2025 Qingshui Service Area: The Ultimate Guide to Brands, Food, Night Views, and Souvenirs

The Qingshui Service Area isn’t just a rest stop; it’s a tourist destination!

If you still think it’s just a place to use the restroom and buy a bottle of water, you’re seriously missing out.

Not only does it boast a million-dollar view, acclaimed as the “most beautiful night view on the national highway,” but it also gathers an incredible lineup of food, from Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations to a Japanese culinary paradise. The souvenir section is so extensive it will make you shop till you drop.

Every time I drive on National Highway No. 3, only one thought crosses my mind: “I have to stop at Qingshui Service Area for a longer time!”

This all-in-one guide is here to shatter your expectations and show you why the Qingshui Service Area is worth a special trip on the highway.

Are you ready? Let’s see just how amazing this highway legend truly is!

【Qingshui Service Area Transportation】How to Get There & Will You Really Be Fined for Parking Over 4 Hours? Your Questions Answered!

(Because convenient transport is the first step to a great visit)

Honestly, the transportation part is simple. After all, it’s a highway rest stop!

• Location: Located at the 172km mark on National Highway No. 3 (Formosa Freeway). The address is “No. 89, Wucuo 2nd St., Qingshui Dist., Taichung City.” As long as you’re on Highway 3, just follow the signs, and you absolutely can’t miss it.
• Parking Information: The number of parking spots here is incredible, with over 700 spaces for small cars and additional overflow parking on holidays. You generally don’t need to worry about finding a spot.
• Attention! The Devil is in the Details: Although parking is free, there’s a 4-hour time limit at highway service areas. You read that right, four hours! If you exceed the time, you can be fined NT$600 to NT$1,200. So, don’t get too carried away and forget the time!
• For Electric Vehicle Owners: The service area is very EV-friendly, equipped with charging stations. They are continuously upgrading, and now they even have super-fast DC fast-charging piles, significantly reducing charging time and keeping your journey going!
• Motorcycles or Public Transport?: Uh, I’d advise against it. This place is designed for drivers. Taking a train and then a taxi would likely cost you more than the food you’d eat here.

【Qingshui Service Area Environment】More Than Just a Night View! A Five-Star Rest Stop Comparable to a Department Store

(Because a great environment makes you want to stay for the full 4 hours)

First-time visitors will be truly shocked by its scale, thinking to themselves, “Am I at a rest stop or an outlet mall?”

Its architectural theme is the “Sail of Qingshui,” resembling a grand white ship ready to set sail, creating a magnificent presence.

During the day, sunlight streams through large glass panes, making the entire space bright and airy. At night, the lights turn on, and the outdoor staircase instantly transforms into a “Starlight Avenue,” creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere.

I must say, the view from here is truly exceptional.

Because it’s built on the slope of Dadu Mountain, you can overlook the entire Qingshui Plain, Taichung Port, and even the windmills of Gaomei Wetlands from the observation deck.

Whether it’s the sunset at dusk or the city lights after dark, the scenery will make you forget you’re just a passerby on a journey.

It’s completely understandable why many couples make a special trip here just for the night view!

Floor Guide:

• 1F Gourmet & Souvenir Battleground: This is the most intense warzone. All the famous souvenirs, popular snacks, and coffee shops you can think of are packed in here. The original physical aquarium has been upgraded to a super cool “3D Naked-Eye Screen Wall,” where marine life seems to swim right out, making it even more eye-catching than before!

• 2F Light Meals & Snacks: Here you’ll find 7-Eleven, takoyaki, and more, perfect for those who want a quick bite. The 7-ELEVEN here has even introduced the first-ever “Incredible Tea BAR,” with a dizzying array of hand-shaken drink options.
• 3F Japan Gourmet Paradise & Outdoor Observation Deck: This is my favorite floor! The entire level is designed as a Japanese food street, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The outdoor area is the legendary million-dollar night view deck, but there’s more now! A new, zen-filled Japanese-style garden landscape has been added next to the deck, which is also beautiful during the day. Furthermore, they’ve installed a “Happiness Bell”—couples, you know what to do!

What impresses me most is the level of thoughtfulness. The restrooms are as clean as a hotel’s, with warm water in the winter.

The service counter even offers baby stroller rentals and free diapers! They’ve also taken care of our furry friends with a dedicated Pet Park in the pet-friendly rest area, complete with a water fountain and seating—the facilities are incredibly comprehensive!

【Brands at Qingshui Service Area】Shop Till You Drop! From Michelin to Local Delicacies, Hold On to Your Wallet!

