Things to Do in Taichung We Wish We Had More Time For

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We only spent one night in Taichung.

One night.

And it wasn’t nearly enough.

Taichung was meant to be a quick stop between Jiaoxi and Sun Moon Lake. Somewhere to sleep, grab dinner and move on. Instead, we found a city packed with creative neighbourhoods, unforgettable food and far more things to do in Taichung than we had planned for. 

We also happened to stay in the best hotel of our entire Taiwan trip, which made leaving even harder.

If you’re planning your Taiwan itinerary and debating whether Taichung is worth visiting, take this as your sign. Do not rush it. Give it at least two nights.

Here’s what we experienced, what we missed and what I would prioritise if I were planning my time in Taichung again.

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How to get from Taipei to Taichung

Before we get into all the best attractions in Taichung city, let’s talk logistics.

We travelled from Taipei to Taichung using the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), and it was honestly so easy. The train from Taipei Main Station to Taichung HSR Station takes under 50 minutes and costs around NT$700–NT$800.

Under an hour. That’s it.

We booked our tickets on the T Express app. This is the official mobile ticketing service for the THSR. It’s easy to use, you make instant payment and receive a digital ticket collection. You simply use the QR code on your ticket to pass through the station gates.

We didn’t arrive until late afternoon because we’d travelled from Jiaoxi to Taipei first and then taken the HSR to Taichung. This detour added on an extra two hours for us, particularly as we got stuck in a lot of traffic travelling to Taipei, thanks to it being the Dragon Boat Festival (a public holiday) that weekend.

There’s also a regular train option, which is cheaper (NT$240–NT$375), but it takes more than double the time. If you’re short on time like we were, I’d absolutely recommend the HSR.

One thing to note though – the HSR station isn’t right in the city centre. You’ll need to transfer by bus or taxi to get into town.

How to get around Taichung

Taichung is fairly easy to navigate, but it’s not as compact as Taipei.

The main attractions in the city centre are walkable, especially around Miyahara, the Old Train Station and Shen Ji New Village. We found ourselves walking most of the time in this area.

For places further out, like Rainbow Village or Gaomei Wetlands, you’ll need to rely on public transport or taxis. Buses are affordable and fairly straightforward, though travel times can add up if you’re short on time.

Taxis and Uber are widely available and reasonably priced, which can save you a lot of hassle if you’re only in the city for one or two nights.

If you’re arriving via the High-Speed Rail, remember that the HSR station is outside the main city centre. 

Getting around Taichung is manageable, but it rewards a bit of planning if you want to cover multiple areas in one day.

Is Taichung worth visiting?

I genuinely think Taichung is worth adding to your Taiwan itinerary – especially if you enjoy cities with personality. Here’s why:

• It’s the birthplace of bubble tea, which alone makes it a foodie pilgrimage.
• It blends creativity and culture, from Rainbow Village to design hubs like Shen Ji New Village.
• It’s less hectic than Taipei, but still packed with things to do.
• It works well as a stop between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake, making it easy to fit into a north-to-south route.

Taichung surprised me. It feels more laid-back than Taipei but still vibrant, and with two nights, it really shines.

What I didn’t realise before visiting is that Taichung fills a very specific role in a Taiwan itinerary. Taipei is fast-paced and overwhelming in the best way. Sun Moon Lake is scenic and slow. Kaohsiung feels modern and coastal. Taichung sits somewhere in the middle. 

It’s creative, food-focused and noticeably more relaxed than the capital, but it still has enough going on to fill two full days without trying too hard. If you’re building a north-to-south Taiwan route, this is the city that balances everything out.

Best things to do in Taichung

Have bubble tea at the birthplace of bubble tea 

Taichung is widely considered the birthplace of bubble tea, so naturally it felt wrong not to at least visit Chun Shui Tang, the teahouse where the drink was reportedly invented in the 1980s.

We went to the branch inside Taroko mall, which was surprisingly hard to find. It’s tucked away and not as obvious as you might expect for such an iconic spot.

It was also busy. Very busy. This is not a hidden local gem. It’s firmly on the tourist trail.

Unfortunately for me, there weren’t any dairy-free milk options available, so I didn’t actually order anything. That said, it still felt worth stopping by just to see where it all began. There’s something interesting about visiting the original location of something that’s now global.

If you’re not dairy-free and don’t mind the crowds, or if you simply fancy a fruit tea, it’s still a fun foodie pilgrimage. Just expect queues and a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet traditional teahouse experience.

Explore the colourful Rainbow Village 

Rainbow Village is probably Taichung’s most photographed attraction – and it nearly didn’t survive at all.

Originally a military dependents’ village scheduled for demolition, it was saved thanks to one former resident, Huang Yung-fu, who began painting the walls at 86 years old in an effort to preserve his home. 

