This itinerary offers a diverse exploration of Taichung, blending cultural experiences, entertainment, shopping, and natural beauty.
Weather: Taichung enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Be prepared for potential rain throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season.
Tips:
*Start early: Taichung is a bustling city, so starting your day early will help you avoid crowds and maximize your time.
*Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
*Bring an umbrella: Taichung is known for its sudden showers, so an umbrella is a good idea, even on sunny days.
*Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases: Even a few phrases will go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable.
*Enjoy the local cuisine: Taichung is known for its delicious food, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties.
*Take advantage of the public transportation system: Taichung has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and the Taichung Metro.
*Plan your visits to popular attractions in advance: Consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long queues, especially for Lihpao Land.
*Be prepared for crowds: Taichung is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
*Have fun! Taichung is a vibrant and exciting city, so relax and enjoy your time exploring all it has to offer.
Flight: Check Here
DAY 1
After touching down at Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport, I took a scenic 1 hour and 6 minute bus ride to reach my hotel for the night, the 24-hour front desk CityInn Hotel near Taichung Station. Check-in was smooth and then it was just a casual 22 minute walk to one of Taichung's most famous spots for a late lunch - Wangjia Carrot Cake Glutinous Rice Sausage (王家菜頭粿糯米腸).
One of their signature offerings is the "Cai Tou Guo" (菜頭粿), a type of Taiwanese dumpling made with taro and filled with various savory ingredients. The texture is soft and chewy, making it a beloved comfort food among Taiwanese locals.
Another must-try item is the "Nuo Mi Chang" (糯米腸), a Taiwanese sausage made with sticky rice, pork, and spices. It has a unique, sticky texture that's different from typical Western-style sausages. (approx. TWD 150 per person)
With a full belly, I walked another quick 10 minutes to the unique interactive exhibits at Miyahara Ophthalmology, Miyahara Eye Hospital, originally an eye clinic established by Japanese optometrist Miyahara (Gong Yuan) during the Japanese occupation, is now a popular ice cream joint and tourist attraction in Taichung City. Famous for its native pineapple cakes, cheesecakes, and other culinary products. The first floor serves a variety of ice cream flavors and bubble milk tea, while the second floor offers Chinese-style appetizers and burgers in an elegantly decorated setting.
Further exploring took me to the sprawling National Museum of Natural Science, where I spent a couple hours admiring the "Fantastic Nature" and "Life Science Hall" exhibits for a ticket of TWD 20-100.
Recommended: 3D Theatre, Botanical Garden, Science Center
By evening I found myself in wonderment again at the Taichung Illusion Museum, testing the effects of optical illusions on my senses. The ticket of TWD 270-380 was well worth the mind-bending experience.
Recommended: Ames Room, Rotated Room, Infinity Mirror Room, Upside-Down Room, 3D Trick Art, Impossible Triangle, etc
To wrap up the day, I strolled 17 minutes to indulge in the tantalizing smells and tastes of Fengjia Night Market, settling on golden left and right legs, stinky tofu, yakitori, and glutinous rice balls for around TWD 150-300. It was then back to the hotel for some much needed rest.
Recommended: Sausage with Sticky Rice, Flaky Scallion Pancake , Pork Bun, Grilled Squid, Oyster Omelet, Stinky Tofu, Fried Chicken Cutlet, Papaya Milk, Bubble Tea, Ice Cream Burrito, Baked Cheese Shellfish , Takoyaki, Aiyu Jelly, Wheel Pie, Mochi Balls, etc
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8tDUF12scrCoefbv8
DAY 2
After a cozy night's sleep, I started my morning with a 5 minute walk to Wusan Egg Pancake. I filled up for TWD 50-100 on a tuna onion creation that fueled me for the day's activities. First up was the scenic 1 hour and 40 minute bus out to the coastal Gaomei Wetlands. I spent the afternoon wandering the boardwalks and lighthouse, stopping to admire the windmill boulevard and try the famous crispy fried chicken (9 minute walk from the wetlands). For around TWD 100-500 it was the perfect eco-escape.
Recommended: Walk on the boardwalk, Observe the windmills, Watch the sunset, Spot migratory birds, Explore the mudflats during low tide.
Back in the city, a 1 hour 17 minute bus delivered me to the Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Port. I spent a few hours perusing the deals, enjoying the ferris wheel views, and filling up on all-you-can-eat spicy hot pot at Hongting for around TWD 500-3,000. It was then another 1 hour 42 minute ride back to my hotel for some well-earned shut eye.
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eNZ7vEoXQ8BJxnRB8
DAY 3
After a leisurely breakfast at MWD Brunch Cafe for TWD 100-200, I took a 1 hour 25 minute bus out to the thrills of Lihpao Land. I soaked in the atmosphere of the mining train, earth's core rescue, and volcano adventure amusements.
For lunch it was 100 minutes of Hoshino Hotpot (2F Zone C) for around TWD 600-800.
Later in the day I explored the 1 hour 36 minute bus ride to the National Taichung Theater, marveling at architectural details like the 1/F clock and 6/F sky garden within the TWD 75-200 entry fee. That led me to the bustling night market flavors of Hanxi Night Market for around TWD 100-300, with favorites like liuliu grilled chicken and squid ship fried squid hitting the spot. It was then a quick 12 minute bus back for some shut-eye before my final day of Taichung adventures.
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZvE7JdeK86X8eU4B6
DAY 4
After checking out of my hotel, I spent TWD 50-100 on a filling breakfast of Xiao Braised Pork Rice just 10 minutes away.
Xiao Braised Pork Rice is a staple in Taiwanese households and is widely available in restaurants and street food markets throughout Taiwan. Its combination of comforting flavors and affordable ingredients has made it a beloved dish among locals and tourists alike.
Next was the scenic 1 hour 41 minute bus ride to the seaside village of Wuchi Fishing Port (Wuchi Holiday Tourist Fishing Market). I wandered through the stalls of the tourist market, taking in the lively atmosphere and scenic views.
Recommended: Seafood Restaurant /BBQ
A late lunch at the cozy Lukang Affordable Seafood Restaurant was the perfect way to wrap up at around TWD 200-500. From there it was one final 41 minute bus journey to wrap things up back at Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport, ready to take my memories of fun-filled Taichung back home with me. Until next time!
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dk9ZcQzoJGvnCS3b8
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