Hemei, Taiwan
Region: Taiwan
Geographic Coordinates: 24.116700, 120.500000
Climate: Data not available.
Population: 88740
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Hemei is a charming township located in the southern part of Changhua County, Taiwan. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and surrounded by lush greenery, Hemei offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The township covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometers and is home to a population of around 30, 000 people. One of the highlights of Hemei is its rich agricultural heritage. The fertile soil and favorable climate contribute to the cultivation of various crops, Making it known as the fruit basket of Changhua County.
Visitors can explore vast orchards filled with juicy oranges, Pomelos, Guavas, And persimmons. During harvest season, Many fruit-picking activities are organized where tourists can indulge in picking their own fresh fruits. In addition to its agricultural significance, Hemei boasts several cultural attractions that showcase Taiwan’s history and traditions. One such place is Tianhou Temple – a beautiful religious site dedicated to Mazu (the Goddess of the Sea). Built-in 1696 during the Qing Dynasty , This temple features intricate wood carvings and vibrant decorations that reflect traditional Taiwanese architecture. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in Hemei as well.
The township encompasses stunning natural landscapes including rolling hills adorned with tea plantations and serene lakes perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. One popular spot for outdoor activities is Bagua Mountain Scenic Area which offers breathtaking panoramic views from its peak. For those seeking spiritual rejuvenation or seeking inner peace, There are several Buddhist temples scattered throughout Hemei that provide tranquil spaces for meditation and reflection. Among them is Nantian Temple – an ancient temple nestled on a hilltop surrounded by lush forests.
To delve deeper into local culture and history, Visitors can explore one of Hemei’s traditional markets like Dongshih Market or Xihu Market where they can sample delicious street food such as oyster omelets, Stinky tofu, And bubble tea. These vibrant markets also offer a wide array of local handicrafts and souvenirs. Hemei’s warm and welcoming community ensures that visitors feel right at home. The township hosts various festivals throughout the year, Including the Mazu Pilgrimage Procession which attracts thousands of devotees from all over Taiwan. This vibrant event showcases colorful parades, Traditional music performances, And elaborate rituals.
Hemei is a hidden gem in Taiwan that offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And warm hospitality. Whether you are seeking an escape into nature or a glimpse into Taiwanese traditions, This tranquil township has something to offer for every traveler.
- Hemei Tian Hou Temple: Also known as Hemei Mazu Temple, this is one of the most significant religious sites in the area. It is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu and features beautiful traditional architecture.
- Renwen Park: This park offers a peaceful retreat for visitors with its lush greenery, ponds, and walking paths. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely strolls or picnics.
- Yunlin Story House: Located near Hemei, this cultural center showcases the history and heritage of Yunlin County through various exhibits and displays.
- Douliou Night Market: Although technically not in Hemei itself (it’s situated in Douliou city nearby), this bustling night market attracts locals and tourists alike with its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food.
- Taisugar Wushantou Reservoir: Situated just outside of Hemei, this reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water activities like boating or fishing.
- Beigang Chaotian Temple: Another famous religious site nearby is Beigang Chaotian Temple which worships Matsu (Goddess of Sea) along with Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy). The temple complex is grand with intricate architectural details.
- Honey Museum: Located within driving distance from Hemei in Douliou City, this unique museum showcases different types of honey produced locally along with educational exhibits about bees and beekeeping.
While these attractions may not be on par with those found in larger cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung, they offer a glimpse into local culture, history, and natural beauty for visitors exploring Hemei and its surrounding areas.
- Agriculture: Hemei has a strong agricultural sector with farming being the primary occupation of the local population. The township is known for its production of rice, fruits (such as guava and pomelo), vegetables, and flowers.
- Food Processing: There are various food processing companies in Hemei that specialize in transforming agricultural produce into value-added products. This includes fruit processing factories, rice mills, and other food manufacturing facilities.
- Livestock Farming: Apart from crop cultivation, livestock farming is also prominent in Hemei. Poultry farms and pig farms contribute to the local economy.
