About 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.
Whether you’re visiting Taiwan for the first time or returning to discover more of its hidden gems, Taichung offers the perfect mix of excitement, beauty, and authenticity.
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
Tips for Visiting 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.
Getting There Is Easy — High-Speed Rail is Your Friend
From Taipei, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) gets you to Taichung in just about 1 hour. It’s comfortable, fast, and scenic. The THSR Taichung Station is located in Wuri District, but local trains or buses will take you into the city center in about 20–30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Book THSR tickets in advance for peak times or weekends.
Stay Near the City Center or Train Station
For convenience, consider staying near Taichung Railway Station or in Xitun District, which is closer to popular spots like Fengjia Night Market and the National Taichung Theater. Taxis and buses are plentiful, and many major attractions are a short ride away.
Explore Taichung’s Art and Creative Spaces
Taichung is known for its embrace of art and design, and that creative energy is on full display throughout the city. Taichung is bursting with creativity. Don’t miss:
Rainbow Village: A former military settlement turned into a vibrant open-air art installation by “Grandpa Rainbow,” a retired soldier-turned-painter. It’s colorful, quirky, and wildly photogenic.
Calligraphy Greenway: A beautifully landscaped corridor filled with boutique shops, street art, coffee houses, and cultural venues linking the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts to Civic Square.
National Taichung Theater: an architectural marvel with art installations and rooftop views. Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, this architectural masterpiece resembles a cavern carved by wind and water. It’s not just for performances—it’s a destination in itself.
Cultural Heritage Park – great for design lovers and boutique cafés
Fantasy Story Green Ray – indie shops, art studios, and galleries
Nature Within Reach and Enjoy the Outdoors
Despite being a bustling city, Taichung is never far from green spaces and natural getaways. Taichung has a more open, spread-out layout than Taipei, which means more parks and green spaces. Take a walk or rent a bike at:
Gaomei Wetlands: Located on the west coast, this ecological area is perfect for sunset strolls. Walk along wooden boardwalks and watch migratory birds against the glow of golden skies. Best Time: Visit Gaomei Wetlands in the late afternoon for breathtaking golden-hour views.
Xinshe Castle & Lavender Farm: A fairytale-like European-style castle set among flower fields, perfect for a romantic half-day trip.
Dakeng Hiking Trails: A popular hiking area just northeast of the city, offering a mix of wooden boardwalks, suspension bridges, and forested paths.
Taichung Park: One of the oldest public parks in Taiwan, featuring a scenic lake, arched bridges, and a historic pavilion.
Maple Garden: a peaceful spot near the HSR station
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.
How to Get to Taichung from Taipei
A Full Travel Guide
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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