6 Things To Do In Yunlin, Taiwan

1. Bei Gang Old Street

There is much to be discovered along Bei Gang Old Street. Lined with stores and vendors selling everything from miniature figures of deities to traditional sweets and baked goods, this is the best place to go shopping for souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home. There are also a wide variety of restaurants along the street where you can try the local delicacies.

Bei Gang Old Street is also known for its fascinating architecture. The brick houses that can be seen along this street are made in an interesting way that combines both eastern and western design sensibilities. Of course, the historic Chao Tian Temple can also be found along this street.

Bei Gang Old Street

Address: Zhongshan Road, Beigang Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan 651

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily

2. Bei Gang Chao Tian Temple

The Bei Gang Chao Tian Temple is a historical site found along Bei Gang Old Street. Dedicated to Matsu (or Mazu), the goddess of the sea in Taoist tradition, this temple was built in the early Qing dynasty. To this day, the Bei Gang Chao Tian Temple continues to draw in millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, making it one of the most important temples in Taiwan, as well as one of the most visited sites in Yunlin.

At the temple, visitors can view countless cultural and religious artifacts, such as wood and fine stone carvings, miniatures of deities, and porcelain. Some of these may even be traced all the way back to the Song dynasty. The temple also features a cultural hall, which is host to dances, concerts, and other cultural events that take place throughout the year - most notably, the Beigang International Music Festival and the week-long celebrations for the birth of Matsu.

Bei Gang Chao Tian Temple

Address: No. 178, Zhongshan Road, Beigang Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan 651

Contact: +886 57832055

3. Gukeng Green Tunnel

Don’t be fooled, the Gukeng Green Tunnel is not an actual tunnel. Rather, it is a long stretch of road that is famous for the tall mango trees that line it - some of which have been standing for about 50 years already!

In addition to the lush canopies that envelope the street, Gukeng Green Tunnel is also known for its shops and restaurants, all of which offer local delicacies. This, of course, means that the street could get a bit crowded, most especially on weekends and national holidays. On other days, however, one easily could take a lovely and quiet stroll down Gukeng Green Tunnel. Tourists who need a place to rest and relax often come here, for this reason.

Gukeng Green Tunnel

Address: Gukeng Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

4. Hushan Temple

Hushan Temple is another historical and spiritual site that can be found in the Yunlin County. Built in the year 1795, this temple in particular is dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin. With its bright and colorful rooftops and soaring pillars, this picturesque temple is a wonderful example of the unique traditional temple design found across Taiwan.

However, the Hushan Temple’s most striking feature is its golden statue of Maitreya, a bodhisattva that some believe to be the successor of Buddha. This imposing statue with its warm, wide smile has become a famous landmark through the years. Although in recent times, the statue has remained closed to visitors, it still does not fail to attract hundreds of tourists and devotees to the temple, each year.

Hushan Temple

Address: No. 48, Yianshan Rd., Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan

5. Janfunsun Fancy World

Janfunsun Fancy World is a fun-filled theme park located at the Yongguang Village in Gukeng. Among their biggest attractions are the Space Shuttle, their VR rollercoaster, and their Ferris wheel. The water park is also quite popular, especially during the summer months.

The park itself was built along a mountainous area, which makes it a bit tiring to walk around. However, this also means that you get a great view of the mountainside from the park, as well. It is worth noting, though, that certain parts of the theme park may be closed on off-peak months. It would be best to make a call ahead of time, to know which parts of the park will be open during your visit.

Janfunsun Fancy World

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm daily

Contact: +886 55825789

Website: Janfunsun Fancy World

6. Yunlin Story House

The Yunlin Story House is a historical building that once served as the official residence for the Huwei County Magistrate during the early 1920s. Its interiors are beautifully decorated and have been maintained to resemble a traditional Japanese house. Currently, the Yunlin Story House serves as a museum as well as a cultural and education center. Here, parents often take their young children for regular storytelling sessions and other similar activities, such as traditional puppet shows.

For adults, the Story House also offers workshops on creative writing, picture book writing, and storytelling. If you would like to learn more about the history behind the Yunlin Story House, guided tours for individuals as well as groups are also available upon request.

The Yunlin Story House

Address: No. 528, Sec. 1, Linsen Rd., Huwei Township, Yunlin County 632, Taiwan

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm, Wednesdays to Sundays from April to October. 9:30am - 5:30pm, Wednesdays to Sundays from November to March

Contact: +886 056311436

Website: The Yunlin Story House

Discovering Yunlin

Although many have yet to discover the wonders that Yunlin has to offer, it is sure to attract more and more visitors in the years to come. Combining natural beauty with fascinating historical sites and even new and exciting attractions, a visit to this humble, yet charming county will quickly tell you that there is much to be discovered in Yunlin.