About Changhua
Changhua is located in central Taiwan, just south of Taichung City. It’s accessible via Taiwan Railways (TRA) and by car, and it also connects to the High-Speed Rail through a nearby station in Taichung. Despite its central location and easy access, Changhua remains a quiet, largely rural county with a strong sense of tradition and community.
Nestled in the heart of central Taiwan, Changhua County is a destination that blends rich history, religious landmarks, and idyllic countryside life into an authentic and unforgettable travel experience. Though often overlooked in favor of its flashier neighbors like Taichung or Tainan, Changhua holds its own with centuries-old temples, quaint towns, and a rhythm of life that speaks to Taiwan’s cultural roots.
Whether you’re strolling through traditional markets, gazing up at Taiwan’s largest Buddha statue, cycling through rice paddies, or tasting local delicacies in the historic Lukang Old Street, Changhua offers a slice of Taiwan where heritage and simplicity take center stage.
Changhua is Taiwan without the gloss—a destination where history, spirituality, and everyday life coexist in a beautifully unfiltered way. It’s a place where temples still guide the rhythms of local life, where food is made by hand, and where the past isn’t preserved in museums but lived daily in the streets and homes of its people. If you’re craving an authentic Taiwanese experience away from the usual tourist path, Changhua is the perfect choice. It may be quiet, but it speaks volumes to the heart.
What to Eat in Changhua
Just a short ride from central Changhua, Lukang is a historical town packed with old streets, traditional buildings, and most importantly, incredible food. Explore narrow alleyways, red-brick houses, and artisan workshops that date back centuries.
Food You Must Try in Changhua
Changhua has its own distinct culinary scene, deeply rooted in Taiwanese and Hakka traditions.
Ba-wan – A glutinous meat dumpling unique to Changhua, filled with pork and bamboo shoots, then steamed and fried.
Try ox tongue cakes, shrimp rolls, mochi, and rice cakes unique to this region.
Traditional Taiwanese pastries – Handmade by generations-old bakeries in Lukang and Changhua City.
Rice cakes – Soft, steamed rice pudding topped with savory pork or mushrooms.
Pro tip: Visit the Jingcheng Night Market in Changhua City or Lukang for a deep dive into local flavors.
Things to Do in Changhua
Tucked away in central Taiwan, Changhua is a city that often flies under the radar—but it shouldn’t. Known for its rich history, Buddhist landmarks, and traditional foods, Changhua offers a more laid-back and authentic side of Taiwan. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, or just looking to explore somewhere beyond the usual tourist trail, Changhua is well worth a visit.
Skywalk and Giant Buddha at Baguashan
The Baguashan Great Buddha stands as a monumental testament to spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur. Completed in 1961, this 22-meter-tall bronze statue was once among the largest of its kind in Asia. Seated serenely on a golden lotus pedestal, the Buddha gazes over the expansive Changhua Plain, offering visitors both a spiritual experience and panoramic vistas.
The Baguashan Great Buddha is not merely a statue but a multi-faceted religious complex. Behind the statue lies the Great Buddha Temple, a unique structure that harmoniously blends Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The temple’s three floors are dedicated to Confucius, Guan Yu, and the Three Buddhas (Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and Medicine Buddha), reflecting Taiwan’s rich tapestry of religious traditions. Visitors can ascend the statue’s interior, exploring six levels adorned with life-sized sculptures that narrate the Buddha’s life and teachings.
The journey to the Great Buddha is as enriching as the destination itself. A scenic footpath begins at the Great Buddha archway on Guashan Road, leading visitors past Jiulong Pond—known for its dragon-themed fountain and illuminated water shows—and through a corridor lined with 32 Guanyin statues, symbolizing compassion for all beings.
Next to the Great Buddha is the Baguashan Skywalk, a walking path raised above the treetops. This eco-friendly attraction lets visitors enjoy the region’s natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities while strolling through a serene forest canopy.
For those seeking elevated perspectives, the Baguashan Skywalk offers a 1,005-meter-long elevated trail that connects various attractions, including the Changhua Living Art Center and the lotus ecological park. This skywalk is family-friendly, free to enter, and a peaceful break from urban life.
Changhua Roundhouse
Changhua Roundhouse is a rare and historically significant railway facility located in Changhua City, Taiwan. Built in 1922 during the Japanese colonial era, it remains the only operational fan-shaped roundhouse in Taiwan and one of the few still in use worldwide. Designed to service steam locomotives, the roundhouse features 12 maintenance bays arranged in a fan shape around a central 360-degree turntable. This unique layout allows locomotives to be rotated and directed into maintenance stalls without reversing—a necessity for steam engines that lack bidirectional driving capabilities.
