While it might be the smallest county on Taiwan’s main island, Changhua is also the country’s most populous county. At its northern end is the lively capital of Changhua City, which lies just a stone’s throw across the Dadu River from Taichung City.
Things to do in Changhua County
An immense Buddha statue, traditional streets and a family-friendly sugar factory - Changhua County offers something for everyone.
Sightsee in Changhua City. Dominated by a 22-metre-high Buddha statue, Changhua serves as the county seat and is home to several ornate temples and the Changhua County Art Museum. Soak up the sweeping views across the city from the Eight Trigram Mountains Buddha Landscape and admire the 18th-century Confucius Temple before experiencing the daily rituals of the Yuanqing Taoist Monastery.
Visit the Xihu Sugar Factory. Delve into Changhua County’s industrial past at the Xihu Sugar Factory, which was preserved as a cultural destination after operations ended in 2002. Enjoy a steam locomotive-pulled ride in one of the colourful open-air carriages, explore the Japanese-style worker dormitories and get up close to vintage sugar manufacturing equipment.
Explore Lukang Old Street. Renowned for its curving, red-tiled lanes, this historic part of Lukang is clustered with traditional shop buildings that have been transformed into souvenir stores and eateries. Don’t miss a visit to the ornate Lukang Mazu Temple or the Lukang Folk Arts Museum where cultural artefacts, period furnishings and traditional clothing are displayed.
Walk across the Houtanjing Sky Bridge. Spanning 204 metres, this spectacular bridge offers sweeping views across the valley below and connects along a hiking trail to the Houtanjing Observatory. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Changhua Plain from the suspension bridge.
Getting around Changhua County
Changhua County is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Taichung City and Taichung International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Regional trains connect to stations throughout Changhua County, while high-speed services connect to Changhua Station. Buses are the main means of getting around Changhua County.