Things To Do
in Xiushui
Xiushui (秀水鄉) is a quiet agricultural township in Changhua County in central-west Taiwan, characterized by flat rice paddies, small villages and a slow-paced rural life. It sits near the Zhuoshui River and is a convenient base for exploring nearby Changhua and Taichung attractions like Baguashan and Lukang. The township blends temple culture, seasonal farming landscapes and friendly local markets, offering an authentic slice of Taiwanese countryside.
Visitors come for cycling, relaxed photography of fields and temples, and easy access to nearby night markets and city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient temples dotting the streets of Xiushui, where the intricate architecture will captivate your imagination. Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling morning market, sampling local breakfast specialties such as scallion pancakes and soy milk. The aroma of fresh produce and the lively chatter of vendors will immerse you in the local culture.
After lunch at a cozy tea house, delve into the rich history of Xiushui at the local museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the town's past. Wander around the charming streets lined with traditional shops, where you can find unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals who are often eager to share stories about their heritage and the significance of their crafts.
As the sun sets, join a guided walking tour to hear fascinating legends about the town while enjoying the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the streets. Dine at a local restaurant famous for its seafood, where you can savor fresh catches from the nearby coast. End your day by relaxing at a riverside café, sipping on bubble tea while watching the stars twinkle above.
Start your day with a hike in the nearby mountains, breathing in the crisp morning air as you ascend the trails surrounded by lush greenery. The panoramic views of Xiushui and the coastline from the summit are a breathtaking reward for your efforts. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera, as the morning light casts a magical glow over the scenery.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby waterfalls, where you can cool off in the refreshing pools and feel the mist on your face. Take a moment to meditate or practice yoga next to the soothing sounds of flowing water.
As evening approaches, return to Xiushui and unwind with a visit to a local spa for a traditional foot massage, easing any fatigue from your adventures. For dinner, try a barbecue meal at an outdoor grill restaurant, where you can choose from a variety of marinated meats and fresh vegetables. Conclude your night by strolling along the riverbank, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the soft sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cafe drink / tea | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Taiwanese experience with scenic agricultural landscapes
- Close to cultural attractions in Changhua and historic Lukang
- Excellent opportunities for cycling, photography and birdwatching
- Affordable food and accommodation compared with major cities
- Limited nightlife and few high-end dining options within the township
- Public transport is less frequent—having a scooter or car is helpful
- Summer typhoon season brings risk of heavy rain and travel disruption
- Fewer tourist services and English signage compared with larger cities
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "廁所在哪裡? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少錢? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Xiushui
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic rural landscapes with layered fields, irrigation channels and traditional farmhouses — best at sunrise or golden hour and during planting/harvest seasons.
A large hilltop Buddha statue in Changhua with sweeping views over the plains — excellent for panoramas and sunset shots.
A rare operational railway roundhouse offering dynamic industrial and heritage photography opportunities; combine with shots of old trains.
Nearby Lukang’s well-preserved lanes, ornate temple facades and traditional storefronts provide rich cultural and architectural photo subjects.
Long river vistas and wetlands near the Zhuoshui River are good for birding and landscape shots, especially in early morning light.
Food in Xiushui
Xiushui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Changhua specialty — a translucent dough filled with pork and bamboo shoots, steamed or fried and served with sweet-savory sauce; find it at local stalls and markets in Changhua and Yuanlin.
Must-Try!
Comforting bowl of minced braised pork over rice, available at almost every small restaurant; excellent, inexpensive lunch choice.
Popular Taiwanese street-food featuring oysters, egg and a chewy starch base with sweet-salty sauce — a night-market staple.
Thin rice vermicelli served dry or in soup with toppings; local versions often reflect central Taiwan flavors and local broths.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short ride from Xiushui, this lively night market offers a broad selection of Taiwanese snacks — try stinky tofu, grilled seafood, oyster omelette and local sweets.
Morning markets in Xiushui and nearby towns sell fresh seasonal produce, homemade tofu and snacks — great for tasting local fruits and buying picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect at temples: dress modestly, remove hats inside certain spaces, and avoid loud talking or touching religious artifacts.
Taiwanese value politeness and orderly behavior — queue at bus stops and eateries, and greet shopkeepers with a smile.
Remove shoes when entering many private homes and some traditional businesses; follow the host’s lead.
Respect for elders is important — address older people politely and offer seats on public transport when appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in Xiushui
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is appreciated but not expected to be rewarded. In higher-end restaurants or tourist services, rounding up or leaving a small tip is acceptable but not required.
Cash (NTD) is widely used, especially at markets and small stalls. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels; mobile payments (LINE Pay, JKoPay, Apple Pay) and contactless cards are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields; pollen and occasional rain showers increase. Good time for cycling and flower photography; carry a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid and often sunny, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season peaking between July and September. Stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for early mornings, and monitor weather alerts during typhoon threats.
Generally the most pleasant period — cooler, less humid and clearer skies. Excellent for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor photography.
Cool and relatively dry, with temperatures occasionally dropping during cold fronts. Nights are cooler than in summer; a light jacket is usually sufficient.
Xiushui at Night
Hiking in Xiushui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby hill with paved paths, temple complexes and panoramic views over Changhua plain — easy to moderate walks and excellent sunset locations.
Accessible from Taichung and offering a mixture of forested paths, lookout points and cultural sites — suitable for day hikes.
Low-elevation coastal trails and tidal flats near Lukang provide birdwatching and sunset walks, especially around mudflats and fishing piers.
Airports
How to reach Xiushui by plane.
About 40–60 km away depending on route — the nearest commercial airport with domestic and limited international flights; reachable by car or bus via Taichung City.
The main international gateway to Taiwan located near Taipei (roughly 150–180 km north); accessible by high-speed rail plus local transit or direct highway bus services.
High-Speed Rail station in the Taichung area provides fast connections to Taipei, Kaohsiung and other regions — useful for travelers coming from or going to major cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in central-west Taiwan; Minnan dialects and customs are common in daily life and local speech.
Hakka communities are present in parts of Changhua County, contributing distinct cultural traditions and festivals.
Like many rural areas, Xiushui has a relatively older demographic as younger people often move to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Taiwan’s most popular sport — local communities follow professional teams and amateur games are common; youth leagues and community fields are active.
Widely played and watched across Taiwan, with many outdoor courts in towns and cities for casual play.
Very popular for recreation in central Taiwan — flat rural roads and river paths attract cyclists of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xiushui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarianism is well accommodated — vegetarian restaurants and Buddhist-style eateries (素食) are available in Changhua and Taichung; when eating at local stalls say “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” and confirm no fish sauce. Many dishes can be adapted.
Vegan options exist but are less common at night markets; explicitly communicate needs in Mandarin if possible. Gluten-free guests should be cautious with soy sauce and wheat-based snacks.