10 Best Things to do in Taichung, Taiwan
Taichung is one of Taiwan’s most underrated destinations, often overshadowed by Taipei—but trust me, it absolutely deserves a spot on your Taiwan itinerary! If you’re looking for a city with a laid-back charm, artistic vibes, and incredible food, Taichung is the place to be. There’s no short of things to do in Taichung, Taiwan.
But unlike the bustling energy of Taipei, Taichung offers a more relaxed pace, making it the perfect stop for those into unique cultural spots, hidden gems, and beautiful natural landscapes.
During my trip, Taichung quickly became one of my favorite places in Taiwan. From the handmade artisan goods at the Shen Ji New Village to the night markets with mouthwatering street food, this city had me in love.
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Best Time to Visit Taichung
Spring or Autumn are best for visiting. The summer reaches temperatures of 26-34°C (79-93°F). There is a rainy season in Taiwan that spans from May to September, peaking in June and July.
How to get to Taichung
From Taipei, you can get to Taichung by Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei Main Station to Taichung HSR Station in under 50 minutes. The cost is NT$700–NT$800. There’s also a normal train you can take which is slower and cheaper. The cost will then be between NT$240–NT$375 but it will take over double the time to get there.
Where to Stay in Taichung
I personally stayed at Le Méridien and it was situated super central and not too far from Taichung Old Station. It was easy to see the main attractions from here and the hotel was really nice.
- Xitun District is a great area to stay for first-time visitors as it’s close to Fengjia Night Market, shopping, and trendy cafes.
Hotel options: $$ The LIN Hotel | $$ Millennium Hotel - West District: If you’re into art and a quieter experience, then stay in West District. Nearby attractions include the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Calligraphy Greenway, CMP Block Museum of Arts.
Hotel options: $ The Splendor Hotel | $ Green Hotel – West District - Central District: better for walkability. It’s really near to Taichung Train Station, Miyahara (famous for its ice cream), and Zhongxiao Night Market.
Hotel options: $$ Le Méridien | $ CityInn Hotel Plus
10 Best Things to do in Taichung
1. Stroll through the old train station
The old train station in Taichung is one of the coolest things I did! I loved how vintage the train station looked. In 1995, the train station was designated as a historic site, preserving its beautiful red brick architecture and European-style design from the Japanese colonial era.
While the station is no longer in operation for daily train services, it has been carefully restored and repurposed as a cultural landmark, making it a must-visit spot especially if you love photography.
The best part is that it’s located right next to the modern Taichung Train Station, so it’s easy to explore both in one visit.
2. Have bubble tea at the birthplace of bubble tea!
Did you know bubble tea was invented in Taichung? The story is that Liu Han-Chieh, the founder of Chun Shui Tang, was inspired by seeing iced coffee in Japan and decided to serve traditional Chinese tea cold.
Later, in 1988, during a staff meeting, his product manager Lin Hsiu Hui randomly poured sweet tapioca balls (which were originally a dessert) into her iced tea. The combination was a hit, and that’s how bubble tea was born!
Today, you can visit the original Chun Shui Tang tea house in Taichung and even take a DIY bubble tea-making class there! Plus, they have great food here if you’re hungry too.
3. Shop for handmade goods at Shen Ji New Village
I absolutely loved this stop! Shen Ji New Village is a trendy, creative hub in Taichung that blends history with modern artistry. Originally a dormitory area for government employees, it has since been transformed into a lively space filled with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and charming cafés.
The village is especially known for its weekend market, where local artists and makers sell unique, handcrafted goods. Strolling through the market was such a vibe—I left with a cute bubble tea keychain and a cat in an ice cream keychain. There were endless other adorable things for sale, including hand-painted ceramics, vintage-style postcards, handmade jewelry, and quirky stationery.
4. Checkout the colorful Rainbow Village
Taichung’s Rainbow Village (exact location here), is the most colorful street in Taichung and maybe even Taiwan.
This once-ordinary military settlement was transformed by Huang Yong-Fu, an elderly veteran affectionately known as “Grandpa Rainbow,” who began painting the walls, streets, and houses with whimsical characters, animals, and bright patterns.
His artwork saved the village from demolition and turned it into a must-visit spot. Walking through Rainbow Village, you’ll be surrounded by cheerful murals. It is truly Instagram-worthy!
5. Enjoy lunch at Yabi Kitchen
For a delicious and cozy lunch in Taichung, try Yabi Kitchen. This restaurant is known for its fusion-style cuisine. We tried several dishes in our group and shared them all. The standout dishes were the Bak Kut Yeh and Black Pepper Shrimp as well as the fried rice.
6. Learn how to make your own Sun Cake
One of the best things to do in Taichung is taking a sun cake (taiyang bing) making class, where you can learn to craft this famous local pastry from scratch.
Sun cakes are a beloved Taichung specialty—flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet maltose syrup. During the class, expert bakers guide you through the process, which involves kneading the dough and creating the perfect layers that give sun cakes their signature crispiness.
You’ll also gain insight into the history and cultural significance of this iconic Taiwanese dessert.
7. Have Ice Cream in an Old Eye Doctor Office
One of the most unique places to grab dessert in Taichung is Miyahara, a stunning tea house and ice cream shop set inside a restored Japanese-era eye clinic.
Originally an ophthalmology hospital founded by Dr. Miyahara in the 1920s, the building has been transformed into an elegant space that feels straight out of a Harry Potter film. The building features towering wooden bookshelves, vintage chandeliers, and an old-world charm.
Miyahara is famous for its ice cream, offering unique flavors like Taiwanese tea, pineapple cake, and salted plum.
You can even top your scoop with cheesecake, nuts, or chocolate.
This place can get super popular and busy, so if you’re short on time, check out this venue for sure but then head a few minutes down the road to Fourth Credit Union. This is Miyahara’s second shop, and you’ll find the same ice cream but without the queue.
8. Visit the year round Zhongshe Flower Market
Visiting Zhongshe Flower Market will make you feel like you’re in the Netherlands! Located in Taichung’s Houli District, you’ll find flower fields that bloom year-round.
It is huge, spanning six hectares, and features European-themed gardens full of tulips, lilies, sunflowers, and lavender.
The photo opportunities are endless here especially if you love flowers!
9. Watch the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands
Watching the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands is one of the best things to do in Taichung. Located along the western coast, this ecological preserve is famous for its huge tidal flats, wind turbines, and wildlife including migratory birds and even mudskippers. The sunset here is really the best so it’s worth the trek to see it.
10. Have dinner at Fengchia Night Market
Taiwan is known for it’s amazing night markets so when in Taichung, visiting Fengchia Night Market is a must. This is the best night market in Taichung and you’ll know why when you get there. Be sure to try the sticky rice with sausage and other Taiwanese staples like stinky tofu!
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