11 Worth Seeing Taichung Attractions You Need To Visit

Welcome to the first article of my Taiwan Travel Series. This is also my first travel to Asia besides my home country! My first agenda is the top Taichung attractions within its vicinity! Taichung City is the second-largest and populous town in the country of Taiwan, moreover, it can offer different tourist spots that are a must-visit.

Many may have been not familiar with Taichung City in Taiwan, and some would have known only its capital which is Taipei. But little did you know, there is another fun place to visit in this beautiful country of Taiwan.

Taichung City boasts a vibrant atmosphere from its farm and way up to the streets and villages. Visiting this very town can give you different vibes and experiences as compared with Taipei City. There are definitely several Taichung attractions that I am so excited to share with you. I may not be covering them all and probably it’s my regret that I only got to see and experience Taichung in less than a day, but you can actually explore it for a few more days!

Can wait now, don’t you? Alright, enough of me being an intro chatterbox again and satisfy your touristy needs now with these 11 Taichung attractions and the top things to do in this ample city!

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But before we get to the point, let’s start with getting in to Taichung from Taipei and what is the mode of our exploration in the town.

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How to Get to Taichung City

There are two major ways to travel to Taichung City from Taipei: by Bus or by THSR(train). Taichung is approximately 146km in distance with New Taipei City and travel time can vary from 45 mins, if travel by train, to 2-3 hours, if by bus.

Getting to Taichung from Taipei by Bus

If you are traveling by bus, make sure you buy an EasyCard for P 167 ($3.39) and the fare to Taichung can cost at approximately P 550 ($11). This is by far the cheapest option but the cons are it’s long travel time. However, if you have the time, I am totally recommending this! Besides being cheap you can relaxing and just enjoy the view of Taiwan. And did I tell you that riding a bus as public transportation in Taiwan is very convenient and not that of a hassle!

Getting to Taichung from Taipei by THSR(Taiwan High Speed Rail)

Because I know that time is GOLD for every tourist to make the most of their time then the Taiwan High-Speed Rail is the perfect way to travel to Taichung from Taipei. And the travel time is approximately 45 mins to 60 mins! Yes, so if you avail the THSR you get to save at least 1 hour of your time. 

But on the contrary, this is not the cheapest option if you are a budget traveler. The ticket price though is very acceptable, you can purchase a discounted ticket in Klook for P 1,171.

Note: To know your starting point and where to catch the Bus or Train, I suggest my very best friend when I’m traveling and that’s GOOGLE MAPS. I always rely on google whenever I can as it can give you that many accurate directions from walking to Bus/Train stations, even the name of the train and bus number that you need is also included. Most importantly, it can give you the approximate price for your transportation.

Here’s the screenshot from Google Maps:

Example directions if you are taking the THSR

Example directions if you are taking the Bus

Getting Around Taichung

By Private Car/ Motor

The most convenient way to tour around Taichung at your own pace is by renting a car or a motor. A car is great if you are traveling with a group of 4-5 persons so you can split up the expenses to make it more budget-friendly. 

Another way is a motor rental, Taichung locals actually conveniently roam around with their motorcycle so having a motor can make you feel like you are one of them as well. This method is also way more cheaper than the car rental and can be shared by two persons at max.

Estimated Prices:

Car – as low as P 3500(~$71), you can rent for Toyota Vios (5-seater) per day. Check with klook here.

Motor – as low as P 812 (~$17), you can check different motors for rent according to your most convenient option here.

By Bus

Bus is indeed one of the common modes of transportation not just in Taichung but from all over Taiwan. Though having a bus as your way to tour around can be a little bit time consuming. However, getting into a bus like a normal citizen is a little bit exciting as if you are in your own country blending in. 

Though the bus transit in Taiwan is good enough and not that very hassle but expect you’ll be experiencing a lot of walking so save your energy!

Also a reminder for a tourist, it is good to buy an Easy Card which will act as your payment in hailing a bus. It can be bought or recharge through different convenience stores around the town. If you don’t have time to look around, you can get an Easy Card through Klook and pick it up at the airport at your arrival. An Easy Card costs P 167 ($3.39).

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Now that you are all set on the basic things you need to know when planning a trip to Taichung, let’s complete the puzzle and discover the different Taichung attractions to include in your itinerary. Grab your pen and take notes on this must go places to explore!

Top 11 Taichung Attractions and What are the Top Things to Do!

Zhongshe Flower Market

The Zhongshe Flower Market, also known as the Houli Flower Farm, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Taichung. Who wouldn’t know this place as it furnishes massive and boundless colorful flower beds in its proximity. 

Flower farms are undeniably great for different photoshoots and even prenup! So better ready your phone and camera to capture every angle of the flower-haven land. There are also a lot of built-in props ready to be your backdrop on your awaited photoshoot.

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The Zhongshe Flower Market entrance fee is NT$150 (P 251.16/ $5). They also offer a package of NT$350 (P 586.03/ $11.88) for unlimited BBQ for lunch plus the entrance fee included. 

Gaomei Wetlands

Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most preserved areas in the city of Taichung and is located at the western part of the town. The land expands for approximately 300 hectares of mudflat soils.

What makes it a popular landmark is the presence of several wind turbines across the land and makes it a perfect place to spot on the sunset as well. The area is a very naturistic place to visit as you can see different creatures emerging and landing in the muddy soil during low tide.

It also has a long bridge to walk on if you want to experience and see the vast place without touching the muddy land. This must also be a way of preserving the soil from being spoiled. 

There is no entrance fee to visit this natural resource and is best viewed during low tide if the weather is good enough for a quick visit.

