Dajia is one of Taiwan’s most culturally rich towns, where rolling hills meet winding waterways, and the fertile plains shaped by the Daan and Dajia Rivers have long supported thriving agriculture. The region is famous for its high-quality taro and rice, while Tiezhen Mountain, once one of central Taiwan’s eight scenic wonders, adds to its natural charm.
Yet, what truly sets Dajia apart is its deep historical and spiritual significance. Every year, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Taiwan comes alive during the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands, this spectacular religious procession spans nine days and eight nights, covering more than 300 kilometres. It begins at the renowned Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia, passing through Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi before returning to where it all started.
Along the way, pilgrims experience mesmerising temple parades and the incredible warmth of locals who generously offer food, drinks, and supplies — making the pilgrimage not just a religious journey, but also a showcase of Taiwan’s deep-rooted hospitality.
Beyond Dajia, the neighbouring seaside districts of Qingshui, Wuqi and Shalu offer their own blend of history, culture and scenic beauty. Here are the best ways to soak up the region’s coastal and cultural spirit in 48 hours.
Day One: Embark on Dajia’s Coastal and Religious Heritage Tour
Morning
After arriving in Taichung, check into a conveniently located hotel. Fairfield by Marriott Taichung, in the bustling Fengjia district, offers free parking and seamless keyless check-in, while RedDot Hotel, just 10 minutes from Taichung Train Station, captivates guests with its playful slide, family-friendly spaces, and artistic ambience.
Once settled, dive into Taichung’s famous street food. Try the Bib Gourmand establishment A Kun Mian, where blanched noodles are tossed in braised ground pork sauce and fried scallions. If you prefer something classic, Taichung Meatball, founded in 1933, is renowned for its big translucent dumpling with peppery ground pork filling topped with thick soy and sweet sauces. For vegetarians, House of Dawn in Xitun serves creative plant-based dishes like artisan ramen ‘Noodles Extraordinaire’ and crispy potstickers.
Afternoon
Now you have a full stomach, head north to Nichinan Station, a historical wooden train station that has stood for over a century. A designated cultural site, it retains its traditional Japanese architecture, with distinctive bull’s-eye windows designed for both light and ventilation.
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From Nichinan, rent a YouBike for a breezy ride across Daan River Bridge. If you prefer a scenic drive, Tiezhen Mountain Scenic Area is just 30 minutes away, boasting a sculpture park with works including Chin-Chih Kuo’s “Gate of the Sun”, a new artistic landmark in Dajia.
Tiezhen Mountain’s gentle 236-metre ascent makes it an easy climb. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Daan River estuary at sunset. The area is also rich in cultural history, featuring architecture dating back to Ming-Zheng and Qing times.
Evening
As the sun sets, head to Dajia’s old town. The night market and historic streets surrounding Dajia Jenn Lann Temple are packed with delicious street food. Don’t miss taro ice cream, taro buns and scallion pancakes, all made from locally grown produce.
While here, take a moment to admire the temple’s exquisite design, featuring masterfully carved stone, wood and painted details. A short stroll leads to Wenchang Temple, a third-class historical site, and the Baroque-style Dajia Old Street, a nostalgic window into the town’s storied past.
If your visit aligns with the Mazu Pilgrimage, the departure ceremony is not to be missed. In the early evening, the main streets of Dajia come alive with cultural performances and folk art displays. As night falls, tens of thousands of people gather at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, holding their breath for the sacred moment when Mazu officially begins her journey, with glowing lanterns and rhythmic drumming lighting the way for the sea of devotees. For those who want to keep the experience going, follow the procession to Dajia Bridge, where a spectacular midnight fireworks display fills the sky.
Day 2: Discover Local Flavours and Cultural Strolls in Qingshui and Shalu
Morning
Ease into the day with a comforting breakfast at Lao Shih Kuan Noodles, a beloved spot known for its freshly made, hand-rolled noodles, each bite is perfectly chewy, coated in fragrant sesame sauce and topped with savoury minced pork — a simple yet deeply satisfying way to start the day.
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From there, take a short walk to the Taichung City Seaport Art Center, a cultural gem featuring elegant courtyard-style architecture, rotating indoor exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture park. Across the street, step back in time at the Qingshui Military Dependents’ Village Cultural Park, where preserved homes and artefacts offer a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan’s post-war military communities — perfect for history lovers and families alike.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at MICHELIN-selected restaurant Meidz Seafood. Specialising in locally sourced seafood from Penghu and Taichung Port, the menu highlights lobster, squid and seasonal fish, all prepared to showcase their natural flavours.RELATED: Best Seafood Restaurants in Taiwan
Evening
No visit to Qingshui is complete without a stop at Gaomei Wetlands (hero image ©Shutterstock), a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk at sunset as the sky reflects on the shallow waters, while fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and migratory birds bring the landscape to life.Just 10 minutes away, Wuqi Fishing Port awaits its lively seafood market. Savour deep-fried seafood snacks, sautéed sea snails, or select fresh seafood from the stalls and have it cooked on the spot for an authentic taste of Taiwan’s coastal cuisine.
Night
Before heading back to Taichung City, make one last stop at the Bib Gourmand establishment Feng Chi Goose. Famous for its tender, flavourful goose, served alongside a rich offal soup, this long-standing favourite offers a hearty and satisfying end to your journey.
