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Caotun

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City
—°8
Caotun (Taiwan)
ℹ️

Practical info — Caotun

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Scooters are the best way to get around the township and reach the nearby mountain trails.
  • Prepare cash, as many traditional food stalls and market vendors do not accept credit cards or mobile payments.
  • Weekday mornings are the best time to visit the local temples to avoid the weekend crowds.
  • Summer afternoons often bring sudden, heavy showers, so always carry an umbrella or a light raincoat.

🍽 Food

🍽
Meatball (Bawan)

A chewy, translucent dough stuffed with pork, served with a sweet and savory sauce at local street stalls.

🍽
Mochi

Caotun is famous for its soft, handmade mochi filled with peanut or sesame, buy it fresh from traditional bakeries.

🍽
Rice Noodles (Bifen)

Stir-fried traditional noodles found in the morning markets.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Caotun Morning Market

A bustling local market offering fresh produce, local snacks, and everyday goods.

🛍
Traditional Crafts

Bamboo and straw woven products can sometimes be found in older specialty shops in the township.

🧘
Taiwan Crafts Research and Development Center

Features quiet, green grounds and peaceful exhibition halls.

🧘
Jiujiu Peaks Forest Trail

A scenic and relatively quiet hiking area offering panoramic views over the township.

Caotun is located in northern Nantou County, Taiwan, serving as a vital regional hub between the metropolis of Taichung and the island's central mountain ranges. Historically, the town developed as a significant rest stop for traders and travelers transporting goods into the interior, earning it the nickname Gateway to the Mountains. Today, Caotun is the most populous township in Nantou County, boasting a well-developed infrastructure and numerous educational institutions and research centers. Geographically, the area is dominated by the fertile alluvial plains of the Wu River, which have favored intensive rice cultivation and other agricultural activities for generations. Its strategic location at the intersection of major expressways, such as National Highway 3, has made the town an indispensable transportation node in central Taiwan. Culturally, the town is known for its arts and crafts, as well as temples that reflect the residents' deep connection to history and tradition. Despite ongoing urbanization, Caotun preserves many green spaces and serves as a primary starting point for excursions into the surrounding natural landscapes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171820232526272726252219
Rain mm494583115256312216329187604642

Geography

Population
96,838 (2024)
Coordinates
23.97400, 120.68000

Facts

  • Population of approximately 97,000 residents as of 2023
  • First township in Nantou County to seek city status
  • Home to the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute
  • Strategic node at the junction of National Highways 3 and 6
  • Historical center of rice production in central Taiwan
  • Average elevation ranges between 100 and 200 meters above sea level

Explore nearby

Notable places around

NantouNantou4 km · EExplore →
Wufeng Lin Family MansionWufeng Lin Family Mansion5 km · WExplore →
TaichungTaichung10 km · WExplore →
YuanlinYuanlin12 km · SExplore →
Rainbow VillageRainbow Village12 km · SWExplore →
DakengDakeng13 km · NWExplore →
Central Taiwan Science ParkCentral Taiwan Science Park15 km · SWExplore →
Taichung Metropolitan ParkTaichung Metropolitan Park17 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Caotun (8)

Chua Brewing🏛 museum

Chua Brewing operates as a museum offering exhibits on traditional Taiwanese fermentation and brewing processes.

Grass Shoe Pier Humanities Sightseeing Night Market📍 landmark

The Grass Shoe Pier Humanities Sightseeing Night Market is a bustling destination in Caotun famous for its local street food and carnival games.

🕒 五、六、日 18:00-24:00

Taiwan Times Village📍 landmark

Taiwan Times Village is an indoor retro theme park that recreates old Taiwanese street scenes, railway stations, and military villages.

🕒 目前暫停營業

Dahushan🌿 nature

Dahushan is a prominent local peak in Caotun, offering scenic hiking trails that wind through dense subtropical vegetation.

Grasshopper nineteen dragon column📍 landmark

The Grasshopper nineteen dragon column is a striking sculptural attraction in Caotun featuring intricately intertwined dragons.

National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute🎭 culture

The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute promotes traditional and contemporary craftsmanship with extensive exhibitions of bamboo, wood, and ceramic arts.

Dunhe Temple⛪ religious

Caotun's Dunhe Temple is renowned for its colossal, golden rooftop statue of Zhao Gongming, the God of Wealth.

