Things To Do
in Ershui
Ershui is a quiet agricultural township in Changhua County, central Taiwan, where green fields and traditional streets create a calm countryside atmosphere. The town center features historic lanes, small temples, and local markets that reveal an authenticTaiwanese countryside vibe. It serves as a gateway to rural scenery, cycling routes, and farm visits typical of central Taiwan.
Accessible by Taiwan Railways and highways, Ershui offers a relaxed, approachable base for exploring rural Changhua and nearby attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Ershui Railway Station, a charming example of Japanese colonial architecture. As the sun rises, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Ershui Old Street, where you can sample local snacks and admire the traditional wooden storefronts. Don't forget to capture the vibrant atmosphere with your camera as the town awakens.
After lunch, head to the Ershui Cultural Park to explore exhibitions that highlight the area’s rich history and culture. You can participate in interactive workshops that showcase traditional crafts and practices, providing a hands-on experience of local heritage. As you wander through the park, enjoy the serene gardens and take a moment to relax under the trees.
As dusk approaches, make your way to a local restaurant for a taste of Ershui’s famous beef noodles, a dish that embodies the flavors of the region. After dinner, take a stroll along the peaceful riverbank, where you can admire the reflections of the setting sun on the water. End your evening by visiting a cozy tea house, sipping on local oolong tea while chatting with friendly locals.
Start your day with a hike in the nearby mountains, where trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The fresh air and chirping birds create an invigorating atmosphere as you explore the lush greenery. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at a scenic overlook, taking in the beauty of nature.
After your hike, visit the Ershui Green Tunnel, a stunning stretch of road lined with towering trees that create a natural canopy. You can rent a bike to traverse this scenic route, stopping at viewpoint areas for photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the designated rest areas, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.
As the sun sets, return to Ershui and explore the night market for a vibrant culinary experience. Sample various street foods, from stinky tofu to fresh fruit smoothies, while soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with local music and laughter. Wrap up the night with a traditional dessert like shaved ice, perfect for cooling down after a day outdoors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🥟Street snack or small dish | $1-3 |
| 🧋Bubble tea or drink | $2-4 |
| 🚆Public transit fare (local ride) | $0.8-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Taiwan experience within easy reach of larger cities
- Wide range of markets, temples, and scenic farmland
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Public transport options can be limited outside peak hours
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer and subject to typhoons
- "你好" - Hello
- "請問最近車站在哪裡？" - Where is the nearest station?
- "多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "可以給我地圖嗎？" - Could I have a map?
- "對不起" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Ershui
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful storefronts, traditional architecture, and lantern-lined alleys make this a classic backdrop for lively street photography.
Wide river views with golden hour light over fields; a calm spot for landscapes and reflection shots.
Intricate carvings, wooden beams, and incense smoke create atmospheric, culturally rich photos.
An old-world railway crossing provides a nostalgic urban-rural contrast characterizing small-town Taiwan.
Food in Ershui
Ershui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Taiwanese comfort dish featuring minced or cubed braised pork on rice, widely available at local eateries near the town center.
Must-Try!
A hearty noodle soup with tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich broth; common in casual restaurants and stalls.
A popular street dish combining fresh oysters, eggs, and a crispy batter—great at markets and late-night stalls.
Fermented tofu fried or grilled and served with pickled cabbage; a quintessential Taiwanese street snack found at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact market along the historic street with stalls selling fresh produce, snacks, and everyday household goods; great for sampling local bites.
A broader market offering seasonal produce, handmade goods, and regional snacks; ideal for picking up edible souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a simple nod or hello (你好 Nǐ hǎo). Use polite language and address people with courtesy; avoid loudly discussing sensitive topics in public spaces.
Remove hats when entering temples; behave calmly, don’t touch religious artifacts unnecessarily, and observe local practices (quiet talking, no running).
Queue patiently for buses or trains; small towns value politeness and patience in lines and interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Ershui
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected; good service is recognized by courteous interactions and leaving the bill. In higher-end hotels or international venues, a tip may be appreciated but not necessary.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely accepted, and credit/debit cards are common in shops and restaurants. Public transit cards (EasyCard, iPass) work for many transport services, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, LINE Pay) are increasingly popular in cities and larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, carry an umbrella or rain jacket, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Mild and comfortable temperatures with clearer skies; great time for hiking and outdoor photography; occasional typhoon risk in early autumn.
Cool to mild, with temperatures commonly in the low to mid teens Celsius; layering is key and evenings can be chilly.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming fruit trees and flowers; ideal for walking tours and countryside photography.
Ershui at Night
Hiking in Ershui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle circuit through farmland and pine-covered slopes with viewpoints over the valley; suitable for a half-day hike.
Short trail to a viewpoint over the reservoir and surrounding farmland; ideal for sunset photography.
Moderate climb toward a hilltop temple with panoramic views; bring water and sturdy shoes.
Airports
How to reach Ershui by plane.
Main international gateway for Taiwan; connects to most global destinations and provides frequent domestic connections to central Taiwan.
Smaller regional airport with domestic and select international services; often convenient for travelers heading to central Taiwan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Han Chinese with Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien as common languages; communities are tight-knit with agricultural roots.
Seasonal and long-term workers contribute to local agriculture and small businesses; respectful, inclusive communication is appreciated.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favorite sport across Taiwan; local community fields and schools often host games and events.
Common in community centers and clubs; easy to pick up for visitors seeking a light activity.
Popular in parks and indoor courts; casual games and pickup matches occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ershui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can find tofu-based dishes, vegetable-forward sets, and dishes cooked with vegetable stock. Look for 明素 (mǐng sù) or 素 (sù) on menus and ask staff about meat-free broths.