Taichung travel guide
台中
Across Taiwan, every city has its own style and every county its own atmosphere. Taichung's signature is 'culture'. After Taipei, it has the greatest concentration of public and private universities,…
15 places · In the guidebook: pages 2691–2702
Taichung, Taiwan Region · AI illustration for China Trip
Quick itinerary
Taichung in 1 days
The feel of the place
- Culture City
- Across Taiwan, every city has its own style and every county its own atmosphere. Taichung's signature is 'culture'. After Taipei, it has the greatest concentration of public and private universities, and institutions such as National Chung Hsing University, Tunghai University, Feng Chia University and Chung Shan Medical University have become cultural landmarks of Taichung.
- Pearl Milk Tea and Foam Red Tea
- Wandering around Taichung, the most eye-catching sight is the colourful array of restaurants and drink shops. Many consumer food trends that have swept across Taiwan originated here, most famously pearl milk tea and foam red tea. It's said that almost any food loses its appeal once it leaves its place of origin, no matter how much it is improved, so to taste an authentic cup of milk tea, you may want to linger in Taichung for a while.
- Emotional Bond
- It comes from how much you have dreamed of Sun Moon Lake and Alishan. Whether it's the lovely descriptions of Sun Moon Lake in your primary school textbook, or the vivid rendition of the song 'Girl from Alishan', the feelings you have for these places run deep. These two landmarks, which represent greater Taichung, have consistently ranked at the top of Taiwan's tourist attractions.
Preparation and Consultation
Language
Mandarin is widely spoken and easily understood in Taichung.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Taichung enjoys spring-like weather year-round, so every day is a good time to visit.
Festivals
Every year on Mazu's birthday in the third lunar month, Dajia Zhenlan Temple holds rituals, incense pilgrimages and processions. The full procession, including deity palanquins, opera troupes, vehicles, embroidered banners and pilgrims, passes through Yuanlin in Changhua, Xiluo and Huwei in Yunlin, and reaches Xingang in Chiayi, taking 8 days and 7 nights.
address: No. 158, Shuntian Road, Dajia District, Taichung City
Things to see
Gaomei Wetlands
1–2 hours
This area was once the riverbed of the Dajia River, and it took the efforts of early settlers to reclaim the land into the landscape you see today. Gaomei's most striking features are its sunset views and rich wildlife, making it a rising favourite among photographers and birdwatchers.
Fengjia Night Market
1–3 hours
A visit to Fengjia Night Market is all about two things: eating and queuing. It is the birthplace of many Taiwanese snacks. Octopus balls, crêpes, pepper buns and lazy shrimp, which are now popular across China, all originated here. The top pick is “Guan Zhi Lin Large Intestine Wrapped Small Intestine” at the entrance of Fengjia Road Lane 20. It is the most popular stall in the night market, costing NT$40 a serving and perfect for eating on the go.
Miyahara
Miyahara Eye Clinic was once an eye hospital run by Japanese doctor Miyahara Takeo, and it is now one of Taichung's must-visit attractions. The building retains its Japanese architectural style, faithfully recreating the retro charm of an old Western-style house. As the flagship store of the Sunrise Group (日出集团), Miyahara Eye Clinic has become a paradise for dessert lovers. Pastries, chocolate, milk tea and even Taiwanese traditional dishes all have a distinctive taste. It is a must-visit for many dessert fans.
1–2 hours
Tunghai University
Tunghai University is known as “the most beautiful university in Taiwan.” Phoenix trees line Yuenong Road (约农路), and banyan trees with umbrella-like canopies shade Wenli Avenue (文理大道). The buildings along these paths are designed in a classical style, full of old-world charm. On campus, Luce Chapel, designed by the university's most celebrated architect, I. M. Pei, is the school's spiritual symbol.
1–2 hours
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts caters to art lovers, with exhibitions spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking and more. The stele forest outside the museum is also worth a look.
1–2 hours
Rainbow Village
An 87-year-old retired veteran has covered every alley and lane of this military dependents' village with imaginative graffiti. Bright rainbow-coloured lines and lively little animals fill the village with childlike charm and energy. Many young visitors come here to take photos.