JOJOZOO PARK🎡 recreation

JOJOZOO PARK is a family-friendly animal park in Caotun featuring interactive exhibits and open enclosures with various bird and mammal species.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Caotun?
Caotun is known for its animated night markets and proximity to the central mountains.
How long should I stay in Caotun?
A day trip is usually enough to explore the city and surroundings.
What is the best time to visit?
Autumn features mild weather, good for outdoor activities.
How do I get to Caotun?
The city is easily accessible by bus from Taichung.
Are there family-friendly activities?
Yes, there are many local parks and culinary experiences for the whole family.
Caotun: where is it located?
Caotun is located in Taiwan.
Caotun: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chua Brewing, Grass Shoe Pier Humanities Sightseeing Night Market, Taiwan Times Village.
Caotun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Caotun: why is it worth visiting?
Caotun is located in northern Nantou County, Taiwan, serving as a vital regional hub between the metropolis of Taichung and the island's central mountain ranges.
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Nearby cities

Nantou — Caotun (Taiwan)
Nantou
The only capital of a landlocked county in Taiwan, surrounded by rolling hills.
Wushe — Caotun (Taiwan)
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Wushe is a picturesque mountain village in central Taiwan, known for its history and magnificent cherry blossoms.
Taichung — Caotun (Taiwan)
Taichung
Taiwan's second largest city, famous for its pleasant climate and cultural museums.
Yuanlin — Caotun (Taiwan)
Yuanlin
A prosperous small city that combines traditional orchards with modern development.
Dakeng — Caotun (Taiwan)
Dakeng
The 'Yangmingshan of Taichung', featuring diverse hiking trails with iconic wooden log stairs.
Changhua — Caotun (Taiwan)
Changhua
One of the oldest cities in western Taiwan, known for the giant Buddha statue on Bagua Mountain.
Douliu — Caotun (Taiwan)
Douliu
The administrative capital of Yunlin County, famous for pomelos and historic streets.
Huwei — Caotun (Taiwan)
Huwei
A culturally rich city in Yunlin, known for traditional glove puppetry.
Miaoli — Caotun (Taiwan)
Miaoli
A hilly mountain city deeply rooted in traditional Hakka woodcarving.
Chiayi — Caotun (Taiwan)
Chiayi
A historic city in central Taiwan, serving as the gateway to the scenic Alishan mountain region.
Toufen — Caotun (Taiwan)
Toufen
A northwestern city in Miaoli County with a strong presence of Hakka culture.
Taibao — Caotun (Taiwan)
Taibao
A quiet county seat in Chiayi County, home to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum.

History & landmarks

Sun Moon Lake — Caotun (Taiwan)
Sun Moon Lake
The largest natural lake in Taiwan, famous for its picturesque scenery and the rich culture of indigenous tribes.
Rainbow Village — Caotun (Taiwan)
Rainbow Village
A former military settlement in Taichung, saved from demolition by a veteran who painted vibrant, colorful murals.
Hsinshe (Xinshe) — Caotun (Taiwan)
Hsinshe (Xinshe)
A scenic district in Taichung famous for its annual 'Sea of Flowers', mushroom farms, and European-style castles.
Gaomei Wetlands — Caotun (Taiwan)
Gaomei Wetlands
An expansive tidal flat in Taichung, which is an important habitat for migratory birds and is famous for its spectacular sunsets.
Sanyi — Caotun (Taiwan)
Sanyi
The woodcarving capital of Taiwan, nestled in misty mountains and famous for its historic railway heritage.
Lugang — Caotun (Taiwan)
Lugang
A historic port town renowned for its well-preserved temples, traditional architecture, and local crafts.

Nature

Zhuoshui River — Caotun (Taiwan)
Zhuoshui River
The Zhuoshui River is the longest river in Taiwan and has immense importance for agriculture in the central part of the island.
Dajia River — Caotun (Taiwan)
Dajia River
The Dajia River originates in the central highlands and plays an important role in hydroelectric power generation in Taichung.

More places

Xitou Nature Education Area — Caotun (Taiwan)
Xitou Nature Education Area
A dense bamboo forest and research area offering a cool and tranquil atmosphere.
Jade Mountain (Yushan) — Caotun (Taiwan)
Jade Mountain (Yushan)
Jade Mountain is the highest point in Taiwan and a major landmark attracting mountaineers from around the world.
Yushan — Caotun (Taiwan)
Yushan
At 3,952 meters, it is the highest peak in Taiwan and a symbol of the island.
Yushan National Park — Caotun (Taiwan)
Yushan National Park
Yushan National Park contains Taiwan's highest peak and is noted for its rich alpine flora.
Qingjing Farm — Caotun (Taiwan)
Qingjing Farm
A scenic mountain farm famous for its sheep herds and lush green pastures.
Mount Hehuan — Caotun (Taiwan)
Mount Hehuan
Mount Hehuan is a popular destination to experience snow in subtropical Taiwan, as it is accessible via well-maintained roads.
Hehuanshan — Caotun (Taiwan)
Hehuanshan
An accessible 3,000-meter peak that is often covered in snow during winter.
Wufeng Lin Family Mansion — Caotun (Taiwan)
Wufeng Lin Family Mansion
A historic building complex in Taichung showcasing the architectural development and wealth of the Lin family.