His colourful murals of animals, people and hopeful messages eventually drew enough attention that the government stepped in to protect the site.

We didn’t make it here during our short stay – mainly because it’s located outside the main city centre and we ran out of time – but if you’re interested in public art or quirky cultural landmarks, this seems like one of the most unique things to do in Taichung.

It’s fairly small and can be explored in under an hour, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions.

Just go in knowing it’s compact – it’s more about the story and symbolism than spending half a day wandering.

If we return with more time, this would definitely be on my list.

Have dinner at Fengjia night market 

If you’re looking for the best night market in Taichung, this is it.

Fengjia Night Market is one of the biggest night markets in Taiwan and it is chaotic in the best possible way.

Oversized fried chicken cutlets.
Grilled squid.
Creative potato snacks.
More bubble tea (obviously).

We’d had our fill of night markets in Taipei, so decided to skip this. Instead, we went out for a nice sit-down dinner at a vegan restaurant as it was the night before my birthday.  

As with all night markets, there’s no strategy here – just follow your nose and your cravings.

Visit Gaomei Wetlands for Sunset 

Gaomei Wetlands is often described as one of the best sunset spots in Taichung.

Located along the coast, it’s known for its long wooden boardwalk stretching out across shallow tidal flats, with wind turbines lining the horizon. At sunset, the reflections in the water create those soft pink and orange tones that photographers love.

We didn’t manage to make the trip ourselves as it’s about an hour outside the city centre by public transport. With only one night, we prioritised staying closer to town.

If you’re spending two nights in Taichung or love chasing dramatic sunsets, it’s a worthwhile detour. Just allow extra travel time and check sunset hours in advance – especially during the summer when it can be humid and windy along the coast.

Visit the year round Zhongshe Flower Market 

We didn’t have time to visit Zhongshe Flower Market ourselves, but it kept coming up again and again while researching things to do in Taichung.

Located in Houli District, this six-hectare flower park is known for its colourful seasonal displays, with tulips, lilies, sunflowers and lavender blooming throughout the year. 

The gardens are designed with European-style backdrops, windmills and themed sections that make it especially popular with photographers and Instagram lovers. The photos alone remind me of visiting Sirao Garden in Cebu city in the Philippines.

From what I’ve read, it’s best visited in spring when the flowers are at their fullest. That said, because different flowers bloom in different months, there’s usually something in season year-round.

If you’re someone who loves floral parks or wants a more relaxed half-day activity outside the city centre, this could be a lovely addition to your Taichung itinerary.

For us, with only one night in the city, it just didn’t make the cut – but if we return with more time, I’d definitely consider adding it to my Taichung itinerary.

Learn how to make your own Sun Cake 

One of the most unique things to do in Taichung is learning how to make taiyang bing, also known as sun cakes.

These flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet maltose syrup are a beloved Taichung specialty.

You can take a hands-on baking class where expert bakers guide you through kneading the dough and creating those signature crisp layers. You’ll also learn about the history behind this iconic dessert.

We didn’t have time to do this (again, one night problems), but it’s high on my list for next time.

I was very lucky to be able to try one though. When we arrived in Taichung, we stopped for a coffee inside the HSR station. A lovely man and his elderly dad, seated next to us struck up a conversation – honestly, I think we spent around 3 hours talking to them. 

They wanted to know about our travel plans, and as soon as they learned it was my birthday the following day, the elderly man disappeared and came back with a sun cake and a box of fresh Taiwanese mochi for me.

It was truly the most unexpected surprise and the most wholesome interaction of our entire time in Taiwan.

The sun cake was delicious, but the mochi were insanely good – if you know me, you’ll know just how obsessed I am with them.

We shared our snacks, the cake and stories with them, until it was time to say goodbye. This is what I truly love about travelling around Asia, the slow moments of interactions with the locals who are always so welcoming.

I digress..

You can also visit the Taiwan Sun Cake Museum, which honours the invention of sun cakes in a beautiful heritage building. There’s tasting involved, so obviously I approve.

Book this top rated sun cake experience here.

Shop for handmade goods at Shen Ji New Village 

Shen Ji New Village is such a vibe.

Originally dormitories for government employees, it’s now a creative hub filled with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and cute cafés.

On weekends, there’s a market where local artists sell hand-painted ceramics, vintage-style postcards, handmade jewellery, quirky stationery – basically all the things I love to see.

We spent way longer here than planned. No regrets.

Stroll through the old train station 

I loved this spot.

The Taichung Old Train Station was designated a historic site in 1995 and showcases beautiful red-brick architecture from the Japanese colonial era.

It’s no longer used for daily train services, but it’s been restored as a cultural landmark.

The best part? It’s right next to the modern Taichung Train Station, so you can see both old and new side by side.

