Zhongxiao Road Night Market
One of Taichung’s largest night markets
Taichung
A colorful city with a long and vibrant history
Taichung (台中) is Taiwan’s second largest city, located around the middle of the west coast. The city has a mild climate, beautiful scenery and a rich history of both local and foreign influences. It’s a great spot to stop off at if using the high speed train, with the central area taking about a day to do, then many attractions nearby in the wider Taichung area.
Things to do
Central Taichung
Taichung Cultural Heritage Park
Taichung’s modern art and culture complex
Rainbow Village
Super colorful village run by a sweet old grandpa
Miyahara
Try out the famous Miyahara Ice Cream
Painted Animation Lane
Get your geek on at this unique tourist spot
Nearby things to do
Baguashan
Take a hike up the the big Buddha looking over Taichung
Tanya Shen Green Bikeway
Quiet bicycle ride unknown to most travelers
Zhongshe Flower Market
Tourist flower market popular with Asian tourists
How to get there
By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
All THSR trains stop at THSR Taichung Station. There are frequent trains from Taipei (50-60 minutes, NT$700) and Zuoying in Kaohsiung (42-58 minutes, NT$790). From the connected TRA Xinwuri Station you can then take a shuttle train into the city center, where the main Taiwan Railway station is (12 minutes, NT$15).
By Taiwan Railway (TRA)
As well as frequent local trains to and from Taichung Station, there are also express trains from cities such as Taipei (100 minutes-2 hours, NT$375) and Kaohsiung (2 and a half hours, NT$469). While not as comfortable as the high speed trains, these express services are cheaper and take you right into the city center.
By highway bus
Bus services are provided day and night to and from the city. Prices are cheaper than trains, with tickets around $250-$300 from Taipei.
By air
Taichung does have Taichung International Airport, but flights are usually much more expensive than Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei. Getting here via the Taiwan High Speed Train from Taoyuan is a much better option.