Explore Western Taiwan: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions Near the New High-Speed Rail Stations

▲ Ferris wheel at Leofoo Amusement Park. (Photo provided by Leofoo Amusement Park)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The new high-speed rail stations in Miaoli, Changhua, and Yunlin officially opened in early December. The construction of these new stations not only benefits local commuters and those returning home, but also boosts surrounding transportation infrastructure and environmental development.Daily Network ThermometerConducted an online popularity survey and released the top 10 must-visit attractions near the new high-speed rail stations, offering valuable insights for travelers heading to these three counties.

1. Leofoo Amusement Park
Leofoo Amusement Park, located in Gukeng, is the largest theme park in central and southern Taiwan. It's also one of the most popular destinations for school graduation trips, holding many cherished memories for Taiwanese people born in the 1980s. After enjoying a cup of Gukeng coffee, bring your family to Leofoo Amusement Park to relive some youthful memories.

Address: No. 67, Dahuikou, Yongguang Village, Gukeng Township, Yunlin County
Phone: 0800-053888
Business hours: Weekdays 09:30–17:00, Holidays 09:30–17:20

2. Bagua Mountain
The Bagua Mountain Giant Buddha Scenic Area is a well-known tourist attraction across Taiwan, featuring beautiful scenery and a sacred landmark. It's a diverse cultural tourism destination that blends art, ecology, and intellectual experiences. Additionally, the suspension bridge in Huayang Park, known for its significant swaying motion, is dubbed the “Lover’s Bridge,” making it a perfect spot for couples to stroll and strengthen their bond.

Bagua Mountain Scenic Area
Address: No. 8-1, Guashan Road, Changhua City, Changhua County
Opening hours: 08:30–17:30

▲ Bagua Mountain, Changhua. (Photo by reporter Li Zhongquan)

3. Yunlin Gukeng Coffee
If you want to try authentic Taiwanese coffee, a trip to Gukeng is a must. Known as the coffee capital of Yunlin, Gukeng boasts the Huashan Coffee Street, home to numerous rich and aromatic coffee shops. Furthermore, the mountain trails around Huashan are abundant, ideal for hiking and exercise. The area has also attracted many homestays and restaurants, giving visitors the chance to enjoy unique coffee-flavored dishes.

Location: No. 41, Huashan Village, Gukeng Township, Yunlin County

▲ Huashan Coffee Street. (Photo fromGukeng Coffee Street Homestay Facebook Page)

4. Lukang Yilou
Yilou is a pavilion within the Qingchang Ancient House. When the Qingchang Trading Company was established, the Chen family of Lukang had a thriving business, and Yilou preserves the classical architectural style of that era. The ancient round windows of Yilou symbolize completeness, with patterns alternating between gourds and ancient coins: the gourd sounds like “fortune” (fu), representing wishes for happiness, while the coins signify hopes for wealth.

Location: Lukang Yilou, Lukang Town, Changhua County

▲ Lukang Yilou. (Photo fromChanghua County Government Tourism Information Network)

5. Tianwei Highway Garden
Tianwei Township’s Highway Garden produces a wide variety of flowers and is known as the “Hometown of Flowers.” Since the Japanese colonial period, it has been a major hub for flower wholesale and export. The entire garden spans 341 hectares and is filled with chrysanthemums, birds of paradise, azaleas, lilies, and more, ranking first in Taiwan in both quantity and variety.

Address: No. 195–257, Section 1, Minsheng Road, Tianwei Township, Changhua County
Opening Hours: Open all day

▲ Tianwei Highway Garden. (Photo / Reproduced fromChanghua County Government Tourism Information Network)

6. Lukang Tianhou Temple
Lukang Tianhou Temple is a local place of worship and the only temple in Taiwan that enshrines the sacred statue of the Goddess Mazu from Meizhou Ancestral Temple. The incense here is always bustling, and the classic Chinese architecture is richly ornate, featuring exquisitely crafted stone and wood carvings. The renowned Lukang Tianhou Temple attracts numerous devotees, and the annual birthday celebration of Mazu is the peak season for pilgrimages. Waves of worshippers often fill Lukang to the brim, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.

Address: No. 430, Zhongshan Road, Lukang Township, Changhua County
Opening Hours: 06:00–22:00

▲ Lukang Tianhou Temple. (Photo / Taken by reporter Lai Ying-hsiu)

7. Yunlin Story House
Formerly the official residence of the Huwei District Magistrate during the Japanese colonial period, it was officially opened after restoration around 2007. It is the first example of historical building reuse in Yunlin County. With its beautiful exterior and rich content, it attracts many visitors on holidays. Regular cultural performances and parent-child cultural education programs are held, and it also preserves many works of local literary creation.

Address: No. 528, Section 1, Lin Sen Road, Huwei Township, Yunlin County
Phone: 05-6311436
Business Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00

▲ Yunlin Story House. (Photo / Taken by reporter Zhou Chen-geng)

8. Houlong Hakka Roundhouse
Located right next to the Miaoli HSR Station, the Houlong Hakka Roundhouse features a distinctive roundhouse design. In reality, it is a tourist service center. In addition to offering travel services, it promotes Hakka culture through weekend art and cultural performances, and outdoor water dance shows at the water plaza in front of the roundhouse in the evenings. Visitors can also take a stroll along the surrounding waterfront paths, where the night scenery is especially beautiful. It is a striking new landmark in Miaoli.

Address: No. 295, Xin’gang 3rd Road, Lane 7, Jiaoyi Village, Houlong Township, Miaoli County (next to Fengfu Train Station)
Phone: 886-37-732940
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays)

▲ Houlong Hakka Roundhouse. (Photo / Taken by reporter Huang Ke-xiang)

9. Sanyi Woodcarving
When you think of Sanyi, you’re sure to think of its most famous woodcarvings. In fact, Taiwan’s woodcarving industry originated entirely in Sanyi. At its peak, there were over 100 carving businesses, exporting large quantities to the U.S. and Japan. The world-renowned artist Ju Ming was once a disciple of Sanyi’s woodcarving craftsmen.

▲ Sanyi Woodcarving. (Photo / Provided by Miaoli County Government)

10. Beigang Chaotian Temple
This is a world-famous Mazu temple, renowned for its traditional Chinese architectural beauty, and it has been designated as a National Historic Site of the Republic of China. The incense here burns year-round, particularly during the annual 8-day, 7-night Mazu pilgrimage in March, along with the Baishe Tun Mazu event, which broke a world record. Devotees from all over walk all the way from Miaoli to Yunlin.

Location: No. 178, Zhongshan Road, Beigang Township, Yunlin County
Phone: 05-7832055

▲Beigang Chaotian Temple. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

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