Yunlin, I must admit, was not very high up on my travel bucket list.
When you think of Taiwan, it’s usually the big, bustling cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, or the natural wonders of Hualien and Taitung along the east coast, that steals the spotlight. Smaller cities are often overlooked as people assume they lack the charm of their larger counterparts
Yunlin, however, is a true hidden gem in Taiwan, and it is precisely its undiscovered status that makes is so enticing. Yunlin holds a distinctive charm that sets it apart from every other city in Taiwan. It offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to immerse yourself in the authentic Taiwanese way of life. If you’re looking for a genuine Taiwanese experience, then this 3-day itinerary is your golden ticket to a weekend escape in Yunlin. It’s truly amazing how exploring off-the-beaten-path locations like Yunlin can open your eyes to new experiences and hidden treasure you might have otherwise missed.
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Getting to and Around Yunlin
The easiest way to reach Yunlin County is either by train or by car. Either way, it is recommended that you have a car to navigate the city with as Yunlin is quite rural and the public transportation here can be quite inconvenient and unreliable. If you’re traveling to Yunlin by train, I highly suggest you get a rental car to get to your destinations with ease.
3-Day Weekend Itinerary in Yunlin
Day 1: Douliu + Gukeng
米糕甲
Once you arrive at Yunlin, make a stop at Douliu to try one of the local’s all-time favorites- Migao! Migao, or rice cakes, are made of glutinous rice marinated in various aromatic sauces and topped with braised pork. They are one of the traditional Taiwanese dishes that you must try when exploring the culinary wonders of Taiwan.
米糕甲 (mi gao jia), as it’s known, has a long history in Yunlin and is one of the most popular places for locals to eat. The best part is that it’s also super affordable for traveler’s on a budget, so be sure to start your trip in Yunlin by eating lke the locals!
Gukeng Green Tunnel Park
Gukeng Green Tunnel Park is a beautiful roadside park that spans approximately 2 kilometers and is lined with an abundance of mango trees. This trail is a popular gathering place for many locals, a place where they convene for leisurely afternoon strolls and fun bike rides.
On the weekends, a lively market springs. to life, weaving its way through the park. Along the green pathways of the park, you’ll be able to find many cute market stalls and vendors where you can get fresh local produce and street foods to snack on. My friends an I bought some really questionable juice from a grandma- be careful what you choose to buy, haha.
Gukeng Green Tunnel Park is more than just a tourist destination; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the warmth of local cuisine and culture.
Honey Museum
At the end of the Gukeng Green Tunnel Park is a the Honey Museum of Yunlin, where you can learn about the process of harvesting of honey. This museum is super educational, especially if you’re coming here with children. Inside the museum, there are even real bees for you to learn how they get and store honey.
While you’re here, don’t forget to pop into their shop where you can buy locally produced honey as a souvenir. They have a variety of honey and this is the perfect place to spend an hour or two in the afternoon.
We encountered so many bulldogs on this trail, I can sense that the people of Yunlin really like their Frenchies!
HuaShan 華山
As the day comes to an end, drive up to Huashan Mountain in Gukeng for a final, delightful adventure-a short, invigorating hike (if you still have the energy left!) and the best sunsets. The pink and orange sunsets here creates a scene that’s nothing short of magical.
Beautiful sunsets are always the best way to end the day, which is why i always persist on sunset chasing wherever I’m traveling.
Dinner at 平頂庭園咖啡
This restaurant is located at the hill of the mountain, where you’ll pass on your way back to town. They offer super delicious Taiwanese dishes served by the warmest and friendliest locals. Their outdoor seating is also the ideal place to catch the end of the sunset. This place is a hidden culinary treasure of a restaurant that you must try!
Day 2: Huwei + Kouhu
Brunch at Huwei: House
Kickstart your day with some coffee and brunch at Huwei: House. While it definitely isn’t the most traditional Taiwanese breakfast that you would think of, it’s definitely just as delicious, and the locals love it too! Have some delectable brunch before getting on with the long day ahead of you. I personally loved the simple egg sandwich (vegetarian friendly!) and their waffles with ice cream.
Towel Factory
Going to a towel factory wasn’t what I had in mind at all while planning for this trip, but it turned out to be a really fun and interesting visit!
Yunlin has many towel factories open for visits and souvenir shops selling towels in various different shapes and forms. They even have towel folding classes that you can take. In their classes, they’ll teach you how to fold towels into different animals and foods- super cool and fun, especially for kids!
My friend’s brother is expecting a baby soon, and needless to say, we went crazy over all the cute baby clothes (made from towel material)!
The towel factories in Yunlin are the ideal for families traveling with young children. You can walk around for quite a bit and get a glimpse of how towels are made in factories. The average stay here I would say is around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how interesting you find it!
Chifa Matsu Temple
This Matzu temple located in the middle of the paddie fields in Huwei is definitely the highlight of my trip- one of the most beautiful temples I’ve been to, hands down. This is a newly built temple that not many know about yet, and a section of the temple is currently still under construction.
