Fengyuan and Houli: Temple-Side Snacks, a Bike Greenway and Sugar-Mill Ice Pops — A Two-Day Stamp Route in Taichung
Taichung · 8 places Pork rib noodles by Ciji Temple, a bike ride on an old rail line, an ice pop at Yuemei Sugar Factory and then Lihpao Land.
North of central Taichung, a short train ride takes you into the hill towns.
Fengyuan's old name was Huludun, and Miaodong Night Market in front of Ciji Temple is a taste many Taichung locals have grown up with. Further north is Houli. When the old Dongshi rail line was taken up, it became a bike path that leads to the century-old Yuemei Sugar Factory, just in time for a thirst-quenching ice pop.
This route heads to the north of Taichung. Eight places and eight stamps give you two days of snacks, bike rides and sugar-mill ice.
The route at a glance
| Place | Category | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dakeng Scenic Area | Nature | Beitun |
| Fengyuan Station | Railway station | Fengyuan |
| Huludun Park | Park & garden | Fengyuan |
| Fengyuan Ciji Temple | Place of worship | Fengyuan |
| Miaodong Night Market | Night market | Fengyuan |
| Dongfeng Bicycle Greenway | Park & garden | Fengyuan |
| Yuemei Sugar Factory | Factory tour | Houli |
| Lihpao Land | Theme park | Houli |
On the first day, start at Dakeng on the edge of the city, head to Fengyuan in the afternoon and have dinner at Miaodong Night Market. On the second day, get on a bike, then continue to the sugar factory and theme park in Houli.
Dakeng Scenic Area: suspension bridges and boardwalks
Dakeng Scenic Area sits right on the edge of the city, a whole network of hiking trails. Pick the longest, Trail No. 4, cross its suspension bridge and boardwalks, and work up a sweat in the forest.
Morning is the coolest time to set out. When you're done, head on to Fengyuan.
Fengyuan Station: an elevated station on the Mountain Line
Fengyuan Station is an elevated station on the TRA Mountain Line. Leave the station and walk along Zhongzheng Road, and in under ten minutes you're at Ciji Temple and Miaodong Night Market.
Collect a stamp at the station, and your time in Fengyuan begins.
Huludun Park: grassy slopes by the water
Huludun Park follows the Huludun Canal, with grassy slopes, waterside paths and a playground. It's where Fengyuan locals come to stroll and bring their kids to play.
Sit on the grass for a while and enjoy a slow afternoon.
Fengyuan Ciji Temple: paying respects to the Huludun Mazu
The Mazu worshipped at Ciji Temple is known locally as the "Huludun Mazu," and the temple is the spiritual heart of Fengyuan.
Light a stick of incense for Mazu. Walk out of the temple courtyard afterward, and Miaodong Night Market is right beside it.
Miaodong Night Market: meatballs, pork rib noodles and water caltrop pastries
Miaodong Night Market is an old snack street next to Ciji Temple. Find a seat, order a bowl of meatballs and a bowl of pork rib noodles, and when you're full, take a bag of water caltrop pastries to eat as you walk.
It's Fengyuan's most authentic meal and the best way to end day one.
Dongfeng Bicycle Greenway: riding an old rail line
Day two is for cycling. The Dongfeng Bicycle Greenway was built on the old Dongshi rail line. Starting in Fengyuan, it connects with the Houfeng Bikeway and runs under green shade all the way to Dongshi.
There are bike rentals along the way. Stop to rest when you get tired, and collect a stamp on the greenway.
Yuemei Sugar Factory: the chimney tunnel and old-fashioned ice pops
Yuemei Sugar Factory was founded in 1909. Walk through Taiwan's only tunnel under a chimney, passing right beneath the smokestack, then come out for an old-fashioned ice pop.
After a bike ride, an ice pop is especially refreshing.
Lihpao Land: the Ferris wheel over Houli
The last stop is Lihpao Land. Enjoy the rides at Discovery World, cool off at Mala Bay water park on a hot day, and finally ride the Sky Dream Ferris wheel to look out over Houli.
Collect your eighth stamp under the Ferris wheel, and the route is complete.
Two-day plan
Day 1: Dakeng and Fengyuan
- Hike Trail No. 4 at Dakeng Scenic Area in the morning
- Head to Fengyuan Station in the afternoon, then stroll in Huludun Park
- Visit Fengyuan Ciji Temple in the late afternoon
- Have dinner at Miaodong Night Market
Day 2: cycling and Houli
- Ride the Dongfeng Bicycle Greenway in the morning
- Have an ice pop at Yuemei Sugar Factory around midday
- Spend the afternoon at Lihpao Land and ride the Ferris wheel at dusk
Before you go
- Opening hours, closing days and ticket prices can change, so check each place's official website before you set off.
- The area around Fengyuan Station is walkable. Dakeng, the greenway and Houli are farther apart, so driving or riding a scooter is recommended. There are bike rental shops along the greenway.
- Some sections of the Dakeng trails are steep, so wear good walking shoes and bring water. Mala Bay water park opens seasonally, so check before you go.
Collecting this route with ExploreStamp
Open ExploreStamp, find "Fengyuan and Houli: Bike Paths and Sugar-Mill Ice" among the themed routes and tap "Check in" at each place you reach. The app confirms you're within range, adds the place's stamp to your stamp book and records the date of your first visit. Collect all eight, and a bowl of pork rib noodles, a bike path and a sugar-mill ice pop will all live in your stamp book.
See the other routes under Explore.
Cover photo: Daniel Honies / Unsplash