Yunlin Travel Guide – iBeauty Taiwan Travel Guide Blog Itinerary, Taipei Tourist Attractions

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.

Tips for Visiting 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:

Getting to Yunlin: Convenient with the HSR

Yunlin is easily accessible via the High-Speed Rail (HSR). Take the HSR to Yunlin Station, located in Huwei Township, or use the TRA (Taiwan Railway) to reach towns like Douliu, the county seat.

From Taipei, it’s just about 1.5 hours by HSR.

From Taichung, it’s only 30–40 minutes.

Pro Tip: Use Yunlin as a stopover between major cities to break up your journey and explore something different.

Explore the Rich Agricultural Scene

Yunlin is the agricultural heart of Taiwan. The county is filled with rice paddies, fruit farms, and vegetable fields, and you’ll find plenty of farm-to-table dining experiences.

Visit Gukeng Township, famous for its coffee plantations and lychee farms.

Join a fruit-picking tour—strawberries, dragon fruit, and citrus are popular depending on the season.

Tip: Try local snacks made with farm-fresh ingredients at traditional markets—Yunlin peanuts and tofu are particularly famous!

Discover Beigang’s Historic and Religious Heritage

The small town of Beigang is home to the Chaotian Temple, one of Taiwan’s most important Mazu temples. This colorful, incense-filled temple is a hub of religious activity and a cultural treasure. Visit during a Mazu festival (spring or fall) to see vibrant parades, drumming performances, and thousands of pilgrims.

Beigang Chaotian Temple: This grand temple is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, and is one of Taiwan’s most important pilgrimage sites. Every spring, it draws tens of thousands of devotees during the Mazu Pilgrimage Festival.

Try Beigang peanut candy and rice cakes from nearby old shops.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the night-time temple atmosphere—it’s beautifully lit and atmospheric.

Take the Kids (or Yourself) to Janfusun Fancyworld

Located in Gukeng Township, Janfusun Fancyworld is one of Taiwan’s major amusement parks.

Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and a sky tower with panoramic views.

Great for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially during school holidays.

Sip Locally Grown Gukeng Coffee

Gukeng is Taiwan’s most famous coffee-growing region, and its mild climate and fertile soil produce high-quality beans.

Visit a coffee plantation to learn how beans are grown, roasted, and brewed.

Relax in one of Gukeng’s scenic hillside cafes with a freshly brewed cup.

Tip: Bring some locally roasted beans home—they make for a unique, delicious souvenir.

Huwei Puppet Theatre Museum

Yunlin has a strong tradition of handicrafts and folk performance art, especially:

Glove puppetry – Yunlin is the birthplace of this traditional Taiwanese puppet theater.

Visit the Yunlin Story House or a local puppetry museum to see performances and try your hand at puppeteering.

Tip: Check local schedules for outdoor puppet shows, which are often held in public squares or temples.

Glove puppetry, or budaixi, is one of Taiwan’s most beloved folk art forms—and Yunlin is its spiritual home. The Huwei Puppet Theatre Museum celebrates this heritage with performances, puppet displays, and workshops where you can learn how to move the puppets yourself.

Gukeng Green Tunnel

A lush, tree-lined road in Gukeng Township, this “green tunnel” is surrounded by coffee shops, weekend farmers’ markets, and artisan vendors. The area is also famous for Gukeng Coffee, which you can sample fresh from the source.

Perfect for: Bike rides, weekend strolls, and local eats

How to Get to Yunlin from Taipei

Your Complete Travel Guide
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