Shetou

Shetou (社頭) is a rural township in south-central Changhua County, Taiwan, nestled at the foot of the Bagua Mountain range. The area is famous throughout Taiwan for its socks and hosiery industry — Shetou produces a significant portion of Taiwan's socks, earning it the nickname "Sock Town." The township also produces high-quality shiitake mushrooms and pomelos.

With a humid subtropical climate, Shetou is most pleasant from October to March. The town centre is small and quiet, while the surrounding foothills offer hiking and nature experiences.

By Plane

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is about 35 km north. A taxi takes about 40 minutes and costs around NT$900–1,200.

By Train

Shetou Station (社頭車站) is on the TRA west coast line, served by local trains. From Changhua Station, the journey is about 15 minutes (NT$30–50). From Yuanlin, it is 5 minutes.

By Car / Road

Shetou is accessible via Provincial Highway 1 and County Road 141. From Changhua City, drive south for about 20 minutes. From Yuanlin, drive west for 10 minutes. Buses connect Shetou to surrounding towns.

The town centre is walkable. For exploring the foothills and sock factories, a bicycle or car is useful. Taxis are limited.

• Shetou Sock Museum — A small museum dedicated to the town's hosiery industry, showcasing the history of sock-making in the area.

• Shetou Mazu Temple — The town's main religious centre.

• Bagua Mountain foothills — Pleasant hiking trails with views over the Changhua plain.

• Sock factory tours — Several sock factories in Shetou offer tours and direct sales. Buy socks in bulk at factory prices.

• Hike the Bagua Mountain trails for panoramic views of the Changhua coastline.

• Visit during local temple festivals for traditional performances.

• Small restaurants near the train station serve Taiwanese staples. Look for dishes featuring local shiitake mushrooms.
• Meals cost around NT$50–120. Street food stalls operate in the market area.

Tea shops and convenience stores are available. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Simple homestays and guesthouses, around NT$800–1,200 per night.
• Mid-range: Nearby Yuanlin has several business hotels with more amenities.

Shetou is the place to buy socks and hosiery — quality Taiwanese-made socks at factory-direct prices. The Shetou Sock Museum and nearby factory outlets have a wide selection. Local pomelos and shiitake mushrooms are also good purchases.

• Yuanlin — 5 km north (5 min by train). A bustling commercial town with an excellent food scene.
• Tianzhong — 8 km south. Home to the Changhua HSR station.
• Changhua City — 20 km north. The county capital with the Baguashan Great Buddha.
• Beidou — 12 km southwest. A historic river-port town with a preserved old street.
• Nantou County — East of Shetou, the gateway to Sun Moon Lake and the central mountains.