Puyan Shunze Temple is the main religious center of Puyan Township in Changhua County, dedicated to Mazu, with its third-lunar-month birthday festival as the year's grandest event; Puyan is known as Taiwan's "Hometown of Vegetables" and "Homeland of Glutinous Rice," producing roughly a quarter of the country's indica glutinous rice.
Puyan Township is a major Changhua vegetable producer, with cauliflower, leeks, and scallions as leading crops, earning it the nickname "Hometown of Vegetables." Its indica glutinous rice accounts for roughly 27% of Taiwan's total production, giving rise to the name "Homeland of Glutinous Rice"; the township office also runs a glutinous rice culture exhibition space (Source: Puyan Township Office).
Highlights of Puyan Shunze Temple
The history of Shunze Temple can be traced back to the Qing dynasty. After multiple restorations, the current structure retains its traditional three-nave hall (sanchuan dian) layout, and the forecourt plaza can accommodate large numbers of worshippers. The temple's jian-nian mosaic decorations and stone carvings are well preserved. Parking is available next to the temple for easy access. During festival periods, traditional markets are set up in the forecourt and surrounding streets, featuring local agricultural products including Puyan's specialty vegetables and glutinous rice goods.
Puyan Township's agriculture centers on vegetable cultivation, with crops growing in the fields throughout all four seasons. Leafy greens and root vegetables planted in different seasons create a varied landscape. Glutinous rice is another local specialty — local farmers continue to cultivate traditional glutinous rice varieties, and related products such as mochi and tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) can be found at local markets.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Puyan Township has no train station. Driving is recommended — from Changhua City, take Zhangshui Road or County Road 149, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- The temple is open year-round. The most activity occurs around the Mazu birthday festival (around the 23rd day of the third lunar month). Vegetable farmland scenery can be enjoyed in all four seasons.
Nearby Connections
- Adjacent to the Heming Community in Xiushui Township — combine the two for a half-day rural culture itinerary through central Changhua, including the green tunnel.
- Heading east leads to the Tai'an Leisure Agricultural Zone in Puxin Township, where you can combine dairy farm and vegetable field experiences for an agriculture-themed trip.
Sources: Changhua County Agriculture Bureau, Puyan Township Office agricultural specialty data. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Puyan known as the "Hometown of Vegetables"?
Puyan Township is a major Changhua vegetable producer, growing large quantities of cauliflower, leeks, and scallions.
Which deity does Shunze Temple honor?
Shunze Temple is dedicated to Mazu (Tianshang Shengmu) and serves as Puyan Township's main religious center.
How much glutinous rice does Puyan produce?
Puyan's indica glutinous rice accounts for roughly 27% of Taiwan's total production, earning it the name "Homeland of Glutinous Rice."
Sources
- 話說埔鹽-產業概況-彰化縣埔鹽鄉公所 — 埔鹽鄉蔬菜、糯米產業概況與比例