7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Taichung

Spectacular sunsets at Gaomei Wetlands
Spectacular sunsets at Gaomei Wetlands | © dennis / Flickr
Ciaran McEneaney

For many years Taichung was considered a hub of industry and, as a result, not a place that many considered the ideal holiday or weekend break destination. However, in recent years the city has undergone a huge wave of redevelopment and is now a great place for a short break. Here are some of the main reasons why travelers should have the west coast city of Taichung on their Taiwan bucket list.

The food is amazing

Well, many tourists would surmise that the food is amazing no matter where you go in Taiwan but in Taichung, you have a genuine melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. From French haute cuisine to local hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, Taichung has it all and then some. But more so, it’s the local treats that make the city one of a kind. Taichung is the home of a variety of snacks and foods such as Sun Cakes and Pearl Milk Tea. In fact, no self-respecting local will visit the city without sampling at least one.

Pearl milk tea

It’s home to some incredible nightlife

The people are super-friendly

Taiwan has a reputation for being an incredibly welcoming place, and Taichung is one of its most welcoming cities. People here are very friendly towards tourists, and it’s not uncommon to go out for dinner and make a few new friends along the way. Ask a local for directions on the street, and they’ll do all they can to see you to your destination even if that means walking you there themselves.

The surrounding countryside is spectacular

The countryside surrounding Taichung is home to some of the best trails for short hikes, and at any time during your stay in the city, you’re never more than a half-hour away from lush green countryside. The nearby coast is also a great spot to visit the Gaomei Wetlands, one of the most popular places for an evening stroll. The wetlands are home to an incredible array of local wildlife, and the pathways that wind through the area provide easy access.

Gaomei Wetlands, Meidi Street, Qingshui District, Taichung City, Taiwan

Hiking trails at Dakeng

It’s home to the one-time largest night market in Taiwan

Fengjia Night Market was once said to be the largest night market in Taiwan, a title that is now claimed by not one, but two night markets in Kaohsiung. But regardless of who holds the title, Fengjia is well worth a visit. Clothes, food, gifts, and practically everything else you can imagine is available at this night market, where you can easily get lost if you’re not careful.

Fengjia Night Market, Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan

It’s home to the most colorful neighborhood in Taiwan

The aptly named Rainbow Village is one of the most visited and talked about tourist attractions in Taichung. Started by an aging soldier who decided that his neighborhood needed a little more color, the multi-colored houses of Rainbow Village are a sight to behold. In search of some one-of-a-kind holiday snaps? Then look no further.

Rainbow Village, Lane 56, Chunan Road, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan

The cafés are the quirkiest in Taiwan

In a land overflowing with oddly themed cafés, saying that Taichung has the quirkiest is something else. But in Taichung, the cafés are not so much odd as they are cute and colorful. And what’s more, there are so many of them. Every street seems to have at least two or three coffee shops, and with so much competition, each strives to stand out from the crowd. Having a coffee in Taichung is certainly an interesting experience.

The wonderfully quirky 艸水木堂 is certainly one of a kind
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article