Changhua City, the administrative and cultural heart of Changhua County, seamlessly blends history with modern development. As the home of NCUE, it offers a tranquil academic environment while providing easy access to Taichung City, Taiwan’s second-largest urban center. Rich in heritage, Changhua City boasts cultural landmarks such as the Changhua Sector Garage, the Mt. Bagua Great Buddha Scenic Area, and the Confucius Temple. It is also a paradise for food lovers, with khòng-bah-pn̄g (braised pork rice) and bah-oân (bawan) among its must-try local delicacies.
Changhua Sector Garage (Changhua Roundhouse)
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Built in 1922, Changhua Sector Garage is Taiwan’s only fan-shaped locomotive depot and a designated national heritage site. With a circular turntable and 12 radiating tracks, it serves as a “hotel” for locomotives, offering maintenance and storage. This century-old site is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Mt. Bagua Great Buddha Scenic Area
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Bagua Mountain is Changhua’s most famous landmark. Once a battlefield and later a hot spring retreat, it is now known for its iconic Great Buddha statue. The Jiulong Pond Plaza offers panoramic views of the Changhua Plain, while nearby attractions include the Literary Hiking Trail, Bagua Mountain Silver Bridge, and Lai He Poetry Wall. The Bagua Mountain Skywalk provides a breathtaking stroll through the clouds, making this area a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
Changhua Confucius Temple
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Originally built in 1726, Changhua Confucius Temple is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, particularly the two white stone columns from Quanzhou, Fujian. Modeled after Lukang’s Longshan Temple, it features an imperial path stone leading to the main hall, signifying Confucius’ esteemed status. Though the current structure is a 1978 reconstruction at two-thirds of its original size, it faithfully preserves the Qing dynasty’s architectural style and historical relics.
Local Cuisine
Khòng-bah-pn̄g (炕肉飯/焢肉飯/爌肉飯, braised pork rice)
Unlike most other regions in Taiwan that use pork belly, Changhua’s khòng-bah-pn̄g is made with pork hind leg, slow-braised in soy sauce and aromatic spices until tender. Served over fluffy white rice and paired with bamboo shoots or suan cai, this dish delivers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Where to try:
- 阿泉爌肉飯 (7:00–13:3o)
- 阿謀爌肉飯 (5:00–13:30, closed on Mon.)
- 蚵ㄚ仁 (11:00–20:00, closed on Mon.)
- 魚市場爌肉飯 (16:30–21:00, closed on Sun.)
- 東興爌肉飯 (21:00–04:00, closed on Sun. and Mon.)
Bah-oân (肉圓, bawan)
A signature Changhua delicacy, Bah-oân comes in three varieties: deep-fried, steamed, and chilled. These chewy, translucent dumplings are filled with seasoned pork, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, then paired with a sweet-savory sauce. Each preparation offers a unique texture, making it a must-try for food lovers.
Where to try:
Note: Most of these delis are within a 10–15 minute walk from TRA Changhua Station. Please check business hours, as some are only open early in the morning or late at night.
Check out more tourist spots of Changhua County from the website of Taiwan Tourism Administration: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002113
(Content of the three tourist spots were paraphrased from the websites of Taiwan Tourism Administration)