US$1–2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Freeway No. 5 and the Hsueshan Tunnel jam on weekends and holidays; allow extra time or take the train.
- Heavy rain and typhoons are common June–September; check forecasts before coastal walks.
- Bus stop signage and route information are mostly in Chinese; use a local navigation app.
- Guishan Island is open 1 March–30 November only, with a daily visitor cap and advance application; bring your passport.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Toucheng頭城
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
請到這個地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Toucheng; most are in Taipei. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all have offices in Taipei — check addresses before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tze-Chiang Limited Express, Taipei → Toucheng: about NT$250 (≈ US$9), about 1 h (check)
- Local train, Toucheng → Jiaoxi: about NT$23 (≈ under US$1), about 10 min (check)
- Bicycle rental near Toucheng Station: about NT$200 (≈ US$7)/day; electric-assist about NT$500 (≈ US$17)/day
Say or show
- 不好意思 — Excuse me / Sorry (bù hǎo yì si)
- 謝謝 — Thank you (xiè xiè)
- 這個，謝謝 — This one, please (zhè ge, xiè xiè)
- 多少錢？ — How much is it? (duō shǎo qián)
- 可以刷卡嗎？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 廁所在哪裡？ — Where is the toilet? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ)
Bus stop signage and route information are mostly in Chinese; save your destination in a local navigation app.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Toucheng. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain and typhoons), weekends and holidays (Freeway No. 5 congestion) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TPE: last train and bus departures to Toucheng field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Toucheng Station and old street, Lanyang Museum and Wushi Harbor, Wai'ao beach, the northern coast at Shicheng.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Lanyang Museum, Lee Rong-chun Literary Museum, Old Caoling Tunnel, Guishan Island) and eat pages with last orders.
- Typhoon and heavy-rain fixtures so coastal and boat days can go green or be swapped.