When traveling in Taiwan, I have a particular fondness for small rural villages near major towns—places that are peaceful yet rich in local life. Puxin, located next to Yuanlin, is exactly that kind of place. In Puxin, you can explore historic houses, taste freshly harvested grapes, and soak in the warm afternoon sun. These simple yet fulfilling moments are what I cherish the most.
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 Puxin
Looking at Puxin's history, it is essentially a story of Hakka pioneers. Compared to its neighboring towns, Puxin was developed later, with the earliest settlers being Hakka immigrants. In 1696, following the death of Shi Lang, a shift in immigration policies led to a large influx of Hakka people arriving through Lukang to settle in Puxin. Over time, due to the dominance of Minnan culture, many Hakka settlers gradually assimilated, eventually becoming what is now referred to as “Holo Hakka” (福佬客)—Hakka descendants who no longer speak the language. Even today, Puxin still carries traces of its Hakka heritage. Many temples, ancestral tombs, and genealogical records continue to preserve the stories of early settlers, who worked tirelessly to establish their roots in this land.
◦ Attractions in Puxin
01｜The Catholic Church of the Lotsu
Nestled in the countryside of Puxin, the Catholic Church of the Lotsu is more than just a quiet red-brick chapel—it stands as a historical witness to the development of Catholicism in Taiwan. This church was the first Catholic mission established by the Dominican Order in central Taiwan after expanding north from Kaohsiung. From here, Catholicism gradually spread to Greater Taipei, leaving a profound impact on Taiwan’s religious landscape.
Dating back to 1869, the church has undergone multiple renovations, blending Gothic, Byzantine, Renaissance, and Romanesque architectural elements. Despite the diverse influences, the design remains harmonious and elegant, showcasing a unique religious aesthetic.
One of the most surprising features is the presence of ancestral tablets behind the church. Traditionally an Eastern custom, this thoughtful inclusion reflects the church leaders’ deep respect for local culture—a rare and admirable gesture.
The Catholic Church of the Lotsu Opening Hours: 0800-1600 No. 109, Luoyong Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
02｜Ancient House of Huang San Yuan
Puxin is home to many historic houses, but the Ancient House of Huang San Yuan stands out for its distinct architectural charm and the legacy of its notable residents. Many people remember this building because of Huang San-Yuan, the famous musician who once lived here. However, the Huang family’s influence extended far beyond music—they were a prestigious household, with members who served as Taiwan Sugar Corporation executives during Japanese rule, county councilors, bank managers, and influential figures in various fields.
To truly appreciate this heritage house, visit in the morning, when sunlight filters through the windows, casting intricate patterns across the balcony, loft, and ornate architectural details—a glimpse into the elegance of a bygone era.
Ancient House of Huang San Yuan Opening Hours: 0800-1700 No. 446, Sec. 3, Yaofeng Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
03｜Huang Yao Nan Old Residence
Built during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, Huang Yao Nan Old Residence spans over a thousand pings, reflecting the prominence of this distinguished family. At the age of 23, Huang Yao-Nan passed the military imperial examination and returned home in 1894, only to be met with the upheaval of the First Sino-Japanese War. Before celebratory banners could even be raised, Taiwan was ceded to Japan. Despite this dramatic turn of events, Huang was later appointed as the head of Poxin Village during Japanese rule, overseeing local governance for more than two decades. Over time, as descendants gradually moved away, the once-grand residence remained occupied but lacked sufficient manpower for upkeep. Now, it is no longer open to the public.
Huang Yao Nan Old Residence No. 272, Wuying N. Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
04｜Lu Wine House
Changhua is renowned as “Taiwan’s Grape Homeland”, with Puxin and Dacun being particularly famous for their vineyards. During harvest season, the sight of plump, juicy grapes is simply irresistible. In recent years, many traditional vineyards have transformed into tourism-friendly farms, and Lu Wine House stands out as one of the best.
The farm’s most captivating feature is its picturesque grape tunnel, but for wine lovers like me, the real highlight is their house-made grape wine! Among their seasonal wines, my personal favorite is “Summer Feast”, made from Black Queen grapes. It’s refreshingly crisp with a slight tartness, making it the perfect summer drink.
Lu Wine House Opening Hours: 0800-1100, 1330-1700 No. 85, Nanchang S. Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Puxin
01｜Zhang Tu-Pi Noodles
When I first found this noodle shop highly recommended by locals in Puxin, I assumed that “Tu-Pi” (凸皮) was just the owner’s nickname. But when the dish arrived, I finally understood—those glistening, gelatinous chunks were the real Tu-Pi! In Taiwan’s early agricultural society, when resources were scarce, people often used pork skin as a substitute for meat. The process of deep-frying and then braising it in a rich sauce gives it a chewy yet tender texture packed with collagen. Taking a bite of Tu-Pi followed by a mouthful of noodles was incredibly satisfying!
Zhang Tu-Pi Noodles Opening Hours: 0400-1230, closed on Monday. No. 261, Sec. 2, Yuanlu Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
02｜Muchafu
After indulging in Tu-Pi noodles, I was craving a refreshing drink, and that’s when I stumbled upon Muchafu, a charming tea shop with an elegant exterior. Turns out, this is a one-and-only independent brand! The owner, a tea lover with high standards, returned home to start his own business, determined to bring high-quality beverages to his hometown.
I tried their winter-exclusive Roasted Grass Jelly Oolong Milk Tea—the slight bitterness of the grass jelly paired perfectly with the rich, fragrant oolong, making the milky flavor even more layered and complex.
Muchafu Opening Hours: 0900-2100 No. 378, Sec. 2, Yuanlu Rd., Puxin Township, Changhua
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
◦ Other Areas in Changhua
➤ Lukang | Lukang Dragon Boat Festival
➤ Ershui | A Golden Tunnel Adorned by Spring
➤ Puyan | The Hometown of Glutinous Rice and Champion Caps