Introduction to Taichung
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan and looking to experience a city that blends art, culture, nature, and modern flair, Taichung should be at the top of your list. Often described as the “cultural capital” of Taiwan, Taichung is a city that surprises and delights with its colorful street art, trendy cafés, world-class museums, lush parks, and eclectic night markets.
Strategically located in central Taiwan, Taichung is the island’s third-largest city, and it’s increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for both local and international travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, a coffee lover, a nature explorer, or simply someone seeking the perfect Instagram shot, Taichung has something for you.
Unlike Taipei’s bustling cosmopolitan energy or Kaohsiung’s industrial edge, Taichung strikes a harmonious balance between urban convenience and laid-back charm. With a more temperate climate, fewer crowds, and plenty of wide, walkable boulevards, Taichung invites you to slow down and explore.
What truly sets Taichung apart is its diverse attractions—you can spend your morning walking through a historic Japanese-era village, enjoy a modern art exhibition by noon, have a picnic in a flower-filled park by afternoon, and snack your way through one of Taiwan’s best night markets after sunset.
Taichung may not always make the headlines, but it quietly offers one of the most well-rounded travel experiences in Taiwan. With its artistic spirit, cultural depth, delicious food, and easygoing charm, it’s a city that invites you to explore at your own pace and leaves you wanting more.
Use Taichung as a Base for Day Trips
Because of its central location, Taichung is a great launch point for nearby adventures:
Lishan – for mountains, apples, and cooler weather
Cingjing Farm – think green meadows, sheep, and alpine views
Lukang – a historic town known for old temples and traditional crafts
Sun Moon Lake – just a 1.5-hour drive away, perfect for biking and boat rides
Tip: Join a local tour or hire a car with a driver if you’re short on time.
What to Eat in Taichung
Taichung’s food scene is incredible and slightly different from northern Taiwan. Try:
Miyahara: A restored Japanese-era eye hospital turned into a whimsical ice cream parlor and dessert emporium. Think “Harry Potter meets dessert heaven.”
Sun cakes (taiyang bing) – sweet flaky pastries famous in Taichung
Braised pork rice (lu rou fan) – richer in flavor here than in Taipei
Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang – sausage wrapped in sticky rice, found at night markets
Visit the Birthplace of Bubble Tea
Did you know that bubble tea (boba) was born in Taichung? Head to Chun Shui Tang, the teahouse where the first pearl milk tea was invented. It’s not just a drink — it’s a must-do cultural experience. That’s right—the now world-famous drink was first served at Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, which you can still visit today. Order an original pearl milk tea and watch the staff hand-shake each drink the traditional way.
Night Markets & Food Scene
If you love street food, Taichung is your paradise.
Feng Chia Night Market: Arguably the largest and most famous in Taiwan, this sprawling market offers endless stalls selling grilled meats, cheesy snacks, giant fried chicken, sweet potato balls, and more. It is one of the largest in Taiwan and a foodie’s paradise
From: TRA(Taichung Station) → bus 35. Get off at Feng Chia University Station(Google Coordinates: 24°10’45.6″N 120°38’42.4″E)
Yizhong Street Night Market: Popular among students, offering more budget-friendly options and quirky shops.
Apart from night markets, Taichung has a thriving café culture and brunch scene. Trendy cafés often double as art spaces, with photogenic interiors and locally roasted coffee. The creative parks, like CMP Block, are ideal for casual browsing and dining.
From: TRA(Taichung Station) → walk 1300 meters
Things to Do in Taichung
Located in central Taiwan, Taichung is a city that blends art, culture, and culinary charm in a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere. Known for its creative districts, beautiful parks, and iconic bubble tea origins, Taichung offers a different pace compared to Taipei — one that invites you to slow down and explore.
If you’re planning a visit, here are some essential tips to make the most of your time in Taichung.
Outside the City Center
Gaomei Wetlands
Gaomei Wetlands (高美濕地), located just west of Taichung City, is renowned for its expansive tidal flats and iconic sunset views. Elevated boardwalks stretch over the wetland, allowing visitors to walk safely among flocks of migratory birds and photo-worthy wind turbines. The wetland comes alive with wildlife—especially during high tide when waders feed and shorebirds gather.
Every evening, crowds gather to watch the fiery orange sun dip behind the silhouette of windmills. It’s a photographers’ paradise and a calming escape from the city bustle. Nearby seafood vendors offer grilled oysters and clam soup as night falls, rounding out the sensory experience of sea breeze, sky, and fresh flavors.