(Because these powerful brands make it a food paradise)

With over 50 brands stationed here, the most of any national highway service area, you’ll be hit with a serious case of decision paralysis. You’ll want to eat and buy everything! Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Food Giants:
  • Michelin Halo: Taike Roast Pork Congee
  • Local Legends: Qingshui Pork Rib Crisp Noodles, Shenghua Gong Vegetarian Cuisine
  • Japanese Brigade: Yabaton Misokatsu, Taishan Ramen, Kyoto Donburi, Hokkaido Suisan… it’s like they moved a whole Japanese food street here.
  • International Chains: McDonald’s, Starbucks (and they give you two!)
• Dessert Cult Favorites:
  • Queue-Worthy Shops: Rose Pie, Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake, Hazukido Croissant, Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs
  • Timeless Classics: Kobayashi Green Bean Cake, Häagen-Dazs
• Souvenir Superstars:
  • This place is basically a microcosm of Taichung’s souvenir scene! Honde’s cookies, Master A-Tsung’s taro pastries, SunnyHills’ pineapple cakes, Shirlien’s almond crisps… nearly every famous Taichung specialty you can think of is here. You don’t need to drive into the city and fight the crowds; you can get it all in one stop!

Ultimate Guide to Brands at Qingshui Service Area》Floor Guide & Must-Eats to Turn You from a Newbie into a Pro!

Fellow travelers and foodies, please fasten your seatbelts. We are about to enter the most dangerous food black hole on the highway—the Qingshui Service Area.

Here’s how to accurately find your destined delicacy amidst the fierce assault of nearly 50 stores, while defending the last line of your wallet!

First Floor: The Premier Battleground for Souvenirs & Desserts (First Stop to Empty Your Wallet)

The first floor is a true test of willpower. On the left, the sweet temptation of desserts; on the right, the fierce bombardment of souvenirs. If you’re not careful, half your salary might be gone before you even get back to your car.

• 【Honde】
  • Brand Intro: A super assassin from Taichung! Don’t underestimate it; their annual cookie sales could stack up to over 30 Taipei 101 towers, and they’ve won international awards. They are basically the champion of the souvenir world.
  • Signature Items:
    • Original Secret Sauce Cured Lemon Pastry: Please! You have to try this! This is not the pineapple cake you’re imagining. It’s shaped like a cute lemon, and with one bite, the tangy and vibrant lemon filling explodes in your mouth, carrying the unique, slightly bitter fragrance of lemon peel. The layers of flavor are so rich you’ll question reality. On the must-buy list for Qingshui Service Area, this is definitely a top contender!
    • Taiwan Black Bear “National” Cookie: Melts in your mouth, with a criminally rich buttery aroma. The texture is soft and fluffy, so delicious you’ll forget what calories are.

• 【Rose Pie】
  • Brand Intro: A time-honored dessert queen from Taichung. The glass display case filled with colorful pies is like a wicked spell; it’s hard for anyone passing by not to be drawn in.
  • Signature Items: Every pie looks like a work of art. The crust is the soul—baked to be crispy and layered, paired with fruit fillings or cream that aren’t overly sweet. Buying a slice to enjoy in the car will instantly melt away the fatigue of your journey.
• 【Director’s Tea Eggs】
  • Brand Intro: A common language across all Taiwan rest stops, a true heavyweight that needs no introduction.
  • Signature Item: The tea egg itself. The aroma is braised into its very soul, the egg white is springy, and the yolk is moist and flavorful. Every time you smell it, your feet will unconsciously start walking towards it.

• 【Six Star Fried Chicken】
  • Brand Intro: A rising star in the Taichung fried chicken scene, its strength is not to be underestimated. Also a formidable player making its debut in a national highway service area!
  • Signature Item: The Kung Fu 13 Spices Combo. Their fried chicken doesn’t go for a heavy, salty flavor; instead, it wins with its unique blend of spices. The skin is crispy, the meat is juicy, and it leaves a charming aroma in your mouth after you finish.

• 【Hazukido】 & 【Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs】
  • Brand Intro: Two major Japanese dessert cults! One is a croissant specialist, the other is the king of cream puffs.
  • Signature Items: Hazukido’s honeycomb croissant is flaky and buttery. Beard Papa’s cream puffs, filled with custard on the spot, will burst in your mouth. Who can resist that rich vanilla bean filling?
• Further Reading: Taichung HSR Station’s Craving Savior! Beard Papa’s “Exploding” Cream Puffs to Soothe Your Waiting Anxiety in 5 Minutes!

