Owais Crawford
Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport is located in the middle of nowhere, with Taipei and parts of New Taipei surrounded by mountains. The airport itself offers a variety of attractions, including themed gates, a Hello Kitty lounge and gift shop, free tours, and a wide range of food options, from traditional Taiwanese breakfasts to an authentic Australian meat pie. Outside the airport, there is the Xpark Aquarium, Gloria Outlets, and Daxi Old Street. The Hengshan Calligraphy Art Center and the Chen Family's Te-Hsin Hall, a class 3 historical site, are also nearby. If you have at least 8 hours between flights, you can go into Taipei, but be prepared for long immigration lines.
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What You'll Learn
Explore Taiwanese food and culture within the airport
Taipei Airport, or Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, is built a little out of town, so there's not much to do in the immediate vicinity. However, the airport itself has plenty to offer in terms of Taiwanese food and culture.
Taiwan Temple Avenue
Taiwan Temple Avenue on the 5th floor of Terminal 2's south side is a great place to start. Designed like a mini version of an old Taiwanese street, it offers delicious food and fun activities, giving travellers a taste of Taiwan's traditional streets.
Art Gallery at Terminal 2
There are small art and cultural exhibits dotted around the airport, but Terminal 2 is also home to a dedicated gallery.
Hello Kitty Store
Also in Terminal 2, this fun gift shop features Hello Kitty merchandise and provides a play area for kids.
SUNBAI Bar
For local craft beer and small snack plates, head to the SUNBAI Bar in Terminal 1.
Premium Lounges
There are several premium lounges at Taipei Airport, offering small food plates and alcoholic drinks. These include the Plaza Premium Lounges and the Q Bar, which is a short metro ride from the airport.
Blind Massage Friend Centre
This unique experience is supported by the Taoyuan County professional trade union and provides employment for the visually impaired.
Nearby Attractions
If you have time to venture a little further, there are some great attractions nearby. The Yakult Factory, for example, is home to the first official calligraphy-themed museum in Taiwan. Alternatively, the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Center features the Chen Family's Te-Hsin Hall, a building with a rare swallowtail-shaped roof that showcases exquisite craftsmanship.
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Visit the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Centre
If you're looking for something to do near Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Centre is a great option. Located in the Dayuan District of Taoyuan, the art centre is easily accessible from the airport. It is a branch of the Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts and is dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of calligraphy.
To get to the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Centre from the airport, you can take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Linghang Station (MRT A17). From there, it's about an 8- to 10-minute walk to the art centre. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Dayuan International Senior High School and then walk for about 3 minutes.
The Hengshan Calligraphy Art Centre is a two-story building with a floor area of approximately 3,000 square metres (32,000 square feet). It is the first official calligraphy-themed museum in Taiwan and features a unique architectural design. The exterior of the building resembles seals, with five square boxes from left to right. The pavilion area is designed based on the imagery of a park as an inkstone and a pond as an inkwell.
When visiting the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Centre, please note the visitor guidelines. Keep your voice low, and refrain from talking loudly or engaging in any verbal or physical violence. Dress appropriately, and avoid wearing bare-chested or disheveled clothing. Dangerous objects, food, beverages, large umbrellas, and large personal belongings are not permitted inside. Lockers are provided for storing belongings that are not allowed in the exhibition spaces.
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Take a free tour of Taipei
If you're looking to take a free tour of Taipei, you're in luck! Taipei offers free half-day tours for transit or transfer passengers with 7 to 24-hour layovers before their next connecting flight. These tours are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and you can even opt for a self-guided tour. The morning tour includes stops at Lungshan Temple and the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, while the afternoon tour showcases Taiwanese traditional arts and nature, including Yingge Pottery Street and the New Taipei City Art Museum. The evening tour is a gourmet guided tour that takes you to the Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
To register for a free tour, you can book online 5 to 45 days before your arrival in Taipei. There are only 18 seats available for online pre-registration, so be sure to book early. You can also check for availability at the Tourist Service Centers in the arrival lobbies of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Taoyuan International Airport. Note that you'll need to store your luggage at the airport baggage service counter for a fee before boarding the tour bus, as there is no room for luggage on the bus.
In addition to the free half-day tours, there are other attractions near the airport that you can explore. The airport itself has a Taiwan Temple Avenue on the 5th floor of Terminal 2's south side, offering a taste of Taiwan's traditional old streets with delicious food and fun activities. Outside the airport, you can take the airport MRT to nearby attractions such as the Xpark Aquarium, Gloria Outlets, and the Yakult Factory.
While the airport is not located in the middle of Taipei, it is still possible to explore the city during a long layover. However, keep in mind that it takes about an hour each way to get into the city from the airport, and you'll need to factor in time for immigration and security. So, if you're considering a quick trip into Taipei, make sure you have enough time to return to the airport and catch your connecting flight.
