桃园市

Why this place

Taoyuan is where the main international airport is, and it is Hakka country — the inland districts have Hakka villages, old irrigation ponds and a distinct food culture. It is mostly a transit city, but the Hakka districts are worth half a day.

What to see

• The Hakka villages of Xinwu and Guanyin, with their old houses and pond systems
• Shimen Reservoir and the northern cross-island highway
• The Laojie River and the old banyan-tree districts of the city

What to eat

• Hakka food: 'lei cha' (pounded tea), stuffed tofu and preserved vegetables
• Taoyuan's night markets and the airport-area restaurants

Best time

October–April