- Manufacturing: Hemei houses small-scale manufacturing enterprises that produce goods such as machinery parts, metal products, textiles, and plastic products.
- Tourism: Although not a major industry compared to others on this list, tourism plays a role in Hemei’s economy due to its natural attractions like scenic landscapes and cultural sites like temples or historical buildings.
It should be noted that due to its rural nature, the industrial landscape of Hemei may not be as diverse or extensive as urban areas or industrial zones found elsewhere on the island of Taiwan.
- Hemei Incident: The Hemei Incident took place on October 27, 1945, shortly after the end of World War II when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. A group of Taiwanese resistance fighters attacked the local Japanese police station in Hemei to protest against their mistreatment and demand the release of political prisoners.
- Chen Cheng-po: Chen Cheng-po (1895-1947) was a prominent Taiwanese painter born in Hemei. He played a significant role in establishing modern art movements in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era and is considered one of Taiwan’s most important artists.
- Wu Feng Temple: Wu Feng Temple is an ancient temple located in Hemei that dates back over 200 years. It is dedicated to Wu Zixu, a famous military strategist from ancient China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). The temple attracts visitors for its historical significance and traditional architecture.
- Agricultural Heritage: Historically, agriculture has been an essential part of Hemei’s economy due to its fertile land and favorable climate for farming activities such as rice cultivation, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, etc.
- Traditional Festivals: Like many other towns and cities in Taiwan, Hemei celebrates various traditional festivals throughout the year such as Lunar New Year festivities (including lion dances), Lantern Festival parades, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations featuring colorful lanterns and mooncakes.
While these events and individuals may not be widely known outside of local or cultural contexts, they hold significance within the community history of Hemei Township itself.
- Hemei Ceramics Factory: Explore the ceramics factory to learn about the traditional art of pottery making and witness skilled artisans at work.
- Sheng Sing Station: This old railway station has been converted into a cultural center showcasing local history and artifacts. It also hosts various exhibitions and events.
- The Museum of Old Taiwanese Tiles: Discover the history and beauty of Taiwanese tiles through this museum’s extensive collection. It offers insights into their craftsmanship, designs, and cultural significance.
- Qingshui Zushi Temple: Visit this historic temple dedicated to the deity Mazu (Goddess of the Sea). Admire its intricate architecture adorned with vibrant colors and intricate carvings.
- Tianliao Moon World: Located nearby in Tianliao District, this unique geological formation resembles a lunar landscape with its rugged terrain. It is an interesting natural attraction worth exploring.
- Liouying Old Street: Take a stroll through this charming street lined with traditional houses that have been converted into shops selling local handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Guanziling Hot Spring Area: Just a short distance away from Hemei lies Guanziling Hot Spring Area famous for its natural hot springs known for their healing properties.
- E-DA Theme Park: If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment or thrilling rides, E-DA Theme Park is located nearby in Kaohsiung City offering various attractions including roller coasters and water slides.
- Baseball: Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Taiwan, and many Taiwanese players have gone on to play professionally both within Taiwan and internationally. In Hemei, baseball is widely played at school and community levels.
- Basketball: Basketball is another popular sport in Taiwan, with a significant following across the country. While there might not be any professional basketball teams based in Hemei, local schools often have basketball teams that participate in inter-school competitions.
- Volleyball: Volleyball has gained popularity over the years and has become a common sport played by both men and women across various age groups. Schools often organize volleyball tournaments or friendly matches.
- Martial Arts: Traditional martial arts like Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) are also practiced by many people for health benefits or as a competitive sport.
It’s important to note that while these sports are enjoyed by residents of Hemei, they may not have specific professional teams or extensive historical records directly associated with the town itself due to its relatively small size compared to larger cities or regions with established sporting organizations.
- Hemei Mazu Pilgrimage: Held annually in April or May, this religious festival pays homage to the sea goddess Mazu, who is believed to protect fishermen and sailors. The event includes a grand procession carrying a statue of Mazu through the streets of Hemei.
- Lantern Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year (usually February), this festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. In Hemei, you can witness beautiful lantern displays, traditional performances, lion dances, and enjoy local street food.
- Tung Blossom Festival: Taking place during March or April when tung trees bloom with white flowers across Taiwan’s countryside including Hemei. This festival features various activities like concerts, parades, art exhibitions centered around these blossoms.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month in Lunar calendar (usually June), this festival commemorates Qu Yuan – a famous poet from ancient China. In Hemei’s Dajia River area you can witness thrilling dragon boat races along with traditional music performances and delicious rice dumplings called zongzi.
- Ghost Month Celebrations: During July or August (the seventh lunar month), locals celebrate Ghost Month according to Taoist beliefs where they believe that spirits roam freely among humans during this period. Various rituals such as puppet shows, opera performances are held to entertain both living and wandering spirits.
- Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September) when families gather together to appreciate moonlight while enjoying mooncakes—a traditional pastry filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste—in parks and gardens.
These are just a few examples of the cultural events and festivals celebrated in Hemei, Taiwan. The exact dates may vary each year, so it’s advisable to check the local calendar for specific details if you plan to visit during these celebrations.
- Ba-wan: Ba-wan is a traditional Taiwanese dish made of a large dumpling filled with pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and other ingredients. The most famous place to try this dish in Hemei is Yong Fa Yuan.
- Rice Noodles: Hemei is renowned for its rice noodles (Mi Fen). These thin rice noodles are often served with various toppings like minced pork, vegetables, and soy sauce-based broth. A well-known restaurant for rice noodles in Hemei is Shengli Mi Fen.
- Fried Chicken: Taiwan’s love affair with fried chicken extends to Hemei as well. You can find delicious crispy fried chicken at local stalls or shops like Jia Ji Ji Pai or the popular chain restaurant Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken.
- Hakka Cuisine: As Hemei has a significant Hakka population, you can find several restaurants serving authentic Hakka dishes such as Lei Cha Fan (pounded tea rice), stuffed tofu dishes like Zha Cai Tofu (pickled mustard greens stuffed tofu), and more.
- Seafood: Being close to the coast, you’ll find some excellent seafood options in Hemei too. Restaurants like Xin Hai Wan Seafood Restaurant offer fresh seafood dishes such as steamed fish, grilled prawns, stir-fried clams, etc.
- Traditional Snacks: There are numerous street food stalls offering tasty snacks unique to Taiwan’s culinary culture such as oyster omelettes (O-Ah Jian), scallion pancakes (Cong You Bing), and bubble tea.
Remember that Hemei is a small town so many of these local eateries might not have English menus or staff who speak English fluently; however the locals are often friendly and willing to help, making it an exciting culinary adventure for food enthusiasts.
- Hemei Riverside Park: This park is located along the Dadu River and provides a beautiful waterfront area for leisure activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, and fishing.
- Green River Park: Situated in the heart of Hemei, this park features lush green spaces with various facilities like basketball courts, badminton courts, children’s playgrounds, exercise equipment areas, and walking paths.
- Xiangshan Park: Located on Xiangshan Mountain in Hemei Township, this park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can hike up to the mountaintop or enjoy a peaceful stroll while taking in the natural beauty.
- Dongshi Forest Garden: Although technically not within Hemei itself (it is located in Dongshi Township nearby), this recreational area is worth mentioning due to its popularity among locals. It features extensive woodlands with hiking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Sports Facilities: Hemei has various sports facilities available for public use including basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, swimming pools (such as Guo Guang Swimming Pool), and more.
- Cultural Parks: The township also boasts cultural parks like Liuyuan Cultural Park that offer spaces for relaxation amidst traditional architecture and gardens while showcasing local culture through exhibitions or performances.
These are just a few examples of the many public parks and recreational activities available in Hemei Township; there are certainly more options to explore based on personal interests!