1–2 hours
Taichung Railway Station
Designated a second-grade historic site in Taiwan, this Baroque-style building was constructed between 1895 and 1945, modelled on a Western Renaissance-era station. Its central roof is gabled, and it is adorned with ornate medallion decorations, making it a highly photogenic railway station.
1–2 hours · Free
Getting there & around
Getting There
Taichung is easy to reach by train, car or other public transport, and flights from the major northern and southern metropolitan areas are also available.
Air
Taichung International Airport (Qingquan'gang) is Taiwan's third international airport. The former Taichung Shuinan Airport has since closed. The airport currently operates international flights to Japan, South Korea, Phuket, Palau and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as domestic flights to Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wuhan, Fuzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Jinan, Chengdu, Tianjin, Changchun, Nanjing and Hong Kong.
Rail
Taichung is the largest station on the Mountain Line of the Western Trunk Railway, served by trains of all classes at frequent, convenient intervals.
High-Speed Rail
Take the high-speed rail to Wuri Station (乌日站), then transfer to other transport to reach different parts of Taichung.
Road
Taiwan Bus Company (台汽客运) runs services to Taichung from major towns across western Taiwan. Tong Lian Bus (统联客运) also runs to Taichung from Taipei, Xinying in Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
In front of Taichung Station, Fengyuan Bus runs to Fengyuan and Dongshi. On Jianguo Road, Jyuye Bus serves Qingshui and Dajia. Behind the station, Changhua Bus runs to Changhua.
Within Taichung, public transport is mainly provided by Taichung Bus and Renyou Bus, which depart from in front of Taichung Station and from Lüchuan East Street respectively. Their routes are comprehensive and convenient.
Getting Around Town
Taichung has many bus routes. Taxis are mostly five-seaters, with a flag-fall of NT$85 for the first 1.5 km, then NT$5 for every additional 250 m.
Eat & drink
Taichung is the birthplace of bubble tea and pearl milk tea, and the area around Zhongshan Office in particular is packed with teahouses.
Chun Shui Tang
Recommended EateriesThe original home of bubble tea in Taichung. The idea came from the owner's trip to Japan. Through refinement, the shop added tapioca pearls to flavored black tea, creating pearl milk tea. It now offers more than 40 distinctive flavored iced teas, and has developed its own chewy tapioca pearls, tea bread, tea jelly and light meals. Excellent value, with the cheapest item at just NT$60.
- Address:
- No. 30, Siwei Street, Taichung City
- Phone:
- 00886-4-22297991
- Other Night Markets 1. Yizhong Night Market: sesame leaf soup (麻叶羹), Fengren ice, Yizhong chicken (一中奇鸡), Little Zombie coffin toast (小僵尸棺材板), Dalun red bean pancake (大轮红豆饼), knife-cut noodles (刀削面). 2. Zhonghua Road Night Market: Tanzi stinky tofu, mochi (麻薯). 3. Zhongxiao Road Night Market: Zheng Lao Pai thick noodle soup (正老牌面线糊), Pork Rib King (排骨大王), Sugarcane Milk King (甘蔗牛奶大王), Three Sisters seafood stall (三姐妹海鲜摊), Huang's tofu pudding (黄记豆花店).
Where to stay
Old England Manor
Feels Like Stepping into a European Castle
Old England ManorAn elegant, charming setting at high altitude, with fresh mountain air. The manor has three buildings, open only to guests. The restaurant takes reservations, however, where you can enjoy an authentic English afternoon tea at leisure.
- Address:
- No. 20-3, Shouting Lane, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County
- Check-in: 15:30. Check-out: 11:30.
Shopping
Taichung has ten shopping districts, each with its own specialties. For clothing, the Tianjin Road fashion district is highly recommended. The Jiguang Street district is known for authentic local snacks, and the Electronics Street district has a wide range of gadgets. Shop owners there usually serve customers personally, with attentive service and plenty of room to bargain. Good souvenirs include sun cakes from Taiyang Tang, pine nut crisps from Chun Mei Bakery (俊美饼店), Wan-Yi Foods' signature dried tofu, and nougat.
