Fun Things to Do in Changhua in One Day

Situated on the west coast, Changhua is the smallest county in Taiwan, but also one of the most populous. Throughout history, this small county has played a crucial role in Taiwan’s trade and economic development. Despite its size, you’ll be surprised to find that Changhua is a place rich in history and culture, with many enjoyable activities to explore.

There are so many things to do and eat in this small precious county, and today I’m super excited to be your guide to help you make the absolute most out of a single day this wonderful trip!

Getting to and Around Changhua

The easiest way to get to this city is by train, or by car if you have access to one. However, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car just to get around as parking spaces can be hard to find here. Another way to get to Changhua is by bus; it will be a bit cheaper but it will also take a bit longer to get there. I personally prefer to take the train in Taiwan as it is less time consuming and much more comfortable.

To get around the city, it’s always most convenient if you have access to a scooter, as with anywhere in Taiwan. Especially in a rural county like Changhua where most of the attractions are a bit far from each other. If you don’t have a scooter, biking is also a really fun way to get around and enjoy the landscape around they city (my preferred way!).

You can rent bikes with your Easycard right outside the Changhua station. What really shocked me was the Changhua doesn’t use Ubikes like the other cities in Taiwan! Instead, they have their own biking system called MOOVO, which admittedly, was a liiiittle bit tricky to figure out in the beginning.

To activate MOOVO, scan the QR code on the bike, download their app, and register for an account- and that should be it! Have fun biking!

Things to Do in Changhua

Changhua Roundhouse

The Changhua roundhouse is a historic site that holds an importance in the development of the Taiwanese railways. It was built in 1922 while Taiwan was still under Japanese colonization. There were originally 6 roundhouses in Taiwan, but today the one in Changhua is the only surviving railway left.

It is free to visit everyday except for Mondays. If you time it right, then you might be in for a delightful surprise- witnessing the majestic trains gracefully making their way into their garage. It is a very grand sight, and definitely makes the visit so much more worthwhile and memorable. You will spend on average around an hour here, which is just enough time to feel the history of railway and to capture some great photos.

Bagua Mountain

Bagua mountain is, without a doubt, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Changhua. It is said that the Buddha statue here is one of the main guardians of the city. You can either drive up to the mountain top, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there is also a very beautiful trail at the entrance that leads you up to the mountain. I personally took the trail and the journey was incredibly beautiful- definitely recommend it if you have energy left!

When you reach the top of the mountain you’ll see a colossal statue of the Buddha, also known as the Great Buddha of Baguashan. This is an iconic landmark and it stands at over 22 meters tall, you’ll be able to feel the spiritual significance and tranquility weaving through the air.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll also find a skywalk looking over the city. This is the perfect place for you to relax and have a nice walk with your friends and family. If you come to Baguashan, I recommend for you stay until later in the afternoon as the cooler weather will feel super refreshing after your hike and you’ll be able to see the most wonderful sunset from the mountain top!

Fun fact: legend says that couples who come to Bagua mountain together will not last – up to you to decide whether or not you want to take the risk 😉

Lukang Old Street

If you’re ever in Changhua, then you can’t possibly miss the chance to go to Lukang Township. Located in the northwestern part of the county, there are so many amazing things to do in Lukang that you could easily spend up to a day here. Some of the best things to do in Lukang include wandering through their beautiful historic streets while snacking on some delicious local specialties, and walking through their very narrow “breast touching lane”!

What to Eat in Changhua

Traditional Almond Jelly

One of my favorite parts of traveling is finding new delicious places to eat at. I especially love shops that sell traditional Taiwanese foods, even better if they look like they have a really long history.

This almond jelly ice that we found was such a hidden gem- just a grandma at her tiny shop, selling small cups of plum and pineapple flavored ice with almond jelly. This stand feels so much like a scene from 70s Taiwan, and that’s such a special experience.

This is the perfect icy treat for a hot summer day, and I definitely recommend you check it out.

Fried Glutinous Rice

The one thing you must do when visiting Changhua (or any cities in Taiwan) is to eat at their local night markets. There is one just within walking distance from Bagua mountain. Here, you’ll see many stands selling fried glutinous rice (糯米炸). If I could recommend just one thing from everything I’ve eaten in Changhua, it would be this. It is coated in peanut and sesame powder, and it basically tastes like fried mochi.

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If You Liked this Post..

If you enjoyed this guide and are looking for more destinations in Taiwan with the most authentic and local experiences, here are some destinations that I think you would enjoy as well!

• Yunlin, Taiwan: The Ultimate Best 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
• Sanyi, Miaoli: the Ultimate Guide to a Fantastic Day Trip
• The Complete Guide to Beipu Old Street

Until next time,