LIHPAO Discovery Land

If you are with kids, or you are a fan of theme parks, then LIHPAO is one perfect destination. LIHPAO Discovery Land, or previously known as the Yamay Discovery World, was founded during 1998 and this has been the largest amusement park in the city of Taichung.

The theme park has some very remarkable attractions which are the Sky Dream and Gravity Max. The Sky Dream is hailed as Taiwan’s largest ferris wheel with 120-m in diameter, where you can unbelievably see the mountains and sea landscape from above. While the Gravity Max was acclaimed to be the world’s only tilted roller coaster.

You can get a combo ticket of LIHPAO Discovery Land plus the Mala Bay Water park with Klook if you are interested.

Painted Animation Lane

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In one of the quiet streets in Taichung has this cool and unique alley with painted murals. But this isn’t just the normal murals you can see everyday, because it is a collection of well-known anime populating the street walls of Western District in Taichung. 

Anime such as Ghost Fighter, Slam Dunk, Doraemon, even super Mario is here and etc. You are free to visit and can quietly explore the street, find your favorite anime and make a fun photoshoot!

Here’s my favorite shot with the Super Mario game and a little photoshoot with this cool shed along the entrance.

Chun Shui Tang

Before the famous milk tea has been known to the world, it was once known as bubble tea or boba tea. And deep in this city of Taichung emerges the “Chun Shui Tang”, it is a famous bubble tea shop and was historically known to be the very first to serve bubble tea or pearl milk tea. 

In short, here in Taichung, specifically in Chun Shui Tang lies the actual birthplace of famous drink milk tea or bubble tea. The original owner of the shop or most certainly the creator of milk tea is named as Liu Han-Chieh.

There are actually over 40 franchised stores all over Taiwan, but this store in the West District of Taichung is the original one. So if you are a die-hard fan of milk tea, I’m sure you won’t miss visiting where this delicious drink comes from, right?

Another fun thing to do in Chun Sui Tang is an interactive DIY making of the Bubble Tea! Yes, there is! You can actually check out in kkday, I was just actually browsing about Taichung and have landed there. While I do not know that there is this kind of activity, it seems fun especially to those milk tea lovers out there.

Taichung Park Pavilion

The Taichung Park Pavilion is located somehow near Painted Animation Lane and this amazing urban park lies at the center of Taichung City. The pavilion at the mid-lake makes the park picture perfect. The pavilion design embarks on a Japanese style architecture which can be the label of the Japanese ruling the country in 1903.

Aside from it being one of the Taichung attractions, it is also a great place to hang out by the locals and their families where they can enjoy recreational activities, picnics, playground, and even boat rowing in the artificial lake.

I’m Talato

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The “I’m Talato” is a famous instagrammable spot in Taichung. It is a gelato shop that showcases a very Instagram worthy interior and certainly a picture-haven ice cream shop. Just being at the entrance of the shop can make your instagram up for a cute photo with the seesaw full of ice cream stack.

If you want to fully enjoy this pretty shop, you can buy a scoop of ice cream and take your unlimited photoshoot inside with a different pool of insta-worthy backdrop!

CMP Block Museum of Arts

If you visit I’m Talato shop, you should consider dropping by the CMP Block Museum of Arts as well which is only 500-m away from the Talato shop. This tourist place is also very convenient as it is just along the streets and you can feel the art meddling in the busy city of Taichung. 

Different art exhibitions are always open to the public and a lot of coffee shops in the area where you can simply relax and enjoy at your own presence in this very artistic street in Taichung City.

Rainbow Village

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This place isn’t just your ordinary village, besides having a unique style of houses painted with vibrant and lively colors, there is a deep and very inspiring story to begin with. 

This touristy spot was military housing before with around 1,200 houses spread accordingly. The village was once subject for demolition but a man, or a former soldier named Huang Yung-Fu exhibits his innate talent in art and starts painting his house, and later on, in his neighbors also. This act of him was found to be a settlement to save them from demolition.

Years have passed, the vibrant place still remains and showcases its beautiful artwork all over the street, walls and houses. You can even take pictures at every angle and worryless of the number of tourists in the area because everywhere is picture worthy!

National Taichung Theater

The National Taichung Theater is an opera house originally designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Sri Lankan-british designer Cecil Balmond. 

The theater was arguably eye-catching with its hour-glass like designs along the building’s perimeter. Its development proves a long list of contracts and proposals from 1992 to 2014 where the theater construction was completed and held its first ceremony.

Feng Chia Night Market

Traveling in Taichung won’t be perfect if you don’t visit at least one night market. The Feng Chia Night Market is a famous night market in Taichung established in 1963. This night market stretches for approximately 1 km long and full of a variety of shops to satisfy your cravings, may it be food or the fashion clothes you’re looking for.

Visiting a night market can be a bit of a hassle because of the pool of people around, but that’s what makes the market more exciting right? Just a bit of reminder to be alert at all times and keep your important belongings safe from the crowd.

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Those aren’t just the famous tourist spots in Taichung, as I said before, there are a lot that I may not be able to cover in this article. With these Taichung attractions I have mentioned, I bet you actually can’t do it for just one day.

See also this Top 10 Must Go Places in Taichung.

Thus if you are planning to have a day trip in Taichung, just pick at least 3-4 places above according to your likings and plot the schedule in your most convenient way. But I totally recommend if you can try and explore Taichung City for a few days to make the most out of it.

Wrapping up! I hope you enjoy this mini article to showcase the unique beauty of Taichung City and state tuned for some upcoming articles for my Taiwan Travel Series.

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