Things To Do
in Buxin

Buxin is a small town in central Taiwan known for its scenic hills and traditional markets. It blends quiet residential vibes with lively street food scenes and approachable nature trails. Visitors can explore historic streets, tea plantations, and riverside parks within an hour's drive of Taichung.

The town offers a relaxed pace and friendly locals, making it a good base to experience Taiwan's balanced urban-nature lifestyle.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day at the Buxin Old Street, where you can savor traditional Taiwanese breakfast items like dan bing and soy milk. Stroll through the narrow lanes lined with charming old buildings, each telling a story of the past. Don't forget to stop by local shops selling handcrafted goods for unique souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Head to the Buxin Cultural Park, where you can immerse yourself in local art exhibits and workshops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café that offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to learn about the history of the area and its significance.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot along the riverbank to enjoy the breathtaking views. Sample local street food at the night market, where you'll find an array of delicacies like stinky tofu and bubble tea. Conclude your day by visiting a nearby temple, illuminated beautifully at night.

day 2
Nature Trails and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike along the scenic trails of the Buxin National Park. The morning air is crisp, and the chirping of birds creates a soothing soundtrack as you traverse through lush greenery. Stop at a viewpoint to capture stunning photos of the surrounding landscapes.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's many picnic spots, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Spend the afternoon exploring the diverse flora and fauna, perhaps even encountering some local wildlife. Visit the park's visitor center to learn more about the conservation efforts and take part in any available guided activities.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, return to your accommodation to refresh yourself. Head out to a local restaurant that offers farm-to-table dishes, showcasing fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Enjoy your meal while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the countryside.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥟Street food snack$1-4
🍛Three-course dinner at mid-range restaurant$15-30
Coffee or tea at cafe$2-5
🗺️Public transport day pass$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed town feel with easy access to nature
  • Delicious street food and tea culture
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Some attractions may require a short drive or bus ride
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "請問這裡怎麼去? (Qǐngwèn zhèlǐ zěnme qù)" - How do I get here?
  • "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián)" - How much is it?

Places to Visit in Buxin

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Gate and Riverfront Park

Historic gate with riverside views, especially beautiful at sunrise.

Dakeng Forest Trail Overlook

Forest stairways and panoramic city views along the Dakeng routes.

Tea Terrace Fields

Terraced hillsides around Buxin offer verdant lines and misty mornings for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Buxin

Buxin offers Taiwan’s signature comfort foods along with regional hill country dishes and a strong tea culture. Expect fragrant teas, hearty noodle soups, and street snacks in vibrant night markets.

Buxin Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Beef Noodle Soup

Hearty broth with tender beef, noodles, and vegetables; widely available in eateries around the town.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette

A savory pancake made with oysters, eggs, and starch, best found at night markets.

Three-Cup Chicken

A fragrant braised chicken dish with soy, sesame oil, and rice wine.

Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)

Classic Taiwanese comfort dish of braised pork on rice.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu fried or served with pickled vegetables; common at markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Buxin Night Market

Colorful stalls offering fried snacks, grilled skewers, and local desserts.

Herbal Market Lane

A short stretch where you can sample herbal teas and small bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Buxin has a subtropical highland climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are cool, and spring/fall are mild. Rain is most common during the monsoon season from May to September, with typhoons possible. Overall, temperatures range roughly from 10-30°C depending on season and elevation.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A simple nod or handshake; address elders with polite terms and avoid loud behavior in temples.

TempleEtiquette

Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove hats and keep voices down.

Safety Guide

Safety

Buxin is generally safe for travelers; practice standard precautions in crowded markets to avoid pickpockets. Ensure you have travel insurance and use licensed taxis or rideshares at night. Emergency numbers in Taiwan are 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance.

Tipping in Buxin

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; staff may appreciate rounding up the bill or leaving small change in tourist-heavy spots.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also take credit cards and mobile wallets; some markets are cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers; great for temple fairs and market photography.

Summer

Warm and humid with occasional afternoon showers; carry water and a light rain jacket.

Autumn

Pleasant, dry air and clear skies; ideal for hiking and outdoor photography.

Winter

Cool but comfortable; rare frosts on hilltops, indoor tea houses are cozy.

Nightlife Guide

Buxin at Night

The nightlife in Buxin is laid-back with neighborhood bars, tea houses, and night markets offering live music, casual dining, and late-night snacks. It's family-friendly and centers on conversations, tea ceremonies, and street food rather than heavy club scenes.

Hiking in Buxin

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dakeng Scenic Trails

Multiple trails with varying difficulty and city views, popular for day hikes.

Tea Terrace Trails

Gentle trails around tea plantations offering scenic viewpoints and fresh air.

Airports

How to reach Buxin by plane.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

The closest major airport with domestic and limited international flights; about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Buxin.

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Taiwan’s largest international hub, about 2-3 hours by high-speed rail and road from Buxin.

Getting Around

Walkability

Buxin is reasonably walkable in the town core, with compact streets and a riverfront path. The hilly surroundings mean some routes involve climbs, but there are shortcuts and buses to reach higher viewpoints. Bike-friendly lanes and shuttle services help connect neighborhoods.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A sizable portion of residents are local families with a mix of age groups.

Students

Near schools and colleges, there are many student residents and youth culture around cafes.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

One of Taiwan's favorite sports with local leagues and parks around towns like Buxin.

Badminton

Common in schools and community centers; casual play available.

Transportation

Traffic

Public buses and a local train line connect Buxin to Taichung and nearby towns. The town is walkable, but traffic can slow during peak hours on main roads; taxis and rideshares are reliable for short trips. Bicycles are common and there are mountain roads for experienced cyclists.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Buxin.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for dishes labeled as vegetarian or ask for no meat, fish, or broth; many places offer mushroom and tofu-based options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Buxin include clinics and a small hospital; for serious conditions, residents typically go to Taichung or Nantou hospitals. Mandarin is the main language; some clinics offer English-speaking staff or translators. Travel insurance is advised and international clinics are available in larger cities nearby.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide