Changhua YouBike invites the public to become smiley riders to promote riding safety and cherish YouBike awareness. Simply write down your smiley riding safety declaration and send it to facebook with a photo of you and YouBike. By propagating the smiles and happiness of riding YouBike, you will be able to redeem a YouBike commemorative file folder and a small badge at the Changhua or Yuanlin service center (from now until November 16). For more details, please visit the YouBike official website and the YouBike central Taiwan fan page. Courtesy of Changhua YouBike official website

Lukang is an ancient town in central Taiwan endowed with abundant cultural ambiance and resources as well as a diverse selection of country snacks. The Tour Taiwan Bus Lukang Line will take you from THSR Taichung Station to Lukang via the Baguashan Giant Buddha Scenic Area in Changhua City. Along the way, the bus stops at important scenic destinations such as Lukang Old Street, Mazu Temple, Ribbon King Museum and glass museum etc. By purchasing the Tour Taiwan Bus Lukang Line Joint Pass, you will also enjoy 25% discount for your roundtrip THSR tickets. The Tour Taiwan Bus Lukang Line Joint Pass is the ideal choice for you to “appreciate historic monuments and taste gourmet delicacies” in Lukang and embark on a cultural journey. Joint pass available during 2014/08/20 ~ 2015/12/30.

The Changhua County Government held the commencement ceremony for Phase Two construction of the hot springs experience facility at the Qingshuiyan boy scout camping ground in Shetou Township on the 17th. A total of NT$138.2 million will be invested to develop the conference, dining and business areas including: open air hot springs area, men/women nude pool, public pool and children’s pool as well as the surrounding environmental landscape. According to County Magistrate Cho, Phase Two construction will take 320 working days and is slated for completion on August 9 next year. By then, the outstanding “Beauty Hot Springs” experience facility in Changhua will be even more sophisticated, therefore it can be included as a destination for 1~2 day tour itineraries to visit various scenic attractions along the Baguashan Mountain route. As a result, the project will generate tourism industry developments in Changhua. 　　County Magistrate Cho suggests that the first hot springs experience facility was completed and opened to the public free of charge in springs this year, opening a new chapter in the hot springs industry of Changhua. Phase Two construction will make the hot springs experience more complete; together with the THSR Changhua Station in Tianzhong scheduled for opening in July next year, the tourism resources in Beidou, Tianzhong and Shetou will be integrated to generate flourish tourism developments in the respective regions. In addition, 1~2 day tour itineraries can be devised by incorporating scenic destinations along the Baguashan Mountain route such as the Ershui bicycle path, Tianzhong’s Gushan Temple, Shetou’s Qingshuiyan, Huatan’s Hushan Temple, Baozang Temple in Fenyuan and Baguashan Mountain in Changhua in order to stimulate the local tourism industry. 　　During his briefing, the Director of Department of City and Tourism Yo Wen-Xiang pointed out that “Phase Two Construction of the Hot Springs Experience Facility in Changhua” is set to expand the development of hot springs resources in Baguashan Mountain. The brand new “Phase Two Construction of the Hot Springs Experience Facility in Changhua” is designed by a prominent Japanese open air hot springs designer and includes the conference, dining and business areas, open air hot springs area and the surrounding environmental landscape. The total area of phase two project is 8,848m2, but only 985 m2 will be developed with the goal of seamlessly fusing artificial facilities with natural landscapes. Consequently, the overall landscape design draws inspiration from wooden open spatial structures, and the wooden structure is combined with glass roof to shield against the sun, rain, and serve functions such as lighting and aesthetics. The Phase Two construction project includes major facilities such as men/women nude pool, open air hot springs and restaurant. The winning bid price for the project is NT$138.2 million, and the construction requires 320 working days to complete. 　　Since antiquity, “hot springs” has been a natural resource used by people for stimulating health and conducting hydrotherapy. Developing Changhua County’s tourism resources and increasing the local tourism characteristics has always been the administrative policy of the Changhua County Government. According to Changhua County Annals, the hot springs industry in Baguashan Mountain, Changhua County was once a thriving industry; to this day, there are still roads and parks named after hot springs in the county. In order to resurrect the Baguashan Mountain hot springs industry, the County Government has actively surveyed, explored and developed the local hot springs resources. The sodium bicarbonate springs inside the Qingshuiyan boy scout camping ground is praised as “Beauty Soup” and has a water temperature of 41°C, making it a medium temperature hot springs. The “Beauty Hot Springs” is not only comparable to its Japanese counterpart but also surpasses other major hot springs in Taiwan. “Phase One Construction of the Hot Springs Experience Facility in Changhua” includes public facilities such as foot spa pool and gazebo, which were officially inaugurated on April 18. The facility is open to the public free of charge so that people can come to Shetou to experience hot springs. After “Phase Two Construction of the Hot Springs Experience Facility in Changhua” was commenced today, Phase One of the project will still be open to the public free of charge; therefore, visitors from all over Taiwan are welcome to embark on a journey of ecological tourism and hot springs recreation in Changhua. Courtesy of Changhua County Government official website

This huge Teddy Bear ignited the bear doll craze this summer. In mid-July, the largest Teddy Bear in Asia, with the height of 315cm was exhibited in Lee Garden Hotel. This huge and fluffy Teddy is a giant of its kind. In addition, the hotel has prepared the teddy bear scene and designed teddy meals for visitors’ enjoyment. In this summer, CK Lee Garden Hotel will be the best place to visit. Don’t miss it. Occupying the area of 3500 ping, CK Lee Garden Hotel in Changhua is just 25 minutes of driving from Taichung. It takes 12 minutes to go there from either Changhua or Yuanlin. With a huge parking lot, drivers can park their cars and enjoy a Teddy holiday without any worry. The hotel is a neat and white building, with Baroque style interior decorations. In mid-July, the biggest Teddy Bear in Asia, Wedding Gown Teddy, Broadway Teddy, Teddy Wedding, and other themes are going to reside there to create the only happy hall for all. Free admission during the summer vacation. Come and dream in the world of the Teddy Bear. Remember to bring your camera. For further information please visit our websites: ww.c-k.tw or call: 04-7874685。

Sponsored by the Huatan Farmers’ Association, the opening ceremony of the cultural activity of flower farmers - “Summer Passion, Flower Love” was held in “Jasmine Huatan Dream Gallery” on June 3. Mr. Ke Cheng-fang, the Deputy County Magistrate presented in the ceremony in place of Magistrate Cho Po-yuan. In addition to promoting the love expression activity on the Double Seventh Festival, there were also jasmine tea ceremony performance, Go travel in Huatan, farm produce sales, YOUNG promoter of the flower of Changhua, and more. In the venue, there were the sales of “pesticide-free” jasmine essence oil soaps and jelly, and floral bracelet DIY too. Mr. Ke, the Deputy County Magistrate expressed that he participated in this ceremony in place of Magistrate Cho, and was surprised to see the prosperous jasmine farming industry in Huatan. In recent years, through the endeavors of the Farmers’ Association in promotion and sales of jasmine, there would be more breakthroughs in these couple of years. The Jasmine Huatan Dream Gallery will be a new star in Changhua’s tourism, becoming an example worthy for further references. It also brought business opportunities to the area. Magistrate Cho paid much attention to the development of agriculture, and was positive in promoting one salient feature of farming in each town. He took the opportunity to thank for the helps from the Central Government, local government, and farmers’ association so that the jasmine industry could revive and prosper in the future, becoming an exemplar of sustaining agricultural industry. With “Jasmine Huatan” as its brand name, Huatan Farmers’ Association refurbished an old barn into “Jasmine Huatan Dream Gallery” and developed many new and creative merchandizes, such as floral tea, enzymes, floral wine, facial mask, hand-made cookies, jam, and more. Specifically, the creative packing of “Jasmine Tea” won the award of OTOP - one special product in one town, adding innovations and creativity to the traditional jasmine tea. In the year, a “Happy Jasmine Chamber” was built in the secret garden of the Dream Gallery. In the gallery, there was a love wishing bell and the colorful windmill gallery nearby, creating a romantic atmosphere for visitors. In the chamber, all sorts of jasmine are grown, allowing visitors to immerse in romance, passion, love, and happiness. It is highly recommended to all visitors.

　 YouBike is going to serve people in Yuanlin, as a continuation of Changhua - the next station of happiness. On June 24, the press conference “Yuanlin Public Bicycle Installation and Contract Signing” will be held in the square of Yuanlin Rail Station. Mr. Cho Po-yuan, the County Magistrate and King Liu, the President of Giant will co-sponsor the event. In the early stage, YouBike service will be offered in 15 stations around the County Office. The stations are estimated to be finished in December, providing 450 public bikes for people’s convenience. Magistrate Cho announced that the next station will be set up at Lukang, and the eight major living spheres in Changhua in the near future. Magistrate Cho expressed that it is the plan of the Changhua County government promote the green transportation policy and construct a low-carbon city. To fulfill this goal, the county government collaborated with Giant to establish the “Public Bike Rental System” at Changhua, which is projected to be an exemplar of the policy. After the trial operation in May 22, the rotation rate was around 8.3 rounds with more than 260 thousand users in the past two months, more than the population of Changhua - 236 thousand, winning the recognition and support from local residents and visitors. Considering the fact that Yuanlin is the center of Changhua, the development in the old town has been saturated. In the past few years, with the endeavor of the County Government Team, the readjustment district with the area of 184 hectares in Yuanlin is completed. It provides 69 hectares of land for the construction of new public facilities, such as parks, green zones, and schools. In addition, the elevated railway is going to be operated very soon. In the future, the development in the Yuanlin area will be prompt and versatile. As the next stop of YouBike - The Next Station of Happiness in Changhua, Yuanlin is going to provide public bike service to the people and visitors to augment the effects of air pollution prevention and supplement the inadequacy of bus services. With the launching of YouBike, people will enjoy the convenience of traveling around town, shopping, going to school, commuting, sports going, and sightseeing. To fulfill all these goals and serve the people, YouBike in Yuanlin will be connected to the public bike system in Changhua and Taichung so that people can travel around central Taiwan freely. According to the plan, the bike rental kiosks will be set up in major spots, such as the rail station, bus stations, institutions, schools, and tourist resorts, These spots can further connect to the mixed commercial-residential area, business zones, and major transportation channels. The distance between each station is about 400m-1000m, connecting to the readjustment district with the area of 184 hectares in Yuanlin is completed. It provides 69 hectares of land for the construction of new public facilities, such as parks, green zones, and schools, as well as the 30m outer ring green expressway and the elevated railroad. When this system is completed in the future, the high quality “Smiling YouBike” will continue to serve the public. Providing high volume bike rental service, people can sign up in 3 minutes and complete the rental and return procedure in 1 second. In the preliminary stage, the first 30 minutes is free. The bikes will be charged at the rates of Changhua YouBike after the first 30 minutes. For every 30 minutes, the rent is NT$10 within the first 4 hours; NT$20 for every 30 minutes from 4 to 8 hours; and NT$40 for every 30 minutes after 8 hours. Of course, the bikes must be comfortable, easy to ride, and withstand the weather, such as sunshine and rainfall. Taking people to enjoy the local delicacies and culture in Yuanlin, both local residents and visitors will be benefitted from convenience and fun of “riding YouBikes to decrease carbon emissions.”

