July 12, 2025
Introduction to Yunlin
Yunlin is located in southwestern Taiwan, between the counties of Chiayi to the south and Changhua to the north. It has no international airport, which means it’s less touristy, but still easily reachable via high-speed rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways (TRA), buses, or by car from nearby cities like Taichung or Chiayi. Its rural charm and untouched landscapes are exactly what make it a unique experience.
When travelers think of Taiwan, they often picture neon-lit cities, bustling night markets, and famous lakes and mountains. But beyond the familiar tourist trails lies Yunlin County—a destination that represents the soul of Taiwan’s countryside. Nestled between Chiayi and Changhua in western Taiwan, Yunlin is a land of fertile plains, vibrant cultural festivals, local artisans, and farm-to-table flavors.
Often referred to as “Taiwan’s breadbasket,” Yunlin thrives on its agricultural roots. It’s where the food on your plate likely began—rice fields, sugarcane farms, and fruit orchards stretch across the landscape. But Yunlin isn’t just about farming. It’s also the cradle of Taiwanese folk arts, especially puppet theatre, making it a must-visit for those who want to dive deeper into Taiwan’s living traditions.
Yunlin might not have the glitz of Taipei or the high-altitude drama of Alishan, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Here, you won’t find the tourist crowds, but you will find authentic stories, hands-on experiences, and deep cultural roots.
This is Taiwan at its most genuine—where people grow what they eat, protect their traditions, and live in harmony with nature. If you want to explore a side of Taiwan that’s real, rural, and refreshingly simple, then Yunlin is waiting for you.
What to Eat in Yunlin
As Taiwan’s agricultural heartland, Yunlin is a food lover’s paradise—not just for street eats, but for fresh, locally grown ingredients and farm-to-table dining.
Must-Try Local Delicacies:
Gukeng Coffee (古坑咖啡) – Taiwan-grown beans with a unique flavor profile
Beigang Peanut Candy (花生糖) – Crunchy, sweet, and handmade
Douhua (豆花) – Soft tofu pudding served cold or warm
Flat Rice Noodles (粿仔條) – A savory soup or dry dish unique to Yunlin’s street food stalls
Don’t forget to explore local markets, where you’ll find snacks, pickled vegetables, homemade sauces, and seasonal fruits like pomelo, dragon fruit, and guava.
Things to Do in Yunlin
Often overshadowed by Taiwan’s more famous cities, Yunlin County is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located in central-western Taiwan, Yunlin is known for its agricultural roots, traditional arts, and slower pace of life. It’s a fantastic destination for travelers who want to explore the island’s rural culture, indulge in fresh local produce, and experience Taiwan without the crowds.
If you’re curious about venturing off the beaten path, Yunlin offers a refreshing and authentic experience. Here are the top tips for making the most of your visit:
Gukeng
Gukeng Green Tunnel
The Gukeng Green Tunnel is a canopy-lined rural road where sunlight filters through dense tree foliage, creating a peaceful and photogenic path. Perfect for cyclists, taking a scenic stroll, or a leisurely scooter ride, the tunnel offers a dreamy escape from urban life.
The area winds through farmland, showcasing tea plantations, coffee groves, and flowering fields. Along the route, you may spot bamboo shelters and local fruit stalls, allowing you to pause, relax, and absorb countryside rhythms.
Key Points:
Shaded tree canopy ideal for cycling or walking
Surrounded by agricultural scenery and fruit stands
Popular for photos and countryside relaxation
Honey Museum (Gukeng)
Gukeng’s Honey Museum unveils the world of apiculture, highlighting bee species, honey extraction methods, and ecological importance through interactive exhibits. Visitors can observe observation hives and taste honey varieties from wildflower, longan, and acacia sources.
Craft workshops allow you to make beeswax candles or lip balms, adding a hands-on layer to the experience. It’s both educational and family-friendly, offering insights into bee ecology and local honey culture.
Key Points:
Learn honey production and bee ecology
Taste diverse local honey varieties
Hands-on workshops with beeswax crafts
Gukeng Coffee
Gukeng Coffee has earned fame for its high-altitude beans and aromatic roasts. Local farms offer guided tours showing coffee cherry picking and processing techniques, ending in fragrant cupping sessions.
These boutique plantations are often nestled in misty valleys, offering sensory delight and scenic tranquility. Don’t miss freshly brewed pour-overs served on-site or packaged beans to bring home the authentic taste of Taiwan.
