Taichung City travel guide
Taichung City Tourism | Taichung City Guide
You're Going to Love Taichung City
Taichung is one of the main transport and industrial hubs on the west coast of Taiwan. Between the several night markets and countless department stores, you won't be left wanting for activities. Make sure you visit the National Museum of Natural Science during your trip and go hiking in the hills nearby.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Taichung City
1. Surround Yourself with Science
The National Museum of Natural Science is really seven museums in one. Visit the botanical garden and learn about scientific principles through hands-on exhibits.
2. Hiking
Head to the Dakeng and Beitun districts to access the hiking paths that will take you through the hills.
3. Shop at the Night Markets
The night markets of Chunghwa and Feng Chia University are a thrilling way to experience this vibrant city.
4. Discover Taiwanese Culture
The West district is the best place to learn about local traditions, with its many restaurants and the Taichung City Huludun Cultural Center. Visit the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts for modern art.
5. Shopping
Taichung is the ideal place to shop for clothes, electronics, and other items with its many malls. The Yimin Yizhong Shopping Mall, TopCity, and Shinkong Mitsukoshi should keep you busy.
What to do in Taichung City
1. A Comprehensive Catalog Of What Our Planet Has To Offer
A truly enormous museum complex, this city center attraction is a fantastic place for families to visit during their time in Taichung. From realistic dinosaur models and hands-on science exhibits, to lavish recreations of scenes from Chinese history, multi-colored rock collections, and a lovely 4.5 hectare botanical garden, the curators have set out to capture every aspect of the natural world, and have been surprisingly successful. A fascinating companion attraction is the center at Chelungpu Fault, site of a serious 1999 earthquake.
2. A Fitting Stage For The Island's Artistry
Taichung is one of Taiwan's most dynamic cultural centers, so it's no surprise that the city hosts the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Situated in the West District and occupying 102,000 square meters, it's easily the finest gallery of its kind on the island, regularly hosting biennales and other international artistic get-togethers. But the star of the show is the ever-growing permanent collection, with exhibits by Taiwanese artists working in eastern and western techniques, and an impressive photography collection as well.
3. Tons Of Street Treats
Over on the Wengjia Road, in Xitun District, you'll come across Taichung's undisputed champion market. This colorful, bustling nocturnal attraction is the only place to head if you want to sample Taiwan's thriving street food scene. From octopus meat balls and Taiwanese sausage rolls, to towering ice creams and oodles of bubble tea, dining out here is like being a kid in a candy store (and yes, there's plenty of candy to be had). With arcade games, clothing stalls and bars to explore, it's an amazing evening destination.
4. Elegance, Grace, And Peace In The City Center
Taichung's green oasis is a beautiful city center spot, with a bit of history behind it. Having opened in 1903, it's comfortably the oldest of the city's parks, and also the most elegant. With its pavilions, islands, and artfully constructed bridges, you could be over the water in Kyoto, which probably isn't accidental, as the park was laid out under the Japanese period of occupation, which stretched from 1895 to 1945. These days, it's an easy place to relax, although with tennis courts on-site, you can work out if you like as well.
5. Northern Taichung's Two-Wheeled Paradise
A masterful piece of urban planning, the Hou-Feng Bikeway saw a stretch of obsolete railway turned into a magical route for cyclists to explore. Running between Houli and Fengyuan in the northern part of Taichung, the bikeway runs for 3 miles, including a 1,200 meter tunnel and an attractive iron bridge which offers superb views of the Dajia River. Even better, you can rent bikes affordably at the Houli end of the route, and head off to the east on the equally picturesque Dongfeng Bikeway.
1. A Comprehensive Catalog Of What Our Planet Has To Offer
A truly enormous museum complex, this city center attraction is a fantastic place for families to visit during their time in Taichung. From realistic dinosaur models and hands-on science exhibits, to lavish recreations of scenes from Chinese history, multi-colored rock collections, and a lovely 4.5 hectare botanical garden, the curators have set out to capture every aspect of the natural world, and have been surprisingly successful. A fascinating companion attraction is the center at Chelungpu Fault, site of a serious 1999 earthquake.