In recent years, the Changhua County Government has been active in promoting tourism. In the past five years, the operation of a sightseeing bus won high acclaim from visitors. In this year, the County Government upgraded the project and operated 9 themed sightseeing bus routes, allowing visitors to conduct in-depth travel conveniently. Specifically, it has launched two routes with friendly facilities for the convenience of disabled and elderly people. It is estimated to bring major changes in the trends of in-depth travel in Changhua. In this year, the projected theme is “Travel in Sunny Changhua, all the happiness is yours”. With this theme the sightseeing bus is launched into operation from June 21 to November 30, offering the packages of half-day tour, 1-day tour, 2-day tour, a tour for the elderly, and a tour for the disabled. It also comes in nine different themes, including “New Experience in Farm Tour in Huatan”, “The Joy of Sock Weaving in Tianzhong and Ershuei”, “Childhood Memory in Farmland”, “Water Lily & Nature Tour”, “Healthy Country Innovative Tour”, “Home of Socks Craft Tour”, “Energy Town and Country Tour”, “Elderly People’s Tour”, and “Disabled Access Tour”. In different tour routes, professional guides will introduce the resorts along the road, and bring visitors to the tidal zone to explore the marine ecology. There are many activities too, such as jasmine flowers appreciation, sock dolls, flour figurine DIY, and more. Of course, the buses will take visitors to stalls and restaurants serving gourmet delicacies. The package fees including guided tour, bus fares, insurance, meals, DIY activities, souvenirs, and more. Don’t miss these value tour packages. For visitors intending to join “Travel in Sunny Changhua, all the happiness is yours” themed sightseeing bus tours, you are welcomed to sign up by phone, fax, or online. You can choose to get on the buses at HSR Taichung Station or Changhua Rail Station. For more information, please visit the Changhua Themed Sightseeing Bus Tour websites: http://chbus.emmm.tw. Due to limited vacancy, please sign up as soon as possible. Please book in advance before it is full. Tour bus hot line: 04-27019757; fax: 04-27028483.

Tianwei in Changhua is famed for floriculture, horticulture, romantic bicycle paths and a flower garden highway. The “Romantic Love App” provides information on outstanding stores in Tianwei. With four major categories including “Horticulture Landscape”, “Specialty Restaurants”, “Theme B&Bs” and “Convenience”, you will be able to gain access to every store’s address, phone number, business hours, service information and links to their websites. Furthermore, the app also offers smart phone functions such as automatic dialing, store website, online recommendations, map locations, mobile navigation and street views etc. In addition, we have also designed the “theme map” function, where smart phone GPS function and layering are employed to facilitate the public to find the nearest store and service quickly. Whether you are riding a bicycle or strolling along the country roads, the serene surrounding landscape will leave you with a deep impression. So make your romantic wishes and create your exclusive memories of Tianwei! With the fragrance of flowers and plants wafting in the gentle breeze and the legend of the romance tree whispering in your ears, the gorgeous scenery of the countryside with thriving flowers and woods creates an illusion of being in a wonderland. As you gasp in admiration at the breathtaking beauty of Tianwei, you will hope that time pauses for all eternity at this very moment. “Romantic Love – Tianwei Sweet Garden” – let us meet in Tianwei, where we can leisurely and happily embrace the bounty of beauty and gourmet food bestowed upon us by Mother Nature; let us enjoy a wonderful, unforgettable time with our families. Source: Google Play.

In order to grasp the emerging media trend, Changhua County Government has combined mobile communications technology with cloud technology to design the “Welcome to Changhua” app for smart phone users. The app offers the most comprehensive, abundant and up-to-date tourism information in Changhua to stimulate tourism in Changhua County. “Welcome to Changhua” app is now officially online, free download of the app can be obtained from the App Store or Google Play. In addition, “Welcome to Changhua” app QR-codes are available for visitors to scan at tourist service centers, train stations, bus stations or renowned historic scenic attractions throughout Changhua County. If you are looking for novel traveling experiences in Changhua, this is the app for you!

In order to benefit Lukang citizens, holders of Lukang Town IDs will be entitled unlimited visits to the Lukang Folk Arts Museum for the duration of this year free of charge. Address: No.152, Zhongshan Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County Tel. 886-4-7772019 Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed every Monday and open during national holidays and important holidays).