Guanxi and Tai'an Defeated! Taiwan's Most Powerful Highway Service Area 'Earns NT$1 Billion a Year': Beautiful Scenery, Abundant Souvenirs, Spacious Facilities

Taiwan's highway service areas have undergone a comprehensive upgrade, evolving from simple rest stops for drivers to use the restroom into 'micro-tourism attractions' that gather local delicacies and specialty souvenirs! According to statistics from the Freeway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the total revenue of all 15 highway service areas in Taiwan in fiscal year 2025 historically broke through the NT$6.15 billion mark, a significant increase of 14.5% compared to the previous year. Through facility optimization, public toilet renovations, and holiday transportation services, the Bureau successfully boosted consumer willingness among road users, creating an astonishing highway 'stay economy'.

Highway Service Area Revenue TOP10! Qingshui, Guanxi, and Xiluo Dominate the Rankings List of the top 10 annual revenue rankings and operating companies for all highway service areas in Taiwan in fiscal year 2025 Rank Service Area Name Highway Route Operating Company Annual Revenue (NT$100 million) 1 Qingshui Service Area National Highway 3 President Chain Store Corporation 10.15 2 Guanxi Service Area National Highway 3 Hsin Tung Yang 6.19 3 Xiluo Service Area National Highway 1 Hsin Tung Yang 6.19 4 Tai'an Service Area National Highway 1 President Chain Store Corporation 5.75 5 Dongshan Service Area National Highway 3 President Chain Store Corporation 4.78 6 Xihu Service Area National Highway 3 Hsin Tung Yang 4.27 7 Gukeng Service Area National Highway 3 Nan Ren Hu Recreation 3.93 8 Nantou Service Area National Highway 3 Hsin Tung Yang 3.76 9 Hukou Service Area National Highway 1 Nan Ren Hu Recreation 3.71 10 Xinying Service Area National Highway 1 FamilyMart 3.66 Source: Freeway Bureau, MOTC

Increased Average Spending and Environmental Transformation! The Bureau Creates Friendly Rest and Charging Hubs In addition to record total revenue, the average spending per customer at highway service areas also significantly increased to NT$169. Among them, the Su'ao Service Area, which offers one-stop shopping for eastern Taiwan specialties, topped the list with an average spending of NT$208, followed by Nantou Service Area (NT$195) and Dongshan Service Area (NT$194) in second and third place, respectively.

The Bureau pointed out that the revenue growth reflects the effectiveness of hardware improvements and service quality enhancements. All public toilets in service areas across Taiwan have received a 'superior' rating. In response to the trend of electric vehicle adoption, over 150 fast-charging parking spaces have been actively deployed, successfully converting drivers' charging waiting time into consumption momentum. In the future, the Bureau will continue to balance public rest services with commercial operations, providing road users with a higher quality and more secure travel replenishment experience.

Annual Revenue TOP1, Qingshui Service Area Located on National Highway 3 in the Taichung section and operated by President Chain Store Corporation, Qingshui Service Area has long been the revenue champion among all highway service areas in Taiwan. The entire area is designed with the imagery of the Dajia River and Taichung Port, offering a wide variety of local specialties and dining options. It also features a large aquarium and an observation deck with a distant view of the coastal night scenery, making it a popular highway landmark that combines replenishment, leisure, and sightseeing.

Many netizens rave, 'The food choices are so diverse it feels like visiting a small department store food court, and the environment is well-maintained.' 'After the renovation, the overall design quality has improved tremendously. The sales floor is spacious and bright, and there are plenty of clean toilets. Highly recommended.' 'The souvenir section at Qingshui is very comprehensive. You can buy Taichung's famous products without having to exit the highway and go into the city, which is super convenient for long-distance drivers.' 'Whenever I travel north-south on Highway 3, Qingshui is definitely my first choice for a rest stop. Plenty of parking, large dining area, and even fast charging for EVs is smooth.' 'I have to say the traffic flow and signage at Qingshui are excellent. Even when it's packed, the lines for food or the restroom aren't too long.' 'The dining brands inside are quite impressive. Unlike some rest stops that only have basic bento boxes, Qingshui has a rich selection of famous local shops and chain brands.' 'The leisure functions are fully loaded. Besides resting, you can also shop, watch fish, and enjoy the night view. They are truly operating the rest stop as a micro-attraction.'

Qingshui Service Area. (Photo/Qingshui Service Area)

Annual Revenue TOP2, Guanxi Service Area Located on National Highway 3 in the Hsinchu section and operated by Hsin Tung Yang, Guanxi Service Area consistently ranks among the top three in revenue nationwide. The area integrates Hakka cultural characteristics, focusing on Hakka cuisine, local agricultural products, and souvenirs like Hakka orange sauce. The park is lush with greenery and features an outdoor rest area, providing a comfortable and clean environment. It is a distinctive and popular replenishment stop for north-south travel and trips to the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli region.

Visitors praise, 'The bento boxes at Guanxi Service Area are really great. The Hakka salted pork and bento are cheap and generous. I always buy them when passing by.' 'The environment at Guanxi Service Area is very clean. There's an outdoor park with green space where you can let your dog run around, which is very pet-friendly.' 'Guanxi rest stop has great lighting, and the space doesn't feel oppressive. There are plenty of toilets and they are very clean.' 'The souvenir section is super complete. You can buy all of Hsinchu's famous products and Hakka specialties in one stop, avoiding city traffic.' 'The traffic flow planning at Guanxi Service Area is good. There are plenty of parking spaces, and even during holidays, traffic is heavy but entry and exit are smooth.' 'The service staff are all very friendly. The hot Hakka mochi and bento boxes are must-eats every time I pass by.'

Guanxi Service Area. (Photo/Taken from Guanxi Service Area)

Annual Revenue TOP3, Xiluo Service Area Located on National Highway 1 in the Yunlin section and operated by Hsin Tung Yang, Xiluo Service Area is an important hub for north-south traffic, with revenue ranking among the top three nationwide. The entire area integrates Yunlin's local agricultural characteristics, focusing on soy sauce specialties, Xiluo watermelon, and rich central and southern traditional cuisine. It features north and south stations with ample parking and public toilets, making it the preferred rest stop for travelers heading north and south for replenishment and souvenir shopping.

Netizens have expressed, 'The souvenir section has a huge selection, especially the local soy sauce products and mochi from Xiluo. It's very convenient to buy everything in one stop without having to exit the highway.' 'I always stop at Xiluo when driving long distances on Highway 1. The bento boxes are cheap and generous, with plenty of side dishes and main courses. The value for money is really high.' 'The convenience stores and chain restaurants inside are very complete, and the charging stations are easy to use. It's perfect for long-distance EV drivers to charge and eat at the same time.' 'The Chuikun and local specialty counters at Xiluo are super fun to browse. I just wanted to use the restroom but ended up walking out with a bag of snacks.' 'Driving south, arriving in Yunlin is just about the midpoint. Xiluo rest stop has plenty of parking, and the traffic flow is well-planned, making replenishment very convenient.' 'After the renovation, the food court is clean and bright, with a diverse range of dining options. The toilets are plentiful, well-ventilated, and clean.'

Xiluo Service Area. (Photo/Taken from Xiluo Service Area)