2. A Fitting Stage For The Island's Artistry
Taichung is one of Taiwan's most dynamic cultural centers, so it's no surprise that the city hosts the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Situated in the West District and occupying 102,000 square meters, it's easily the finest gallery of its kind on the island, regularly hosting biennales and other international artistic get-togethers. But the star of the show is the ever-growing permanent collection, with exhibits by Taiwanese artists working in eastern and western techniques, and an impressive photography collection as well.
3. Tons Of Street Treats
Over on the Wengjia Road, in Xitun District, you'll come across Taichung's undisputed champion market. This colorful, bustling nocturnal attraction is the only place to head if you want to sample Taiwan's thriving street food scene. From octopus meat balls and Taiwanese sausage rolls, to towering ice creams and oodles of bubble tea, dining out here is like being a kid in a candy store (and yes, there's plenty of candy to be had). With arcade games, clothing stalls and bars to explore, it's an amazing evening destination.
4. Elegance, Grace, And Peace In The City Center
Taichung's green oasis is a beautiful city center spot, with a bit of history behind it. Having opened in 1903, it's comfortably the oldest of the city's parks, and also the most elegant. With its pavilions, islands, and artfully constructed bridges, you could be over the water in Kyoto, which probably isn't accidental, as the park was laid out under the Japanese period of occupation, which stretched from 1895 to 1945. These days, it's an easy place to relax, although with tennis courts on-site, you can work out if you like as well.
5. Northern Taichung's Two-Wheeled Paradise
A masterful piece of urban planning, the Hou-Feng Bikeway saw a stretch of obsolete railway turned into a magical route for cyclists to explore. Running between Houli and Fengyuan in the northern part of Taichung, the bikeway runs for 3 miles, including a 1,200 meter tunnel and an attractive iron bridge which offers superb views of the Dajia River. Even better, you can rent bikes affordably at the Houli end of the route, and head off to the east on the equally picturesque Dongfeng Bikeway.
Where to Eat in Taichung City
The West District is the best place to find restaurants. Top of One is a great choice if you want European fare. Try Steak Akaoni or Taichung Meatballs for a more affordable and more traditional experience. An inexpensive meal should cost NT$85, while a more expensive restaurant can cost NT$500 or more.
When to visit Taichung City
Taichung is a year-round destination, though temperatures can be colder in January and February.
How to Get to Taichung City
Plane
The Taichung Airport (TXG) has a few international flights as well as frequent flights to Taipei. A number of buses run between the airport and the city, including a shuttle bus to Taichung railway station, in the Wuri district. Taxis cost NT$500.
Train
Taichung is connected to all the major Taiwanese cities on the west coast via the Western Line. You can take the train from Taipei to Taichung for NT$290 or go from Kaohsiung to Taichung for NT$360.
Car
Expressway 61 connects Taichung to all the major cities on the west coast of the island.
Bus
Taking the bus is the easiest way to get to Taichung. You can take the Tong Lien Bus or the Kuo-Kuang Bus from the Taipei train station to Taichung for NT$100-350.
Airports near Taichung City
Airlines serving Taichung City
Where to stay in Taichung City
Central District - this is a small and densely popular area with a lot of stores and restaurants.
Popular Neighborhoods in Taichung
North District - head to the North District to visit the Natural Science Museum and shop at the Chungyo department store. Visit the area at night for the Yizhong street night market.
Xitun District - this more modern neighborhood is perfect for shopping; head to the Tiger City and IDEE malls.
Where to stay in popular areas of Taichung City
Most booked hotels in Taichung City
How to Get Around Taichung City
Public Transportation
There is a good number of routes that will take you from the train station to the Beitun District. Fare typically costs NT$25 but there are a few lines you can ride for free.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Taichung and are easy to find. Fare starts at NT$85 and an additional NT$40 per mile.
Car
There are several Avis locations where you can rent a car for NT$2,200 a day. Renting a scooter will cost NT$350 a day.
The Cost of Living in Taichung City
Shopping Streets
The Xiang Shang and the Yizhong street markets are the best places to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and electronics.
Groceries and Other
Carrefour and Taiwan Fresh Supermarket have several locations in the Central District. Expect to spend NT$330 for a gallon of milk and NT$60 for a dozen eggs.