Things To Do
in Yongjing
Yongjing is a quiet rural township in Changhua County, central-west Taiwan, known for its patchwork of rice paddies, small temples, and low-rise village life. The area serves as a calm base between Changhua City and Lukang, offering an authentic look at Taiwanese agricultural and local community traditions. Visitors find easy access to nearby natural features like the Zhuoshui River and Bagua (Baguashan) ridgeline, as well as small local markets and rail connections.
Yongjing is ideal for cycling, photography of rural landscapes, and short cultural detours away from busier urban centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Yongjing Temple, where you can admire the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the architecture. Engage with the local worshippers and learn about their spiritual practices and traditions. Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a nearby street vendor, savoring local delicacies like soy milk and fried dough sticks.
After lunch, stroll through the quaint streets of Yongjing, stopping by local shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Visit the nearby Wang's Family Ancestral Hall to delve into the history of the local culture and family traditions. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, enjoying the serene atmosphere and picturesque views.
As the sun sets, head to a local night market where you can indulge in a variety of Taiwanese street food. Try out unique snacks such as stinky tofu and bubble tea while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Conclude your evening by enjoying a traditional Taiwanese music performance at a community gathering.
Start your day with some fresh air at Yongjing Park, where you can take a peaceful morning walk amidst lush greenery and beautiful flowers. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the surrounding hills. Enjoy a light breakfast from a local café, sipping on fresh coffee as you relish the serene environment.
In the afternoon, rent a bicycle and explore the park’s extensive bike paths, discovering hidden spots along the way. Stop for a picnic by the lake, where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Visit the park’s small museum to learn about the local flora and fauna.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot within the park to watch the sunset, painting the sky in beautiful hues. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in local cuisine, such as braised pork rice. End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short train ride | $0.70-2.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $45-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Taiwanese atmosphere
- Easy access to nearby cultural sites (Lukang, Changhua) and natural scenery
- Great for cycling, photography and relaxing away from crowds
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options inside the township
- Public-transport frequency is lower than in bigger cities — a car or bike helps
- Fewer specialty hotels and international services compared to Taichung
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "不好意思" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "廁所在哪裡？" - Where is the restroom?
- "我不吃豬肉" - I don't eat pork
- "可以刷卡嗎？" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Yongjing
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive rice fields and irrigation channels provide reflections and geometric lines; sunrise and sunset are especially photogenic.
Capture local train life and the contrast between old station architecture and modern rolling stock.
Riverside scenes, birds and wide skies—good for golden-hour landscape shots.
Panoramic views over Changhua plain, temple complexes and sunsets — ideal for wide-angle landscape photography.
Cobblestone lanes, temple facades and traditional shops provide atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Food in Yongjing
Yongjing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Braised minced pork over rice — a ubiquitous Taiwanese comfort dish found in local eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Changhua’s famous gelatinous pork dumpling, typically sold at nearby markets and specialty stalls in Changhua City and Lukang.
Central-west Taiwan produces mangoes, wax apples and other fruits depending on season — farm stalls and markets sell them at peak ripeness.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekday markets in Yongjing where farmers sell vegetables, fruit and prepared breakfast items like soy milk, rice rolls and scallion pancakes.
A short trip away, these larger night markets offer diverse street food: grilled seafood, stinky tofu, oyster omelettes and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove hats if appropriate, avoid loud behavior and follow temple signage when taking photos or making offerings.
Taiwanese value politeness; form orderly queues for buses and snacks, and greet with a nod or brief '你好' rather than loud introductions.
Remove shoes when entering private homes; some traditional guesthouses may also request shoe removal.
Small souvenirs and packaged foods make good gifts; present and receive items with both hands when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Yongjing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is generally included in the price. For high-end hotels or guided services, small tips are appreciated but not required.
Cash (NTD) is commonly used in small shops and markets; contactless EasyCard and mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are widely accepted in urban areas. Credit cards work in larger restaurants and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures, blooming trees and the tail end of the rainy season; pleasant for cycling and outdoor photography with less summer heat.
June–August is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms and potential typhoons from July to September; plan indoor alternatives and stay updated on weather advisories.
September–November offers comfortable temperatures and clearer skies—one of the best times for outdoor activities and rural explorations.
December–February is mild and cooler (by Taiwan standards); occasional chilly nights but generally good for sightseeing without crowds.
Yongjing at Night
Hiking in Yongjing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, well-marked trails with panoramic views of the Changhua plain, temples and large Buddha statues — suitable for casual hikers and photographers.
Flat riverside paths good for walking, cycling and birdwatching; be cautious after heavy rains when levels rise.
Combine town wandering with short coastal paths for a mix of cultural and seaside scenery—ideal as a half-day outing from Yongjing.
Airports
How to reach Yongjing by plane.
The closest commercial airport (approx. 30–50 km depending on route). From the airport, take bus or taxi to Taichung city and then train/bus to Yongjing; car/taxi is the fastest option.
Main international gateway (approx. 120–150 km northwest). Take High Speed Rail or intercity bus to Taichung/Changhua and connect by train or bus to Yongjing.
Southern airport option (further away); sometimes useful for multi-city itineraries — connect by train or domestic flights then rail/bus to Yongjing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents speak Taiwanese Hokkien and form the primary cultural group in central-west Taiwan.
Smaller Hakka communities and other Han Chinese subgroups contribute to local cultural variety.
Like many agricultural townships, Yongjing has a higher proportion of older residents, with younger people often moving to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Taiwan’s most popular spectator sport; local communities often follow professional leagues and play amateur games.
Widespread pickup games and community courts make basketball a common recreational activity.
Very popular for leisure and exercise; Yongjing’s flat rural roads are attractive to cyclists of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yongjing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (素食) at temples and dedicated vegetarian eateries in larger towns; ask for '不放肉' (no meat) or '全素' (strict vegetarian). Local markets have plenty of vegetable dishes.
Vegan and strict gluten-free options are limited in small town stalls; larger restaurants in Changhua or Taichung are likelier to accommodate. Carry snacks if you have strict needs and learn key phrases to explain restrictions.
If avoiding pork or other ingredients, point out '我不吃豬肉' (I don't eat pork) and check sauces, as many dishes use pork-based broths or lard.