A Cultural and Historical Journey in Changhua: Visiting the Fan-Shaped "Locomotive Hotel"

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature

As autumn arrives, you might consider forgoing mountain and water scenery and instead embark on a cultural trip to Changhua, focusing on museums and architecture. On the first day, you can start by visiting Changhua City’s only remaining train depot, theFan-Shaped Depot. Built in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922), the fan-shaped depot earned its name because its tracks spread outward from the depot like the ribs of a fan. It is also known as the "locomotive hotel," as trains coming in after long-distance journeys come here for maintenance. Inside, you can still observe the maintenance processes carried out by staff.


▲ Fan-Shaped Depot. (Photo / Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Next, head tothe Confucius Temple in Changhua.Constructed in the 4th year of the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign during the Qing Dynasty, this Confucius Temple was the most complete educational institution in Taiwan during the early Qing period. The Bai Sha Academy, one of Taiwan’s four great academies in the past, was once located here. The architecture exudes a solemn atmosphere, making it a serene spot for travelers to stroll slowly and relax. Alternatively, you can visit the site of the Tianhou Temple, which was demolished during World War II bombings, now transformed into theGuyue Folk Museum.Using ingeniously designed limited space, the museum showcases traditional Taiwanese culture. In addition to public gathering areas, it also hosts artistic performances and collects folk cultural works, serving as an ideal introduction to Changhua’s cultural history.


▲ Confucius Temple in Changhua. (Photo / Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)


▲ Guyue Folk Museum. (Photo / Courtesy of the Changhua County Government Tourism Information Network)

The next stop is the1895 Baguashan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall,built to commemorate the tragic resistance of Taiwanese people against Japanese forces during the 1895 Battle of Baguashan. The Baguashan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has also embraced a new thematic focus because of this memorial. The formerly sealed air-raid shelters in the park have been repurposed into exhibition spaces, where detailed accounts of the war are displayed. The narrow, tense corridors of the tunnels enhance the immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time to witness the bravery of those who fought.

 
▲ The 1895 Baguashan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the tragic resistance of Taiwanese people against Japanese forces in 1895. (Photo / Courtesy of the Changhua County Government Tourism Information Network)

After driving for about forty minutes, you can reach theBaguashan Giant Buddha Area.This is the most iconic landmark in Changhua County. As you climb the slope toward the entrance archway of the Giant Buddha Scenic Area, the Buddha Avenue is lined with 32 stone-carved Guanyin statues on both sides. Every traveler passing through is filled with a sense of reverence.


▲ The Baguashan Giant Buddha Area is a famous landmark in Changhua. (Photo / Courtesy of the Changhua County Government Tourism Information Network)

On the second day, visit theBrains Health Museum,which, as a company, adopts innovative concepts to create non-traditional tourism-themed exhibition areas. The museum uses interactive displays that allow visitors to understand health concepts through new technologies. It also transparently showcases the production process of chicken essence—commonly consumed in daily life—from degreasing, vacuum concentration, filling and sterilization to final packaging. Each step is meticulously refined, offering an eye-opening experience.


▲ Brains Health Museum. (Photo / Courtesy of the Changhua County Government Tourism Information Network)

After spending the morning at the Brains Health Museum, head to theTaiwan Glass Museum.The museum primarily displays glass artworks, categorized into art glass, household glassware, and engineering glass, showcasing the diverse uses and exhibits of glass. With 34 themed areas to explore, it combines the applications of glass with various cultural and artistic elements, and even offers hands-on glass activities for families and children.


▲ Taiwan Glass Museum. (Photo / Courtesy of the Changhua County Government Tourism Information Network)

At the end of your journey, you can head toWanggong Fishing Fires. When you see the Fangyuan Lighthouse standing tall in the distance, you’ll know the destination is near. Once one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Changhua,” the “Wanggong Fishing Fires” may no longer be as bustling as in its heyday due to fewer fishing boats. However, a visit here still allows you to witness the area’s diverse ecology, and enjoy the serene beauty of the setting sun casting its glow over the horizon—perfectly capping off this wonderful two-day, one-night trip.


▲ Wanggong Fishing Fires. (Photo / Courtesy of Changhua County Government Tourism Information Website)

Fan-Shaped Roundhouse
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Changmei Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7624438
Hours: 8:00–17:00

Changhua Confucius Temple
Address: No. 30, Kumen Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County

Guyue Folk Museum
Address: No. 57, Zhonghua Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7279937
Hours: 9:00–17:00

1895 Baguashan Anti-Japanese War Taiwan Defense History Museum
Address: No. 500, Section 2, Zhongshan Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7288941
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00; Saturday to Sunday 08:00–18:00
Bagua Mountain Giant Buddha
Address: No. 8-1, Guashan Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7224163

Brands’ Health Museum
Address: No. 18, Lukong Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7810077

Taiwan Glass Museum
Address: No. 30, Lukeng South 4th Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County
Phone: (04)7811299
Wanggong Fishing Fires
Address: Yugang Rd., Fangyuan Township, Changhua County
Phone: (04)8983589