Things To Do
in Shuishang

Shuishang Township sits along western Changhua County, Taiwan, characterized by broad farmlands, winding canals, and a tranquil rural pace. The area blends traditional market life with modern conveniences, making it a great base for exploring central Taiwan. Visitors can enjoy sunset rice fields, temple architecture, and easy day trips to historic Lukang and coastal scenery.

While quieter than Taiwan's city centers, Shuishang offers authentic local experiences and welcoming communities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Shuishang
morning
:

Start your journey by visiting the picturesque Shuishang Waterfall, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and take amazing photographs. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the nearby trails to appreciate the lush greenery and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Don't forget to enjoy a refreshing local breakfast at a nearby café, sampling Taiwanese delicacies.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the charming Shuishang Village, where you can explore traditional Taiwanese architecture and local craft shops. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their culture and history, and perhaps try your hand at some local crafts. Make sure to savor a delicious lunch at a family-run restaurant, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of Shuishang's renowned eateries, where you can dive into the local cuisine, including famous night market snacks. After dinner, take a stroll along the vibrant streets, absorbing the atmosphere and perhaps visiting local artisan stalls. End your day with some leisure time at a cozy café, reflecting on the beauty of the village and sharing stories with fellow travelers.

day 2
Cultural Insights
morning
:

Begin your day at the Shuishang Cultural Center, where you can learn about the history and traditions of the region through informative exhibits. Participate in a morning workshop that introduces traditional crafts, allowing you to create memorable souvenirs. Enjoy a light breakfast at the center’s café, blending flavors of local fruits and pastries.

afternoon
:

After lunch, make your way to Wanli Dong Temple, an exquisite example of Taiwanese temple architecture. Spend time exploring the intricate carvings and vibrant decorations while absorbing the spiritual ambiance of the site. Join a guided tour to learn more about its significance and the stories it holds.

evening
:

In the evening, head back to the cultural center for an engaging performance featuring traditional dances and music. This immersive experience will give you further insights into Taiwan's rich heritage and artistic expressions. Wrap up your day at a local night market, indulging in scrumptious street food and innovative snacks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea at cafe$2-4
🚌Bus fare (local)$0.5-1.5
🚕Taxi start fare$1-3
🏨Budget hotel night$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Taiwan experience
  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Longer travel times to major cities
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "謝謝" - Thank you
  • "請問洗手間在哪裡?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少錢?" - How much is this?
  • "可以給我菜單嗎?" - Can I see the menu?
  • "好吃" - Delicious

Places to Visit in Shuishang

Visit one of these nice places.

Shuishang Canal and Farmland Corridor

A long canal flanked by rice paddies and willow trees, especially photogenic at sunrise and golden hour.

Temple Courtyards in Shuishang village

Colorful temple exteriors and lantern-lined courtyards perfect for candid shots of daily religious life.

Lakeside or Pond Viewpoints

Quiet water bodies near farms; reflections during early morning light.

Lukang Historic Street (nearby)

Cobblestone lanes and traditional storefronts with red lanterns; easy day trip for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Shuishang

In Shuishang, you’ll encounter fresh, seasonal flavors typical of central Taiwan—simple, hearty dishes centered on pork, seafood, rice, and vegetables. Expect farm-to-table ingredients and home-style cooking, with many eateries offering daily specials.

Shuishang Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Luo Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)

Slow-braised pork belly served over steaming white rice, a comforting staple found in many local eateries.

Must-Try!

Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

A savory pancake made with oysters, eggs, and starch, often enjoyed with a sweet-salty sauce.

Seafood Noodle Soup

Noodles in a light broth with fresh local seafood such as clams and small fish, a common coastal-influenced dish in the area.

Taiwanese Braised Dishes with Greens

Seasonal greens with mushrooms in a light soy-based braise.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Shuishang Local Market

Small-town market with fresh produce, tofu stalls, and daily snacks such as fried dough sticks and dumplings.

Changhua County Market Vending Alleys

Countywide markets offering seafood, noodles, and fruit tastings; try oyster pancakes and shaved ice.

Climate Guide

Weather

Taiwan has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid with frequent rain and potential typhoons. Winters (December–February) are cool but generally mild. The rainy season brings showers most months, especially in spring and early summer, so bring a light rain jacket.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly and remove hats; show respect in temples; avoid pointing feet toward altars; do not touch sacred statues.

Public Behavior

Speak politely, avoid loud conversations in residential areas at night; ask for permission before taking photos of people; queue patiently.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; standard precautions apply. Watch for petty theft in crowded markets and keep valuables secure. Road safety is important on rural roads; use helmets if cycling; check weather advisories during typhoon season.

Tipping in Shuishang

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not widely expected in Taiwan; most service charges are included; you can leave a small tip for exceptional service in more Western-influenced venues.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly common in towns and hotels; mobile payments and local e-wallets are growing, but carry cash for markets and rural shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter

Mild to cool temperatures, occasional drizzle; pack a light jacket.

Spring

Comfortable temperatures; rice fields begin to green up; ideal for outdoor photography.

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent rain; bring sunscreen and an umbrella; typhoon season risk.

Autumn

Dry, cooler days with harvest festivals; great for food markets.

Nightlife Guide

Shuishang at Night

Shuishang is known for a calm, low-key evening atmosphere. Expect tea houses, casual eateries, and family-friendly venues rather than noisy bars. Nearby towns in Changhua County offer night markets, live music, and late-night snacks, but the township itself focuses on relaxed, local experiences.

Hiking in Shuishang

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bagua Mountain Trail (Changhua)

Popular rolling-hill trail with viewpoints over fields; moderate difficulty.

Lukang Countryside Trails

Rural paths around Lukang's environs offering cultural and scenic stops.

Airports

How to reach Shuishang by plane.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Main international gateway near Taipei; about 1.5–2 hours by high-speed rail and road to central Taiwan.

Ching Chuan Kang Airport (RMQ) – Taichung

Closest major airport to central Taiwan; convenient for domestic and some international flights; from Shuishang, you may drive or take a bus/train to RMQ.

Getting Around

Walkability

The township center is walkable with a compact core of shops and temples. Rural roads are quiet but less pedestrian-friendly; bike rental and quiet cycling routes make exploring easy, though some areas require a car or scooter.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

Predominant ethnicity in the township, including both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese ancestry.

Hakka

There is a local Hakka community with distinct culture and cuisine.

Indigenous

Smaller populations, contributing to local diversity and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

A popular sport nationwide; local clubs and school games can be found in the region.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers; recreational leagues appeal to locals.

Badminton

Popular court sport; indoor venues available in larger towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport is available via local bus lines and trains connecting to Changhua and Lukang. Roads in the township are mostly calm, with agricultural traffic; car or scooter rental is common for exploring more distant sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Shuishang.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in Taiwan; look for tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable dishes. Ask for no pork, and check fish sauce and oyster sauce ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Changhua County with clinics and hospitals in the municipality; for more serious care, nearby Taichung hospitals offer advanced services. Carry travel insurance and bring any necessary medications. Pharmacies are common in towns; keep a list of local clinic contacts.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide