Top 10 Things to Do in Taichung
Posted Date : 2023-07-25 62k
1. Explore old town Taichung
Old Town Taichung refers to the area around the old Taichung railway station. The area features an abundance of Baroque architectures, Japanese-style dormitories and old structures indicative of a past era of wealth and prosperity. Today, the area tells of its history through a new narrative embodied in the creative shops and hotels now neighboring the historic buildings.
■Miyahara
Features: Dessert, ice cream, sundae and cheesecake; well-preserved original title and exterior appearance of the ophthalmology clinic, interior décor resembling a Harry Potter movie set, exquisite soft serve.
■Fourth Credit Union
Feng Ren Ice, a local dessert of Taichung, sundae, well-preserved structure of the original bank, door decoration using the gate of the treasury.
■Zhongshan Green Bridge (Known as Shin Sheng Bridge during the Japanese Colonial Period)
Features: Century-old historic architecture built in Meiji Period to commemorate the launch of the north-south railway lines; iron cast railings and sculptures of lily of the valley.
(Source: Cultural Heritage Department of Taichung City)
■Old Taichung Railway Station
Century-old historic monument built in Meiji Period; Baroque architecture and gable design; a top-rated railway station among railfans.
Link: Miyahara, Fourth Credit Union, Old Taichung Railway Station
Recommended itinerary: 👉Explore Old Town Taichung
2. Visit distinctive architectures designed by world-renowned architects
Distinctive architectures in Taichung include the internationally renowned landmark- National Taichung Theater, the classic artistic architecture- Luce Memorial Chapel, and the modernism Asia University Museum of Modern Art. Visit to learn about the world's top architects' aesthetic embodied in these remarkable architectures in Taichung.
■National Taichung Theater
To-do list: Enjoy an opera performance and check out the unique floral shops and select shops in the theater.
Features: It is designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito; it is said to be the world's most difficult construction project; beamless structure featuring curved walls; green architecture.
■Luce Memorial Chapel of Tunghai University
To-do list: Enjoy a milk popsicle produced at Tunghai Farm
Features: It is designed by the renowned Chinese American architect, I.M. Pei; the structure consisting of four curved walls; the unique beauty of the triangular exterior appearance; beamless structural design.
■Asia University Museum of Modern Art
To-do list: Visit Tadao Ando's architecture exhibition (on display until the end of 2020)
Features: The world's first campus museum designed by Tadao Ando; equilateral triangle as basic architectural element; large areas of curtain walls and concrete structures.
Link: National Taichung Theater, Luce Memorial Chapel of Tunghai University, Asia University Museum of Modern Art
Recommended itinerary: 👉Intellectual Travel for Lovers for Art and Culture
3. Explore military dependents' villages – cultural and creative village and marketplace
A large number of military dependents' villages and dormitory complexes that remain tell of a past many reminisce about. People start dedicating to the restoration and repurposing of these old houses in order to preserve such unique history indicative of a past era in Taiwan. Today, the culture and creative industry in Taichung thrives in these revitalized villages.
■Rainbow Village
To-do list: Enjoy some special-flavor tea eggs, and shop for some cultural and creative products
Features: The only rainbow village in Taiwan created by Grandpa Rainbow; an internationally popular photo spot
■Shenji New Village
To-do list: Enjoy some coffee or tea at the fountain pen store, try some Taiwanese almond tea, and visit the stationary store and select shops.
Features: It used to be the dormitory of government auditing staff; There are weekend. marketplaces at the neighboring Park Lane by CMP and Calligraphy Greenway; pop-up street performances.
■Guangfu New Village
To-do list: Taste some special-flavor noodles, enjoy an afternoon in a café, check out the record shop and handmade commodity store.
Features: It was once an old community now renovated and repurposed; well-preserved ambiance of the former military dependents' village; interesting-looking chairs; the movie set of Taiwanese movie and drama.
Link: Rainbow Village, Shenji New Village, Guangfu New Village
Recommended itinerary: 👉Intellectual Travel for Lovers for Art and Culture
4.Watch the sunset of a lifetime at Gaomei Wetland
Known for gorgeous sunset scenery, Gaomei Wetland also boasts a rich intertidal ecosystem. The breathtaking reflection of the sky against the water turns the wetland into a heavenly attraction receiving an incredibly large number of visitors.