• 【Other Souvenir Superstars】:
  • Master A-Tsung’s Pastry: The father of Dajia taro pastries, with a smooth and fragrant taro filling.
  • SunnyHills: The hipster’s favorite native pineapple cake, with a sophisticated sweet and sour taste.
  • Shirlien: A century-old local bakery from Qingshui. Their almond crisps are paper-thin, crispy, and addictive.
  • There’s also Yu Jen Jai, Sun Booth, Shu Shin Bou, and Wan Wei Shiuan… it’s a United Nations of souvenirs that will have you buying until your arms are sore.

Second Floor: Quick Snack Paradise (The Craving-Cure Express Lane)

If you just want a quick snack to satisfy a craving without eating a full meal, the second floor is your best choice. It brings together a variety of classic snacks—fast, effective, and delicious!

• 【Nidaime Takoyaki】
  • Brand Intro: A popular takoyaki chain from Taichung. Watching the chefs flip the round takoyaki balls on the sizzling griddle is incredibly satisfying.
  • Signature Item: Takoyaki. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside is moist and soft. The octopus pieces are generous, and it’s all topped with mayonnaise and bonito flakes for that classic, delicious taste.

• 【Uncle Bing’s Grilled Corn】
  • Brand Intro: A heavy hitter that became famous in the Feng Chia Night Market and has now made its way to the rest stop.
  • Signature Item: Grilled corn. It’s not grilled directly over charcoal but slow-roasted in stones, which preserves the corn’s sweetness and chewiness. It’s then brushed with a secret sauce. The mix of sweet and savory flavors and the chewy texture will have you eating one after another. It’s dangerously good!
• Further Reading: 【Yizhong Street Night Market Food】Uncle Bing’s Grilled Corn Yizhong Branch, Freshly Grilled Waxy Corn with a Unique Vertical Grilling Method, Aromatic Sauce, a Must-Eat in the Yizhong Shopping District

• 【Other Quick Options】:
  • Darker Squid: The aroma of freshly grilled squid is one of the most dominant scents in the service area.
  • Obanyaki: Also known as wheel cakes. They come in many flavors, are generously filled, and offer great value.
  • Hope Mung Bean Soup: Refreshing and thirst-quenching. The sweetness level can be adjusted, which is very thoughtful.

Third Floor: The Ultimate Food Sanctuary (The Throne of Main Courses & Scenery)

The third floor is the final battleground. All the heavyweight food contenders, the Michelin halo, and the most beautiful scenery are all here. Get your stomach ready, we’re heading to the summit!

• 【The Fiddler Crab Starbucks】
  • Brand Intro: This isn’t just a Starbucks; it’s a Qingshui Service Area attraction! The pure white, curved building, inspired by the fiddler crabs of Gaomei Wetlands, is an absolute Instagram hotspot.
  • Signature Item: Any Starbucks drink you normally have. But the key is, you get to enjoy it paired with the million-dollar night view. The experience is instantly upgraded to first class. You don’t just come here for coffee; you come for a pilgrimage!

• 【Japan Gourmet Paradise】
  • Brand Intro: They literally moved an entire Japanese food street in here, from ramen and donburi to curry and udon. The atmosphere is fantastic.
  • Signature Dishes:
    • Kyoto Donburi: Their Oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl) has an egg that is as smooth as silk, tender chicken, and a sweet, well-balanced sauce. The quality is so high it would be a popular spot even in the city.
    • Taishan Ramen: The tonkotsu (pork bone) broth is rich but not greasy, and the chashu pork has a good fat-to-meat ratio. It’s the safest and most delicious choice when you don’t know what to eat.
    • Fujinoya Udon: Their signature white curry udon looks mild but delivers a rich and smooth curry flavor. The noodles are chewy and very unique.
    • Hokkaido Suisan: The “rocket train” delivery system is super eye-catching and great for kids. The ingredients are fresh, too.

• 【Taike Roast Pork Congee】
  • Brand Intro: Recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand for several consecutive years, carrying a very bright halo.
  • Signature Dish: The Roast Pork Congee Set. The roast pork is fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a flavorful marinade. It’s delicious on its own. The “congee” itself has a traditional “soup rice” texture, with distinct grains of rice, and the broth is light and sweet. I have to be honest, the roast pork itself impressed me more than the congee!
• 【Miaodong Qingshui Pork Rib Crisp Noodles】
  • Brand Intro: A legendary dish from Taichung’s Fengyuan Miaodong Night Market, and one of the most popular choices here.
  • Signature Dish: Pork Rib Crisp Noodles. The pork ribs are stewed until they nearly fall off the bone, melting in your mouth. The broth is rich, and the noodles soak up all the essence. The first sip of the soup will give you that nostalgic “Ah, this is the taste of Taichung” feeling.

