Hakka Tour

Tucked beside Xinshe, "Dongshi" isn't just a historic railway hub from the Japanese colonial era; it's a vibrant Hakka community in Taichung. Its proximity to Xinshe and its pivotal route to Guguan have attracted many visitors to organize a trip here. In this guide, we curated a list of Dongshi's attractions and local delicacies. Whether it's a short half-day jaunt, an entire day's escapade, or a leisurely two-day adventure with an overnight stay in Xinshe or Guguan, this place is perfect for lovebirds seeking a romantic retreat or families on an unforgettable journey. Let's set off for Dongshi now!

Dongshi District, once named Dongshi Jiao and previously a town, nestled in the eastern part of Taichung City. It shares borders with Heping District to the east, Shigang District, and Houli District to the west, and Xinshe District to the south. Due to its mountainous location, there aren't any expressways or railways connecting directly to Dongshi, making the travel a bit more challenging compared to other spots. If driving, you'll need to navigate National Freeway 1 or National Freeway 4 through Shigang. For those preferring public transit, a bus ride from Fengyuan Train Station after a transfer is your best bet. The predominant local community in Dongshi is Hakka, conversing in the Dapu dialect of the Hakka language.

The Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park was originally the Dongshi Train Station. As transportation needs decreased, the station was turned into the cultural park that you see today. Inside, you can immerse yourself in various facets of Hakka culture, from traditional Hakka-style beds and bridal sedans to mouthwatering Hakka dishes and the iconic Sindingban Festival of the Hakka community. At the back of the park lies the Dongfeng Bicycle Trail, drawing cyclists to pedal from Houli Horse Ranch. Some would rent bikes outside the park for a ride towards Houli. The trip through lush green tree tunnels is extremely delightful.

The Taichung Hakka Story House, formerly the Dongshi Public School Dormitory, underwent a renovation in 2010 for NT$ 50 million. It retains its wooden Japanese-style architecture, tatami mats, and wooden floors, adorned with calligraphy and paintings. Inside, it showcases various aspects of Hakka and Dongshi culture. It also offers many innovative interactive digital games catering to both adults and children, providing an engaging learning experience for those interested in the Hakka language. This spot stands out as an excellent indoor option in Dongshi, especially on rainy days.

When it comes to forestry culture parks, most minds turn to Yilan's Luodong Forestry Culture Park. However, nestled in Dongshi lies the Southeast Asia's largest log storage yard - the Dongshi Forestry Culture Park. With Taiwan’s first American-style factory, this park has undergone a remarkable transformation. The former log storage pool now houses Taiwan's only expansive lotus pond, showcasing a stunning single variety of lotus that blooms gloriously from July to August. You can also explore various woodcarving artworks and the Forest House to unravel the intricate tapestry of Taiwan's forestry culture and its evolution.

Laozu's egg-stuffed pancake is a renowned local delicacy in Dongshi. Crafted daily by the owner, this delicacy involves hand-rolling the dough and baking it in a circular oven akin to the one used for pepper buns. After baking, an egg mixture is injected into the dough and further cooked on a griddle. The entire process is not only labor-intensive, but also requires enduring high temperatures at close range. The texture of the egg-stuffed pancake is notably substantial. It's highly recommended to pair it with a cup of soy milk, which boasts a rich and creamy flavor!

Yidishui Ramen holds a prominent spot in the everyday dining choices of Dongshi locals. I wouldn't have discovered this place if it hadn't been recommended by my friends in Dongshi! Don't let the name fool you into thinking it's just about ramen; the real standout here is the cartilage noodles! The cartilage and meat are simmered to such tenderness that it practically dissolves in your mouth, making it perfect even for those with chewing difficulties! The broth retains a refreshing taste similar to traditional ramen, leaving nearly empty bowls on every table. Friends who have tried it have given very positive reviews!

In the early days, the Hakka community and the burgeoning forestry industry led to the establishment of many distinctive old shops. Located in the city center, the Old Oden and Meatball Shop stands out among them. This eatery sells nothing but meatballs and Japanese oden. During meal times, a continuous flow of customers flocks into the shop, making it extremely difficult to snag a seat. Locals usually order meatballs and then select the oden ingredients they like. The oden broth, available for refills, has a refreshing taste infused with the sweetness of vegetables and radishes. Highly recommended oden ingredients include golden eggs, firm tofu, pig's blood cake, and oden, all served generously and incredibly affordable—each priced below NT$100!

Dongshi isn't just home to old-fashioned shops. With more young people returning to their hometown, numerous trendy and hipster cafes have sprung up. One such spot is The 4th Side Street Shop, named after its location. It's a small, discreet shop known for its signature offerings like brown sugar bubble milk tea and brown sugar shaved ice. Freshly cooked ingredients like bubbles and red beans are made in-house and, once sold out, remain unavailable for the rest of the day. The snack food boasts rich flavors and the aromatic essence of brown sugar, making it the top choice for cooling off during Dongshi's summer heat!

When you are on the road and craving a handcrafted drink, bubble tea often comes to mind. However, in Dongshi, a predominantly Hakka-populated area, even bubble tea comes with a unique twist: Hakka pounded tea (also known as Lei Cha). Qingke, a local handcrafted beverage brand in Dongshi, features Hakka pounded tea on its menu. Customers can select from a variety of toppings like pearls, cheese, or milk to accompany their drinks. This specialty beverage is a must-try in Dongshi! Fruit tea is another signature beverage of the shop. Step into the shop and you'll immediately notice the thoughtful, curated interior design, adorned with various Hakka phrases on the walls, offering visitors the chance to learn some Hakka while enjoying their Hakka pounded tea!

When it comes to Minnan-style rice cakes, one might recall Ang Ku Kue (a turtle-shaped red rice cake) or Caozaiguo (an herbal rice cake). Similarly, the Hakka community has its unique rice cake known as Sindingban. During the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, Dongshi celebrates the Sindingban Festival, which has become a major event for locals, drawing an overwhelming crowd. The festival includes a series of activities, markets, and creative street dances. Residents come together to share a giant Sindingban rice cake. This event stands on par with the famed Sky Lantern Festival in the North and Beehive Fireworks Festival in the South. Participating in this splendid celebration is an experience not to be missed!

Every March and April, the firefly season illuminates various spots in regions like Miaoli and Nantou. Taichung’s Dongshi District, famed for its outstanding ecological environment, is also an ideal destination to watch an abundance of fireflies. As the evening sets in, these glowing green lights scattered throughout create a dreamlike atmosphere.

The Longshen Bridge was originally built as a crossing over the Shijiao River in Dongshi, providing access for residents. It was constructed for the Liuwu community situated below the Longxing Mountain, facilitating villagers in their farming activities and daily commuting for students. The bridge itself featured four graceful and spectacular arch-shaped water channels. Unfortunately, it was destroyed due to flooding. Subsequently, a new Longshen Bridge was constructed, which allows vehicles to pass through. The former bridge was then renamed as the Old Longshen Bridge. During October each year, the nearby Taiwanese rain trees gradually change their colors, adding vibrant hues to the bridge and creating a picturesque scene. This spectacle has gained immense popularity among photographers and on social media.