Nantou County also has a range of local specialties, including Chila fish (奇拉鱼), Puli Shaoxing wine (埔里绍兴酒), Lugu Dongding oolong tea (鹿谷冻顶乌龙茶), Mingjian Songbo evergreen tea (名间松柏常青茶), Yuchi Assam black tea (鱼池阿萨姆红茶), Puli red sugarcane, Zhushan red sweet potato, Jiji bananas and Xinyi Fengqiu grapes.
Taiyang Tang
Taiyang Tang- Address:
- No. 25, Section 2, Ziyou Road, Taichung City
- Phone:
- 00886-4-22200012
Day trips & beyond
Alishan
“The girls of Alishan are as lovely as water, the boys of Alishan as sturdy as mountains…” Humming this song while touring Alishan feels just wonderful. Alishan is high and densely forested, and its sea of clouds and forest waves at the summit are magnificent. The main peak rises to 2663 metres above sea level, making it one of Taiwan's most representative scenic areas.
1–2 days
Sun Moon Lake
The fame of Sun Moon Lake needs no introduction; it has almost become synonymous with Taiwan. Whatever you think of the scenery, if you have been to Taiwan and haven't visited Sun Moon Lake, people will tell you it's a real pity. Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's largest natural lakes, covering 9 square kilometres. It is also known as the “Heavenly Lake of Taiwan.”
Hiking & Outdoors · Photography · Nature
Qingjing Farm
Qingjing Farm is located in Datong Village, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, built into the mountainside. Qingqing Grassland is often shrouded in mist, and its scenery looks like an ink-wash oil painting. The sheep are adorable and friendly, and the sheep-shearing show is lively and entertaining. Little Switzerland's ticket is rather pricey and it lacks novelty, so it is not recommended.
1–2 days
Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Located in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, on a branch of the Yushan Range, Alishan is one of Taiwan's most iconic scenic areas. Its “Five Wonders” are sunrise, sea of clouds, railways, forests and sunset glow. The Alishan Forest Railway, a showcase of early engineering, is also well worth experiencing. The mountain scenery is truly outstanding and not to be missed!
4–8 hours
Lukang Town
Thirty years ago, Luo Dayou's hit song “Lukang Town” swept the nation, turning this ancient town on Taiwan's central west coast into a dream destination for many. Legend says Lukang is the dragon head of Changhua County's dragon vein, and it enjoys the reputation of being the “Little Quanzhou.” Lukang has preserved its original character, allowing visitors to explore ancient lanes, old shops and centuries-old temples in search of its rich heritage.
0.5–1 day
Lukang Longshan Temple
Lukang Longshan Temple is a first-class historic monument in Taiwan and represents a peak of urban Buddhist temple architecture. The temple has 99 doors, and the complex is divided into front, middle and rear halls. Having stood for more than 200 years, it still retains its original appearance and has had a major influence on Taiwan's history and culture.
1 hour
Xitou Monster Village
Xitou Monster Village sits at the entrance of the Xitou Forest Recreation Area in Nantou. The whole village follows the architectural style of “Songlin-cho” (Pine Forest Town). Throughout the village you'll find monster statues in all sorts of quirky shapes, as well as villagers dressed in Japanese-style outfits. At night, the red lanterns light up, as if painting a streak of red across the dim, green forest moonlight, letting overnight guests seek out the mysterious Japanese mood of the mountains beneath the big red lanterns. Here, a dazzling array of quirkily creative souvenir shops, gift stores and snack stalls leaves you spoilt for choice. Though the products are full of monster-themed charm, they are also rather cute. When you're tired of browsing, head to the famous Qingshan Canteen for a meal, or simply pick any snack stall. You might well discover some unexpectedly “monstrous” delicacies.
2–4 hours
Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, this is a fine place for hiking, forest bathing, birdwatching and holidays. The scenic area has dedicated forest bathing trails, along which you can see sights such as Jinghai Temple. There is also a waterside trail that follows a stream, which is especially suitable for summer.
3–4 hours
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 2691–2702. Translated from the Chinese edition; names and prices follow the guidebook. · Plain text version