• 【Shenghua Gong Vegetarian Cuisine】
  • Brand Intro: A veteran Taichung vegetarian restaurant that will shatter your perception of rest stop vegetarian food.
  • Signature Dishes: Presented in set meals, the dishes are exquisite, beautifully plated, and well-seasoned. This isn’t your average vegetarian fare; it’s delicious vegetarian cuisine that even meat-eaters will approve of.

After reading this super-detailed guide, do you still think Qingshui Service Area is just a place for a bathroom break?

Next time you pass by, be sure to save room in your stomach and your wallet, because this food war is always waiting for you to join!

【Food Review】Ajun’s Honest Take! What’s Worth the Line & What Can You Skip?

(So, what should you actually eat? Let the pro tell you!)

Alright, let’s get down to business.

As a foodie who tastes with my life, I’ll give you my unfiltered thoughts.

What’s Surprising Isn’t Just the Taste, but the Sincerity – ‘Taike Roast Pork Congee’

As a multi-year Bib Gourmand recommended spot, my expectations were sky-high. I ordered the signature Roast Pork Congee Set. The roast pork was flawless—crispy outside, tender inside, with a deeply flavorful marinade. It was delicious enough to eat on its own.

But the congee… well, it’s more like “soup rice” than congee. The rice grains are still distinct, not the creamy, broken-down texture I was expecting.

However, the broth is light and sweet, full of aroma from the fried shallots and celery.

If you’re expecting a melt-in-your-mouth Cantonese-style congee, you might be slightly disappointed. But by rest stop standards, this bowl of traditional soup rice is full of sincerity and still beats many of the subpar options you find in food courts.

No Way, This Souvenir is Too Good! – ‘Honde’

I originally just wanted to buy a souvenir to check a box, but I almost maxed out my credit card.

Honde’s “Original Secret Sauce Cured Lemon Pastry” is just too unfair! The appearance alone gets an 80/100, it’s so cute! One bite, and the tangy lemon filling explodes in your mouth, complete with the fragrant, slightly bitter zest of the lemon peel. The crust is crumbly, and the layers of texture are incredibly rich.

This is no relative of the pineapple cake; it’s a product from another dimension!

A must-buy at Qingshui Service Area! If you bring this back as a gift, people will definitely praise you for having “good taste”!

【Ajun’s Conclusion】Qingshui Service Area Final Verdict: Is It Worth a Special Trip on the Highway?

(So, my final rating is…)

After this experience, what amazed me the most was its dedication to being “unlike a rest stop.”

From the hardware of its architectural design and landscape maintenance to the software of its brand selection and thoughtful services, you can feel the ambition of the management.

It has long surpassed the role of a simple “stopover” on a journey and has evolved into a “destination” worth planning into your itinerary.

My favorite part is the “Japan Gourmet Paradise” on the third floor.

In a rest stop, where you’re often tired from travel, having such a spacious, comfortable, and exotic dining area with high-quality food is a true luxury.

To be able to leisurely eat an authentic donburi here, watching the traffic flow and the distant city lights, feels like it heals all the fatigue of the journey.

So, back to the original question: Is Qingshui Service Area just a rest stop?

Absolutely not. It’s a multi-functional complex that combines dining, shopping, sightseeing, and leisure.

The next time a friend asks you where to go in Taichung, you could even jokingly reply, “How about the Qingshui Service Area?” Because the level of excitement here is truly on par with any department store or tourist spot in the city.

Qingshui Service Area FAQ

• Q1: What are the must-eats at Qingshui Service Area?
  A: For a full meal, the “Japan Gourmet Paradise” on the third floor is recommended (like Kyoto Donburi or Taishan Ramen). For a unique snack, try “Taike Roast Pork Congee.” For dessert, “Rose Pie” and “Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs” will not disappoint.
• Q2: Can you see the night view at Qingshui Service Area? Where is the best spot?
  A: Absolutely! And it’s a million-dollar view. The best viewing spot is the outdoor observation deck on the third floor. You can also ring the new “Happiness Bell” for extra romance!
• Q3: Is there a fee for parking at Qingshui Service Area? How long can I park?
  A: Parking is free, but there’s a 4-hour limit! You will be fined for exceeding the time, so be sure to keep track.
• Q4: Are pets allowed at Qingshui Service Area?
  A: Yes, very much so! There is a well-equipped outdoor pet park for your furry friends to run around. The service counter also provides pet carriers for rent, allowing small pets to enter the main building without touching the ground. It’s an excellent pet-friendly rest stop.
• Q5: What are the opening hours for Qingshui Service Area?
  A: Most stores in the main building are open until 9 PM or 10 PM, but places like 7-Eleven and McDonald’s are open nearly 24 hours. It’s recommended to check the official website for the specific hours of certain stores before you go.

Qingshui Service Area Information