Key Points:
High-altitude coffee farms with tasting sessions
Guided tours from cherry to roast
Scenic farm cafés offering fresh brews
Janfusun Fancy World
Janfusun Fancy World is one of Taiwan’s premier amusement parks, featuring roller coasters, family rides, and themed zones like European boulevards and Arabian nights. It offers thrills for adrenaline seekers and entertainment for kids.
Seasonal events—such as Halloween Haunted Mansions and Christmas light festivals—add seasonal magic. On-site accommodations and performances make it a convenient multi-day destination for families and thrill-seekers.
Key Points:
Diverse themed zones and adrenaline rides
Seasonal events with immersive experiences
Family-friendly accommodation and shows
Wanian Gorge (Wan’an Creek)
Wanian Gorge, carved by Wan’an Creek in Gukeng, features narrow granite canyons, glistening water pools, and inviting rocksteps perfect for safe wading. With a forested ceiling, the gorge feels like a hidden rainforest sanctuary.
The site is accessible via a trail that leads you through the canyon and up to small waterfalls—ideal for nature lovers and photographers. It’s best experienced during dry seasons when pathways and water flow are optimal.
Key Points:
Granite gorge with wading pools and waterfalls
Lush, shaded valley perfect for wading and photos
Trekable creek trail through forest terrain
Beigang
Beigang Chaotian Temple
Beigang Chaotian Temple is one of Taiwan’s most revered temples dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. Its grand architecture, towering blue-and-gold columns, and ornate dragon sculptures make it a spectacular spectacle during festivals and pilgrimages.
Inside, visitors can participate in worship using traditional red incense and fortune sticks. The temple often hosts grand processions and opera performances, offering an immersive insight into Taiwanese folk religion and community roots.
Key Points:
Majestic Mazu temple with elaborate architecture
Hosts traditional processions and temple opera
Active center of local folk religious life
Beigang Wude Temple
Beigang Wude Temple is a Taoist shrine dedicated to martial virtues and virtuous teachings. Its ornate carvings, colorful lanterns, and sharp guardian statues create a lively and sacred space.
Visitors come to pray, observe traditional ceremonies, and browse temple markets offering prayer beads and incense. It’s a quieter yet equally elegant spot compared to Chaotian Temple, offering local spiritual calm and cultural insight.
Key Points:
Taoist shrine honoring martial virtue and ethics
Intricate decoration and spiritual ambiance
Access to temple markets and ritual culture
Beigang Old Street
Beigang Old Street weaves between historic shophouses and riverside lanes steeped in tradition. The street bustles with vendors selling fresh river fish dishes, sesame oil treats, and herbal teas while lively conversations fill the air.
Along the way, you’ll find craft shops, old cafés, and hidden alleys that offer authentic snapshots of local life. The street pairs well with visits to nearby temples and river dine-ins, making it a relaxed cultural day out.
Key Points:
Traditional riverside food street with heritage charm
Local snacks and craft shops
Set against scenic river and temple backdrop
Other Township
Huwei Puppet Theatre Museum
Huwei Puppet Theatre Museum is dedicated to Taiwan’s traditional glove puppetry art form. The exhibits display intricately designed puppet masters, costumes, and stages, shedding light on centuries of performance history.
Live demonstrations take place regularly, with skilled puppeteers bringing characters to life. It’s both a museum and cultural center, reflecting Taiwan’s folk narrative traditions through an interactive performing arts twist.
Key Points:
Exhibits on glove puppetry history and craftsmanship
Regular live puppet performances
Cultural insight into traditional narrative art
Yun Zhong Cultural and Creative Area
The Yun Zhong Cultural and Creative Area is a repurposed factory space turned arts hub featuring galleries, studios, cafés, and creative markets. The blend of industrial architecture and artistic initiative makes it an energetic venue for weekend art lovers.
Pop-up craft markets, art events, and workshops attract young creatives and families. With its relaxed vibe and quaint cafés, it’s an ideal spot for browsing, socializing, and discovering Taiwan’s emerging creative scene.
Key Points:
Industrial-chic creative hub with galleries and cafés
Artisan, designer pop-ups, and maker workshops
Events highlight local talent and community culture
How to Get to Yunlin from Taipei
Yunlin is a hidden gem in central Taiwan, offering a blend of agriculture, culture, and nature. From Gukeng Coffee Village and the Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum to the peaceful Beigang Chao-Tian Temple, there is so much to explore.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Yunlin has something special for you.
