Bitou Cape

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Bitou Cape

headland

Bitou Cape is a rugged, sea-eroded headland on Taiwan's northeast coast in Ruifang District, New Taipei. Visitors come for the coastal walking trail, dramatic cliffs and the lighthouse at the cape's tip.

Bitou Cape TaipeiNew Taipei CityKeelungTaoyuanTaipei 101National Palace MuseumYangmingshanYehliu GeoparkBitou Cape

Bitou Cape essentials

Address: Bitou, Ruifang District, New Taipei, Taiwan

Bitou Cape sits at the northeastern edge of Taiwan and is a classic sea-eroded headland featuring tall sea cliffs, undercut bluffs and wave-cut platforms. The cape forms a narrow finger of land into the Pacific and is known for its exposed coastal scenery and the Bitoujiao Lighthouse at the outer end. There is a circular walking route that begins near Bitou Fishing Port and finishes by Bitou Elementary School, and remnants of a military barrack are visible close to the tip. The landscape is directly shaped by strong waves and wind, so paths include stairways and viewing platforms that bring you close to the cliffs.

Visiting feels like a short, coastal hike rather than a long mountain trek - the path is mostly well defined but uneven in places and offers frequent sea views and photo opportunities. The cape is in Northern Taiwan and is often combined on itineraries with nearby coastal sights and old mining towns; the port city of Keelung lies to the west and other coastal attractions are within easy reach by road. Expect exposed conditions - the coast is windy and tides can make rock platforms slippery, so plan clothing and footwear accordingly.

  • Bitoujiao Lighthouse: A small, functional lighthouse at the tip of the cape that marks the outer end of the walking route and offers clear views over the open sea.
  • Coastal walking trail: A circular route with cliffside stairways and viewing platforms that takes you along the shoreline from Bitou Fishing Port to Bitou Elementary School.
  • Sea cliffs and platforms: Wave-cut cliffs and broad rock platforms created by sea erosion provide dramatic coastal scenery and photographic foregrounds.
  • Bitou Fishing Port: The small fishing harbour at the cape’s head serves as the usual trailhead and gives a glimpse of local coastal life.
  • Views toward Keelung Islet: From the outer promontories you can look across the water toward offshore islets including Keelung Islet, visible on clearer days.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bitou Cape#

Bitou Cape has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and a distinct wet season; choose cooler, drier months for the most comfortable walking and clearer views.

Winter (best)
November - February · 14°C - 22°C (57°F - 72°F)
Cooler, relatively drier months often give clearer skies and comfortable conditions for walking the exposed coastal trail. Rainfall is lower than late summer and early autumn, though showery days still occur.
Spring (good)
March - May · 15°C - 26°C (59°F - 79°F)
Mild temperatures and generally pleasant conditions make spring a good time for coastal walks before the main summer rains arrive. Expect variable days but often good visibility for sea views.
Summer and early autumn (avoid stormy periods)
June - October · 22°C - 31°C (72°F - 88°F)
This period is warmer and has the highest rainfall plus occasional typhoons and heavy showers - avoid the cape during storms and keep an eye on weather alerts.

Weather & Climate near Bitou Cape#

Climate

Bitou Cape's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3334 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 53 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 14° - 18° 16° 273 mm overcast 82% 5.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.6h
February Acceptable 14° - 18° 16° 298 mm overcast 83% 5.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 11.2h
March Acceptable 15° - 20° 18° 268 mm overcast 82% 4.9 m/s 1.0 high 11.9h
April Good 18° - 23° 21° 200 mm overcast 83% 3.4 m/s 1.3 high 12.6h
May Good 21° - 26° 24° 274 mm overcast 85% 3.2 m/s 1.6 very high 13.3h
June Good 24° - 29° 26° 274 mm overcast 87% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 13.6h
July Good 25° - 31° 33° 163 mm partly cloudy 85% 3.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.4h
August Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 233 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 24° - 28° 26° 382 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.9 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Good 22° - 25° 23° 396 mm overcast 81% 3.4 m/s 1.2 high 11.4h
November Good 19° - 22° 20° 303 mm overcast 82% 5.3 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.8h
December Acceptable 16° - 19° 17° 270 mm overcast 80% 6.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bitou Cape#

The cape is in the Ruifang area of New Taipei; Ruifang town is the closest rail hub on Taiwan Railways and is the usual gateway for visitors. Taipei is the nearest major city and local buses run from Taipei Main Station toward the northeast coast.

From Ruifang you can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to Bitou Fishing Port, where the walking trail begins - the path then follows the coast to Bitou Elementary School. The nearest major airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, from which you would travel by train or bus into Taipei and onward by rail or road to Ruifang.

Tips for Visiting Bitou Cape#

  • Wear sturdy, closed shoes - sections of the coastal path are uneven and can be slippery after rain.
  • Check the weather and local sea conditions before you go - the cape is exposed and can be dangerous in strong winds, heavy rain or high seas.
  • Bring sun protection and water - there is limited shelter along the trail and few facilities at the cape itself.
  • Start early or visit later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer day-trippers; avoid the trail during typhoon warnings.