What to do in Taichung? – The complete guide

If you’re looking for things to do in Taichung, then you’ve come to the right place. Becoming one of Taiwan’s lesser-known cities, Taichung offers a variety of attractions, activities and sights to explore – from Buddist temples to bustling night markets and vibrant city parks. Regardless of your interests or budget, there’s something to explore in Taichung!Let’s take a look at what the city has to offer and everything you need to know when planning a visit.

Overview of Taichung City

Taichung City is the second-largest metropolitan area in Taiwan and the third-largest conurbation after Taipei and Kaohsiung. With it being located in the middle of the island, the larger region offers easy access to surrounding cities and mountain regions, making it a great base to explore all the island has to offer. Taichung City is home to approximately 2.7 million people and more than 4 million people live within the greater metropolitan area. The city’s population makes up more than 10% of the country’s total population, and it’s worth noting that Taichung has seen an influx of people in recent years due to an increase in job opportunities and a better quality of life.

Getting around Taichung

When it comes to navigating the city, public transport is widely available and the city is quite easy to get around. The main way of getting around Taichung is via taxis, and there are also bus and metro connections if you don’t want to travel via car. Motorbike taxis are also an option, though this is not recommended due to safety concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the various transport options available:

• Taxi: There are multiple companies offering taxi services in Taichung and they have a range of fares and pricing structures depending on your needs. Taxis are easily the most efficient way of getting around the city.
• Bus: Buses are another popular method of travelling and the Taichung City Bus system offers an affordable fare for shorter distances. There are two main bus companies – Taipower Bus Corporation (台電巴士) and United Bus Co. Ltd (聯一巴士).
• Metro: The Taichung Metro system is still currently under construction, though completion is scheduled for 2021. The system will be split up into three sections – with Section 1 stretching from South District to Xitun District, Section 2 connecting Daqiao to Fengyuan District, and Section 3 providing access to the West District.
• Motorbike Taxi: Motorbike taxis are available in some parts of the city, but it’s important to be aware that they don’t always have safety gear or follow traffic rules, so you should use this method with caution.

Things to do in Taichung

There are lots of things to do in Taichung and no matter what your interests or budget, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular activities and attractions…

Visit the National Museum of Natural Science

The National Museum of Natural Science is one of Taichung’s top attractions and is home to a number of interactive exhibitions, displays and workshops suitable for all ages. From dinosaur fossils, science learning centers and botanical gardens you can easily spend a day browsing the museum’s vast collection. A must-visit spot for any visitor!

Explore Rainbow Village

Rainbow Village is a unique attraction that began when former soldier Chang painted every wall and surface of his village with vivid colors and characters from his childhood stories – creating a unique and vibrant panorama. The village has now become a popular tourist attraction and definitely worth a visit if you want to experience something different. You can even purchase handmade crafts directly from Chang himself!

Check out a Night Market

Taichung is renowned for its buzzing night markets, offering an array of delicious street food that gives you a real taste of Taiwanese culture. Some of the most popular night markets include Feng Chia Night Market, Keelung Road Night Market, Dongxing Street Night Market and Yangming night market– so make sure you stop by one or two when you visit!

Visit the 921 Earthquake Museum

The 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan is dedicated to documenting the history of one of the island’s worst disaster in modern times – back in 1999 when an intense earthquake ravaged central Taiwan. Comprised of several buildings across two sites, you can learn about the earthquake’s origins, as well as how local communities dealt with such devastation at the time. It’s a must-visit spot for any historian or culture enthusiast!

Eating in Taichung

No visit to Taichung would be complete without trying out some delicious local dishes – and the city certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard! There are lots of delicious restaurants and eateries serving up traditional Taiwanese cuisine, as well as all manner of international food from around the world. Here are just some of them…

• Dadi Pearl Taichung: Located in Yizhong Street, this traditional restaurant serves up home-style Taiwanese dishes that combine classic flavours with modern interpretations.
• Samudabistro 山瑪德泰式美食餐廳: This Thai eatery serves up authentic Thai dishes – from fragrant curries and Pad Thai noodles to spicy sauces and delectable desserts.
• Birchalley Cafe & Bar : For coffee-lovers, this cafe serves up fresh coffee alongside all-day brunch dishes cooked with locally sourced ingredients.
• Yuanxing Food : This casual spot serves up generous portions of delicious salads, sandwiches and breads.
• Dough N Doughnuts: This specialty bakery is renowned for its showstopping doughnuts filled with unique flavours like purple potato, matcha latte, sweet potato and more!

Shopping in Taichung

No trip would be complete without shopping, right? With its bustling night markets, shopping streets and underground malls, Taichung has something for everyone when it comes to retail therapy! Some of the most famous shopping spots include…

• Fengchia Night Market: This night market is regarded as among one of Taipei’s best – you’ll find it on Wenxin Rd section 4 near Fengchia University – open from 5pm until around midnight.
• 1901 Shopping Center: Located in Dadun District this underground shopping plaza spans several stories with are thousands of stores offering everything from beauty products to tech gadgets.
• Zhongxiao Shopping District: The main shopping street located between Sec 1 and Sec 2 Zhongxun Street (East Road), often referred to as “Changling Shopping Street’ – perfect for finding souvenirs!
• People’s Square Shopping Centre: This shopping mall located on Sec 2 Zhongxing Road offers a great selection of luxury brands if you’re willing to splash out!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for things to do in Taichung then there are lots of experiences worth exploring! From bustling night markets bursting with delicious food to unforgettable attractions like Rainbow Village and 921 Earthquake Museum – this vibrant city really has something for everyone! With easy public transport connections across the city, getting around Taichung is also easy – making it a great destination for exploring all Taiwan has to offer!