Exploring Taipei: Exciting Activities Near Taoyuan Airport

what to do around taipei airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, commonly referred to as Taipei Airport, is not exactly close to the city of Taipei. However, there are still plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained during a layover. The airport itself offers various attractions, including an outdoor observation deck, Taiwan Temple Avenue—a recreation of a traditional Taiwanese old street—and a LEGO Airport, a miniature version of the airport made from 150,000 LEGO bricks. Outside the airport, Zhongli, a nearby town, offers a range of local food options, such as beef noodles and dumplings, as well as a park along the river. For those looking for shopping, Zhongli also hosts Gloria Outlets, an American-style outlet mall featuring international brands and restaurants. Additionally, the Xpark Aquarium, the Taiwan branch of a well-known Japanese aquarium, is located near the airport and boasts a variety of exhibits, including penguins, seals, and jellyfish.

Characteristics Values
Airport Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Location Taoyuan
Distance from Taipei Not very close
Nearby attractions Xpark, Zhongli, Taiwan Temple Avenue, LEGO Airport, Zhuwei Fish Harbor Rainbow Bridge, coastal wind turbines, Taiwan Strait, A8 Art Center, Zhongping Road Story House
Nearby food Taiwanese breakfast, beef noodles, dumplings

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Visit the outdoor observation deck on the north side of Terminal 2 for views of Zhuwei Fish Harbor Rainbow Bridge

If you're looking for something to do around Taipei Airport, you can visit the outdoor observation deck on the north side of Terminal 2. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get there and what you can expect to see:

Getting to the Outdoor Observation Deck

Start by heading to the Taoyuan International Airport MRT A13 Station (Airport Terminal 2 Station). From there, make your way to the 3F Departure Hall, Check-in Counter 5. Once you're there, take the elevator or escalator to the 5th floor to reach the outdoor observation deck.

Views from the Deck

The outdoor observation deck on the north side of Terminal 2 offers a unique perspective of the surrounding area. Here are some of the key sights you can expect to see:

  • Zhuwei Fish Harbor Rainbow Bridge: This Nielson-Lohse steel arch bridge, located at the northern entry of Zhuwei Fishing Harbor, is a popular landmark. It adds a romantic touch to the harbor, especially when illuminated at night.
  • Coastal Wind Turbines: You'll also spot coastal wind turbines, showcasing the area's commitment to renewable energy.
  • Taiwan Strait: Look out towards the Taiwan Strait, which stretches along the country's western coast.
  • Views of Aircraft: While this deck offers views of the harbor and coastal scenery, if you're interested in plane-spotting, the south side of Terminal 2 has an observation deck with views of the high-speed rail tracks and aircraft.

Nearby Attractions

If you have more time to explore, there are several other attractions worth visiting near Taipei Airport:

  • Xpark: Xpark is an aquarium and entertainment complex featuring 13 themed exhibition areas with technological performances, including an aquatic world with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.
  • Zhuwei Fishing Harbor: This fishing port, known for its beautiful scenery, offers seafood restaurants with fresh catches directly from the port.
  • Eighteen Peaks (Shibajian) Mountain: This forest park, located in Hsinchu County, features 18 peaks and shaded trails, providing a refreshing natural experience.
  • Local Food in Zhongli: For local cuisine, Zhongli offers dishes like beef noodles and dumplings, although you may need to explore to find the best spots.

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Take the elevator to the 5th floor of Terminal 2 to see Taiwan Temple Avenue, a recreation of a Taiwanese old street

If you're looking for things to do around Taipei Airport, you may want to consider visiting Taiwan Temple Avenue, a recreation of a Taiwanese old street, located on the 5th floor of Terminal 2. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get there and make the most of your visit:

Step 1: Reach Taipei Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2

Taipei Taoyuan Airport, also known as Taoyuan International Airport, is the main airport serving Taipei, Taiwan's capital. If you're arriving by metro, look for an express train to avoid extended stops and ensure ample space for luggage. Terminal 2, which opened in 2000, is accessible via the MRT station in the basement.

Step 2: Navigate to the 3rd Floor Departure Hall

Once you're in Terminal 2, make your way to the 3rd floor Departure Hall. This is where you'll find the departure gates for both terminals. Specifically, head to Check-in Counter 22 in the 3F Departure Hall.

Step 3: Take the Elevator or Escalator to the 5th Floor

From the 3rd floor, you can easily access the 5th floor using the elevator or escalator. This floor offers a variety of experiences, including Taiwan Temple Avenue and dining options.

Step 4: Explore Taiwan Temple Avenue

Taiwan Temple Avenue is a unique recreation of a traditional Taiwanese old street. It offers a glimpse into Taiwan's cultural heritage with its architectural design and ambiance. Wander along the avenue, immerse yourself in the old-town atmosphere, and indulge in the delicious food and fun activities on offer.

Step 5: Discover Other Attractions Nearby

The 5th floor also boasts other attractions. You can visit the LEGO Airport, a miniature version of Taoyuan International Airport made from 150,000 LEGO bricks. Additionally, there are restaurants and a capsule hotel with its own tea shop.

Remember, if you're looking for a longer excursion, Taoyuan Airport offers free half-day layover tours to Taoyuan or Taipei city. These tours can be a great way to explore beyond the airport during a layover.