If you’re into photography, you’ll love this one. We had a fantastic view of it from our room at Le Méridien Taichung.

It feels a bit sketchy walking around the old train station late at night – though I didn’t feel unsafe in any way. I was shocked to see the sheer amount of homeless people lining the streets both outside and at the entrance to the station – all with sleeping bags. 

This was uncomfortable to witness – probably because it is the only place I have seen homeless people throughout our time in Taiwan.

Eat ice cream at Miyahara

One of the most unique restaurants in Taichung (dessert counts, right?) is Miyahara.

Originally a Japanese-era eye clinic founded by Dr. Miyahara in the 1920s, the building has been transformed into an elegant dessert shop that genuinely feels like something out of Harry Potter.

Towering wooden bookshelves.
Vintage chandeliers.
Old-world charm everywhere.

The ice cream flavours are wild – Taiwanese tea, pineapple cake, salted plum – and you can pile on toppings like cheesecake and chocolate.

It gets very busy though. If you’re short on time, grab a scoop and then head to Fourth Credit Union, Miyahara’s second branch just down the road, where you’ll find the same ice cream without the insane queue.

Visit the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts 

The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in Asia – and it’s completely free to enter.

Although we stopped by briefly, we visited during an exhibition changeover, so we didn’t get the full experience. What stood out immediately, though, was the large outdoor sculpture garden, which makes it worth walking through even if you’re short on time.

Inside, the museum focuses heavily on Taiwanese modern and contemporary art. If you’re someone who enjoys cultural stops between foodie experiences (or just needs a break from the heat), this could be a great addition to your Taichung itinerary.

For us, with limited time, it wasn’t a highlight – but if you’re staying longer and enjoy museums, it’s one of the city’s main cultural institutions.

Eat breakfast at Second Market Taichung 

Second Market is one of Taichung’s oldest traditional markets, operating for over a century.

It’s best known for local breakfast dishes and classic Taiwanese street food, with many family-run stalls that have been passed down through generations.

We didn’t get a chance to visit ourselves as we wanted to check out a nearby vegan restaurant for brunch before heading to Sun Moon Lake. However, it’s consistently recommended as one of the best places to try authentic local dishes in Taichung.

If you’re someone who loves exploring markets for breakfast rather than sitting down at a hotel buffet, this would be a great place to start your day. Just note that it’s open from 7am to 1pm (closed Mondays), so plan accordingly.

Where to find the best vegetarian food in Taichung

Vegetarian food in Taiwan isn’t impossible to find, but truly good vegetarian and vegan food can take a little effort.

As much as I love Asian cuisine, after a few days I was craving something lighter. I often find traditional Chinese dishes quite oily, which isn’t how I usually eat at home. So I was genuinely surprised by how much Taichung impressed me on the food front.

We found two fantastic vegetarian restaurants, both within walking distance of our hotel.

Pure Gourmet 蔬食本色素食坊

This vegetarian buffet was hands down my favourite meal in Taichung.

It’s a self-service spot where you grab tongs and a plate or takeaway box, fill it with whatever you like, and then have it weighed at the counter. You can add plain rice or green rice for a small additional fee.

Our entire meal cost under £7.50 for two people, including complimentary soup, oolong tea and water. You clear your own tray afterward, which keeps everything moving smoothly.

When we arrived, the place was full of locals and we were the only tourists. The woman serving us immediately explained how everything worked and kindly pointed out which dishes contained egg or dairy. Aside from two clearly separated items, the rest of the buffet was vegan.

She was incredibly sweet. When I filled my rice bowl, she laughed and told me I wasn’t adding enough. Apparently the correct technique is to mound it into a dome shape so you get better value. I personally did not need that much rice, but I appreciated the enthusiasm.

Affordable, casual and genuinely delicious, this was easily our best vegetarian find in Taichung.

Location: No. 26號, Dayong St, East District, Taichung City

Guan Shi Yin Organic Lifestyle 觀世音有機生活館

This second restaurant was just a short walk from our hotel and offered a large fully vegetarian menu.

The translations were a little vague at times. Seeing “king oyster mushroom” listed doesn’t always tell you how it’s cooked or served. Thankfully, the woman serving us took the time to explain several dishes, even with the language barrier, which was brilliant.

I was excited to see ‘soup dumplings’ on the menu, but they turned out to be dumplings served in broth rather than the traditional xiao long bao style I had hoped for. They were nice, just not what I expected.

We ordered quite a lot because we were starving. The roast duck roll was interesting but slightly bland. The vegetarian okonomiyaki was my first time trying the dish. It was more noodle-based than I anticipated, and the wasabi on top was not for me. The standout was the spicy Thai fried rice. Simple, flavourful and exactly what I wanted.

While this meal wasn’t perfect, it was still a solid vegetarian option and a welcome break from heavier dishes I’d been eating.