Today, the Changhua Roundhouse continues to serve as an active maintenance depot for Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), accommodating diesel and electric locomotives. Visitors can observe the daily operations of these trains and, on occasion, witness the operation of historic steam engines like the CK124, which has been restored to working condition and still makes special excursions.
The roundhouse is open to the public free of charge, with operating hours from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Visitors can explore the surrounding grounds and view the locomotives from designated observation points. The adjacent Roundhouse Railway Park offers additional attractions, including a mini-train and interactive exhibits, making it a family-friendly destination.
Designated as a county-level monument in 2000, the Changhua Roundhouse stands as a testament to Taiwan’s rich railway heritage and architectural ingenuity. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of history, technology, and culture in a living, working environment.
Lukang Old Street
Lukang Old Street in Changhua County is a captivating destination that offers a window into Taiwan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Once a bustling port town during the Qing Dynasty, Lukang has preserved its historic charm through its well-maintained streets, traditional shops, and vibrant local life.
The main thoroughfares, Yaolin Street and Butou Street, are lined with traditional Minnan-style buildings featuring red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden facades. These streets are home to a variety of shops selling local handicrafts, antiques, and traditional snacks, providing visitors with an authentic taste of Taiwanese culture. Notable culinary delights include oyster omelets, shrimp balls, taro cakes, and meat buns, which have been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for generations.
A highlight of Lukang Old Street is the renowned Molu Lane, a narrow alley so tight that two people passing each other may touch chests. This unique feature adds to the area’s charm and offers a glimpse into the town’s historical layout. Another must-see is the Half-Sided Well, a well that is divided by a wall, symbolizing the community’s spirit of sharing and mutual support.
Adjacent to the old street, visitors can explore Guihua Lane Art Village, a transformed area featuring Japanese-style houses that now serve as spaces for local artists to display their work. The village is adorned with colorful murals and hosts various cultural events, making it a vibrant spot for art enthusiasts.
For those interested in religious architecture, Lukang Longshan Temple and Tianhou Temple are significant landmarks. Longshan Temple, built in 1653, is dedicated to Guanyin and showcases exquisite wood and stone carvings. Tianhou Temple, established in 1591, is one of Taiwan’s oldest Mazu temples and is renowned for its ornate design and spiritual significance.
Lukang Tianhou Temple
Lukang Tianhou Temple, located in Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan, is a revered Mazu temple that offers a profound glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess and protector of fishermen and travelers, this temple stands as one of Taiwan’s most historically significant Mazu temples.
Established in 1591 during the Ming Dynasty, the temple was relocated to its current site in 1725 after a generous land donation by Shi Shibang. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations, notably in 1815 and 1927, with most of its present structures completed by 1936. The woodwork was crafted by local artisans and masters from Quanzhou and Chaozhou on the mainland. Recognizing its cultural significance, the temple was designated as a third-class historic site in 1985. A Mazu Folk Art Hall was established in 1992 to preserve and showcase its rich heritage.
Architecturally, the temple features a courtyard-style layout with three entrances, two corridors, and two guardian dragons. The intricate and magnificent eight trigrams net vault in the Sanchuan Hall is particularly eye-catching. The front hall’s coffered ceiling includes sculptures of the Eight Immortals and paintings of the “Four Loves”: fishing, woodcutting, planting, and reading. At its apex is a blossoming lotus. The ceiling’s plaque was written by Wang Lan-pei in 1830 and invokes Mazu’s protection.
Inside the main hall, visitors can observe a statue of Mazu sculpted from sand in the 1930s, flanked by her protectors Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er. The temple also houses several other statues of Mazu, each with its unique history and significance. Lukang Tianhou Temple continues to be a vibrant center of religious and cultural life, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike. Its enduring presence offers a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of history, spirituality, and community in Taiwan.
Tianwei Flower Garden Zone
Love flowers and open air? Head to Tianwei Township, home to Taiwan’s largest flower-growing region. Here you’ll find miles of landscaped flower gardens, garden shops, nurseries, and cafés nestled among the blooms.
Visitors can explore the beauty of the area by strolling or cycling along the scenic routes, such as the Hundred Flowers Bicycle Path, which meanders through lush flower fields and offers self-service flower-picking gardens . The zone also boasts a variety of themed cafes and restaurants that incorporate flowers and herbs into their offerings, providing a unique culinary experience amidst the fragrant surroundings .
Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Tianwei Flower Garden Zone offers a picturesque and enriching experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Taiwan’s floral heritage.
Best time to visit: Autumn and winter, when flower blooms peak and weather is pleasant.
How to Get to Changhua from Taipei
The Complete Travel Guide
Changhua, located in central Taiwan, is a destination filled with heritage, temples, Hakka culture, and some of the island’s best-known agricultural towns. It’s home to the famous Great Buddha Statue at Baguashan, the nostalgic Lukang Old Street, and the colorful Tianwei Highway Garden. Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a cultural deep dive, getting to Changhua from Taipei is both easy and rewarding.
This guide explains all the ways you can travel from Taipei to Changhua, covering high-speed rail, conventional trains, buses, and driving. Your arrival point will likely be Changhua City, the county capital, or Lukang, a historic coastal town.
Option 1: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fastest Way via Taichung
Although Changhua has an HSR station, it is located far from the city center in Tianzhong Township. Most travelers take the HSR to Taichung, then switch to a local train.
Route: Taipei HSR Station → Taichung HSR Station → Changhua TRA Station
Travel Time:
Taipei to Taichung HSR: ~1 hour
Taichung HSR to Changhua TRA (via Xinwuri Station): ~20 minutes
Total Cost: ~NT$500–600
Taipei–Taichung HSR: ~NT$700 (standard), often discounted to ~NT$540 online
TRA (Xinwuri–Changhua): ~NT$25
Pros:
Fast and reliable
Easy to book online
Comfortable seats
Cons:
Requires a transfer
Changhua HSR Station is not near the main city or tourist areas
Transfer Tip: Exit Taichung HSR, walk to Xinwuri Station (connected), and take a local TRA train to Changhua.
Option 2: Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Direct and Convenient
The TRA train is the most direct and affordable way to get from Taipei to Changhua.
Route: Taipei Main Station → Changhua TRA Station
Travel Time:
Tze-Chiang Express: ~2 hours
Chu-Kuang: ~2.5 hours
Local Train: ~3 hours
Cost:
Tze-Chiang: ~NT$375
Local Train: ~NT$241
Pros:
Direct to Changhua City center
Budget-friendly
No transfers needed
Cons:
Slower than HSR
Limited luggage space during peak hours
Tip: Book a reserved seat in advance via the TRA website or at any 7-Eleven kiosk.
Option 3: Intercity Bus – Cheapest Option, Slower
There are intercity buses connecting Taipei and Changhua, although fewer than trains.
Departure: Taipei Bus Station (adjacent to Taipei Main Station)
Arrival: Changhua Bus Station or Lukang Bus Terminal
Travel Time: ~3.5–4.5 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: ~NT$250–300
Pros:
Low-cost
Air-conditioned and comfortable
Direct to downtown or Lukang
Cons:
Traffic-dependent
Fewer departure times
Tip: Avoid traveling during national holidays or Friday evenings when highway traffic peaks.
Option 4: Driving – For Scenic Road Trips or Group Travel
Driving is great if you’re planning a flexible itinerary or visiting places like Lukang, Tianwei, or Baguashan Scenic Area.
Route: Take National Freeway No. 1 or 3 southbound from Taipei to Changhua
Drive Time: ~2–2.5 hours
Costs: Toll: ~NT$200
Fuel: ~NT$300–400
Pros:
Flexible and private
Great for families or groups
Easy access to rural attractions
Cons:
Parking in Lukang and Changhua City may be limited
Must navigate local traffic and tolls
Tip: Consider renting a car from Taichung HSR Station and driving from there if you want to explore central Taiwan.
Final Travel Tips
Book TRA or HSR tickets in advance for weekends and holidays.
Use apps like Taiwan Railways, THSR T Express, or Bus+ for live timetables and mobile ticketing.
Plan for at least half a day in Changhua to visit attractions like Baguashan Great Buddha, Lukang Old Street, and Tianwei Flower Garden.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary in Changhua
Day 1
Morning: Visit the Baguashan Buddha and Skywalk
Afternoon: Explore Lukang Old Street and its temples
Evening: Try local street food at a nearby night market
Day 2
Morning: Rent a bike in Tianwei Flower Garden Zone
Afternoon: Visit local farms or tea houses
Evening: Enjoy sunset from Baguashan or take in a temple event
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