Things To Do
in Hemei

Hemei (和美) is a semi-rural township in Changhua County on Taiwan’s western plain, known for its agricultural landscape, small-town temples, and easy access to Taichung and the coast. The town acts as a quiet base for exploring nearby historic Lukang, Baguashan (Bagua Mountain) viewpoints, and coastal fishing ports. Hemei retains a local, everyday-Taiwan atmosphere — morning markets, scooter traffic, and family-run eateries — making it appealing for travelers seeking authentic local life rather than big-city attractions.

Its flat terrain and network of local roads make it convenient for cycling and short drives to beaches, wetlands, and regional hiking areas.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Hemei's Coastal Charm
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll along the picturesque coastline of Hemei, where the sound of waves crashing against the rocks creates a soothing backdrop. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and traditional Taiwanese tea. Visit the nearby temples, appreciating the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a seaside restaurant, venture out to participate in water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking. Explore the surrounding nature trails, taking in the lush scenery and diverse wildlife unique to the region. Each step offers photo opportunities that capture Hemei's natural beauty.

evening
:

As the sun sets, walk along the beach and witness the sky transform into hues of orange and pink. Delight in a seafood dinner at a popular local eatery where the catch of the day is perfectly prepared. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local night market, enjoying the lively atmosphere and tasty street food.

day 2
Cultural Heritage and Local Markets
morning
:

Begin with a visit to Hemei's cultural museum, where you can learn about the town's history and traditional crafts. Interact with locals who are passionate about preserving their heritage and perhaps partake in a craft workshop. A breakfast food stall nearby offers traditional Taiwanese breakfast options like soy milk and baozi.

afternoon
:

Explore the vibrant local market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Try your hand at bargaining and sampling street food as you navigate the lively atmosphere. This immersive experience allows you to connect with the local culture and community.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation for a brief rest before heading out for a dinner of Hemei’s famous hot pot. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of a local restaurant while indulging in a flavorful and social dining experience. After dinner, take a leisurely walk under the stars, soaking in the charm of the quiet streets.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee (local cafe)$2.50-4
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-90
🍺Domestic beer (at a shop or bar)$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town Taiwanese experience with local markets and family eateries
  • Close to historic Lukang, Baguashan viewpoints, and coastal scenery
  • Flat terrain ideal for cycling and relaxed exploration
  • Lower accommodation and food costs compared with city centers
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services within Hemei itself
  • Weather can be hot and typhoon-prone in summer
  • Public transport options are less frequent than in major cities, so a car or bike is helpful
  • Fewer high-end dining and boutique accommodation choices locally
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "請問…在哪裡?(Qǐngwèn… zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is…?
  • "這個多少錢?(Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
  • "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
  • "不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi)" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "廁所在哪裡?(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Hemei

Visit one of these nice places.

Rice Fields and Rural Roads

Expansive flat fields with irrigation canals offer reflections, seasonal green or golden hues, and classic Taiwanese rural compositions at dawn and dusk.

Baguashan (Bagua Mountain)

Panoramic viewpoints, temple architecture and a large Buddha statue provide sweeping vistas of Changhua plain — excellent for sunrise, sunset and cityscape shots.

Local Temples

Ornate carvings, colorfully painted roofs and ritual scenes make Hemei’s temples rewarding for cultural and detail photography.

Coastal Fishing Ports (nearby)

Early-morning fishermen, nets, boats and low-tide mudflats create dynamic scenes, especially during golden hour and at sunrise.

Lukang Old Street (short drive)

Narrow alleys, historic shopfronts and traditional architecture are ideal for street photography and capturing Taiwan’s heritage townscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hemei

Hemei’s food scene reflects Taiwan’s wider culinary culture: fresh produce, rice- and noodle-based dishes, seafood from nearby coasts, and plenty of small family-run eateries. Expect Taiwanese classics prepared simply and affordably; local markets and roadside stalls are where many of the best flavors are found.

Hemei Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)

A Taiwanese staple of minced/braised pork over rice found in small restaurants and market stalls; hearty and widely available in Hemei and nearby towns.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette

A popular night-market dish — savory, slightly chewy, and topped with a sweet-savory sauce; best tasted at coastal markets and night markets in the region.

Fresh Seafood

Small coastal ports nearby serve fresh catches — simple steamed or grilled preparations are common at local seafood restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hemei Morning/Wet Market

Local vendors sell fresh produce, tofu, soy milk and hot breakfast items like scallion pancakes and danbing — great for sampling everyday Taiwanese breakfast.

Nearby Night Markets (Lukang/Changhua)

Short drive from Hemei, these night markets offer oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, grilled snacks and sweets — ideal for an evening food crawl.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hemei has a subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent showers and typhoon risk (June–October) and mild, drier winters. Spring and autumn are transitional and generally pleasant. Annual rainfall peaks in summer, while winter months are cooler and cloudier but rarely freezing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and Religious Respect

Dress modestly at temples, avoid loud behavior, and follow local practices such as not stepping over incense burners or taking photos where signage forbids it.

Table Manners

Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (associated with funerals). It’s polite to try a little of everything when offered and to use serving utensils where provided.

Greeting and Politeness

A slight nod or handshake is common; addressing elders with respect goes a long way. Learning a few Mandarin or Taiwanese phrases is appreciated by locals.

Shoes and Private Homes

Remove shoes when entering some homes and certain traditional establishments; follow the host’s lead.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hemei is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft is uncommon but remain vigilant in crowded markets. The main safety concerns are road safety (many scooters and bicycles) and weather-related hazards — heavy rains, flooding and typhoons in summer/early autumn. Carry sun protection, insect repellent near wetlands, and monitor local weather advisories during the typhoon season.

Tipping in Hemei

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and generally not expected in local eateries or taxis. In high-end restaurants or for exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not required. Many restaurants add a service charge (check the bill).

Payment Methods

Cash (NTD) is widely used for markets, small shops and taxis. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and many shops. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and local e-wallets (e.g., LINE Pay) are increasingly common in urban areas. ATMs are widely available in nearby towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blossoming fields make spring pleasant for cycling and outdoor photography; occasional rain showers are possible, so pack a light rain jacket.

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season (June–October). Expect high humidity, strong sun — bring sun protection, hydration and flexible plans in case of storms.

Autumn

Generally the most comfortable season with cooler air, lower humidity and clearer skies — ideal for outdoor activities and travel. Typhoon risk decreases but can still occur early in the season.

Winter

Mild and cooler than the rest of the year; rarely cold by temperate-climate standards but bring a light jacket. Rain is more common than snow; good season for exploring towns and indoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Hemei at Night

Hemei itself is quiet after dark with scattered small bars, teahouses and family restaurants. For livelier nightlife — night markets, bars, clubs and live music — travel to nearby Taichung (30–50 minutes) or visit larger markets in Changhua and Lukang in the evenings.

Hiking in Hemei

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Baguashan (Bagua Mountain) Scenic Trails

Short trails and paved paths around Bagua Mountain offer panoramic views of the Changhua plain, temple visits and easy walks suitable for most fitness levels.

Dakeng Trails (Taichung)

A network of forested trails near Taichung offering routes from easy to moderate difficulty; popular for locals and a good half-day hiking option within an hour’s drive.

Dadu Mountain Foothills

Gentle ridges and farm tracks with pleasant countryside scenery — suitable for walkers and trail runners looking for a quiet outdoor escape.

Coastal Walks and Estuary Paths

Walks along the Dadu River estuary and nearby mudflats provide birdwatching opportunities and flat, scenic routes for sunset walks.

Airports

How to reach Hemei by plane.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

The closest major airport (domestic and some international flights) — roughly 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Good option for regional flights and access to rental cars.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Main international gateway to Taiwan (Taipei area) — approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or shuttle, depending on traffic and route. Many international flights arrive here.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

Located in southern Taiwan, farther away (2–3 hours by car or train) but an option for southern arrivals or departures.

Taichung HSR/THSR (Wuri Station)

High-speed rail station serving Taichung area — not an airport but useful for fast rail access from Taipei and southern cities, then transfer by local transport to Hemei.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable for short distances, with sidewalks in many areas; however, attractions and coastal spots are spread out, so biking or driving is often more convenient. Roads can be busy with scooters, so exercise caution as a pedestrian.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Taiwanese (Hokkien/Taiwanese speakers)

The majority population speaks Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin; local culture is influenced by Hokkien traditions and festivals.

Hakka community

Smaller Hakka-speaking communities are present in parts of Changhua County with distinct customs and cuisine.

Older rural residents and families

As with many rural townships, there is a noticeable older population involved in agriculture and small businesses, while younger residents often commute to nearby cities for work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is one of Taiwan’s most popular sports; local interest is strong and games are widely followed in larger cities nearby.

Basketball

Basketball is commonly played in schools and community courts; pickup games are frequent in towns and cities.

Cycling

Cycling is popular for recreation and commuting on flat western plains — the area's quiet country roads attract cyclists of all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Hemei is generally lighter than in urban centers but scooters are ubiquitous and can make roads feel busy. During rush hours, roads connecting to Taichung and Changhua can become congested. Public transportation consists of regional buses and nearby train stations; renting a scooter, bicycle or car provides the most flexibility for exploring surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hemei.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (vegetarian restaurants, Buddhist-style eateries, and vegetable side dishes), but many local dishes include fish/seafood or pork. Say “我吃素” (Wǒ chī sù) to indicate you are vegetarian and specify if you avoid seafood or eggs. Larger towns like Lukang and Taichung have more dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes are widely available, but soy sauce (contains wheat) is commonly used. Ask staff about ingredients; simple steamed items, fresh fruit and plain rice dishes are safer options.

Allergies

If you have strong allergies, carry a translated notes card describing the allergen in Chinese. Small vendors may not understand cross-contamination concerns.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics provide basic care and pharmacies are common for over-the-counter needs. For more serious issues, larger hospitals are in Changhua City (e.g., Changhua Christian Hospital) and Taichung (major regional hospitals) within a 30–60 minute drive. Taiwan’s healthcare system is high-quality — carry travel insurance and any regular medications, and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide