Embark on an exciting journey through the vibrant city of Taichung and uncover a plethora of activities that will make your visit truly unforgettable. Immerse yourself in the local culture, delve into the intriguing history, and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty that Taichung has in store for you. From exploring an enchanting former military village transformed into an open-air art gallery to treating your taste buds to a gastronomic adventure at bustling markets, the city offers a myriad of experiences to delight and inspire. Find tranquility amidst the serene wetlands and picturesque lakes or embrace your adventurous spirit with thrilling escapades that showcase the very best of Taichung. Join us as we guide you through the top things to do in Taichung, and create cherished memories that will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.
Top 10 Things to Do in Taichung
1. Experience the Beauty of Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by lush mountains and dotted with small islands. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise around the lake, go hiking or cycling around the trails, or visit various temples and pagodas that line the shore. The beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere make Sun Moon Lake a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
2. Admire the Colourful Murals at Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village is a former military dependents’ village that has been transformed into an open-air art gallery. The colourful and whimsical murals painted on the walls and floors by the resident artist, Mr. Huang, have made the village a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
3. Walk the Boardwalks at Gaomei Wetlands
Gaomei Wetlands is a unique ecosystem located on the coast of Taichung. The wetlands are home to a variety of migratory birds, and visitors can walk on the boardwalks to observe the birds and other wildlife up close. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the wetlands become illuminated by the warm light.
4. Explore the Creative Community of Shenji New Village
Shenji New Village is a community of artists and designers who have transformed an old military village into a hub of creativity. Visitors can explore the various art studios, galleries, and shops in the village, as well as attend art events and workshops.
5. Sip on Bubble Tea at Chun Shui Tang
Chun Shui Tang is credited with inventing bubble tea. And their store in Taichung is a must-visit for any bubble tea lover. They serve a variety of flavours and toppings, but we suggest trying the most classic Pearl Milk Tea. In addition to bubble tea, you can also savour various Taiwanese dishes such as kung-fu noodles, braised beancurd & rice cake, braised cabbage with green tea, and deep-fried chicken.
6. Indulge in Sweet Treats at Miyahara
Miyahara is located in a historic building that has been transformed into a stunning ice cream parlour and confectionery shop. The store offers a variety of handmade chocolates, pastries, and ice cream, and its interior design has an old-fashioned apothecary vibe. The charming decor is a great spot for taking photos and features an Instagram-worthy layout.
7. Sample Local Specialties at Taichung Second Market
Taichung Second Market is a lively indoor marketplace where you can find traditional Taiwanese cuisine, fresh produce, and other goods. Don’t miss out on local eats such as glutinous rice sausage, radish cake, mi tai mu, braised meat rice, and black tea. Be sure to stop by the dried meat shop and get some of their mouth-watering thick and meaty bak kwa!
8. Try the Famous Sun Cake
Sun cake, also known as tai yang bing, is a sweet pastry that is filled with maltose and has a distinctive round shape and a flaky exterior. To learn about the history and making of the sun cake, you can visit the Taiwan Sun Cake Museum. One of the most popular places to get sun cakes in Taichung is Yi Fu Tang. They offer sun cakes in a variety of flavours like traditional, honey, taro and brown sugar. Their lemon cake is a must try too!
9. Shop and Snack at Fengjia Night Market
Fengjia Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Taiwan. The market is a popular spot for both locals and tourists because of its lively atmosphere and wide variety of street food, clothing, and other goods. If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss out on some of the must-try eats such as sweet potato fries, gua bao, da chang bao xiao chang, garlic sauce dried beancurd, and stinky tofu.
10. Stroll Through the Painted Animation Lane
Painted Animation Lane is an alleyway that has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery. It features a collection of colourful murals and street art inspired mainly by Japanese anime. It’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor art gallery that displays the ingenuity and proficiency of a regular local artist. You don’t need to be an anime fan to enjoy this attraction. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s artistic and cultural vibe.
Conclusion
From colourful murals and lively night markets to tranquil wetlands and serene lakes, Taichung offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to indulge in delicious street food, explore the local arts scene, or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature, Taichung is a city that is sure to captivate and delight. We hope that this list of top things to do in Taichung inspires you to plan your own adventure in this vibrant and charming city.