Things To Do
in Dacheng
Dacheng (大城) is a quiet rural township on Taiwan's western coast known for its coastal wetlands, salt pans and seafood-farming traditions. The landscape is a patchwork of rice paddies, aquaculture ponds and long sandy shorelines that attract migrating birds and photographers. The pace of life is slow and agricultural, with small villages, local temples and seasonal markets that reflect traditional Taiwanese coastal culture.
Dacheng is a good base for birdwatching, cycling and sampling fresh seafood while experiencing off-the-beaten-path Taiwan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning at the Dacheng Historic Center, where you can stroll through the quaint streets lined with colonial architecture. Visit the local market to experience authentic Taiwanese breakfast options, such as soy milk and fried dough sticks. Take a moment to appreciate the local art galleries showcasing the work of talented local artists.
In the afternoon, dive deeper into the history of Dacheng by visiting the old temples, where you can learn about their significance and admire the intricate carvings. Stop by a traditional tea house to enjoy a serene tea tasting experience, sampling various local brews. As you explore, keep an eye out for beautifully preserved heritage buildings that tell the story of the town's past.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the family-owned restaurants in the historic center, trying local dishes like stinky tofu and oyster omelet. After dinner, wander the streets illuminated by lanterns, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the night market. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar for a taste of Taiwanese craft beer.
Begin your day in Dacheng by participating in a traditional pottery workshop, where you can learn the ancient techniques from skilled artisans. Feel the clay in your hands as you create your own unique piece to take home as a souvenir. Afterward, visit a local calligraphy school and try your hand at practicing this beautiful art form.
In the afternoon, head to a nearby farm to experience the rural lifestyle of Taiwan, where you can participate in rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season. Enjoy a farm-fresh lunch prepared by the owners, featuring organic ingredients straight from their fields. Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque landscape, capturing the beauty of the surrounding fields.
As evening approaches, return to the town and enjoy a cooking class that focuses on traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Learn how to prepare popular dishes using locally sourced ingredients, guided by a passionate chef. After your meal, relax at a local café while enjoying a dessert made from sweet Taiwanese pineapple.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍱Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍜Meal at mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.70-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $5-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel or guesthouse (per night) | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural and coastal Taiwan experience
- Excellent opportunities for birdwatching and landscape photography
- Fresh seafood and local agricultural products
- Easy cycling and relaxed pace of life
- Limited nightlife and few modern amenities within the township
- Public transport options are sparse—a car or scooter is helpful
- Seasonal typhoons and heavy summer rain can disrupt plans
- Fewer vegetarian/vegan options compared with larger cities
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問洗手間在哪裡? (Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "我不吃海鮮 (Wǒ bù chī hǎixiān)" - I don't eat seafood
- "可以給我帳單嗎? (Kěyǐ gěi wǒ zhàngdān ma?)" - Could I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Dacheng
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive low-tide flats and geometric salt pans create graphic compositions for sunrise and sunset; good for bird and landscape shots.
Colorful boats, nets and fishermen at work offer candid maritime scenes and human-interest photography—best in early morning.
Reflective water in paddies at certain times of year produces mirror-like photos, especially during planting and after rain.
Temple architecture, prayer rituals and ornate details provide vibrant cultural imagery—capture during festivals for dynamic photos.
A higher vantage point with panoramic views of Changhua Plain and coastline; ideal for wide landscapes and sunset panoramas.
Food in Dacheng
Dacheng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole locally caught fish simply grilled with soy and aromatics; best at small seaside restaurants or fish harbors.
Must-Try!
Shellfish steamed or made into clear soups that showcase fresh seafood—find them at coastal eateries and seafood stalls.
A Taiwanese classic available at local night markets and street vendors—crispy edges, soft center, topped with savory sauce.
Comfort food of braised pork over rice served with local pickles; ubiquitous and inexpensive at small shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small wet markets in town where vendors sell fresh produce, live seafood and ready-to-eat breakfast items—great for sampling soy milk, youtiao (fried dough) and local buns.