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Visit the Xpark Aquarium
If you're looking for something to do near Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport, a visit to the Xpark Aquarium could be the perfect solution. Conveniently located near the Taoyuan HSR station and Airport MRT station, it's easily accessible and well worth a visit. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Getting There
Xpark is located in the Zhongli district of Taoyuan city, just a short distance from Taipei and other parts of Taiwan. If you're coming from Taoyuan International Airport, the best way to get to Xpark is by taking the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, the aquarium is just a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) if you're coming from Taipei or other cities.
What to Expect
Xpark is not just an ordinary aquarium. It combines education and entertainment, offering a unique and immersive experience. The aquarium features 13 exhibition halls spread over three floors, each designed to wow and inspire visitors. The main attraction is the huge main tank, but there's also a jellyfish room, seals, penguin feedings, and a hands-on area where you can touch various sea creatures. Xpark strives to recreate the living environments of different species by manipulating temperatures, humidity, aroma, and sound, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
Practical Information
Xpark is open daily throughout the year, with varying hours. From Sundays to Fridays and the last day of a long weekend, the hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while on Saturdays and public holidays, the hours are extended until 8:00 PM. It's recommended to check their website or Facebook page before your visit, as business hours may change. The last entry is one hour before closing time. Tickets can be purchased online or at the counter, and they accept various payment methods, including cash and credit cards.
Other Amenities
In addition to the aquarium, Xpark also offers other amenities to enhance your visit. There is an excellent hotel connected to the aquarium, as well as a small café and a gift shop. Wheelchair and baby cart rentals are available, and guide dogs are allowed in the facility. Outside food is not permitted, except for essential items like baby food and water.
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Relax in the massage chairs
If you're looking to unwind and rejuvenate during your time at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, the massage chairs are an excellent option. Here are some reasons why you should consider relaxing in these chairs and how you can make the most of this experience:
Unwind and Refresh:
Airport travel can be exhausting, and finding ways to relax during layovers or waiting periods is essential. The massage chairs at Taoyuan International Airport offer a perfect opportunity to unwind and refresh yourself. The massage function can help relieve any built-up tension in your body, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and energized for the rest of your journey.
Convenient and Accessible:
The massage chairs are conveniently located within the airport, making them easily accessible for travellers. You won't have to venture far from your gate or go through any complicated processes to find them. Simply locate the massage chairs and take a seat to begin your relaxing experience.
Enhance Blood Circulation:
Sitting in a massage chair can do more than just relax your mind; it can also provide physical benefits. The massage movements improve blood circulation throughout your body, which can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, especially after a long flight. Improved circulation can also give you a boost of energy, making you feel more alert and ready for the next leg of your trip.
Customizable Massage Experience:
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to massage intensity and style. The massage chairs typically offer customizable settings, allowing you to adjust the strength, speed, and type of massage to suit your personal needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a gentle, soothing massage or a deeper, more intense experience, you can tailor the chair to match your desired level of comfort.
Enjoy Other Airport Amenities:
While enjoying the massage chairs, you can also take advantage of other airport amenities to enhance your relaxation. Taoyuan International Airport boasts a variety of facilities, including resting pods, charging stations, and even a free VIP lounge with showers. You can freshen up, recharge your devices, and make use of the other available comforts to ensure you feel your best before boarding your next flight.
Remember, while exploring what Taiwan's airports have to offer, it's important to keep an eye on the time and ensure you don't miss your departing flight. With that in mind, go ahead and treat yourself to a relaxing massage chair experience the next time you find yourself at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained during a long layover. You can enjoy the airport's creative design, with themed gates and waiting lounges. There are also free tours of Taipei available for those with a layover of 7 hours or more. Within the airport, you can visit Taiwan Temple Avenue on the 5th floor of Terminal 2, which offers traditional food and activities. Outside the airport, you can take the MRT to Toayuan Station to visit the Xpark Aquarium and Gloria Outlets.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport offers a wide range of food options to suit different tastes and budgets. You can find casual dining options, white tablecloth restaurants, and even an authentic Australian meat pie in a bakery. Traditional sweets, local pastries, and free samples of liquor are also available in most shops. Vending machines are located throughout the airport, offering drinks and snacks.
Yes, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has several options for travellers seeking rest and relaxation. There are pay lounges called Plaza Premium Lounge, with four locations inside the airport, including one that is open 24 hours. The airport also provides public rest areas with chairs, couches, and charging stations.
To get to Taipei city centre from the airport, you can take the MRT, but keep in mind that the journey can take around an hour each way. The airport MRT connects to Taipei's metro system, making it easier to navigate. However, it's important to factor in the time required to clear immigration, which can be lengthy.
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