Reminder: Sun protection is essential during summer; Visitors are also advised to bring alight jacket to stay warm by the windy coast
Link: Gaomei Wetland
Recommended itinerary: 👉One-day trip to the coast
5.Devour local delicacies
The easiest way to get to know a city fast is through tasting local delicacies found in traditional Taiwanese markets and night markets where the local dining culture tells about the tastes of Taichung.
■Second Market
Gourmet's favorite: White jute soup, noodle Potage, braised pork with rice, radish cake, glutinous rice sausage, Like Tea & Juice Station, sesame noodles
Features: Century-old market; delicious traditional tastes passed down for decades; hexagon architecture built in the Japanese Colonial Period
■Feng Chia Night Market
Must-try delicacies: Fried-noodle sandwich, mashed potatoes, soft-shell shrimps, Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice, Chinese omelet
Features: Latest food trending on social media; unique night market and shopping district culture; renowned night market in Taichung
■Sixth Market
Must-try delicacies and dessert: Lard rice, handmade tofu and tofu dishes, stuffed buns, soy shaved ice
Features: Visitors can purchase food ingredients and ask the store to cook up a dish; It is the first traditional Taiwanese market located in a department store (Park Lane by Splendor); a hipster-style marketplace
Link: Second Market, Feng Chia Night Market
Recommended itinerary: 👉Must-Eat Food in Taichung
6.Forest bathing in Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area
Once a tree farm, Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area is rich in phytoncide and giant trees home to insects and chiming birds including the white-whiskered laughingthrush.
To-do list: Hike the Wooden Horse Trail or Forest Bathing Trail, observe sacred trees, birdwatching
Reminder: Sportswear and bug sprays are suggested.
Link: Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area
7.Stroll along the waterfront at Liuchuan Canal and Green Waterway
The curvy waterfront pathways along Liuchuan Canal and Green Waterway have recently become top-rated check-in spots on social media. Ecologically restored, both rivers now feature great waterfront scenery adorned with romantic light installations.
Link: Taichung Liuchuan Canal Waterfront
8.Cycle along Hou Fong Bike Path
Considered an iconic cycling greenway in Taichung, Hou Fong Bike Path is on the must-visit list of locals and visitors alike. Cycling along the bike path that was once a mountain line railway is a real enjoyment. If you can’t get enough of the fun of cycling, you can follow the path further down to Dong Fong Bike Path and cycle more.
Features: Visit Hualiang Steel Bridge, Tunnel No.9, and Taichung Flora Exposition Houli Ranch and Forest Expo Site (open until April 24, 2019)
Reminder: To more easily ride through the ups and downs of the bike path, visitors can rent electric bikes.
Link: Hou-Fong Bike Path
Recommended itinerary: 👉The Best Cycling Trip for Backpackers
9.Conquer the mountain trails of Dakeng Scenic Area
Dakeng is the weekend getaway for residents in Taichung. There are 12 mountain trails that vary in the level of physical strength required. Hikers can choose a route that best fits their personal condition.
For challenge seekers
Dakeng Trail No.1 to 5, No.5-1 and No.10 are recommended for challenge seekers. These trails involve steep slopes and drastic elevation differences. Hikers can get a nice overlook of Taichung City on the mountain ridge. However, these trails are not for hikers of less physical strength.
For leisure hikes
Dakeng Trail No.6 to No.9 and No.9-1 are moderate trails suitable for all types of hikers. These are especially recommended for family outings.
Link: Dakeng Scenic Area
Recommended itinerary: 👉Two-Day hot spring trip to Guguan and Dakeng
10.Visit gorgeous bookstores for some reading and shopping
A book lover and stationary fan must not miss out on the gorgeous bookstores in Taichung!
■TSUTAYA Bookstore
Rated among the world's top twenty most beautiful bookstores, TSUTAYA Bookstore incorporates the charm of books, coffee and cuisines. It also sells a variety of Japanese stationaries, daily commodities, sake, Japanese and Chinese magazines, etc. The magnificent book wall next to the staircase between the second and the third floor is especially worth noticing!
■Park Lane by CMP
Park Lane by CMP consisting of Eslite Bookstore and the greenway aside is an art venue that features distinctive exhibitions and art installations. The large vertical garden inside creates a relaxing ambience for city dwellers to take a break amidst the city hustle and bustle.
