Yuanlin

Yuanlin (員林) is the second largest city in Changhua and home to a population of around 123,000. The name derives from “round woodland” (圓林仔), referring to a circular stand of trees that remained after Han settlers cleared the surrounding forest during the Yongzheng era (1723–1735). The area prospered under Japanese rule through sugar and pineapple production and was later known for its extensive preserved fruit industry.

Qing dynasty era heritage includes the Xingxian Academy and Guangning Temple, established around 1726 by immigrants from Guangdong. The massive Railway Granary, a 34-meter-tall complex of 18 concrete silos built in 1976, stands idle near the station after closing in 1983. An extensive survey of the town’s historic sites documents additional temples, Japanese colonial era buildings, and family residences.