Location: No. 22, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City

Should you book a tour in Taichung?

If you only have one day in Taichung, a guided tour can actually make a lot of sense.

The city’s highlights are quite spread out – especially places like Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands, and public transport between them can eat into your time.

There’s a popular Taichung day tour that typically includes:

• Miyahara Ice Cream
• National Taichung Theater
• Rainbow Village
• Gaomei Wetlands
• Fengjia Night Market

It’s an efficient way to see the major attractions in one go without worrying about buses or sunset timing.

DAY TOUR OVERVIEW

TAICHUNG DAY TOUR

Price: Discounted prices under $35 per person
Duration: 9 – 10 hours
Klook Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Includes: Miyahara, National Taichung Theater, Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetlands, Fengjia Night Market

BOOK TICKETS NOW

That said, if you’re staying two nights and enjoy exploring independently, you really don’t need a tour. We found Taichung easy to navigate, and I personally prefer moving at my own pace – especially when food is involved.

Short on time? Book a tour.
Staying longer? Go independent.

Taichung works well either way. It just depends on how you like to travel.

Best time to visit Taichung 

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are ideal. The weather is warm but not overwhelming, and it’s much more comfortable for walking around the city.

Summer (June–September) is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26–34°C. We visited in early summer and definitely felt the heat rising uncomfortably in the middle of the country.

In fact, some of the locals were shocked to learn we were travelling south, towards Kaohsiung in June. Many of those in Northern Taiwan avoid travelling south in the summer months.

It’s also worth noting that Taiwan’s rainy season runs from May to September, with typhoon season typically peaking between July and September. While typhoons don’t hit constantly, they can disrupt travel plans – especially if you’re relying on trains or coastal visits like Gaomei Wetlands.

If you’re travelling in summer, just keep an eye on weather forecasts and build a little flexibility into your itinerary.

Taichung 1 day vs 2 day itinerary: how much time do you really need?

We barely had one day in Taichung – and that was our mistake.

If you’re trying to squeeze Taichung into a tight Taiwan itinerary, here’s how I’d prioritise it.

If you only have 1 day in Taichung, focus on:

• Miyahara & the Old Train Station area for architecture and dessert
• Shen Ji New Village for creative shops and cafés
• One major foodie experience (bubble tea birthplace or a night market – maybe even both)
• A relaxed evening near your hotel rather than travelling far out of the city

With limited time, I’d skip attractions that require longer transport (like Gaomei Wetlands) unless sunset is a huge priority for you.

If you have 2 days in Taichung, you can comfortably add:

• Gaomei Wetlands for sunset
• Rainbow Village
• A museum stop like the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
• A slower morning at Second Market
• Or even a half-day trip to Sun Moon Lake

Two nights gives you breathing room – and Taichung is a city that rewards slower exploration.

If I could redo our Taiwan route, I’d absolutely give Taichung those extra hours instead of spending two nights at Sun Moon Lake.

Where to stay in Taichung

We stayed at Le Méridien Taichung, and it was hands down my favourite hotel of our entire Taiwan trip.

We splashed out a little since it was the night before my birthday – and I don’t regret it at all.

It’s located across the road from Taichung Old Station, which makes it perfect if you’re exploring the main city attractions.

We had a relaxing night in Taichung, making use of the infinity pool on the roof of the hotel.

We also ended our night with cocktails at the rooftop bar – however they weren’t the nicest cocktails I’ve ever had.

If you’re only staying one night and heading straight back to the HSR early the next morning, it might feel slightly far from the high-speed rail station. But if you’re spending two nights? It’s a fantastic base. 

With spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows with a fabulous view and an incredibly comfortable bed – there isn’t anything negative I can say about this hotel. The bathroom itself blew me away – it was quite literally bigger than many hotel rooms I have stayed in – complete with a huge bathtub, walk-in shower and Japanese toilet.

I would have loved an extra night here, just to hang out in this luxe hotel.

Taichung surprised me.

It’s creative, colourful, food-focused and full of character. It might not get as much hype as Taipei, but it deserves more.

Taichung is perfect if you:

• Love food-focused cities
• Prefer creative neighbourhoods over mega-metropolises
• Want a slower pace between Taipei and southern Taiwan

If you’re planning your Taiwan itinerary and debating whether to include it, do it. Just don’t rush through like we did.

There are too many incredible things to do in Taichung to squeeze into one night.

If I were planning the route again, I’d start in Taipei, head south to Taichung for two nights, then continue to Sun Moon Lake for a day trip, spend a couple of nights in Tainan and finish in Kaohsiung.

Taichung is the balance point of a Taiwan itinerary. Give it the time it deserves.

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Read more about planning a trip to Taiwan:

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• Things to Do in Taichung We Wish We Had More Time For