Old Town Taichung refers to the area around the old Taichung railway station. The area features an abundance of Baroque architectures, Japanese-style dormitories and old structures indicative of a past era of wealth and prosperity. Today, the area tells of its history through a new narrative embodied in the creative shops and hotels now neighboring the historic buildings.
■Miyahara
Features: Dessert, ice cream, sundae and cheesecake; well-preserved original title and exterior appearance of the ophthalmology clinic, interior décor resembling a Harry Potter movie set, exquisite soft serve.
■Fourth Credit Union
Feng Ren Ice, a local dessert of Taichung, sundae, well-preserved structure of the original bank, door decoration using the gate of the treasury.
■Zhongshan Green Bridge (Known as Shin Sheng Bridge during the Japanese Colonial Period)
Features: Century-old historic architecture built in Meiji Period to commemorate the launch of the north-south railway lines; iron cast railings and sculptures of lily of the valley.
(Source: Cultural Heritage Department of Taichung City)■Old Taichung Railway Station
Century-old historic monument built in Meiji Period; Baroque architecture and gable design; a top-rated railway station among railfans.
Link: Miyahara, Fourth Credit Union, Old Taichung Railway Station
Recommended itinerary: 👉Explore Old Town Taichung
2. Visit distinctive architectures designed by world-renowned architects
Distinctive architectures in Taichung include the internationally renowned landmark- National Taichung Theater, the classic artistic architecture- Luce Memorial Chapel, and the modernism Asia University Museum of Modern Art. Visit to learn about the world's top architects' aesthetic embodied in these remarkable architectures in Taichung.
■National Taichung Theater
To-do list: Enjoy an opera performance and check out the unique floral shops and select shops in the theater.
Features: It is designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito; it is said to be the world's most difficult construction project; beamless structure featuring curved walls; green architecture.
■Luce Memorial Chapel of Tunghai University
To-do list: Enjoy a milk popsicle produced at Tunghai Farm
Features: It is designed by the renowned Chinese American architect, I.M. Pei; the structure consisting of four curved walls; the unique beauty of the triangular exterior appearance; beamless structural design.
■Asia University Museum of Modern Art
To-do list: Visit Tadao Ando's architecture exhibition (on display until the end of 2020)
Features: The world's first campus museum designed by Tadao Ando; equilateral triangle as basic architectural element; large areas of curtain walls and concrete structures.
Link: National Taichung Theater, Luce Memorial Chapel of Tunghai University, Asia University Museum of Modern Art
Recommended itinerary: 👉Intellectual Travel for Lovers for Art and Culture
3. Explore military dependents' villages – cultural and creative village and marketplace
A large number of military dependents' villages and dormitory complexes that remain tell of a past many reminisce about. People start dedicating to the restoration and repurposing of these old houses in order to preserve such unique history indicative of a past era in Taiwan. Today, the culture and creative industry in Taichung thrives in these revitalized villages.
■Rainbow Village
To-do list: Enjoy some special-flavor tea eggs, and shop for some cultural and creative products
Features: The only rainbow village in Taiwan created by Grandpa Rainbow; an internationally popular photo spot
■Shenji New Village
To-do list: Enjoy some coffee or tea at the fountain pen store, try some Taiwanese almond tea, and visit the stationary store and select shops.
Features: It used to be the dormitory of government auditing staff; There are weekend. marketplaces at the neighboring Park Lane by CMP and Calligraphy Greenway; pop-up street performances.
■Guangfu New Village
To-do list: Taste some special-flavor noodles, enjoy an afternoon in a café, check out the record shop and handmade commodity store.
Features: It was once an old community now renovated and repurposed; well-preserved ambiance of the former military dependents' village; interesting-looking chairs; the movie set of Taiwanese movie and drama.
Link: Rainbow Village, Shenji New Village, Guangfu New Village
Recommended itinerary: 👉Intellectual Travel for Lovers for Art and Culture
4.Watch the sunset of a lifetime at Gaomei Wetland
Known for gorgeous sunset scenery, Gaomei Wetland also boasts a rich intertidal ecosystem. The breathtaking reflection of the sky against the water turns the wetland into a heavenly attraction receiving an incredibly large number of visitors.
