10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Taichung

Taipei could be the one and only city you come up with when traveling in Taiwan. However, Taichung, the second most populous city in Taiwan, is one of the most livable and well-loved cities on the island. Let’s find out why: MyProGuide is taking you down to central Taiwan to explore the famous attractions of this fantastic city!

1.Have a feast at Feng Chia Night Market

Location: Around Feng Chia University, Xitun Dist., Taichung City

You can’t miss out on the night market in Taiwan. Feng Chia Night Market, located near Feng Chia University, is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan. It is famous for its variety of snacks and its unique, stylish clothing at fair prices. Be ready to shop and have a feast at Feng Chia Night Market! 

With so many food stands, choosing can be hard, so MyProGuide recommends two must-eats at Feng Chia Night Market. 

1.MingLun Egg Pancake (明倫蛋餅)

Location: No. 546, Fuxing Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City (the stall has moved before, so check Google Maps before you go)

You can find Chinese egg pancake in every Taiwanese breakfast store. Taiwanese are crazy about them. But breakfast at night? Why not? Besides, the egg pancake at MingLun Pancake has a signature taste: it’s soft and tender yet chewy. Don’t forget to add their signature sweet and spicy sauce, which will bring the egg pancake to a different level. 

2.Fried chicken cutlet (雞排)

For meat lovers, a juicy, tender chicken cutlet (ji pai), fried or charcoal-grilled and bigger than your face, is a Taiwanese night market classic. Several stalls at Feng Chia even claim their chicken has been “massaged” to make it tender but chewy.

2. Get artsy at the National Taichung Theater (台中國家歌劇院)

Location: No. 101, Sec. 2, Huilai Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City

Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and opened in 2016, the National Taichung Theater is famous for its flowing, cave-like curved walls. Even without a show ticket you can wander the public spaces, shops and rooftop garden. At the theater, your desire for art and imagination will surely be satisfied!

3. Shopping and chilling at Qin Mei Area (勤美步道)

Location: No. 68, Gongyi Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 40

The Qin Mei area is an area with beautiful walking paths, restaurants, cafes, and a shopping mall. Something worth noticing: the shopping mall is like no other shopping mall. Originally, the building was a semi-abandoned parking lot building. Well-known architects then redesigned the building and turned it into a green building. The area around it is perfect for just sitting, feeling the breeze on your face, merely chilling, and looking at all the stylish people around. 

4. Exploring the breathtaking nature at Gaomei Wetland

Location: End of Meidi St., Qingshui Dist., Taichung City

If you love wildlife and nature, Gaomei Wetland is perfect for you. It is famous for its diverse geographical features, and stunning sunsets. When the tide is low at Gaomei Wetland, you can follow along the walkway, and see all the cute creatures in the mud such as crabs, mudskippers and rare birds, like Egrets and Black-faced Spoonbills. Enjoy the smell of nature, the fresh and clean air at Gaomei Wetland. Don’t forget to take a deep breath! 

5. Take a historical walk at Taichung Park

Location: No.37-1, Gongyuan Rd., North Dist., Taichung City

Taichung Park, the oldest park in Taichung city, was built during the Japanese colonial era. Covering about 10 hectares, the park features many beautiful landscapes such as an artificial lake, a bridge, and a pavilion. Its most famous structure is the Huxin (Mid-Lake) Pavilion, built in 1908 to celebrate the completion of the Taiwan Railway’s West Coast Line from north to south. The weather in Taichung is less humid compared to Taipei, which is a good reason for you to spend a perfect afternoon at Taichung Park. 

6. Check out the paintings with stories at Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村)

Location: Ln.56, Chun’ an Rd., Nantun District Taichung City

The Rainbow Village is somewhere you find cool street art and graffiti. The way that an old village became a collection of art has a touching story behind it. A soldier named Huang Yung-Fu, born in Taishan County, Guangdong Province was the eldest among four brothers and two sisters. He decided to paint the houses in his settlement to save them from demolition. His artwork is characterized by its colorfulness and includes birds, animals, and people. “Rainbow Grandpa” passed away in January 2024 at the age of 101. In 2022 some walls were painted over in a dispute between the city and the former operator, and the city has since repainted parts of the village, so what you see today may differ from older photos. The village is still free to visit. 

7. Visit the National Museum of Natural Science (台中科學博物館)

Location: No. 1, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung City, 404

For those who love museums or science, don’t miss out on the National Museum of Natural Science. One of the most visited museums in Taiwan, the National Museum of Natural Science includes six venues: Space Theater, Science Center, Life Science Hall, Human Cultures Hall, Global Environment Hall, and Botanical Garden. The National Museum of Natural Science is both recreational and educational. This museum is perfect for you to go with your kids and spend a fun afternoon. 

8. Experience the mixture of old and new at Shenji New Village (審計新村)

Location: No. 11, Aly. 2, Ln. 368, Minsheng Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 

Shenji New Village was built by the Taiwan Provincial Government in the late 1960s as dorms to accommodate employees of the auditing office. It was then left abandoned for some reconstruction work of the government. Years later, the government has launched plans to revitalize this area, transforming it into a lively, creative place that attracts young crowds starting new businesses in the neighborhood. This place is characterized by many hipster cafes, craft markets, and artistic designs. Shenji New Village has become an attraction that is rich in history yet filled with cool and artistic vibes.

9. Take selfies at the dream-like Dakeng Lovers Bridge (大坑情人橋)

Location: Xiang Shun East Road and Jing Yin Road, Beitun Dist., Taichung City 

Dakeng Lovers Bridge is a favorite scenic spot for those who love a beautiful Instagram post! As the name implies, the pink, romantic arch bridge is perfect for couples. Parts of the deck are glass, and from the right angle the arch and its reflection join into a giant heart. At night, colored lights shine up through the glass, so the bridge is breathtaking both during the day and night. Don’t forget to bring your loved one to Dakeng Lovers Bridge for a romantic night. 

10. Buy some sun cake for souvenirs!

Your trip to Taichung is coming to an end, and this beautiful city is just too amazing to forget. You would like to have something from Taichung to take it back as a souvenir for your friends and family, or simply for yourself. A flaky, delicious sun cake is perfect for you! Sun cake is a popular Taiwanese pastry that originated in Taichung. Sun cake’s classic filling consists of maltose and is covered with a flaky crust. It goes perfect with tea, so next time you are having an afternoon tea, it would make you think of all your good times in Taichung. Where can you buy this delicious delicacy, you say? Ziyou Road (自由路) in Central District is lined with sun cake shops, many offering free tastings, so you can compare before you buy. One long-established name is:

A Ming Shi Sun Cake (阿明師老店太陽堂)

Location: No. 11, Sec. 2, Ziyou Rd., Central Dist., Taichung City 400, Taiwan 

Often the souvenir stop for tour groups, A Ming Shi has long enjoyed a high reputation in Taichung, and you can usually sample the cakes with a cup of tea. 

Taichung city can easily be accessed by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail, buses, and Taiwan Railway from other cities. Within the city you can get around by the Taichung MRT Green Line and the city’s extensive bus network. Want a local to show you around? Browse our Taiwan tours or find a local guide.

Cover photo: 臺中市政府, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons