Yuanlin to Xihu in Changhua: A Plains Ride Through Taiwan's Sugar Factory Railway Heritage

Yuanlin to Xihu: A Cycling Journey Through Taiwan’s Sugar Industry Heritage

Changhua County is one of Taiwan’s most agriculturally developed counties. The plain between Yuanlin and Xihu was once the most prosperous region of Taiwan’s sugar manufacturing industry. The narrow-gauge railway lines of Taiwan Sugar Corporation crisscrossed the area, with sugarcane fields stretching as far as the eye could see. The glory of Taiwan’s “Sugar Kingdom” has left a profound historical imprint here. Today, although most sugar mills have ceased production, the railway relics, mill facilities, and sugarcane fields still tell the story of past splendor.

Route Basic Information

Historical Background of Taiwan’s Sugar Industry

During the Japanese colonial era, Taiwan’s sugar manufacturing industry flourished, with Changhua, Chiayi, and Tainan forming Taiwan’s most important sugar industry triangle. Taiwan Sugar Corporation laid extensive narrow-gauge railways (762mm gauge) in this area to transport sugarcane raw materials to various sugar mills for processing.

The Xihu Sugar Factory in Changhua County is one of the few sugar mills in Taiwan that still operates a narrow-gauge sightseeing train. It opens sightseeing train rides to visitors every weekend, making it the best place to experience Taiwan’s sugar industry culture.

Detailed Route Description

Departing from Yuanlin: Changhua’s Largest Town

Yuanlin is the most populous town in Changhua County, and the TRA Yuanlin Station is an important stop on the Western Line. Yuanlin is famous for Baiguo Mountain, from whose summit one can overlook the entire Changhua Plain. The spring Baiguo Mountain Flower Exhibition is a major tourism event in central Taiwan.

After departing, head west along the county road and soon enter the typical agricultural landscape of the Changhua Plain. The roads are straight, the views are open, and the silhouette of the coastal mountain range lies in the distance.

Xihu Sugar Factory: Living History of Sugar Industry Culture

The Xihu Sugar Factory was built in 1919 and has a history of over a century. The factory grounds preserve complete sugar-making equipment, warehouses, and administrative buildings, forming one of Taiwan’s largest sugar factory industrial heritage sites. The factory is open to visitors, offering insight into the complete production process from sugarcane entering the mill to refined sugar being produced.

The narrow-gauge railway within the sugar factory is still in operation. On holidays, sightseeing trains run between the factory grounds and the surrounding fields, allowing visitors to experience the charm of the bygone sugar industry railway. Riding the narrow-gauge train through sugarcane fields, watching the sugarcane sway in the wind outside the window, is one of the most distinctive experiences of Taiwan’s agricultural culture.

Riding Rural Roads Through Sugarcane Fields

Large sugarcane fields still line the rural roads around Xihu. Cycling through them, the tall sugarcane forms natural green tunnels on both sides of the road, with sunlight filtering through the leaves—a truly beautiful sight. Late autumn to early winter (November–February) is the sugarcane harvest season, when you can see farm machinery working busily in the fields.

Changhua County Agricultural Culture Extension

The Yuanlin to Xihu route can be extended to other agricultural culture attractions in Changhua County:

• Erlin Grape Production Area: Approx. 15 km from Xihu, famous for Kyoho grapes, with the harvest season from July–September
• Lukang Old Street: Approx. 20 km from Xihu, preserving the street layout from the Qing Dynasty, one of Taiwan’s most historically significant old streets
• Changhua City: The county seat, home to the Changhua Confucius Temple and the Great Buddha of Changhua, both important historical landmarks

Best Cycling Seasons

• Autumn/Winter (October–February): Sugarcane harvest season, the most abundant agricultural scenery, and the coolest climate
• Spring (March–May): Fields are sown and full of vitality; the scenery is most beautiful during the Baiguo Mountain Flower Exhibition
• Rideable Year-Round: The Changhua Plain has flat terrain and a mild climate throughout the year, suitable for cycling in all seasons

Related Reading

• Changhua Erlin to Xihu Grape Route: A Flat Cycling Route Through Central Taiwan’s Agricultural Heartland
• Changhua to Lukang: Riding the Plain Section of Taiwan’s Bicycle Path System
• Yilan Yuanshan and Dongshan River Cycling Route: An Easy Ride Through Plains and Riverbanks
• Yunlin Caoling Historic Trail: A Sacred Site for Northern Taiwan Hikers and Cyclists