Exploring Houbi: A Hidden Floral Paradise in Tainan

Travel Date: 2025/03/22

This time, we decided to head south and stopped in the small town of Houbi in Tainan, right on the border with Chiayi. What I thought would be a quiet, lesser-known spot turned out to be a bustling garden filled with people, tour buses, and a bit of a challenge finding parking. The parking lot itself is quite large, but there were cars parked along the roads for hundreds of meters. No surprise, though, as the weather was perfect for a day of sightseeing.

A Floral Wonderland at Arwin Therapy Garden

Arwin Therapy Garden in Houbi is open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. While many people come here to shop for cosmetics, others visit to enjoy the stunning roses that bloom beautifully during this time of year.

Spanning nearly 15,000 pings (about 49,500 square meters), the garden offers a variety of themed experiences. You'll find the symmetrically designed French Rose Garden, the peaceful English Chakra Herb Garden, and a lush, Amazon-like tropical rainforest zone. Throughout the park, there are also a variety of handcrafted cement art installations showcasing iconic designs.

Inside, you can explore the exhibition hall, where technology meets culture with interactive learning opportunities. You can also listen to guided explanations from friendly staff and discover premium beauty products designed to enhance your skincare routine.

You could easily spend an hour here just enjoying the flowers. There’s also a small, picturesque pond that adds to the charm of the place. This attraction, which opened last year, has drawn many visitors since its soft opening in early February. After undergoing a month-long renovation, it officially reopened on April 20th.

Not only is admission completely free, but the park also features four themed areas, each highlighting the beauty of roses in different styles. With plenty of must-see attractions, it's the perfect destination for flower lovers and photography enthusiasts who want to spend the day capturing stunning moments.

Hidden among the roses, you'll find a collection of miniature European-style houses, handcrafted by renowned Japanese artisan Kato Takayuki. These tiny buildings replicate famous European landmarks, such as: Mont Saint-Michel (France), Provence Cottages (Southern France), English Countryside Houses.

This charming “Miniature European Village” will make you feel like you've stepped right into a fairy tale world.

If you need a break from the sun, head to the Arwin Tourist Factory, an indoor shopping area offering fragrances, handmade soaps, and skincare products from the Arwin brand. It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs or self-care products!

Behind the tourist factory, you’ll find a life-size replica of Shakespeare’s Wife’s Cottage, the only one of its kind in Taiwan! This charming European-style cottage now serves as a retail shop and is also a wonderful spot for photos.

Houbi’s Arwin Therapy Garden turned out to be a wonderful discovery, a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural elements, and a touch of European charm. If you love flowers, unique architecture, and relaxing walks, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Tainan.

That’s all for this adventure! Hope you enjoyed this little tour. Stay tuned for more travels and discoveries, let’s see where the road takes us next!