Within a short drive, larger night markets offer a wider variety of snacks: oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, sweet potato balls and seafood skewers.
Small clusters near fishing piers where fishermen or families sell fresh catch, sometimes cooked on-site or nearby.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly at temples, avoid loud behavior, and follow signs for photography restrictions. Remove hats and speak quietly during rituals.
Many homes ask visitors to remove shoes—follow hosts' cues and wear clean socks if possible.
Be polite and patient in queues; local people value courteous behavior, and a simple 'thank you' or nod goes a long way.
Basic Mandarin or Taiwanese (Hokkien) phrases are appreciated; attempt greetings and always be respectful when interacting with elders.
Safety
Tipping in Dacheng
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; small personal gestures of thanks are appreciated but not expected. High-end hotels or tour guides may appreciate modest tips, but service charges sometimes appear on bills in larger establishments.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural Dacheng, especially at markets and small shops. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, JKoPay) and contactless credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger businesses and nearby towns—carry cash for remote or family-run places.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields; good for bird migration and comfortable cycling. Expect occasional rain showers and emerging agricultural activity.
Hot, humid and prone to heavy rains and typhoons (June–September). Early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities; carry sun protection and plan around storm forecasts.
Generally pleasant with lower humidity and clear skies—one of the best times for photography, cycling and seafood seasons after summer storms.
Mild and cooler (especially at night), drier conditions and clear days—still suitable for outdoor activities but bring a light jacket for evenings.
Dacheng at Night
Hiking in Dacheng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, easy trails along the wetlands and salt pans—ideal for birdwatching and gentle walks with interpretive signs in some sections.
Near Changhua city, these trails offer moderate climbs, panoramic views of the plain and the large Buddha statue viewpoint—good for sunset photography.
Combine town exploration with short coastal walks and heritage trails around Lukang, featuring temples, old streets and seaside views.
Nearby wetlands with boardwalks and observation points—excellent for low-effort hikes and wildlife observation, especially during migratory seasons.
Airports
How to reach Dacheng by plane.
About 45–70 minutes' drive northeast depending on traffic; serves domestic flights and some international routes. Rental cars and taxis are available, and bus connections link to Changhua and nearby areas.
Larger international airport to the south, roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on route; useful if combining a broader southern Taiwan trip.
Main international gateway near Taipei; about 2–3 hours by car or train plus transfer—useful if arriving internationally and planning to travel down the west coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in rural western Taiwan, speaking Taiwanese (Hokkien) and Mandarin; they maintain many coastal cultural traditions and cuisines.
Smaller communities of Hakka and families whose ancestors immigrated from mainland China; these groups contribute to linguistic and culinary variety.
Like many rural areas, Dacheng has an older demographic engaged in agriculture and aquaculture, with younger people often moving to cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is very popular across Taiwan, and the flat coastal roads around Dacheng are favored by local cyclists and touring visitors.
Baseball remains one of Taiwan’s most popular spectator and community sports; local towns often have community teams and school leagues.
Both recreational and commercial fishing are common, reflecting the coastal culture and livelihoods in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dacheng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited in rural Dacheng; order vegetable-based noodle or rice dishes, tofu dishes and temple-style vegetarian meals if available. Bring a Chinese note explaining "I do not eat meat, fish or lard" (我不吃肉、魚和豬油) to show vendors.
Vegan options are rarer; seek out dedicated vegetarian restaurants in nearby larger towns or buy fresh produce at markets. Confirm ingredients because many broths use seafood or pork.
Rice-based foods are common and relatively safe, but soy sauce (contains wheat) is frequently used; ask about sauces and request no soy sauce when possible.
Seafood is central to local cuisine—if you are allergic, communicate clearly and avoid cross-contamination in small kitchens; carry medication or epinephrine if prescribed.