Huwei Travel Guide
Discover the beauty and culture of Huwei, Taiwan with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about its top attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, accommodations, and more.
- Introduction to Huwei
- List of Places to Visit in Huwei
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Huwei
- Huwei Hexing Biking Trail
- Chilaili Mountain Range Hiking Trail
- Best Things to Do in Huwei: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Huwei
- Food and Drink Scene of Huwei
- Where to Stay in Huwei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Maison-Philo Homestay
- Taiping Old Street Bed and Breakfast
- What to Buy in Huwei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pineapple Cakes
- Local Art and Crafts
- Local Culture and Customs of Huwei
- Best Time to Visit Huwei
- Do’s and Don’ts of Huwei
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Huwei: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Huwei
- Where to Go Next from Huwei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Tainan
- Chiayi
- Conclusion
Introduction to Huwei
Huwei, located in Yunlin County in Southern Taiwan, is a charming little town with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is known for its agricultural produce, particularly the renowned “pineapple cake,” which is a must-try delicacy for any foodie. Huwei is also home to several museums that showcase the town’s history, art, and culture. Visitors can also take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and river rafting. Let’s explore the top attractions, food options, accommodations, and other details one by one.
List of Places to Visit in Huwei
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Taiwan Salt Museum
Located in Taiwan’s largest salt production area, the Taiwan Salt Museum showcases the history and significance of the salt industry in Huwei. The museum has three major exhibition areas where visitors can learn about the extraction, transportation, and marketing of sea salt. The museum also offers a salt-making experience, where people can learn how to make salt and take home their own salt products.
Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum
The Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum showcases the traditional puppetry art of Taiwan. Visitors can enjoy the performances and learn how the puppets are made. Additionally, there are exhibitions about the history of puppetry in Taiwan, including ancient stories expressed through the puppets, which are worth checking out.
Huwei Cultural Park
Huwei Cultural Park is the perfect spot to learn about the diverse culture of the region. It is a historical site consisting of two ancient buildings that showcase the art and culture of Taiwan. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or visit the handicraft shop at the park.
Natural Attractions of Huwei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Huwei River Recreation Area
The Huwei River Recreation Area is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go river rafting, kayaking, or simply relax and take in the scenic views. There are also some walking trails and cycling paths for those who want to explore on foot or by bike.
Chilaili Mountain Range
The Chilaili Mountain Range is a popular hiking destination in Huwei. Visitors can hike on well-marked trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is also a great place for bird watching and nature photography.
Alishan National Scenic Area
Although not in Huwei, the Alishan National Scenic Area is only a short distance away and is definitely worth visiting. It is known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunset views, and visitors can hop onto a train and enjoy a ride through the plum and cherry blossom forests.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Huwei
Huwei Hexing Biking Trail
The Huwei Hexing Biking Trail is a scenic 15-km-long path that stretches along the river. It is a popular destination among locals and visitors alike for biking, jogging, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Chilaili Mountain Range Hiking Trail
The Chilaili Mountain Range Hiking Trail is a challenging 10-km trek that takes around 4 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the mountains, forests, and rivers, and is a great place for adventure seekers.
Best Things to Do in Huwei: Activities and Tours
Huwei Pineapple Cultural Festival
Huwei Pineapple Cultural Festival is a popular annual event held in the town. It celebrates the pineapple harvest and features cultural performances, pineapple cake-making competitions, and other activities.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Huwei Cultural Park, where they can learn about the traditional art of tea-making, and try different types of tea.
Shui Sha Lian Hot Spring
Shui Sha Lian Hot Spring is a natural hot spring that is a popular spot among tourists. The hot spring is surrounded by lush greenery and is perfect for relaxing in the warm water.
Week-Long Itinerary for Huwei
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Huwei Cultural Park and Taiwan Salt Museum |
| Day 2 | Try out the Huwei Hexing Biking Trail |
| Day 3 | Visit Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum and go river rafting at Huwei River Recreation Area |
| Day 4 | Visit the Chilaili Mountain Range and hike the Chilaili Mountain Range Hiking Trail |
| Day 5 | Visit Alishan National Scenic Area |
| Day 6 | Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and relax at Shui Sha Lian Hot Spring |
| Day 7 | Attend the Huwei Pineapple Cultural Festival and try pineapple cake |
Food and Drink Scene of Huwei
Must-Try Dishes
Pineapple Cake
Pineapple cake is the signature dish of Huwei, and is a must-try delicacy for any foodie. The pastry is made with fresh pineapple and has a buttery texture, which makes it perfect for snacking.
Seafood
Huwei is located near the coast, and there are several seafood restaurants that serve fresh catches of the day. Visitors should try the seafood noodles and shrimp rolls.
Local Beverages
Jiayi Wine
Jiayi Wine, also known as Taiwanese Lychee wine, is a popular drink in Huwei. It is made from fresh lychees and is a refreshing and fragrant drink.
Aiyu Jelly
Aiyu Jelly is a dessert drink made from the seeds of the Aiyu plant. It has a jelly-like texture and is often served with honey or lemon juice.
Where to Stay in Huwei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Maison-Philo Homestay
Maison-Philo Homestay is a boutique homestay that offers comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. It is located near Huwei River and has a beautiful garden where guests can enjoy a cup of tea and relax.
Taiping Old Street Bed and Breakfast
Taiping Old Street Bed and Breakfast is located in a historical street in Huwei and offers local-style rooms with traditional furnishings. The guesthouse also offers homemade breakfasts using local ingredients. It is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the local culture.
What to Buy in Huwei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes are the most popular souvenirs from Huwei. Visitors can buy pre-packaged cakes or have them freshly made.
Local Art and Crafts
Huwei has a rich art and craft culture, and visitors should check out the handmade pottery and other crafts that are available in the local markets.
Local Culture and Customs of Huwei
In Huwei, it is customary to bow when greeting someone, especially older people or those in a higher position. Visitors should respect these customs and try to follow them. The town also celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Pineapple Festival in June and the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, which are worth experiencing.
Best Time to Visit Huwei
The best time to visit Huwei is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. The town gets very crowded during the Pineapple Festival in June, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Huwei
Do:
- Try the pineapple cake.
- Explore the local culture and customs.
- Participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and river rafting.
- Attend the Pineapple Festival in June.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage the natural surroundings.
- Don’t touch or take any artifacts or exhibits from museums or historical places.
- Don’t disrespect the local customs and traditions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Huwei
Huwei is generally a safe place to visit, and crime rates are low. However, visitors should take normal precautions while traveling and always be aware of their surroundings.
Health in Huwei
Visitors should bring any required medication with them, as pharmacies in Huwei may not have all the medications available. The tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Getting to Huwei: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Huwei
The nearest airport to Huwei is Taichung International Airport, which is about 60km away.
Bus Stations Near Huwei
The Yunlin Bus Company operates local buses that connect Huwei with other towns and cities in the region, including Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan.
Other Options
Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to explore Huwei and its surroundings.
How to Get Around in Huwei
The best way to explore Huwei is by renting a bike or scooter. Several rental shops offer bikes and scooters for a reasonable price. Alternatively, visitors can take the local bus or hire a taxi to navigate the town.
Where to Go Next from Huwei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Tainan
Tainan, located about 60 km away from Huwei, is the oldest city in Taiwan and is known for its rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient fortresses, temples, and markets in Tainan.
Chiayi
Chiayi, located about 40 km away, is another ancient city that is known for its tea, wine, and art. Visitors can take a walk through the historical streets, explore the vibrant night markets, and visit the Chiayi Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
Conclusion
Huwei, Taiwan is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can indulge in delicious food, participate in outdoor activities, immerse themselves in local culture, and relax in comfortable accommodations. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can explore the top attractions, enjoy the fun activities, and create unforgettable memories in Huwei.
