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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Expansive flat fields with irrigation canals offer reflections, seasonal green or golden hues, and classic Taiwanese rural compositions at dawn and dusk.
Panoramic viewpoints, temple architecture and a large Buddha statue provide sweeping vistas of Changhua plain — excellent for sunrise, sunset and cityscape shots.
Ornate carvings, colorfully painted roofs and ritual scenes make Hemei’s temples rewarding for cultural and detail photography.
Early-morning fishermen, nets, boats and low-tide mudflats create dynamic scenes, especially during golden hour and at sunrise.
Narrow alleys, historic shopfronts and traditional architecture are ideal for street photography and capturing Taiwan’s heritage townscape.
Food in Hemei
Hemei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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.
Small coastal ports nearby serve fresh catches — simple steamed or grilled preparations are common at local seafood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local vendors sell fresh produce, tofu, soy milk and hot breakfast items like scallion pancakes and danbing — great for sampling everyday Taiwanese breakfast.
Short drive from Hemei, these night markets offer oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, grilled snacks and sweets — ideal for an evening food crawl.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
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.
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.
Remove shoes when entering some homes and certain traditional establishments; follow the host’s lead.
Safety
Tipping in Hemei
Ensure a smooth experience
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).
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...
Mild temperatures and blossoming fields make spring pleasant for cycling and outdoor photography; occasional rain showers are possible, so pack a light rain jacket.
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.
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.
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.
Hemei at Night
Hiking in Hemei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
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.
Gentle ridges and farm tracks with pleasant countryside scenery — suitable for walkers and trail runners looking for a quiet outdoor escape.
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.
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.
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.
Located in southern Taiwan, farther away (2–3 hours by car or train) but an option for southern arrivals or departures.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin; local culture is influenced by Hokkien traditions and festivals.
Smaller Hakka-speaking communities are present in parts of Changhua County with distinct customs and cuisine.
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 is one of Taiwan’s most popular sports; local interest is strong and games are widely followed in larger cities nearby.
Basketball is commonly played in schools and community courts; pickup games are frequent in towns and cities.
Cycling is popular for recreation and commuting on flat western plains — the area's quiet country roads attract cyclists of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hemei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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.
If you have strong allergies, carry a translated notes card describing the allergen in Chinese. Small vendors may not understand cross-contamination concerns.