Meinong

Meinong, a charming Hakka township in southern Taiwan, feels like a living museum of Hakka culture. Its streets are lined with traditional red-brick houses, and the air is filled with the aroma of dried persimmons and freshly made tofu pudding. This is a place where old-world traditions thrive, from the intricate paper umbrellas to the savory lei cha (pounded tea).

Highlights & What to See

• Meinong Hakka Cultural Museum – A beautifully designed museum that dives deep into the history, migration, and daily life of the Hakka people, with engaging exhibits and artifacts.
• Meinong Old Street – Stroll along Yongan Road for traditional Hakka snacks, handmade crafts, and the iconic red-brick shop houses that date back to the Japanese colonial era.
• Paper Umbrella Workshops – Watch artisans craft delicate oil-paper umbrellas at places like Guang Jin Umbrella Shop; you can even paint your own.
• Meinong Lake (Zhongzheng Lake) – A serene lake with walking paths, pavilions, and pedal boats, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Dongmen Tower – A historic gate and symbol of Meinong, built in 1937, surrounded by a small park and local markets.
• Hakka Lei Cha Experience – Try pounding your own lei cha (a savory tea-based soup with herbs, nuts, and rice) at a local farm or café.

Suggested Time to Spend

One full day is ideal to soak in the cultural atmosphere. Start at the museum in the morning, wander Old Street for lunch, then visit a paper umbrella workshop and the lake in the afternoon. If you're short on time, a half-day (4–5 hours) can cover the museum and Old Street.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kaohsiung City – Just an hour away, Taiwan's second city offers night markets, the Pier-2 Art Center, and the Lotus Pond.
• Fo Guang Shan Monastery – One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan, with a giant Buddha statue and beautiful gardens, about 40 minutes south.
• Maolin National Scenic Area – Famous for its purple butterfly migrations and the Zhuokou River Valley, great for hiking and hot springs, about 1 hour east.
• Qishan Old Street – A nearby historic town known for its banana-flavored snacks and charming train station, 30 minutes west.

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