Changhua is the capital city of Changhua County and is located in western coast of Central Taiwan, just south of Taichung City. For many centuries, this area was home to the coastal tribe of Taiwanese aboriginal people and the Han Chinese.
Even though Changhua has the world’s tallest Buddha statue, most people are not familiar with the city. Moreover, visitors usually visit Changhua if they are visiting another nearby city, Lukang, a charming city known for its temples and ancient streets.
But I have to say I really enjoyed wandering around Changhua. It is a walkable town with fun attractions and excellent local food. It is an easy (half) day trip from Taichung and can also be part of the day trip itinerary to Lukang as well.
So if you are wondering if you should visit Changhua, then keep reading. I put together a one-day itinerary so you can see the best attractions in Changhua. And I highly recommend adding Lukang to the day trip as well.
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Changhua Travel Tips for First-Time Solo Travellers
Before taking a day trip to Changhua, take a look at my post on all my best tips for travelling to Taiwan alone. I included information on getting a Taiwan SIM card, transportation around the country, and more.
And check out more tips on my solo travel guide to Taichung and learn about other attractions in Taichung.
Here are a few more additional travel tips that you might find useful for spending the day in Changhua:
- Purchase a rechargeable smartcard called EasyCard or iPass. Either card is good for taking the train to Changhua.
- It is possible to visit both Changhua and Lukang on the same day. I recommend visiting Changhua first and end the day in Lukang.
- Plan your trip to Changhua around these festivals and events:
- Tung-Blossom Appreciation (April or May) – see the snow-like Tung blossoms on Mt Baguashan in full bloom.
How to get to Changhua City
Changhua is located 18km southwest of Taichung City. The easiest way to get to Changhua City is to make your way to Taichung first and then take the local TRA train to Changhua. The Changhua train station is centrally located so you can walk to all the attractions in the city.
From Taichung to Changhua
Like I mentioned, the best way to get to Changhua from Taichung is by taking the TRA train. The journey takes 22 minutes and costs NT$26.
From Taipei to Changhua
Taipei is further north of Changhua City, about 173km north of Changhua. The fastest way to get to Changhua is to take HSR train from Taipei HSR Station to Taichung HSR Station. Then walk 5 minutes to Xinwuri Station and get on the TRA train to Changhua Station. The entire journey takes 1 hour 16 minutes and costs NT$715.
From Kaohsiung to Changhua
Kaohsiung is 170km south of Changhua and the fastest way to get there is by taking the HSR train from Zuoying Station to Taichung HSR Station. Then walk 5 miutes to Xinwuri Station and get on the TRA train to Changhua Station. The entire journey takes 1 hour 14 minutes and costs NT$805.
Changhua Itinerary Summary
Here is a quick summary of my solo Changhua day trip itinerary:
- Changhua Confucius Temple
- Arch of Baguashan at Mount Baguashan
- Literature Learning Trail
- Baguashan Silver Bridge
- Viewing Deck at Mount Baguashan
- Great Buddha on Baguashan Temple
- Bagua Mountain Skywalk
- Nantian Temple 18 Layers of Hell
- Changhua Roundhouse
- Eat local food unique to Changhua
- Option to continue to Lukang
Below is an interactive map with all the highlights for my Changhua itinerary. Red pins indicate the must-see attractions during your day in Changhua, while blue pins indicate other things to see if you have more time.
I also pinned several restaurants in Changhua (burgundy pins) so you can easily locate them.
Best Things to Do in Changhua in One Day
1. Changhua Confucius Temple
There are many Confucius temples around Taiwan and Changhua has one too.
Built in 1726, Changhua Confucius Temple is modelled after the original temple in Qufu, China which features the classical architectural style of the Song Dynasty. And this Confucius Temple features two central columns carved from white stones of Quanzhou Fujian and a memorial tablet devoted to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher.
Although I found the Changhua Confucius Temple is just okay (the other ones in Taichung and Kaohsiung looks nicer and is well-maintained), but it is still worth seeing as it is on the way to the next attraction.
Address: No. 30, Kongmen Rd, Changhua City | Hours: 8:30am-5pm; closed Mondays | Admission: free
2-7. Mount Baguashan
There are many things to see and do on Mount Baguashan which is why it is considered to be one of the best attractions in Changhua. The scenic area features historical monuments, viewpoints and the world’s tallest Buddha statue.
On the way to the top, you can see the Arch of Baguashan, the landscaped park around the Literature Learning Trail, and Baguashan Silver Bridge.
Near the top, there is a viewing deck which offers a magnificent view of Changhua City. And when you turn around, you can see the 26m Great Buddha in front of a large temple complex. Make sure to wander around complex and go inside the large Buddha; there are several floors of exhibits with scenes from the life of Buddha.
Then find the Bagua Mountain Skywalk east of the Buddha and follow the 1km elevated trail around the park. It goes all the way to National Changhua Life Arts Center.
If you have time, there are two museums at the foothills of Mt Baghuashan. 1895 Baguashan Anti-Japanese Martyrs’ Museum (9:30am-5:30pm) is a local war history museum and Changhua County Art Museum (9am-5pm) features sculptural and digital artwork by local artists. Both museums offer free admission.
