Things To Do
in Dongshi
Dongshi is a quiet, agricultural district in Taichung, central Taiwan, known for its green tunnel of old camphor and banyan trees and its surrounding orchards and tea terraces. The area blends rural scenery with small-town life: traditional markets, family-run tea shops and a slow pace that contrasts with nearby Taichung city. Visitors come for scenic drives, cycling, fruit picking and photography along tree-lined country roads and the Dongshi Forestry Green Tunnel.
Though compact, Dongshi makes a good base for short hikes and day trips to Taichung’s cultural and mountain attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure with a refreshing hike through the lush Dongshi Forest Park, where towering trees and vibrant wildlife await. The cool morning air sets the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs of the natural scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast at one of the local cafes, sampling Taiwanese pastries along the way.
In the afternoon, visit the Dongshi Waterfront Park to enjoy a tranquil stroll along the riverside. You can also explore the nearby salt fields, learning about the traditional salt-producing methods unique to this region. A picnic amid the serene landscapes provides an ideal setting for relaxation and reflection.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy local restaurant to indulge in authentic Taiwanese cuisine, perhaps trying the famous Dongshi pork knuckle. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to experience the small-town nightlife, where lively night markets and local music fill the air. Finally, find a charming café for a nightcap and share your favorite moments of the day.
Start your day by visiting the Dongshi Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in local art, history, and crafts produced by the community. Attend a workshop to learn about traditional Taiwanese crafts, which often reflect the area’s rich heritage. This engaging experience will give you insights into the unique culture of Dongshi.
After a morning of creativity, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that serves home-cooked Taiwanese meals. Post-lunch, continue to the nearby temples, where you can learn about local customs and partake in spiritual practices that bring the vibrant culture of Dongshi to life. The afternoon allows for reflection and appreciation of the area's deep-rooted traditions.
As the evening approaches, join a guided night walking tour of Dongshi, where historical tales and anecdotes come alive under the moonlight. This captivating experience offers glimpses into the lives of locals throughout the ages. End your day at a teahouse, sipping on locally-grown tea while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.7-1.5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short trip | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, photogenic rural landscapes and the famous Green Tunnel.
- Close enough to Taichung for day trips while offering a peaceful countryside experience.
- Fresh local produce and tea culture with opportunities for farm visits and tastings.
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with Taichung city.
- Public transport within Dongshi is limited; a scooter or car is often needed to explore.
- English may be limited in small shops and rural areas, so some Mandarin phrases help.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問⋯在哪裡？(Qǐngwèn ... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "多少錢？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "不好意思，我不能吃⋯(Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ bù néng chī ...)" - Sorry, I cannot eat ... (useful for dietary restrictions)
Places to Visit in Dongshi
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic tree-lined road formed by overhanging banyan and camphor trees; ideal for golden-hour shots, portrait sessions and seasonal foliage photography.
Rows of fruit trees and tea terraces offer layered landscapes, especially during sunrise or when farmers are working — great for close-ups and wide rural panoramas.
Quiet rural roads, stone bridges and irrigation channels create moody compositions, particularly after rain or at dawn with mist over fields.
Small temples and older storefronts provide cultural context photos: colorful temple architecture, lanterns and daily life scenes.
Food in Dongshi
Dongshi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Taiwanese staple — rice topped with savory braised pork. Found at small eateries and family restaurants throughout Dongshi and Taichung.
Must-Try!
Local tea farms and tea houses sometimes offer tea-smoked eggs or meats and tea-flavored desserts — try at local tea shops near plantations.
Fresh-cut fruit from nearby orchards (mango, lychee/longan or pomelo depending on season) sold at markets and roadside stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small town market where vendors sell fresh produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat Taiwanese classics; good for sampling fruit and local specialties.
A short drive brings you to larger night markets in Taichung with abundant street food — fried snacks, stinky tofu, bubble tea and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely, use a modest tone, and remove shoes when entering homes or some traditional establishments. A slight bow or nod is common when thanking someone.
Speak quietly, dress modestly and avoid stepping over altars or offerings. Ask before taking photos of people praying.
Wait for older or senior members to start eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral rites), and share dishes family-style.
Safety
Tipping in Dongshi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan for most services; excellent service is appreciated but not expected to be rewarded with tips. Some higher-end hotels or tour operators may add a service charge.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used in small shops and markets; major restaurants and stores accept credit cards. Mobile payment apps and contactless cards are increasingly common in urban areas but less so in rural stalls, so carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming orchards make spring a pleasant time to visit; pollen can be an issue for allergy sufferers and occasional rain showers occur.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and occasional typhoons; great for fruit season and early-morning outdoor activities, but plan indoor alternatives and check weather warnings.
Cooler, drier and comfortable for hiking, cycling and harvest activities; many fruits remain in season and visibility for photography improves.
Generally mild and cooler than summer with occasional cold snaps; fewer crowds make it a calm time for tea tastings and countryside walks, but mornings can be foggy.
Dongshi at Night
Hiking in Dongshi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular set of hillside trails near Taichung offering a variety of routes, good views, and well-marked trails suitable for half-day hikes.
Gentle walking paths connected to the Forest Green Tunnel and adjacent small forested areas ideal for short hikes and photography.
Nearby ridge trails with panoramic views over plains and urban Taichung; good for sunrise and sunset hikes.
Airports
How to reach Dongshi by plane.
The closest commercial airport, offering some international and domestic flights; about a 30–60 minute drive to Dongshi depending on traffic.
Main international gateway to Taiwan near Taipei, about 1.5–2.5 hours by car or high-speed rail plus local transfer to Taichung then onward to Dongshi.
Serves southern Taiwan; reachable by train or highway in about 2–3 hours, an option if combining visits to southern destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Dongshi, speaking Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin; local customs reflect Han Taiwanese culture.
Hakka communities exist in parts of central Taiwan; Hakka cultural influences and cuisine may be found in nearby areas.
A mix of older farming families who maintain orchards and tea farms, and younger people who commute to Taichung for work or education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Taiwan’s top sports; local interest means games and community leagues are popular, and major matches are in Taichung.
Basketball courts are common and the sport is widely played recreationally among youth and adults.
Cycling is hugely popular for both leisure and sport — scenic rural routes and dedicated bike paths attract cyclists of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dongshi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Taiwan — look for vegetarian restaurants (often Buddhist-style) and order vegetable or tofu-based dishes; ask vendors for no fish/egg if necessary and carry a translation card for specifics.
Vegan choices can be found but are more limited in rural eateries; seek out dedicated vegetarian shops in Taichung for a wider variety and use local-phrase cards to avoid hidden fish sauce.
Gluten-free options require caution: soy sauce and wheat are common. Rice-based dishes are usually safe, but discuss ingredients with cooks or choose simpler items like plain rice and steamed vegetables.