It had been a while since I last explored Changhua properly. This time, visiting with friends, we were instantly drawn in by the historic sites and local snacks around Yuanlin Station the moment we stepped off the train. This old town, with over three hundred years of history, only grew more captivating the deeper I wandered.
Contents
◦ Changhua Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Changhua
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🛵 Scooter Rental in Changhua
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour From Taipei
02｜Popular Attractions in Changhua
🎫 Gushengwu Park Ticket in Changhua
🎫 Magical Mushrooms Tribe Ticket and DIY Experience in Changhua
🎫 Tickets for Juan Musen Living Museum
🎫 Yunhe Starry Sky View Restaurant Ticket
🎫 Cheng Mei Cultural Park Ticket in Changhua
03｜Things To Do in Changhua
🏕️ Glamping in Changhua by Ouxiang Manor Hotel
🍪 DIY Experience at Taiwan You Good School of Cookie
◦ The Past of Yuanlin
According to the Yuanlin Township Gazetteer, Yuanlin gradually developed into a village during the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), giving it a history of more than three hundred years. When the area was first settled, it was surrounded by dense forests. During the land-clearing process, the settlers deliberately preserved a circular wooded area and built their houses within it, forming a clustered village. This distinctive landscape later became the origin of the place name.
◦ Attractions in Yuanlin
01｜Xingxian Academy
Located within Yuanlin Park, Xingxian Academy was built in the twelfth year of the Jiaqing reign (1807) and is the earliest educational institution in the Yuanlin area. The academy was originally known as Wenchang Shrine and is primarily dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, the deity of literature. It also enshrines Wenheng Dijun, Fuyou Dijun, Zhuyi Shenjun, and Kuixing Dijun—collectively known as the “Five Wenchang Deities.” During the visit, several groups of parents were seen bringing their children to worship, making it clear how highly revered the Five Wenchang Deities remain among families.
Together with Hemei Daodong Academy and Lukang Wenkai Academy, Xingxian Academy is one of the three major surviving academies in Changhua County. As the earliest established among them, it stands as a testament to Yuanlin’s flourishing scholarly culture in earlier times.
Xingxian Academy Opening Hours: 0800-2000 No. 1, Sanmin St., Yuanlin City, Changhua
02｜Police Museum
The Police Museum is located behind the Yuanlin Township Office. Originally, it served as the official residence for officers of the Yuanlin District Office during the Japanese colonial period. The museum preserves the simple and elegant features of traditional Japanese architecture and houses a large collection of police-related historical artifacts, including duty desks, telephones, hand-cranked sirens, and other early equipment, as well as documents tracing police history from the Japanese era to the present.
Upon entering, the first thing visitors see is the duty desk, which once served as the central space for handling public reports and administrative matters. Today, it has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos while wearing police hats. Everyday items like police badges, which are often overlooked, reveal rich symbolic meaning under the guidance of the museum staff: the Blue Sky with a White Sun emblem represents the protection of the nation; the golden police dove features eight large feathers, five small feathers, and three tail feathers, symbolizing the Four Virtues, the Five-Power Constitution, and the Three Principles of the People, respectively; and the seven stalks of rice on each side signify the police’s continuous, day-and-night dedication to their duties.
Police Museum Opening Hours: 0900-1130, 1400-1630, closed on Sunday & Monday. No. 14, Sanmin St., Yuanlin City, Changhua
03｜Yuanlin Shrine Relic
Visiting Yuanlin Shrine in the Baiguoshan Scenic Area, the first thing that catches your eye is the torii gate—but something feels unusual; it doesn’t quite resemble the ones seen in Japan. Upon closer inspection, you realize that the torii has been rebuilt in the style of a traditional Chinese temple archway.
In 1960, the shrine’s main hall was demolished, and a pavilion along with a Martyrs’ Shrine was constructed on the original site. The blending of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles gives Yuanlin Shrine its unique character.
Yuanlin Shrine Relic No. 15, Chushui Ln., Yuanlin City, Changhua
04｜Baiguoshan Guangtian Temple
Continuing uphill from Yuanlin Shrine, you’ll reach Baiguoshan Guangtian Temple. When I visited on a weekend morning, there were already several people lined up in front of the temple. I learned that Guangtian Temple is well known for its “jiagai” ritual, which is closely tied to the legend of Xuantian Shangdi.
Situated at the highest point of the Baiguoshan Scenic Area, Guangtian Temple enjoys a spacious layout and excellent feng shui. According to legend, when Xuantian Shangdi descended to inspect the area, he planted his divine sword in the ground, indicating this as the proper site for building a temple—thus Guangtian Temple came into being. In addition, the temple offers wide, unobstructed views, making it an ideal spot to overlook Yuanlin and enjoy the sunset.