Address: Guashan Road, Changhua City | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
8. Nantian Temple 18 Layers of Hell
From the outside, Nantian Temple looks like a typical temple you would see anywhere in Taiwan. But the inside is actually a quirky haunted house with mechanized animatronics figures that depict scenes of what a Buddhist hell might look like.
There are several floors at the Nantian Temple 18 Layers of Hell. Follow the signs and walk through the dimmed corridors and see gruesome scenes of how earthly wrongdoers will be tortured in hell. The mechanized figures creaks and cracks (they need a bit of WD-40) and are triggered by motion sensors. Even some parts of the floor move and shifts which caused me to scream out loud.
I read that parents used to take their kids to bizarre temple to teach them moral lessons. I think most visitors go there today for its entertainment value.
From Baguashan, walk towards Mt Bagua Buddha Visitor Center. There is a stairway on the right that goes down to Nantian Temple.
Address: No. 12, Lane 187, Section 1, Gongyuan Rd, Changhua City | Hours: 8am-6:30pm | Admission: NT$50
9. Changhua Roundhouse
Taiwan has many roundhouses (circular system for turning trains) but several of them have been abandoned when steam locomotives were replaced by diesel-electric and fully electric locomotives.
But you can still see an active railyard at Changhua Roundhouse. This is the only surviving railway roundhouse in Taiwan and it has been in used for over a century.
After you register at the entrance, follow the signs and see the large maintenance facility, 12 radial tracks, the interior of the service bays and steam locomotives. Make sure to go up to the observation platform to see a view from above. Depending on when you visit, you might even see how the turntable works and how it spins to line up with the correct set of tracks.
There’s also a Roundhouse Railway Park with food stalls (although it wasn’t open when I was there – might be open for weekends only).
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Zhangmei Rd, Changhua City | Hours: 1-4pm Tuesday to Friday; 10am-4pm Saturdays & Sundays | Admission: free
10. Eat local food unique to Changhua
Besides traditional Taiwanese food, there is a famous food in Changhua that you must try. Look for Bawan, which is a Taiwanese meatball made with pork, mushroom and bamboo shoots and then wrapped with a gelatinous starchy dough. The crystal meatball is steamed then deep-fried and is served with homemade sauce and cilantro.
Here are some places to find bawan and other Taiwanese specialities (some names are translated from the Chinese name):
- Beimenkou Bawan 北門口肉圓 (11:30am-5:30pm; closed Tuesdays) – the popular meatball shop has several locations in Changhua. I ordered a small bawan and it was quite filling.
- Changhua Laodan Azhang Bawan 彰化老担阿璋肉圓 – another popular bawan shop. It is located at the corner of Chang’an Street and Chenleng Road. There are other bawan shops there too.
- Ah Tim Clam Noodles 阿添蛤仔麵 (10:30am—7:30pm; closed Thursdays)- try their signature clam noodle soup and braised food.
- Changhua Papaya Milk King (11:10am-9:15pm; closed Thursdays) – popular spot for shaved ice desserts and fruit drinks.
- Mr Tofu Ice Cream Shop 豆腐先生冰品店 (11am-9pm) – they have a variety of sweet tofu desserts.
11. Option to continue to Lukang
As you can see, the Changhua itinerary is relatively short. You could take your time and spend the whole day wandering around Changhua, visiting museums, etc.
Or you can see all these attractions in the morning and take a bus to Lukang, another nearby town and see the quaint village with historic temples, pedestrian streets and ancient alleys.
If you want to see both Changhua and Lukang in one day, start your day trip in Changhua as early as you can. Then take Bus 6936 or Bus 6934 to Lukang between 12:15-1:15pm.
Is Changhua worth visiting as a solo traveller
Changhua is an easy half day trip from Taichung because of how accessible the city is. The train ride is short and the city is very walkable.
However, I would highly recommend adding Lukang to the itinerary for the second half of the day. It is possible to see all the attractions in both cities in one day, especially if you are coming from Taichung.
Let me know if you have any questions about visiting Changhua or if I missed anything that should be part of the itinerary.
Ready to plan your trip to Taichung? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Taichung accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination. Or find out how and where to get a SIM Card in Taiwan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours in Taichung.
Thank you for reading my Changhua itinerary
For more Taiwan travel inspiration, check out my Taiwan page for more posts on solo travel in Taiwan. Here are some suggestions:
Introduction to Taiwan
- Things to know before visiting Taiwan
- How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
- How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan
- 22 must-eat food in Taiwan
- Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food
Central Taiwan posts
- Best things to do alone in Taichung
- Taichung 1-day itinerary
- Where to stay in Taichung for solo travellers
- Miyahara Taichung: best ice cream and food souvenirs
- Taichung Second Market
- Top 5 Taichung Night Markets
- Norden Ruder Hostel: best minimalist hostel in Taichung
- Zhongshe Flower Market near Taichung
- Carton King Creativity Park: 1-day itinerary
- How to spend 1 day at Gaomei Wetlands
- Xinshe Sea of Flowers near Taichung: 1-day itinerary
- Xinshe Castle near Taichung
- What to do in Sun Moon Lake: 2-day itinerary
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
