Taiwan is a fantastic country with rich history, friendly locals, amazing street food and beautiful landscape. Most visitors usually only go to Taipei, and it is a shame because there are many other cities that are worth visiting.
Taichung, for instance, is a wonderful holiday destination. For a start, it is only an hour away from Taoyuen International Airport. From there, you can easily make day trips to other places like Kaohsiung, Tainan and Changhua. The main draw for tourists is Feng Chia Night Market – one of the biggest, if not the biggest, night markets in Taiwan. There are many things to see, do and eat in Taichung. The next time you plan a trip to Taiwan, you have to include Taichung in your itinerary.
Here is a travel guide on the things to do in Taichung.
Miyaharu (Gong Yuan Yan Ke)
Housed in a former eye hospital, Miyaharu is opened by Dawncake – an established store in Taichung that sells pineapple tarts and other pastries packaged in nice boxes – and it has become so popular that it is listed on most travel guides to Taichung. Miyaharu is worth visiting – even if it was just to see the shop’s interior – and to buy some gifts for friends and relatives.
No 20 Zhongshan Road
Zhong District, Taichung
Tel: 04 2227 1927
The original bubble tea from Chun Shui Tang
Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, believed to be the inventor of bubble tea, is also a must-try in Taichung. Besides having a wide range of tea-based beverages, they also serve affordable and tasty traditional Taiwanese snacks such as pig’s blood, beef noodles, and braised pork rice.
30 Siwei St, Taichung
+886 4 22297991
Calligraphy Greenway
Taichung Calligraphy Greenway is a parkway in the heart of the city which connects National Museum of Natural Science, Civil Square, Wuquan Parkway, and the LiChuan Canal. It is very liberating to take a stroll along the pavements and to simply just enjoy the greenery.
Feng Chia Night Market
Taichung’s Feng Chia Night Market is one of the biggest night markets in Taiwan. To put it simply: No one visits Taichung without going to Feng Chia. You can find the most innovative snacks here, and in fact, Feng Chia is the testing ground for most modern street food. After they are proven to be popular, they are then spread to the other night markets in Taiwan.
Coffee Appreciation Class
If you have time, drop by ‘Coffee Area’ for a coffee appreciation class. The owner is very friendly and knowledgable about coffee. A typical class (450NT/pax, minimum 4 guests) takes around 2 hours and you can learn about the basics of roasting and coffee tasting.
165 Cunzhong Street
Tel: 04 2376 1273
Fantasy Story
Fantasy Story is an area made up of several blocks of old shophouses converted into cute cafes, slick boutiques, stylish furniture shops and cool lifestyle stores. Every shop has its own character and you can easily spend a day there. Fantasy Shop No. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 are located on 13 Meicun Road Section 1 Lane 117.
Sweet Woods – Fantasy Shop No. 7 dedicated to dining – is about five minutes walk away on 136 Xiangshang North Road. Over there, you can have tea at Wilsons English Afternoon Tea Cafe, ice cream at Bianca, and desserts from Pause Bonheur.
Visit themed restaurants
There are plenty of themed restaurants in Taichung, but if you like a romantic princessy place, you must go to Princess Annie’s Garden Restaurant at Xinshe town.
No.223 Zhongxing Street
Xinshe District, Taichung City
Tel: 04-2593 1567
Daily: 9am – 8pm
Rollin Farm (Ruo Yin Nong Chang)
Rollin Farm is a peaceful and serene spot to get away from the city for a quiet retreat. Getting there from Taichung takes slightly under two hours by car, but when you arrive, you will discover that it is worth the journey.
The rooms at the min su (homestay) are not only well-furnished, but they also come with a stunning view overlooking the mountains. If you have no plans for an overnight stay, a day trip to this scenic part of Taichung is almost as wondrous.
No 1 XueShan Road, Heping District, Taichung City
Tel: 04 2597 1218
Second Market
Head to Second Market – one of the more popular traditional markets in Taichung – for breakfast. There, you can find famous local snacks such as meatballs, fried radish cake, and wanton soup.
Sanmin Road, Central District, Taichung City
Getting to Taipei from Singapore: TransAsia Airways has daily flights – an early morning departure from Changi Airport and an evening return from Taoyuan Airport.
Tips for exploring Taichung: Qiito.com is an online travel organiser and accommodation hosting website which recommends places of interest in Taiwan.
Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Taichung as a guest of Taiwan Tourism Board, Qiito.com and TransAsia Airways. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets, hotel accommodation and transport were sponsored.
Hi, may I know how did you book the stay at rong yin nong chang? I tried to search online but can’t find their website for reservation.
Kindly let me know. Thank you!
Hi! So happy about this post!! I am currently reciding in Taichung and I would love to visit the places you posted here. Could you please provide the buses that would lead to these places? Esp. the Fantasy Story!! Thanks!!:)
Hi, I am also interested in visiting Ruo yin nong Chang this November, could you provide some details in how to make the reservation there? Thank you!
Hi, can u share more about Ruo Yin Nong Chang. Would like to stay there, thanks!
Hi, can u share more about Rollin Farm?? How can I make reservation or contact the minsu?
Interested in booking a family room of 4 persons in Ruo Yin Nong Chang. Planning to go coming January 2015.
Hi, am interested In Rollin farm & fantasy story. Planning a trip in Sep 2014. Thanks
Just want to say thank you. This is very helpful for planning my one day itinerary in Taichung
Hi. I have been to these place when I went there and those places were really awesome. You may also want to include the night market in yi zhong jie and sunnyhills.
Hi… your posts are very interesting. They seemed different from those places other bloggers would post. I love it very much.!!! Could i please trouble you to send me a hard copy of your Taichung itinerary incl how to get there via email? Is 3d 2n sufficient?
Thanks
Hello
Where can I find a guest house for around US$ 30 a night Single room in a cool area of town, possibly near fantasy store area or the market??