Baiguoshan Guangtian Temple Opening Hours: 0630-2000 No. 13-1, Chushui Ln., Yuanlin City, Changhua
05｜Baiguoshan Slide
Just a short three-minute walk from Guangtian Temple, there’s an inclusive playground that was selected as Changhua’s Best Outdoor Family Attraction for 2025. The park offers free parking nearby, making it very convenient for parents—a must-visit spot for family outings.
The highlight of the playground is a three-story rainbow slide. The park is well-designed, with play areas including swings, tunnels, trampolines, and grassy hills, giving children plenty of space to burn off energy. However, for some kids, the rainbow slide can be quite a test of courage. It’s not uncommon to see children cry after going down it for the first time. Before trying the big slide, it’s a good idea to start with the smaller ones to gauge your child’s comfort level.
Baiguoshan Slide Chushui Ln., Yuanlin City, Changhua
06｜Great Wall Trail
For locals, the Great Wall Trail is a popular weekend hiking spot. The roads near the trailhead are almost always lined with parked cars, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for outdoor activity. The trail consists of the 200-Step, 300-Step, and 400-Step sections. With gentle slopes and relatively easy terrain, it’s a family-friendly route suitable for hikers of all ages.
The trail begins across from Yuanlin Sports Park. Walking up the trail, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the entrance of the 200-Step section. Beyond that, the path becomes steeper with stairways, and it takes roughly 40–50 minutes to reach the summit. At the Shangqin Memorial Pavilion, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Yuanlin city and the Changhua Plain.
Great Wall Trail Yuannan Rd., Yuanlin City, Changhua
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Yuanlin
01｜The Chen's Scallion Rice Cake
For food lovers visiting Yuanlin, the first stop has to be the Yuanlin First Market, surrounded by longtime eateries that have stood the test of time. Our first stop was the locally famous Chen's Scallion Rice Cake. We ordered the must-try scallion cake, roasted pork rice dumpling, and stewed cabbage.
My personal favorite was the scallion cake—pan-fried on both sides until perfectly golden and crispy, with a soft, fragrant interior. Paired with the shop’s special sauce, it was irresistible. The rice dumpling and stewed cabbage were good as well, but the scallion cake left the deepest impression.
The Chen's Scallion Rice Cake Opening Hours: 0630-1400 No. 74, Minsheng Rd., Yuanlin City, Changhua
02｜Er Lang Papaya Milk
Er Lang Papaya Milk is a long-established drink shop in Yuanlin First Market, in operation for over 55 years. Its signature drinks are papaya milk and avocado milk. We ordered a papaya milk without ice, made with no added water, resulting in a rich, creamy flavor that left us feeling surprisingly full. We also tried the shop owner’s recommendation, carrot juice with honey, which reduced the strong vegetable taste and made it very smooth and easy to drink.
Beyond the drinks, the owner is exceptionally friendly. The shop even has posters for matchmaking events in Changhua and features stylish walking routes around Yuanlin city—so appealing that even an outsider like me couldn’t resist taking note.
Er Lang Papaya Milk Opening Hours: 1000-0000 No. 100, Minsheng Rd., Yuanlin City, Changhua
03｜Fanshushi Eight Treasures Shaved Ice
During this trip to Yuanlin, I was genuinely surprised by how affordable things are. Just around Yuanlin First Market, Fanshushi Eight Treasures Shaved Ice is one of those old shops that truly feels like a bargain. A bowl packed with glutinous rice balls, preserved fruits, fresh fruits, and other toppings costs only NT$35—a price rare even in southern Taiwan.
Having been in business for over sixty years, the shop attracts quite a crowd on weekends. Still, turnover is quick, so while you may need to wait, it won’t be long. My bowl included my favorites: rice balls, preserved fruits, and mixed fruits, served over crushed ice and sweet syrup. The result is a nostalgic, old-fashioned flavor that is both satisfying and surprisingly filling.
Fanshushi Eight Treasures Shaved Ice Opening Hours: 1200-2200 No. 216, Guangming St., Yuanlin City, Changhua
04｜Fanshushi Chicken Feet Galantine
Just a few steps from the Eight Treasures Shaved Ice, this Fanshushi Chicken Feet Galantine was a spontaneous stop while getting dessert—and it quickly became a favorite. I even immediately noted the order number on the box.
The chicken feet are meaty and large, with the bones removed for easy eating. Braised in a sauce made from natural Chinese herbs, they are flavorful, savory, and slightly spicy—completely addictive! Back home, I couldn’t resist ordering several more chicken feet and braised tofu. This shop turned out to be one of the most delightful discoveries of my Yuanlin trip.
Fanshushi Chicken Feet Galantine Opening Hours: 0800-2200 No. 232, Guangming St., Yuanlin City, Changhua
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Changhua
➤ Xianxi | The Once-Passionate Clam Barracks
➤ Puxin | Exploring Historic Houses, Savoring Grapes, and Unearthing Hidden Gems in the Countryside
➤ Lukang | Lukang Dragon Boat Festival