Houli

Houli (后里, Hòulǐ) is a district on the Mountain Line of Taichung municipality, set on a terraced plateau between the Dajia River and the foothills of the Central Mountain Range. Long an agricultural area, Houli is one of central Taiwan's leisure-farm and flower-growing districts, and it is best known to visitors for its horse ranch, its blooming flower farms and a popular cycling greenway.

The district's signature attractions cluster around outdoor recreation. The Houli Horse Ranch is a long-established equestrian and leisure centre, while the Zhongshe area is famous for seasonal flower fields that draw photographers. The Houli–Fengyuan Houfeng Bike Path, which runs partly through a former railway tunnel and across an old iron bridge over the Dajia River, is one of Taiwan's most pleasant rail-trail cycling routes. Houli has also hosted major horticultural events, leaving behind landscaped parkland.

Houli shares Taichung's agreeable climate, with the most comfortable months running autumn through spring (October–April). Winter and early spring are prime for flower viewing; summer is hot and humid and brings the typhoon season. The Mountain Line setting means slightly fresher air than the city basin.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Taichung International Airport (RMQ) in Shalu District, on the coastal side of the municipality. From the airport, reach Houli by taxi or by transferring through central Taichung by rail or bus. Most international visitors arrive via Taoyuan and continue overland.

By Train

Houli Station sits on the Taiwan Railways Mountain Line, with direct conventional-train connections toward central Taichung and northward along the line. The station is the most convenient way to arrive and a natural starting point for the Houfeng Bike Path. Book or buy tickets online or at station counters.

By Car / Road

Houli is on the Mountain Line of Taichung, reachable from central Taichung by car in roughly 30–40 minutes via the national freeway and local roads. The district connects easily by road to neighbouring Fengyuan and the rest of the Mountain Line. City and regional buses also serve Houli. Drivers will find parking at the main attractions, busiest at weekends and during flower season.

Houli's attractions are spread across the plateau, so a car or scooter is the most convenient way to move between the horse ranch, flower farms and parks. The Houfeng Bike Path is, of course, best enjoyed by bicycle — rental shops operate near Houli Station and along the route. The area around the station is walkable, and local buses link some points. Taxis are available but not always plentiful; ride-hailing operates in the Taichung area. There is no metro to Houli.

• Houli Horse Ranch (后里馬場) — A long-established equestrian and leisure centre with horses, grounds and family facilities; one of Houli's defining attractions.

• Zhongshe Flower Market / flower fields — Seasonal flower fields, especially colourful in winter and spring, popular for photography.

• Houli landscaped parkland — Parkland associated with horticultural exhibitions hosted in the district, with gardens and open green space.

• Cycle the Houfeng Bike Path — The district's standout activity: a rail-trail route running through a former railway tunnel and over an old iron bridge across the Dajia River, linking Houli and Fengyuan.

• Visit the horse ranch — Horse-related activities and family leisure at the Houli Horse Ranch.

• Flower viewing — Touring the seasonal flower fields, best in winter and spring.

• Leisure-farm visits — The Houli area has leisure farms with gardens, produce and dining.

Eating in Houli centres on local eateries near the station and the attractions, plus the restaurants attached to leisure farms, serving Taiwanese dishes — rice and noodle dishes, soups, grilled and fried snacks, and local fruit and vegetables. Options are modest compared with the city; for a fuller range across all price tiers, central Taichung is around 30–40 minutes away with its restaurants and night markets.

Local stalls and shops sell bubble (pearl milk) tea, fresh fruit juices and other Taiwanese beverages, and some leisure farms have cafés. For Taichung's wider café and bar scene, head into the city. Tap water in Taiwan is generally not drunk unboiled; choose bottled or boiled water, and carry plenty if cycling the bike path.

Houli is an agricultural district, and the natural buys are local farm produce and flowers — fresh fruit, vegetables and seasonal blooms sold at farm stalls and markets. For everyday goods, convenience stores are plentiful; for wider retail, central Taichung is the place to go. Prices are generally marked, and bargaining is not customary.

• Fengyuan — The neighbouring Mountain Line district and the other end of the Houfeng Bike Path, with markets and local food.
• Xinshe — Nearby in the uplands; rural country known for flower farms, mushrooms and a fairy-tale castle estate.
• Central Taichung — About 30–40 minutes south; museums, night markets and the city's main attractions.
• Dakeng — On Taichung's northeastern edge; forested hills with popular hiking trails.
• Miaoli County — Just north along the Mountain Line; Hakka country with hills, old streets and tea.