Taiwan's third-largest city blends industrial prowess with cultural richness. Surrounded by mountains, it houses aboriginal and Hakka communities, temples, and a lively night market.
Taichung, Taiwan's third-largest city, captivates visitors with its vibrant art scene and delectable cuisine. You can admire contemporary Taiwanese art at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts or wander through the whimsical Rainbow Village. Sip on the original bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang teahouse, then explore the lively Fengjia Night Market. Taichung's central location also makes it an ideal starting point for trips to Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing Farm.
Exploring Taichung's Artistic Side
At the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, you'll find a wide array of Taiwanese art. The museum's galleries display both traditional and contemporary works, with exhibitions that change regularly. For a unique art experience, head to Rainbow Village. This former military settlement was saved from demolition when resident Huang Yong-Fu began painting colorful murals on the buildings. Today, you can view the street art and learn about the site's history.
Taichung's Culinary Delights
Taichung claims to be the birthplace of bubble tea, and you can try the original at Chun Shui Tang teahouse. For a wider variety of local foods, explore the city's night markets. Fengjia Night Market, the largest in Taiwan, has hundreds of food stalls. Sample local specialties like sun cakes (太陽餅) - flaky pastries filled with maltose, or oyster omelets, a savory Taiwanese street food classic.
Natural Areas Around Taichung
Just outside the city, Gaomei Wetland allows you to observe coastal ecology. You'll see mudflats and various bird species. Walk along the boardwalk at sunset for views of the coast and wetlands. For mountain scenery, take a day trip to nearby Dakeng. The area has hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs.
Getting Around Taichung
You can use Taichung's public transportation system, which includes buses and a single MRT line. Since the city is quite spread out, you might find ride-hailing apps or taxis more convenient for some destinations. Renting a scooter is another option for exploring the city and its outskirts, but ensure you're comfortable with local traffic conditions before doing so.
Day Trips from Taichung
From Taichung, you can easily explore other parts of Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake, about a 90-minute drive away, is Taiwan's largest body of water. You can take boat tours or hike the trails around the lake. For a glimpse of rural life, visit Cingjing Farm in the mountains of Nantou County. Here, you'll see sheep grazing on green hillsides and enjoy cooler temperatures, which can be particularly pleasant during Taiwan's hot summers.