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Explore Xpark, an aquarium with 13 themed exhibition areas

Xpark is a modern aquarium located in the Taoyuan suburb of Taipei, near the airport. It is Taiwan's first "urban aquatic park", established by Yokohama Hakkeijima, a company that has been operating aquariums in Japan for over 30 years.

Xpark features 13 themed exhibition areas, showcasing dazzling performances with technology. The aquarium has exclusive music composed by Joe Hisaishi, which takes visitors into a fantastical aquatic world. The concept of Xpark is to create a parallel universe full of mystery, where reality and unreality intersect. The park combines technology and performance to recreate the living environments of the species that reside there.

The exhibition areas are spread across three floors. On the first floor, you will find the Xcafe, Jungle Stroll, Intertidal Play Zone, Utopia, and Fun for All. The second floor features Formosa, Medusarium, and Penguin Adventure. On the third floor, you can explore Coral Exploration, Warm Sea Life, Rainforest Adventure, Polar Expedition, Deep Sea Secrets, and Virtual-Reality Interaction.

One of the highlights of the third floor is the 180-degree concave tank in the "Diving in the Coral Sea" area. This tank is filled with vibrantly coloured corals, creating an immersive experience. The Tropical Rainforest room, multimedia interactive room, and Temperate Zone, where you can touch sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers, are also located on this floor.

In addition to the themed exhibition areas, Xpark offers dining and shopping experiences. The Xcafe, a collaboration with the Japanese coffee chain PRONTO, allows you to dine while watching penguins seemingly fly in the air. The cafe also offers specialties like latte art themed around penguins and dishes that provide visual enjoyment. Xfun is an exclusive souvenir shop located within Xpark, offering limited-edition products from well-known Taiwanese and Japanese brands.

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Head to Zhongli for local food and a riverside park

If you're looking for local food and a relaxing stroll in nature, Zhongli is the place to go. Located in the Taoyuan District, it's easily accessible from Taipei Airport and is known for its delicious food, attractions, shopping, and natural beauty.

For foodies, Zhongli offers a plethora of options. You can find good local dishes like beef noodles and dumplings, and for the adventurous, there's even "stinky tofu," a pungent yet tasty treat. If you're craving Vietnamese, try Minh Tâm Vietnamese Restaurant near Zhongzheng Park. For Japanese cuisine, Ikki Japanese Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with modern gourmet dishes like raw beef sashimi and stone-grilled beef. If you're in the mood for ramen, head to 拉麵吧 Ramen Bar, located just off the major shopping district, Zhongping Road.

Zhongli is also home to beautiful parks. Xinshi Park, located in the city center, and Chintan Park, just outside downtown, are excellent choices for a peaceful walk and to enjoy the outdoors. Zhongzheng Park, in the heart of downtown, offers not just greenery but also an array of amenities, including an outdoor theater, basketball courts, the Zhongli Public Library, and the Zhongli Arts Hall.

To get to Zhongli from Taipei Airport, you can take a train, subway (MRT), bus, or even the high-speed rail (HSR), with travel times ranging from 20 minutes to under an hour. So, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon, Zhongli is a great option to explore local cuisine and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of its riverside parks.

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Check out the A8 Art Center for contemporary art and local culture

Taipei's A8 Art Center is a hub for contemporary art and local culture. The center is located conveniently, offering a chance to explore and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Taiwanese art.

The A8 Art Center boasts a diverse range of exhibitions, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists. The center is committed to promoting local artists and providing a platform for them to gain recognition, not just in Taiwan but also on the international stage. With a focus on contemporary art, the center presents a unique blend of traditional and modern artistic styles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country.

As you step inside, you'll find a carefully curated collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. The exhibitions are thoughtfully organized, creating a dialogue between the historic and the contemporary, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of Taiwanese art.

In addition to the visual arts, the A8 Art Center also recognizes the importance of community engagement and education. They often host art classes, workshops, and interactive sessions for people of all ages, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore their creative side and connect with the artistic community. These programs not only foster artistic talent but also contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary art in Taiwan.

By visiting the A8 Art Center, you'll not only be treated to a visual feast but also gain a deeper insight into Taiwan's thriving art scene and the cultural significance it holds for the community. It is a place where art enthusiasts, collectors, and casual visitors can come together to celebrate and support the diverse artistic talents that Taipei has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

Taipei Airport, or Taoyuan International Airport, is not very close to Taipei or other attractions. However, there are a few things to do nearby, including Zhongli, a town with good local food and a park along the river. The airport itself has observation decks, Taiwan Temple Avenue, a mini-version of a traditional Taiwanese street, and the LEGO Airport, a mini-version of the airport made from 150,000 LEGO bricks.

Taipei Airport has four one-day tours that you can take part in. There is also an outdoor observation deck on the north side of Terminal 2, which offers a view of the Zhuwei Fish Harbor Rainbow Bridge, coastal wind turbines, and the Taiwan Strait.

Local food can be found in the nearby town of Zhongli, including beef noodles and dumplings. Traditional Taiwanese breakfasts include sandwiches from 7-11 or 美而美. There is also an American-style outlet park, Gloria Outlets, which has international restaurants.

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