Changhua ◦ Puyan | The Hometown of Glutinous Rice and Champion Caps | TAIWAN 368-05

最後更新／Last Updated：2024-12-23

Puyan, primarily an agricultural area, is known as the "Hometown of Vegetables" and also called the "Hometown of Glutinous Rice" due to its large production of glutinous rice. The picturesque countryside here can be seen in many rural areas of Taiwan; however, the temples nestled in the fields give Puyan a unique cultural landscape.

◦ The Past of Puyan

According to the stories passed down from the older generations, Puyan was originally a vast grassland with higher salt content in the soil, which led to the name "Puyan". In the past, Puyan was the territory of the Babuza, an indigenous Plains tribe. During the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty, Han Chinese settlers gradually moved in, cultivated the land, and established villages. Due to its fertile soil and mild climate, Puyan's agricultural products have been highly praised. In recent years, thanks to the efforts of local residents, leisure farming has begun to take root, attracting many visitors to experience rural life.

◦ Attractions in Puyan

01｜Puyan Shun Ze Temple

As soon as I approached Shun Ze Temple in Puyan, a giant champion cap immediately caught my attention, making for a unique start to my visit! In 2019, Norwegian athlete Gustav Iden won the Ironman World Championship in France while wearing a cap from Shun Ze Temple. The image of him crossing the finish line with his arms raised in victory brought this Taiwanese temple cap onto the international stage. Since then, Iden has worn this cap to win several more championships, and the Shun Ze Temple cap has become a coveted item among cyclists and triathletes, earning the title "champion cap."

Aside from the champion cap, Shun Ze Temple, which primarily worships the deity Xuantian Shangdi, has another treasure: a rare clay statue of Xuantian Shangdi. In 1948, a devastating fire destroyed Shun Ze Temple, and during its reconstruction, a clay statue of Xuantian Shangdi was created. This statue, now over fifty years old, is considered a national treasure and an important historical artifact.

Puyan Shun Ze Temple

Opening Hours: 0600-1800
No. 55, Zhongzheng Rd., Puyan Township, Changhua

02｜Glutinous Rice Workshop

Given Puyan's reputation as the "Hometown of Glutinous Rice," the importance of the Glutinous Rice Workshop is undeniable. Originally built as a fertilizer warehouse by a credit union, it was later transformed into an intermediate station for the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's Xihu Sugar Factory's narrow-gauge railway. Today, it combines tourism, leisure, education, and cultural features, becoming a hub for people to experience rural life.

The Glutinous Rice Workshop is not open on weekdays. It only opens on weekends or during special events, allowing visitors to appreciate antique items such as old kerosene lamps, early stone mills for pounding rice, and windmill vehicles.

Glutinous Rice Workshop

Open on weekends from 0900 to 1700.
No. 120, Zhongzheng Rd., Puyan Township, Changhua

03｜Chen Zhonglu Feather Duster

Fengze Village in Puyan, once Taiwan's leading producer of chicken feather dusters, now has only a few families still engaged in this craft.

The meticulous process of making these dusters starts with attaching large feathers together, followed by filling in gaps with shorter feathers, resulting in durable and non-shedding products. However, with the emergence of various cleaning tools, the production of chicken feather dusters has declined significantly, making it a sunset industry. Chen Zhonglu and his wife, who adhere strictly to traditional methods of handcrafting each duster, are among the few artisans left in Taiwan.

During my visit, unfortunately, it was raining, and the display of chicken feather dusters, which would have been quite spectacular, was confined to a corner under the eaves. Despite this, Chen Zhonglu and his wife were diligently inspecting each feather for quality, showcasing their craftsmanship that has spanned over 60 years—a testament to their unwavering dedication that left a lasting impression on me.

Chen Zhonglu Feather Duster

Prior appointment required for visits. Please call +886-4-8850262 to schedule.
No. 8, Ln. 2, Puda Rd., Puyan Township, Changhua

◦ Snacks in Puyan

01｜Noodle Shop No. 26 in Puyan

Before leaving Puyan, I spotted a bustling noodle shop along the way. With strong local support, it's either because of its reasonable prices, generous portions, or in delicious food.

Noodle Shop No. 26 in Puyan combines all these qualities. As someone who enjoys dry noodles, their sesame noodles are delightfully chewy with a rich sesame flavor, truly commendable. What's even more impressive is their oyster soup—each oyster is fresh and plump, served generously. It's no wonder this place is so popular among locals!

Noodle Shop No. 26 in Puyan 號

Opening Hours: 0600-1330, closed on Sunday.
No. 26, Sec. 2, Zhangshui Rd., Puyan Township, Changhua

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