What to do in Taichung?

Taichung is one of the most popular cities in Taiwan, boasting a rich cultural heritage and an exciting nightlife. It is known as an international tourist hub, so it should come as no surprise that there is plenty to do here. From popular tourist attractions to lesser-known gems, here are some of the best activities and attractions in Taichung for visitors.

1. Visit the National Museum of Natural Science

Boasting a large collection of dinosaur skeletons, the National Museum of Natural Science is the perfect place to explore natural history and science. Established in c.1980, the museum features several permanent displays, including a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that explore themes across physical geography, zoology and contemporary science. There is also a range of temporary exhibits, allowing visitors to enjoy something new on each visit.

2. Explore Rainbow Village

Rainbow Village is an outdoor painting museum located in Nantun District of Taichung City. It was created when famed Taiwanese soldier-turned-artist Huang Yung-Fu decided to apply vibrant colors on the remaining structures of an abandoned military dependent’s village where he once lived as a child. The vibrant colors quickly caught the attention of tourists, transforming it into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taichung City. Visitors here can explore the various and colorful buildings that have been painted with figures of animals and comic characters, making it a very interesting and unique experience.

3. Take an evening stroll along Feng Chia Night Market

Feng Chia Night Market is one of Taichung’s most popular attractions and is a great place for an evening stroll. Spanning more than one kilometer, the night market is filled with everything from clothing, accessories, local snacks and delicacies, to small restaurants and street shows. It’s a great place to shop for unique souvenirs and mingle with locals, who come here every evening to enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

4. Check out Chinese Art at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is home to a range of contemporary and traditional Chinese art displays, spanning a range of mediums. Located within the museum are six different galleries that offer visitors a window into the history of Chinese art, ranging from traditional religious artifacts to modern photography. There are also several educational activities throughout the year that allow visitors to become more deeply acquainted with Chinese artforms, such as calligraphy and painting classes.

5. Take a Pub Crawl Tour with Talking Fish Tours

Taking part in a pub crawl with Talking Fish Tours is one of the most unique activities in Taichung that you can’t miss. Led by experienced English-speaking guides, this tour takes visitors on an exciting exploration around Taichung City’s iconic night scenes. Guests will enjoy delicious local dishes and drinks while taking in several live music performances throughout the evening. Join this fun-filled tour and explore a cultural side of Taichung City that many travelers don’t get a chance to experience!

6. Climb the Veranda Trail at Sun Moon Lake

Nestled within the mountains just outside of Taichung City is Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s most famous scenic spot which offers visitors stunning views and exciting activities. One of the best things to do here is to go on the Veranda Trail trekking tour which provides visitors with incredible views of Sun Moon Lake from the elevated walkways and terraces. This trekking tour will take you around 5km on Lake Shore Road and along the Xiangshan Visitor Center path before eventually reaching the highest point in Sun Moon Lake, where you can enjoy amazing views of the beautiful surrounding landscape before continuing on your journey around the lake.

Taichung is an amazing city full of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to explore. There are plenty of popular tourist sites to visit, as well as hidden gems to discover if you’re willing to look for them! Whether you want to learn more about natural science at the National Museum of Natural Science, admire artwork at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts or explore vibrant streets at Rainbow Village or Feng Chia Night Market, Taichung has something for everyone! Lastly, be sure to take part in a pub crawl tour with Talking Fish Tours, and make your way around Sun Moon Lake via the Veranda Trail – these activities offer unmissable opportunities to discover Taichung up close.

Insider’s Guide to Taichung: Beyond the Pub Crawl

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler to Taichung, there’s always something new to explore in this city. From bustling night markets to serene temples, Taichung has a unique charm that draws travelers from all over the world. Apart from the hype around its pub crawl, there’s much more to see and experience. Here’s an insider’s guide to Taichung that will help you discover the treasures of this fascinating city.

Hidden Gems: Exploring Taichung’s Lesser-Known Attractions

While most tourists flock to Fengjia Night Market, there are plenty of other hidden gems to explore in Taichung. One such place is the Tunghai University campus, renowned for its distinctive Luce Memorial Chapel that boasts stained-glass artworks. The nearby National Museum of Natural Science hosts a myriad of exhibits about botany, ecology, astronomy, and more. For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, head to Gaomei Wetlands, where you can walk barefoot in the mud and catch glimpses of birds and wind turbines. Other off-beat attractions include the Rainbow Village, an open-air art gallery adorned with colorful murals, and the Miyahara Eye Hospital, a restored 1920s building that now houses ice cream parlors and souvenir shops.

Taichung’s Food Scene: Tasting the Local Delicacies

Taichung’s night markets are famous for their street food, but there is much more to Taichung’s food scene than that. The city is known for taro and sun cakes, rose-flavored tea, tofu pudding, and savory meat rolls. For a taste of traditional Hakka cuisine, head to the Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park, where you can savor dishes like Hakka-style braised pork and rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. History buffs can visit the Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, where the world’s first bubble tea was allegedly invented. There are also unique dining experiences to be had, like the Makata Restaurant, where you get to catch your own seafood and have it cooked fresh for your meal.

Experiencing the Culture of Taichung

Taichung is a city that takes pride in its cultural roots, and there are plenty of ways to experience it firsthand. One of the most significant events is the Taichung Jazz Festival, which attracts musicians from all over the world. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Taichung Park lights up with mooncakes and lanterns. Another event to look out for is the International Taichung Puppet Festival, where you can attend puppet shows and workshops. For a glimpse into traditional Taoist rituals, visit the Paochueh Temple, where you can witness the burning of incense and the chanting of sutras.

Taichung’s Fascinating History: Stories of the City

Taichung has a rich history that goes beyond the modern city skyline. One of the city’s most intriguing stories is that of the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden, a sprawling complex that showcases the life of elite families during the Qing Dynasty. The Taichung Cultural and Creative Industries Park is another reminder of the city’s past- it was once a military barracks before it was converted into a hub for the arts. A lesser-known event in Taichung’s history is the 1935 Taichung Earthquake, which ravaged the city and claimed many lives. You can learn more about it at the Taichung Earthquake Museum.

Adventure in Taichung: Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something different to do in Taichung, why not go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset? Alternatively, try your hand at making pottery at the Gaomei Wetlands Handicraft Center. For an adrenaline rush, head to the Dakeng Scenic Area, where you can hike through forest trails and waterfalls. Another activity worth trying is cycling along the Taichung Greenway, a network of bike paths that takes you through parks, gardens, and riverside settings.

In conclusion, Taichung has so much more to offer than its famous pub crawl. From hidden gems to local cuisine, from cultural experiences to fascinating history, and from off-beat suggestions to unique adventures, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this urban paradise. Get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the local culture, and you’re sure to leave Taichung with a lifetime of memories.