What to do in Taichung (+ Why You Should Visit)

The Best Things to do in Taichung and Why We Love It!

What are the top things to do in Taichung?

We’ve put together an ultimate guide to help you see the best sites in Taichung and make the most of your time there – no matter how long or short you have! 

Taichung is a city located in central Taiwan, as the name suggests – Taibei in the north, Taizhong in the middle, and Tainan in the south-north, middle, south! 

It is Taiwan’s second most populous city and was initially developed from various settlements by the Taiwanese indigenous people.

Taichung is a vibrant city of interesting architecture, rivers, culture, history, and (potentially) the home of bubble tea!

Yes, that’s right. Bubble tea originated from Taichung just a few decades ago… 

We delve into this theory later. 

First, let’s explore everything that Taichung has to offer and see the best things to do in Taichung. 

A Guide to Taichung || History 

A Guide to Taichung || Waterways

A Guide to Taichung || Ice Cream

A Guide to Taichung || Painted Animation Lane

A Guide to Taichung || West District

A Guide to Taichung || Market

A Guide to Taichung || Gaomei 

A Guide to Taichung || Bubble Tea Founder

A Guide to Taichung || FAQs

Visit Taichung || A Brief History

During the Japanese area, much of the urban planning of Taichung occurred.

It was during the Japanese era that Taichung was indeed named Taichung. They sought to make this city into Taiwan’s first developed modern city.

This led to many aspects of Japanese architecture left behind today, which are great to visit. 

They built many roads, dams, and bridges during this time – as well as very many impressive buildings.

They often stand out like a sore thumb as they’re pretty different to the rest of the architecture! 

Visit Taichung || Waterways

Flowing through Taichung city are some beautiful waterways.

Some are small rivers that look very ancient and well-preserved. They’re great places to walk through and seem to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There is also Liuchan canal that is situated just near to the ice-cream shop. It is a lovely place to… eat the ice-cream, and also go for a stroll or date. It’s similar to the water area in Seoul that cuts through the city!

There are also some dedicated water play areas amongst these rivers/canals where kids (and adults) can go and take a dip to cool down.

I say cool down, but you can hardly cool down in such shallow waters that have been warmed up by the warm atmosphere!

Things to Do in Taipei (2024 Update) | The Complete Guide

This is a must-visit city. Taipei is incredibly relaxed, very friendly, and boasts some rather incredible food across the city.

Visit Taichung || Discover The Ice Cream 

Whilst ice cream isn’t traditionally on the list of Taiwan foods you have to try, this one is very famous and popular in Taichung. 

I’m not sure if it’s as famous for foreign tourists as it is for Taiwanese ones, but nevertheless – if the domestic tourists love it, it’s got to be good. 

Miyahara is the most famous ice cream shop in Taichung.

It is located in an old beautiful building that used to be an ophthalmology clinic and is an absolute must.

Even if you’re not a fan of ice cream, the building alone is enough to visit. 

And how can you not be a fan of ice cream when they have so many flavours..?

In fact, its various flavours make this place really worth the visit.

They offer a variety of ‘normal’ flavours, plus very exclusive Taiwan-style flavours, including Alishan tea and Oolong tea flavours.

You can choose two, three, or multiple scoops, and it comes with a selection of special cakes and treats to add on too.

One option is the famous pineapple cake! Try it sweet, or savoury.  

If you’re not a fan of ice cream, don’t fear.

The building itself is an attraction and inside it is also a restaurant and a retail store that sells various treats and sweets – perfect for a birthday or Christmas gift! 

Visit Taichung || Painted Animation Lane

This is a city alley on the outskirts of the centre with large paintings all around of various anime and manga characters.

Very cool and talented bits of artwork.

It’s a great attraction in Taichung and convenient to visit if you’re walking to the city from the train station as it’s kind of on the way! 

If you’re an anime fan, come here and find your favourite character! 

Visit Taichung || West District (Central)

Head west if you’re looking for something more vibrant and exciting, as it seems Taichung has packed up and moved everything here!

It’s young, busy, and very bright. 

After walking from the old district up to the newer western district you can definitely feel the change in vibe.

It’s much fresher and younger here, with big department stores, new trendy shops, and designer stores like Gucci lighting up the surroundings. 

It certainly feels like a lot of CBDs in Asia, with a bit of added culture to it too as there is a nice green area in the middle.

There is a large grass walkway stretching through with areas you can sit down and listen to the musicians whilst having some bubble tea. Or, grab yourself a beer and listen to the buskers! 

A great area in Taichung for shopping and definitely one of the top places in Taichung not to miss. 

Visit Taichung || Second Market

Taichung’s Second Market covers an area of around 2,388 square meters and is home to over 50 shops and 300 stalls.

It has a history of over 80 years.

Under Japanese rule, it was originally called Xinfu Town Market selling high-class Japanese goods, but later it was revamped by the Taichung Municipal government. 

One very peculiar thing abut the market is its hexagonal layout, and six channels connected in the middle.

You can certainly get lost here pretty easily! 

Inside you’ll find various food and drink stalls, as well as clothes shops and places to acquire some interesting souvenirs. 

Popular with both tourists and locals, this is an excellent place to reign in the culture of Taiwan and Taichung.

Plus, it’s a great place to get some local food too! 

Food in Taiwan || Top Taiwanese Food You Simply Cannot Miss

Food in Taiwan is full of flavour and variety. Using a base of noodles and rice, with strong flavours and lots of meat (mainly beef and pork) and fish.

Visit Taichung || Gaomei 

The Gaomei Westlands on the coast definitely make it to our list of top things to do in Taichung.

This is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset and the cool sea breeze after a day exploring the city. 

Gaomei is a natural wetlands area with walkways, scenic views, and a big bridge.

You can see lots of wildlife here, a lot of which is explained in the signposts along the way.

You can choose to take a look from the sidelines or go for a walk along the walkway.

If you don’t mind getting your feet a bit sandy, step down from the walkway and walk along – trying to find the sea.

It’s very far out, so you probably won’t get to reach it! 

If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, have a splash in the puddles as you go. 

Visit Taichung || Home of Bubble Tea?

OK, so there are two official stories of the origins of Bubble Tea.

Read our blog below for these two potential origins… But today we’re going to pretend that Taichung’s Chun Sui Tang wins the Bubble Tea medal.

Taiwan Bubble Tea || What is Boba? Your Complete Guide

Bubble tea, Boba, bubble milk tea, bubble pearl tea, tapioca ball tea, boba nai cha, tapioca pearl drink, Taiwan bubble tea… Call it what you like.

So whilst you’re in Taichung, it would be rude not to try bubble tea at the place it was created! 

So, that’s it for the best things to do in Taichung. 

Have you been to Taichung? Let us know in the comments below if we missed one of your favourite spots out.

Of course, there are many more things to do in Taichung but we tried to keep this nice and brief for you.

Enjoy your trip and we hope to see you at LTL Taiwan soon!

Taichung – FAQs

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