Things To Do
in Erlin
Erlin (二林) is a quiet agricultural township in Changhua County in central-western Taiwan, known for its rice paddies, vegetable farms and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. The town serves as a local market and production center for nearby rural communities and offers a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese farming life. Visitors will find modest temples, local markets and scenic rural roads ideal for cycling and photography.
Erlin is a practical base for exploring nearby Changhua and Taichung attractions while enjoying slower-paced local culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Erlin Historic Center, where you'll wander through charming streets lined with traditional buildings. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café, savoring Taiwanese treats such as scallion pancakes and soy milk. Take time to admire the intricate architecture of the Erlin Temple, a beautiful example of local craftsmanship.
After lunch, explore the nearby Erlin Railway Station, an important landmark that showcases the town's history. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample some fresh produce and snacks. Don't miss out on the cultural exhibitions at the Erlin Cultural Center, which highlight the rich heritage of the area.
As the sun sets, head to the riverside park for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the picturesque views of the water. Dine at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in traditional Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup or stinky tofu. Finish your day by mingling with locals at a night market, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike at nearby Mount Erlin, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Bring along a packed breakfast to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint, surrounded by nature's beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and take photographs of the stunning vistas.
After your hike, visit the nearby Erlin Scenic Area, where you can stroll along walking trails and appreciate the tranquil environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch while listening to the soothing sounds of nature. Take time for some bird watching or simply relax by the water, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As evening approaches, return to town and find a cozy café for a light meal and some local desserts. Spend some time exploring the local art galleries that showcase the work of regional artists. End your day with a relaxing walk through a park, perhaps catching a glimpse of a beautiful sunset.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee / tea at café | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Taiwanese experience and strong agricultural culture
- Quiet, safe and easy to use as a base for exploring Changhua and Taichung
- Good for cycling, photography and low-key cultural visits
- Fresh local produce and simple homestyle cuisine
- Limited nightlife and few high-end restaurants
- Fewer tourist facilities and English-speaking services than bigger cities
- Public transport options are less frequent — a car or scooter is useful
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer with typhoon risk
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問...? (qǐngwèn...?)" - Excuse me / may I ask...?
- "廁所在哪裡? (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "多少錢? (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Erlin
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive fields provide classic rural Taiwanese landscape shots, golden light at sunrise and reflective water patterns during planting season.
Small township temples with colorful iconography and evening lighting are excellent for cultural and portrait photography.
A short drive away, this hill offers panoramic views across Changhua plain, a large Buddha statue and sunrise/sunset vistas.
Capture candid images of vendors, fresh produce displays and daily community life at the early-morning market.
Food in Erlin
Erlin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Taiwanese classic of minced braised pork over steamed rice; widely available at local diners and breakfast shops throughout Erlin.
Must-Try!
Because of local soybean processing, you’ll find soft fresh tofu and fried tofu snacks at markets and small restaurants — simple, comforting and very fresh.
Local vegetable farms supply markets and eateries; try simple stir-fried greens or vegetable set meals (便當) in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A morning market where vendors sell fresh produce, tofu, snacks and small breakfast items — great for sampling local ingredients and breakfast staples like soy milk and youtiao.
Erlin itself is small, so for a larger night market experience visit nearby Yuanlin or Changhua night markets for oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) and a smile go far. Address elders with respect and allow elders to enter first.
When visiting temples, be respectful: dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, follow incense/offerings protocol and do not step on thresholds unless locals do.
Remove shoes when entering private homes; hosts will often indicate if it’s expected.
Line up politely and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces; speaking softly on public transport is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Erlin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is included in prices. Small tips are appreciated but not expected in small eateries or taxis.
Cash (NTD) is commonly used in small towns. Major credit cards are accepted at larger shops, chain convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and some restaurants. Mobile payment apps like LINE Pay and JKoPay are increasingly used. ATMs that accept international cards are available in larger nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming roadside flowers; ideal for cycling and outdoor photography. Agricultural activity increases in fields and markets start showing spring produce.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and the typhoon season (July–September). Early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities; stay hydrated and monitor weather advisories.
Pleasant temperatures, clearer skies and harvest time for many crops — a good season for farm visits and outdoor exploration.
Mild and cooler than summer, with occasional rainy periods. Comfortable for walking and sightseeing; rarely very cold but bring a light jacket for evenings.
Erlin at Night
Hiking in Erlin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive away, this hill offers easy trails, temple visits, a large Buddha statue and panoramic views over Changhua plain — good for sunrise/sunset photography.
Located in Taichung's eastern hills (about 40–60 minutes by car), Dakeng offers multiple trails of varying difficulty, forested paths and scenic ridgelines.
A coastal stretch and historic town walk in nearby Lukang (west of Changhua) combining heritage streets and seaside vistas — more of a cultural walk than mountain hiking but scenic and pleasant.
Airports
How to reach Erlin by plane.
The nearest major airport (domestic and some international flights), roughly 40–60 km away depending on route; accessible by car or bus and a convenient gateway for central Taiwan.
Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei, about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus under good traffic; trains and highway buses connect to Taichung/Changhua region.
Located in southern Taiwan, reachable by car or train with a longer transfer time — an option if combining southern Taiwan travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Erlin, speaking Taiwanese/Mandarin and involved in agriculture and local commerce.
Smaller Hakka presence and other Han Chinese subgroups with local cultural contributions.
Like many rural areas, Erlin has a relatively higher proportion of older residents engaged in farming and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan; local parks and schools often host games and community events.
A very popular recreational sport with many outdoor courts and local pickup games.
Cycling is popular for both recreation and commuting, especially on rural roads and dedicated bike paths in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Erlin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in a small town; temples and vegetarian restaurants in nearby larger towns (Yuanlin/Changhua) offer more selection. Ask for '素食' (sù shí) and specify no fish sauce or lard. Convenience stores carry simple vegetarian snacks.
Vegan and strict gluten-free diets are harder to accommodate locally—pack staples or visit Taichung/Changhua for more specialized restaurants. Communicate restrictions clearly in Mandarin or show them written.