Heping District, Taichung City-Hakka Tour

Weather

15 ~ 21 °C

Probability of Precipitation

20 %

AQI

43
Good

Heping District, the largest area by land and the least populated in Taichung City, was originally an indigenous territory. Later, Minnan and Hakka people gradually moved to the area. Currently, the Atayal account for the majority of the population, with Hakka people making up about 30%. Surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains, Heping is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and high-mountain vegetables and fruits. It is also the home of the endangered Formosan landlocked salmon. Notable scenic spots include Wuling Farm, Guguan Hot Springs, Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area, and the Central Cross-Island Highway. Enjoying the warm hot springs in the beautiful valleys while savoring the fresh, natural flavors of mountain delicacies is truly one of life's great pleasures.

Fun activities

Every early winter to spring, the flower season at Wuling Farm begins, attracting crowds to see the plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and camellias. In summer, it’s butterfly season and the best time for birdwatching. Near the visitor center is the Qijiawan Ruins, the highest-altitude Neolithic site in Taiwan.
Adjacent to Shei-Pa and Taroko National Parks, Lishan Scenic Area also connects with Shitoushan Scenic Area in Miaoli and Baguashan Scenic Area in Changhua, forming the "Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area." Hakka people have developed high-mountain agriculture here, growing temperate-zone vegetables and fruits.
Famous since the Japanese era, Guguan Hot Springs are carbonated springs and a well-known hot spring destination along the Central Cross-Island Highway. This area has attracted Hakka people from Dongshi, Taichung, to set up restaurants, offering traditional Hakka cuisine alongside the hot spring experience.

Hakka dialects Dapu dialect

Hakka delicacies

Hakka Braised Dried Tofu

Similar to regular braised dried tofu, Hakka braised tofu is topped with pickled vegetables and cilantro for added aroma. The dried tofu is juicy and makes for a delicious snack on the go. It is also one of the three must-try specialties in Guguan Bailing.

Sweet Persimmons

Due to the high altitude, moderate climate, and significant day-night temperature difference, Heping's sweet persimmons are known for their bright color, crisp and sweet taste, and juiciness. The sweet persimmons from Motianling are particularly famous throughout Taiwan.

Snow Pears

Lishan’s high altitude and frequent low temperatures in winter create an ideal environment for growing snow pears, often called the "King of Pears." These pears have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, with a crisp and refreshing texture. Each bite is a taste of nature's sweetness.