Huwei Township is a lively enclave set between two of Taiwan’s busiest cities. The atmosphere is local and laid-back, with great under-the-radar attractions to visit. Learn about traditional Taiwanese puppetry at a local history museum and get lost in an open-air forest museum.
Things to do in Huwei Township
Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum occupies a beautiful wooden house built in the 1930s. Exhibits introduce you to the traditional art of Taiwanese glove puppetry, which has been practised in the country for centuries. Learn how the wooden puppets are made and admire dozens of colourful costumes. After touring the museum, head to the on-site puppet theatre to enjoy a live show.
Yunlin Story House is another cultural gem and charts the rich history and heritage of Huwei Township. The building was constructed during the Japanese colonial era and features a handsome wooden façade, “fusuma” paper walls and tatami mat floors.
Chenglin Agarwood Forest Museum is an oasis of lush green trees and emerald-green ponds. The gardens are dotted with aquilaria trees, which are used to harvest a fragrant, resin-rich wood known as agarwood. It’s used to make perfume, incense and other sought-after products. Stroll around the serene gardens and visit the gift shop to purchase agarwood products.
Don’t miss the cute and colourful Cats on the Roof murals just outside Huwei Township. Painted by local artists, the murals celebrate the county’s love of cats. After snapping photos in front of the cat murals, head to a local restaurant to enjoy local dishes like beef noodle soup, stinky tofu hotpot and shiitake mushroom buns.
Getting around Huwei Township
Huwei Township is easy to get around using local buses and taxis. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) trains call at Yunlin Station. Trains run between Yunlin Station and Tainan City in 1.5 hours and Taichung City in one hour. Taichung International Airport is a one-hour drive away.