Tucked away in West Taiwan, Taichung City is full of surprises. Locals love it for its fabulous weather, with Taichung receiving far less rain than neighbouring Taipei. It serves up a great collection of museums, as well as a range of bustling night markets and an inspiring food scene. Beyond its urban attractions, Taichung acts as the gateway to Taiwan’s mountainous interior, a stopping off point for those en route to Sun Moon Lake.
Things to Do
Taichung City is home to a syndicate of museums, including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Asia Museum of Modern Art and National Museum of Natural Science. You can also explore quirky finds like the Balloon Museum, Saxophone Museum, Literature Museum and 921 Earthquake Museum.
Looking for a bargain? Don’t miss the bustling Fengjia Night Market. From authentic street eats and fresh produce to cheap electronics and clothing, the market is one of Taiwan’s biggest.
If you love bubble tea, don’t miss the chance to sip on your favourite flavour at Chun Shui Tang tea house. The cult drink was invented in Taichung City in the 1980s, created by the owners of this humble tea house in downtown Taichung.
For a breath of fresh air, escape to Dakeng. The scenic area sits just outside Taichung City and is dotted with mountainous hiking trails, lush forests and the famous Guguan Hot Springs.
Getting Around
Most locals get around by motorbike or scooter, though this can be a little intimidating for first-time visitors. Instead, take advantage of cheap taxis or learn to navigate Taichung City’s local bus network, where rides under 10 kilometres are free. Taichung also offers an eco-friendly iBike network, with stations dotted across the city centre.