Key Points:
Sunset-lit tidal flats with wind turbine silhouettes
Rich birdwatching habitat and migratory species
Elevated boardwalks for scenic walking and photography
Dakeng Hiking Trails
Nestled in the hills east of Taichung, the Dakeng Hiking Trails (大坑步道) system consists of nine interlinked paths offering panoramic views of the city and lush, subtropical forest. Ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs, the trails pass through bamboo groves, mossy rocks, and small waterfalls—ideal for nature lovers and fitness-minded visitors.
Trail markers guide hikers along bridges and shaded platforms, making it accessible to families or early-risers. Come spring—or autumn—look for cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage. The fresh air, changing leaves, and city views make Dakeng a popular urban escape.
Key Points:
Nine interconnected forest trails of varying difficulty
Scenic city and mountain vistas over wooded slopes
Seasonal blooms in spring and autumn foliage
Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村) is a small military veteran community transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery by former resident Mr. Huang, who began painting houses in cheerful colors. The whimsical murals feature dogs, fish, and cartoon figures, turning once-empty barracks into popular Instagrammable art.
The result is a burst of color in a quiet neighborhood, now protected from demolition thanks to public support. A visit here feels like wandering through a folk art dream—complete with storytelling murals, vibrant hues, and a fun cultural counterpoint to Taichung’s modern side.
Key Points:
Whimsical veteran-painted murals in a small community
Instagram-friendly alleyways and vibrant public art
Cultural preservation sparked by one man’s artistic vision
Lavender Cottage
Lavender Cottage (薰衣草森林) is a serene countryside retreat with garden paths scented by lavender and other floral blooms. The site features cozy cottages, craft workshops, and tea houses offering lavender-infused drinks, desserts, and light meals—ideal for leisurely afternoon escapes.
Surrounded by rolling hills and forest, the cottage area changes with the seasons: spring’s flowers, autumn’s golden fields, and winter’s cool air invite year-round visits. It’s a peaceful, romantic atmosphere well-suited to couples, families, and anyone craving a fragrant break from urban life.
Key Points:
Garden café experience with lavender-infused cuisine
Scenic floral displays across seasons
Crafts, workshops, and romantic rustic ambiance
Close to Taichung Center
National Taichung Theater
Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the National Taichung Theater (臺中國家歌劇院 is an architectural marvel inside and out. Its organic, cave-like interior features sweeping curved walls and large central atrium, making it a visual highlight even without a performance. The space hosts opera, dance, theater, and classical music events.
The theater invites exploration through its rooftop terraces and public walkways, which offer views of the city skyline and creative plaza below. It’s a modern landmark where arts, architecture, and community converge—ideal for tourists and locals with a taste for design.
Key Points:
Stunning, cave-inspired architecture by Toyo Ito
Home to diverse performing arts and cultural programming
Public plazas and rooftop spaces with city views
Maple Garden
Maple Garden (秋紅谷公園) is a tranquil Taichung neighborhood featuring tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and fall foliage displays. Once a reserved court officer village, the area has been gracefully preserved, with walking paths that wind through green maple groves and period architecture.
Autumn turns the maples into fiery reds and oranges, creating a cozy, nostalgic ambiance. Cafés and small galleries tucked into restored homes invite slow-paced exploration and a taste of local art and life. It’s a quiet counterpoint to Taichung’s busier districts.
Key Points:
Historic neighborhood with preserved autumn foliage
Vintage architecture and café-lined walking paths
Peaceful retreat ideal for cultural ambiance
Taichung Park
Taichung Park (台中公園), over a century old, is the heart of the city’s green space—boasting tranquil lake pavilions, arched bridges, and tree-filled walkways. A scenic lake drives visitors to rent paddleboats or relax by its shores under the shade of century-old banyan trees.
Festivals, performances, and tai chi sessions animate it throughout the week, offering glimpses into spontaneous local life. The surrounding park area includes heritage pavilions, playgrounds, and cultural art installations, making it an accessible and beloved urban oasis.
Key Points:
Historic lake park with arched bridges and boat rentals
Central venue for concerts, tai chi, and cultural events
Shaded greenery and century-old tree canopy
Calligraphy Greenway
Calligraphy Greenway (草悟道) is a tree-lined pedestrian corridor connecting Taichung Park to the National Museum of Fine Arts. Lined with boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and street sculptures, it blends urban design, nature, and art installations for an accessible cultural promenade.
Weekend markets and public performances enliven the pathway, while its clean, landscaped design invites slow strolls. It’s a hotspot among creatives—a hub for coffee, design, and casual art lovers in the heart of the city.
Key Points:
Pedestrian art corridor with sculpture and cafés
Shops, galleries, and weekend creative markets
Unique pedestrian greenway in central Taichung
Taichung Cultural Heritage Park
Housed in a repurposed winery factory, Taichung Cultural Heritage Park (台中文化創意產業園區) is a bustling arts and cultural precinct with museums, performance spaces, and craft studios. Industrial red-brick buildings house temporary exhibitions, theater productions, and design markets, attracting creatives and cultural tourists.
The park blends Taichung’s industrial past with a forward-looking cultural mission—hosting artist residencies, café stalls, and street performances. Visitors can wander through outdoor piazzas, discover rotating exhibitions, and relax with a drink in an artsy setting.
Key Points:
Adaptive reuse of winery buildings into art spaces
Exhibitions, craft markets, and performance venues
Fusion of industrial heritage with urban creativity
How to Get to Taichung from Taipei
Taichung is one of Taiwan’s most vibrant and livable cities—known for its mild climate, artistic culture, night markets, and proximity to scenic areas like Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing Farm. If you’re staying in Taipei and looking to experience central Taiwan, Taichung is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
This post covers all the ways to get from Taipei to Taichung, with time estimates, costs, and tips to help you choose the best option.
Option 1: High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fastest and Most Popular
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Taichung from Taipei.
From: Taipei HSR Station (next to Taipei Main Station)
To: Taichung HSR Station (Wuri District)
Duration: ~1 hour
Cost: NT$700–765 (Standard class)
Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes
Train Type: Non-reserved or reserved seating
Pros:
Very fast and reliable
Clean and comfortable
Great for business travel or short trips
Transfers:
Taichung HSR Station is in Wuri District, about 15–20 minutes from the city center by:
Local train (TRA)
MRT Green Line
Taxi or Uber (NT$200–300)
Tip: You can reserve seats in advance or buy non-reserved tickets and hop on any train. Use the Taiwan High-Speed Rail website or Klook for discounts.
Option 2: Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Budget-Friendly and Scenic
The Taiwan Railways (TRA) system is slower than HSR but more scenic and stops at central Taichung Station, making it great for backpackers and budget travelers.
From: Taipei Main Station (TRA)
To: Taichung Station (TRA – Central City)
Duration:
Express (Chu-Kuang): ~2.5 hours
Local Train: ~3–3.5 hours
Cost: NT$241–375 (depending on train type)
Pros:
Stops directly in central Taichung (no transfer needed)
More affordable
Great views of the countryside
Tip: Buy tickets in advance for express trains or use your EasyCard for local trains. Download the TRA app to check schedules.
Option 3: Intercity Bus – Cheapest & Direct to Downtown
Several long-distance bus companies operate routes between Taipei and Taichung, with buses running 24/7 from major terminals.
From: Taipei Bus Stations (e.g., Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall)
To: Taichung Bus Station (near Taichung Train Station or Chaoma)
Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours (longer during traffic)
Cost: NT$230–300
Bus Companies: UBus (統聯), Kuo-Kuang (國光), Ho-Hsin (和欣), Aloha
Pros:
Cheapest option
Comfortable reclining seats
Luggage storage under the bus
Frequent departures, even at night
Tip: Choose a night bus if you want to travel while sleeping and wake up in Taichung.
Option 4: Driving or Taxi – Private and Flexible
If you prefer traveling at your own pace or plan to visit places along the way (like Miaoli, Sanyi, or Houli), renting a car can be a good option.
Distance: ~170 km (via National Freeway No. 1 or 3)
Driving Time: ~2.5 hours (more during weekends)
Cost: Rental car: ~NT$1800+ per day
Taxi: NT$3500–5000 one-way
Pros:
Flexible stops
Great for group travel or families
Good if visiting nearby attractions outside Taichung city
Tip: Use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates, and consider carpooling apps or hiring a driver on platforms like Klook.
Option 5: Flying – Not Recommended
While Taichung has an airport (RMQ), flights from Taipei are rare and inefficient due to the short distance. Travel time is longer when considering airport check-ins, and flights are often more expensive than HSR.
Final Tips Before You Go
Book in advance during holidays and weekends—especially HSR and buses.
Use the EasyCard for convenience on trains and local transport.
Taichung attractions like Rainbow Village, National Taichung Theater, and Fengjia Night Market are best accessed via local buses, taxis, or scooter rentals once you arrive.
Download the Taiwan Railway, Taiwan HSR, and Bus+ apps to check real-time schedules.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Day 1:
Start at Miyahara for brunch and dessert
Stroll through Calligraphy Greenway
Visit the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
Enjoy a sunset at Gaomei Wetlands
Feast at Fengjia Night Market
Day 2:
Hike in the Dakeng Trails or explore Xinshe Castle
Sip bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang
Explore Rainbow Village
Watch a performance or explore architecture at the Taichung National Theater
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