TAIPEI (TVBS News) — With the Lunar New Year's holiday underway, many in Taiwan are driving across the island to visit loved ones. As these long drives become part of the holiday plans, Taiwan's highway service areas have become more than just rest stops, evolving into vibrant destinations with unique themes and offerings. Check out the country's top 10 highway service areas, according to Internet chatter analyzed by KEYPO.
Nantou Service Area (南投服務區) | The Nantou Service Area, managed by the Taiwanese food service company and retailer Hsin Tung Yang (新東陽), topped the online popularity rankings in 2025. It boasts diverse dining options and charity booths, earning an excellent public toilet award for its facilities.
Qingshui Service Area (清水服務區) | The Qingshui Service Area in Taichung reopened in December 2024 after renovations by Taiwanese food group Uni-President (統一集團), winning the 23rd Golden Thumb Awards (金擘獎). It features an array of culinary choices and exclusive discounts for truck drivers, enhancing its appeal to travelers.
Zhongli Service Area (中壢服務區) | The Zhongli Service Area in Taoyuan embraces a theme around healthy living and leisure sports. It houses a 24-hour bus transfer station and a spinning area, while offering local specialties from Taoyuan.
Xiluo Service Area (西螺服務區) | The Xiluo Service Area in Yunlin, operational for nearly 50 years, showcases Yunlin's local agricultural products and the "Xiluo bento". It also hosts the "Mazu Parade on the Highway" event, celebrating the deity's blessing.
Dongshan Service Area (東山服務區) | The Dongshan Service Area in Tainan features a Boeing 747 motif and offers diverse dining and recreational facilities, making it a favorite among netizens for its unique design.
Hukou Service Area (湖口服務區) | The Hukou Service Area in Hsinchu, with its Sanrio theme, attracts visitors with its dining options and Sanrio specialty store, making it a hotspot for selfies.
Gukeng Service Area (古坑服務區) | The Gukeng Service Area in Yunlin presents a floral theme, offering diverse dining options and outdoor landscaping. This has made it a must-photograph spot for travelers.
Xihu Service Area (西湖服務區) | The Xihu Service Area in Miaoli centers on the "Satoyama Forest Magic Village" theme, providing a variety of culinary choices and Miaoli's local gifts, earning praise from netizens.
Xinying Service Area (新營服務區) | The Xinying Service Area in Tainan offers diverse dining options. Renovations started in Aug. 2025 and are set for completion by the end of 2030.
These service areas, with their distinctive themes and offerings, continue to redefine the travel experience in Taiwan. As renovations and new attractions emerge, travelers can anticipate even more unique experiences on their journeys.
