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In Taitung’s Luye, situated at a relatively high altitude, the temperature and climate are more comfortable compared to other regions. Every summer, it hosts the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which consistently attracts visitors from all over Taiwan. Additionally, Luye boasts clean, pollution-free air, abundant water sources, and ample sunshine, all of which nurture high-quality tea plantations producing the unique red oolong tea of Taitung’s Luye. Unsure where to go this summer? Come to Luye, Taitung, to experience the hot air balloon festival and delve deeper into the wonders of Luye!

Taiwan’s Version of Nara And Specialty Red Oolong

Daughter’s Tea 女兒不懂茶

Modern people tend to prefer coffee over tea, but the flavor and charm of tea are indeed worth savoring. Young people from Luye, Taitung, aim to overturn the stereotype that ‘drinking tea is for the elderly’ by creating a space dedicated to tea, providing a good environment, and striving to promote ‘modern lifestyle tea.’ With clean and simple exterior walls bearing the inscription ‘Daughter’s Tea,’ the interior space incorporates transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, naturally blending with the vast scenery of Taitung’s longitudinal valley.

The flagship product is the renowned red oolong tea from Luye, Taitung. The shop offers five different flavors of red oolong, and while brewing, the owner explains various tea-related knowledge such as brewing techniques, the characteristics of each red oolong, and the taste profile. Paired with desserts and the soothing scenery of Luye, it provides an immersive tea-tasting experience that makes people fall in love with this small town.

• Address: No. 50, Yong’an Road, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan
• Business Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10:00–12:00, 13:30–17:30
• Phone: +886 0963677632 (需預約)

Luye Shinto Shrine 鹿野神社

In Taitung, with its sprawling mountain ranges and golden landscapes, there exists such a beautiful Japanese shrine! Luye, once a Japanese colonial village, still preserves an ancient Japanese shrine. The shrine’s architecture is simple, consisting only of the main hall, torii gate, and purification pavilion. Parking around the area is convenient, and it’s not uncommon to see people dressed in traditional Japanese attire, posing for photos.

• Address: No. 308, Guangrong Road, Longtian Village, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

Luye Plateau 鹿野高台

During every summer vacation, the hottest event in Taitung is the hot air balloon festival held at Luye Plateau. In recent years, there have been more adorable-themed hot air balloons from various countries and performances by drones. Although joining the tethered hot air balloon rides requires getting up very early, the moment when the hot air balloons ignite and ascend is truly breathtaking. The greenery and vast beauty of Taitung seen from above make it worth it!

• Address: No. 46, Gaotai Road, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County Klook Discount, Taiwan
• Klook Ticket: Taitung | Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Luye Sika Deer Park 鹿野梅花鹿公園

This place is like a Taiwanese version of Nara! Feeding deer in front of Nara’s Todai-ji Temple is one of the must-visit activities for tourists in Kansai. Surprisingly, you can experience it in Taitung too. Luye Sika Deer Park is located near the popular attraction of Luye Plateau. The park is spacious with many adorable small animals. Visitors can observe Formosan deer up close and feed the animals, making it a delightful stop to include in your itinerary.

• Address: No. 15, Lane 23, Section 1, Ruijing Road, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan
• Business Hours: 09:00-18:00, Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Luye District Office 鹿野區役場​

Taitung boasts many traces left from the Japanese colonial era, and Luye District Office is one of them. To preserve its original appearance, it has been taken over by relevant authorities. Currently, efforts are being made to operate it as a cultural space focusing on coffee, aiming to save the old building from demolition. Apart from selling coffee and desserts, it also offers antique items for sale, making it an exciting spot for treasure-hunting enthusiasts! Don’t miss out if you appreciate Japanese architectural spaces.

• Address: No. 135, Guangrong Road, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

Taitung Chulu Ranch 台東初鹿農場

How can you miss out on the hottest farm when visiting Taitung? Chulu Ranch is one of the must-visit attractions in Taitung. Covering a vast area, Chulu Ranch offers not only the opportunity to feed adorable animals but also activities like grass sliding, horseback riding, and water play. It’s a premium destination for families, although the admission fee doesn’t cover all activities, which is a bit unfortunate! Additionally, don’t forget to taste the dairy products here, as they are guaranteed fresh, straight from the source!

• Address: No. 1, Ranch, Beinan Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

Longtian Green Tunnel 龍田綠色隧道

With the recent surge in cycling popularity, coming to Taitung, a place renowned for its beautiful mountains, waters, and scenery, naturally calls for a cycling adventure! Longtian Village in Lu Ye, Taitung, was a settlement from the Japanese colonial era, with its roads remaining straight due to past grid-like planning. The approximately one-kilometer-long bike path is flat and runs through a green tunnel formed by small-leafed olive trees. It offers a comfortable and refreshing ride, allowing cyclists to enjoy the surrounding farmland and tea plantations. Here, you can fully experience the leisurely pace of life in Taitung.

• Address: Longtian Village, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

Er Ceng Ping Water Bridge 二層坪水橋

Er Ceng Ping Water Bridge is a rare floating canal, or you could say it’s a “bridge where water flows.” It’s Taiwan’s first arched scenic water bridge. Especially towards the end of each year, when the rice paddies are fallow, seeds of cosmos flowers are sown. Around the Chinese New Year, a vast sea of flowers emerges, reminiscent of being in Europe. The view of Er Ceng Ping Water Bridge against the backdrop of the mountains is truly stunning!

• Address: Pingding Road, Ruilong Village, Lu Ye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

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