Reminder: Sun protection is essential during summer; Visitors are also advised to bring alight jacket to stay warm by the windy coast
Link: Gaomei Wetland
Recommended itinerary: 👉One-day trip to the coast
5.Devour local delicacies
The easiest way to get to know a city fast is through tasting local delicacies found in traditional Taiwanese markets and night markets where the local dining culture tells about the tastes of Taichung.
■Second Market
Gourmet's favorite: White jute soup, noodle Potage, braised pork with rice, radish cake, glutinous rice sausage, Like Tea & Juice Station, sesame noodles
Features: Century-old market; delicious traditional tastes passed down for decades; hexagon architecture built in the Japanese Colonial Period
■Feng Chia Night Market
Must-try delicacies: Fried-noodle sandwich, mashed potatoes, soft-shell shrimps, Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice, Chinese omelet
Features: Latest food trending on social media; unique night market and shopping district culture; renowned night market in Taichung
■Sixth Market
Must-try delicacies and dessert: Lard rice, handmade tofu and tofu dishes, stuffed buns, soy shaved ice
Features: Visitors can purchase food ingredients and ask the store to cook up a dish; It is the first traditional Taiwanese market located in a department store (Park Lane by Splendor); a hipster-style marketplace
Link: Second Market, Feng Chia Night Market
Recommended itinerary: 👉Must-Eat Food in Taichung
6.Forest bathing in Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area
Once a tree farm, Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area is rich in phytoncide and giant trees home to insects and chiming birds including the white-whiskered laughingthrush.
To-do list: Hike the Wooden Horse Trail or Forest Bathing Trail, observe sacred trees, birdwatching
Reminder: Sportswear and bug sprays are suggested.
Link: Hsuehshan Forest Recreation Area
7.Stroll along the waterfront at Liuchuan Canal and Green Waterway
The curvy waterfront pathways along Liuchuan Canal and Green Waterway have recently become top-rated check-in spots on social media. Ecologically restored, both rivers now feature great waterfront scenery adorned with romantic light installations.
Link: Taichung Liuchuan Canal Waterfront
8.Cycle along Hou Fong Bike Path
Considered an iconic cycling greenway in Taichung, Hou Fong Bike Path is on the must-visit list of locals and visitors alike. Cycling along the bike path that was once a mountain line railway is a real enjoyment. If you can’t get enough of the fun of cycling, you can follow the path further down to Dong Fong Bike Path and cycle more.
Features: Visit Hualiang Steel Bridge, Tunnel No.9, and Taichung Flora Exposition Houli Ranch and Forest Expo Site (open until April 24, 2019)
Reminder: To more easily ride through the ups and downs of the bike path, visitors can rent electric bikes.
Link: Hou-Fong Bike Path
Recommended itinerary: 👉The Best Cycling Trip for Backpackers
9.Conquer the mountain trails of Dakeng Scenic Area
Dakeng is the weekend getaway for residents in Taichung. There are 12 mountain trails that vary in the level of physical strength required. Hikers can choose a route that best fits their personal condition.
For challenge seekers
Dakeng Trail No.1 to 5, No.5-1 and No.10 are recommended for challenge seekers. These trails involve steep slopes and drastic elevation differences. Hikers can get a nice overlook of Taichung City on the mountain ridge. However, these trails are not for hikers of less physical strength.
For leisure hikes
Dakeng Trail No.6 to No.9 and No.9-1 are moderate trails suitable for all types of hikers. These are especially recommended for family outings.
Link: Dakeng Scenic Area
Recommended itinerary: 👉Two-Day hot spring trip to Guguan and Dakeng
10.Visit gorgeous bookstores for some reading and shopping
A book lover and stationary fan must not miss out on the gorgeous bookstores in Taichung!
■TSUTAYA Bookstore
Rated among the world's top twenty most beautiful bookstores, TSUTAYA Bookstore incorporates the charm of books, coffee and cuisines. It also sells a variety of Japanese stationaries, daily commodities, sake, Japanese and Chinese magazines, etc. The magnificent book wall next to the staircase between the second and the third floor is especially worth noticing!
■Park Lane by CMP
Park Lane by CMP consisting of Eslite Bookstore and the greenway aside is an art venue that features distinctive exhibitions and art installations. The large vertical garden inside creates a relaxing ambience for city dwellers to take a break amidst the city hustle and bustle.