Getting to Yunlin from Taipei is relatively easy, whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or car. In this guide, we’ll explore all the ways you can reach Yunlin from Taipei so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Although it doesn’t have the same level of fame as other destinations, Yunlin is home to beautiful rural landscapes, traditional Taiwanese culture, and charming small towns. The Yunlin County is famous for its agricultural heritage, especially coffee production, rice farming, and hand puppetry.
Yunlin offers a mix of urban and rural experiences, with a slower pace of life compared to Taiwan’s bustling cities. The county’s main hub is Douliu, the county capital.
Option 1: Taking a Train from Taipei to Yunlin
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) offers a simple and cost-effective way to travel to Yunlin. There are various trains available, from high-speed express services to slower local trains.
Route: Taipei Main Station → Yunlin TRA Station
Tze-Chiang Express: The fastest option, with fewer stops.
Chu-Kuang: Slower but still relatively fast, with more stops.
Local Trains: The most budget-friendly option, though it takes longer and makes more stops.
Travel Time:
Tze-Chiang Express: 2 hours
Chu-Kuang: 2.5 hours
Local Train: 3 hours
Cost:
Tze-Chiang Express: ~NT$375
Chu-Kuang: ~NT$261
Local Train: ~NT$160–180
Pros:
Direct route with no transfers needed
Comfortable and efficient
Affordable, with options to suit different budgets
Cons:
Slower than high-speed rail
Limited seating on local trains, especially during peak hours
Tip: You can easily book tickets through the TRA website or at a 7-Eleven kiosk. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance, especially on weekends.
Option 2: Taking Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung + Bus to Yunlin
While Yunlin doesn’t have an HSR station, you can take the HSR to Taichung and then transfer to a bus that will take you to Yunlin.
Route: Taipei HSR Station → Yunlin HSR Station
Taipei to Yunlin HSR:
Travel Time: ~90 minutes
Cost: NT$470
Pros:
Comfortable and convenient for travelers seeking a quick route
HSR trains are more comfortable than regular trains
Cons:
Requires a transfer from HSR to bus
The total travel time (1.5–2 hours) may not save much over the TRA option
Tip: You can easily transfer from the HSR station to the bus terminal, which is located next to the Taichung HSR station.
Option 3: Direct Bus from Taipei to Yunlin
If you prefer a direct route from Taipei to Yunlin, there are several intercity bus services that operate throughout the day. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and a great budget option.
Route: Taipei Bus Station → Yunlin Bus Station
Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours
Cost: NT$250–350
Pros:
Direct and affordable
No need to transfer between different forms of transportation
Comfortable and spacious buses
Cons:
Longer travel time due to traffic conditions
Limited departure times
Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during weekends or peak travel periods. You can check bus schedules and book tickets online or at Taipei Main Station.
Option 4: Driving from Taipei to Yunlin
Driving from Taipei to Yunlin gives you the most flexibility, allowing you to stop at scenic spots and enjoy a more leisurely pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, driving is a good option, especially if you’re exploring rural parts of Yunlin, like Gukeng Coffee Village or Beigang Temple.
Route: Taipei → National Freeway No. 1 → Yunlin
Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination
Costs:Toll: NT$200–250 (depending on the route)
Gas: ~NT$300–400
Pros:
Flexible—stop for sightseeing or food along the way
Comfortable if you’re traveling with family or friends
You can explore remote areas of Yunlin that aren’t easily accessible by public transport
Cons:
Driving through mountainous roads can be challenging
Traffic can be heavy on weekends or holidays
Parking may be limited in popular tourist areas like Beigang or Douliu
Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, make sure to use a GPS app or map to navigate. Be mindful of the traffic during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Final Travel Tips
Book tickets in advance for trains or buses, especially on weekends and holidays.
Use apps like TRA, Kuo-Kuang Bus, or Nantou Bus to check schedules and book tickets.
If driving, be aware of toll fees and traffic conditions on the national highways.
Consider stopping by Gukeng Coffee Village or the Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum once you arrive in the county.
If you’re traveling to Yunlin for nature, be sure to visit Beigang Chao-Tian Temple and the beautiful countryside.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary in Yunlin
Day 1: Huwei & Beigang
Visit the Puppet Museum in Huwei
Walk Xiluo Old Street and the bridge
Explore Beigang Chaotian Temple
Snack your way through Beigang Night Market
Day 2: Gukeng & Green Tunnel
Morning coffee at a Gukeng plantation
Bike through the Gukeng Green Tunnel
Visit an organic farm or tea house
Shop for local produce at a weekend market