One of the largest settlements in Changhua City, Yuanlin Township was originally cleared for cultivation in the 18th century and takes its name from the characters meaning “the round woodland”. It’s home to the largest cultural building in Taiwan and a dinosaur-themed amusement park, while it’s also renowned for its locally grown fruits cooked in sugar syrup.
Things to do in Yuanlin City
Yuanlin Township is home to the large Yuanlin Performance Hall, which was designed by Shao Dong Gang Architects in 1997. In addition to its huge auditorium, this multifunctional arts complex features a smaller theatre, an exhibition space and a library. It regularly hosts music, theatre and dance performances and has established Yuanlin Township as an artistic hub.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love the Baiguoshan Discovery Park, a dinosaur-themed amusement park packed with children’s rides and play equipment. It offers plenty of photo ops with its realistic model dinosaurs and there are a handful of souvenir stores and a restaurant where you can dine throughout the day.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Yuanlin Township, stretch your legs along the Tengshan Trail, a gently sloping route that leads to the Fengtian Temple. It’s lined with hawkers selling agricultural products and ready-made snacks so you can refuel throughout your walk. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local pineapples, which are a specialty of the Nantou Hills.
Getting around Yuanlin City
Yuanlin Township is a 45-minute drive from the centre of Taichung City and Taichung International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Changhua City is 30 minutes away. Regular trains connect from destinations across Taiwan to the Yuanlin railway station while buses travel throughout the township.