(update: they are fully finished as of 2023, and one of the most beautiful temples in Yunlin!)
The Chifa Matsu Temple is genuinely one of the most beautiful temples that I have ever been to. The colors are vibrant and the extremely detailed decorations are mesmerizing. A quiet and serene atmosphere to walk around in and absorb the slow paced life of Yunlin.
Jianguo Village
In Taiwan, if you see a place with the name ‘village’ (眷村), such as Shenji New Village located near Calligraphy Greenway in Taichung, or the renowned Rainbow village (also in Taichung), it’s usually because they served as a military base or dormitory for soldiers at one point. Jianguo Village in Huwei township is no different, it used to be a military base during the Japanese colonial era in Taiwan.
As you walk through the meandering lanes of Jianguo Village, you’ll encounter fascinating glimpses of the past. The air-raid dugouts, silent witnesses to a different era, stand as stoic reminders of the village’s military history.
女王冰店
This was such an unexpected gem of a dessert shop in the middle of the countryside. Owned my by friend’s high school classmate’s mom (it really seems like everyone knows each other in Yunlin), it’s where all the locals come to cool down with some icy treats when it gets too hot outside.
10/10 would recommend, probably one of my favorite dessert stores that I’ve ever been to. They sell everything from shaved ice to Taiwanese ‘panna cotta’ to marinated sweet potatoes (must try!). Everything we ordered was on point.
Think I’ll be coming back to Yunlin really often just for the sweets here!
Chenglong Wetlands
Start your venture into Kouhu (口湖)by making a short stop at Chenglong Wetlands before you head on to Yiwu wet pond. This is a very serene place for you to enjoy the fresh air and take some pretty photos. Kouhu rarely sees any tourists, so it’s most likely that you’ll be the only non-locals around!
Yiwu Wet Pond
Prepare to be enchanted by this pretty hidden lake known locally as the “artificial lake” and by many Taiwanese as “mini sun moon lake”. This picturesque lake is the epitome of tranquility and perfect for a fun afternoon adventure, and for some insta-worthy shots!
As you wander along the lake, you’ll quickly understand why the locals love it so much. The scenery here is nothing short of breathtaking, with clear waters mirroring the blue sky and lush greenery embracing the shoreline. Moreover, there really aren’t that many tourists here, so you’ll most likely have the entire lake to yourself- how romantic!
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider renting a bike to explore the area. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your time here, covering more ground and uncovering more hidden beauties along your ride. Don’t forget to slow down and find the perfect spot to sit down and appreciate the sunset here before heading back to Huwei for dinner.
Day 3: Beigang
Beigang is known for its old street and an abundance of very affordable delicious Taiwanese food. If you have been following me for a while, then you’d know that my favorite places to go in Taiwan are the old/ historic streets, and Beigang is definitely on the top of that list.
Beigang Chaotian temple
Undoubtedly Beigang’s most notable attraction, many people come to Beigang everyday to worship the goddess Matsu at the Beigang Chaotian Temple. With over 300 years of history, the Beigang Chaotian Temple has become one of the most prominent Matsu temples in Taiwan and is known widely for its extravagant embellishments.
Beigang Old Street
Leading up to the Chaotian Temple, you’ll pass through Beigang Old Street with a rich history and cultural heritage. Stroll through the narrow lanes and alleys of Beigang Old Street. You’ll find a variety of stalls selling local snacks. For some beautiful views, you can also head to Beigang River for a leisurely stroll and enjoy the riverside views.
if you have more time…
Janfusun Fancyworld (amusement park)
If you’ve got an extra day on your roadtrip, consider heading to Janfusun Fancyworld for a fun day of rides. There are quite a few amusement parks around Taiwan, but Janfusun (for short) is one of my favorites, right up there with Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu. If you do decide to go, be sure not to miss the iconic G5 rollercoaster that goes 90 degrees straight down (super exciting and definitely not for the faint hearted!).
Where to Stay in Yunlin
There are plenty of hotels and Air BnBs to choose from in Yunlin. Depending on where you want to stay, here are some top rated hotels you can find in Yunlin:
- Sun Hao International Hotel: stay near Douliu, Yunlin for a more vibrant night life and convenience if you like to have late night snacks.
- Budasa Hotel: Stay in Huwei, Yunlin for a more serene, country-side experience. Wake up early to the birds chirping, and stay near many of Yunlin’s best attractions.
Save This Yunlin 3-Day Weekend Itinerary for Later…
If You Liked This Post…
If you’re also an adventurous traveler who’s always looking for the most authentic and local experiences, check out more similar posts about off the beaten paths in Taiwan:
- The Woodcarving Kingdom of Taiwan: Guide to Sanyi
- Fun Things to Do in Changhua in a Day
- Tai’an, Taichung: Finding Love and Peace in the Countryside
Until next time,
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