Taichung
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar
Language: Chinese, Chinese Dialect
Tax Refund: When purchasing from cooperating shops, purchases in excess of NT$3,000 (on the same day) are eligible for a 5% VAT tax refund when leaving Taiwan. Purchases must be made from a Tax Refund Shopping (TRS)-posted shop, and must be purchased by a foreign national.
Refunds must be claimed within 30 Days. Can be done at both terminals at Taoyuan Airport
From Airport to Downtown
Most of the time, the gateway for tourists into the country will be from Taoyuan Airport which is roughly around 2 hours bus ride away from the city of Taichung or 1 hours via the high speed rail.
Bus ride are the cheapest and can be taken straight from the airport but it is also the slowest.
High Speed Rail are the fastest way, but also more expensive, cheaper tickets can be bought online when purchasing in advance. The Taoyuan MRT connects the airport to the Taoyuan Rail Station in 20mins, costing 35 TWD. HSR Rail tickets cost around 400-500 TWD.
In Taichung, buses are the only public transportation available. They are reliable and good if you knows how to use them. Most of the rides around the city area are free of charge, up to a distance of 10km. But you must still tap the Easy Card.
Attractions
Taiwan Sun Cakes Museum
Open from 8am to 9pm, this place is dedicated to the most important symbol of Taiwan, Sun Cake. It is located near the train station and Miyahara. It is housed in a 1909 historical building. Visitors can expect to sample assorted flavours as well as learn about the history of the famous pastry.
Xinshe Castle
One of the main attractions in the vicinity, the Xinshe Castle is actually a european-style castle with picturesque grounds featuring a koi-filled pond & waterfall, plus dining. Located in the mountains, it is a nice place for some pictures as well. The grounds here are pretty nice to walk around, although you have to pay a 250 TWD entrance though.
Lavender Cottage
Located in the mountains, the place is very quaint and have lavenders, the hideaway is very dreamy. There is an entrance fee though.
Zhongshe GuanGuang Flower Market
Another place not to be miss in Tai Chung, it is a very popular flower market with gardens beds and colourful blooms. The place is huge, with more than 6 Hectares. It is open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and till 9pm on weekends. It cost about 120 TWD to enter. Plenty of photo opportunities here.
Gaomei Wetland
Known as an area between land and water, this place is actually a manmade beach by the Japanese. The place is also a well-known spot for sunsets. Here you can also find an abundance of natural resources and migrations from flocks of birds.
Rainbow Village
A former veterans place, it is now known as the street art spot in Tai Chung, the vibrant, colourful art painted on the remaining street & homes are a sight to see. It is open daily from 8am to 6pm. The houses here are painted by one of the Veterans. You don’t need much time here, the place is also free to enter.
Cing Jing Farm
Actually located up in the hills in Nantou Country, it is a good day trip out of Tai Chung, which takes around 1 and a half hour of drive. The panoramic gardens boost views of the nearby gardens. You can also see some animals in actions over here. Some of the popular ones are the sheep shearing. The view of the nearby Lake is also amazing. The place is open from 8am to 5pm and tickets cost 160 TWD on weekdays and 200 TWD on weekends.
Sun Moon Lake
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan, it is located in central Taiwan and surrounded by serene mountains. It is a very nice place to visit. Really a must visit if you are in the surrounding.
Fengjia Night Market
This place needs no more introduction of itself, the most famous night market in Tai Chung and probably in the whole of Taiwan as well. Located next to the university, this place is a hotspot for eating and shopping. Perfect for winding the night down. Try all the street food as you shop.
Zhongxiao Night Market
Located behind the Tai Chung Train Station, it is the other main night market here in Tai Chung. The place is open from 1pm till 11.30pm. In contrast to the other night market, the one here is more catered towards food. There are less shopping offerings, the hype usually start around the evening towards 11pm.
Taichung Second Market
No. 87號, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District
Located a short walk away from the train station. This is a popular place for eating, the place however is closed on Mon. On the other days it is open from 7am to 8pm. Here it is also a fresh food market, some of the popular food here are radish cake, meat ball and braised pork rice. The place have more than 100 years of history in the hexagon building
Shopping:
Yizhong Shopping Street & Night Market
Also known as the main shopping district in Tai Chung, this place is packed with all sorts of things, the whole place is full of shopping and eating options. Come here hungry. It is a stretch from the park to then end near the Chungyo Department Store
Top City Taichung
One of the largest and newest department in Tai Chung, it consists a total of 20 floors! It is located on the main stretch of road in Tai Chung. In the mall you can also find restaurant such as Ding Tai Fung. The place is huge.
Restaurants:
Ding Tai Fung
407, Taiwan, Taichung City, Xitun District, Section 3, Taiwan Boulevard, 251號
Located in the Top City department stall, this is the only branch in Tai Chung. It is open from 11am to 9.30pm on weekdays and from 10.30am on weekends.
Man Tang Hung Hotpot
No.459, Sec.2 Taiwan Boulevard, West Dist. Taichung 403
Located inside the Sogo Department Store, this is one of the more popular hotpot place in Tai Chung. It have branches throughout Taiwan. It is open from 11am to 10pm and from 10.30am on weekends. Reservations can be done online. Expect 6 different soup base, tons of meat and stuff and also Haagen Dazs ice cream. It cost 535 NTD for a person and for dinner and weekends, 635 dollars. There is a 2 hour time limit.
Miyahara Ice Cream
No. 20, Zhongshan Road, Central District, Taichung City
A very popular dessert place in Tai Chung, it is actually a former eye hospital in the past. While the exterior is very underwhelming, the interior is very nice. The place is famous for their desserts, but prices are definitely not on the cheap side, their ice cream flavours are amazing. There is also a retail area and you can get snacks. It is open from 10am to 10pm.
Fu Din Wang
No. 560, Section 1, Taiwan Boulevard, Central District
Aside from Pork Knuckle, this place is famous for Lu Rou Fan also. This place is constantly crowded with takeaways being popular as well. The meat here are fork tender. Prices are affordable. It is open from 11am to 8pm, closed on Tues.
Arashi Braised Minced Pork
No.36&37, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District, Taichung
Located in the second market, this place serve up one of the best lu rou fan in Taichung. Besides braised meat, it serves up a tons of other offering as well. Prices are about 50-60 per dish. You can even get some bottles one to bring home. Dining time is only from 10am to 2.30pm.
豐原肉丸
403, Taiwan, Taichung City, West District
Cheap and good, what else is there to find fault with this place. Closed on Mon, it is open from 11am to 8pm on the other days. Here it is famous for its meat ball. The wantons are also pretty good.
I’m Talato
No. 451, Yingcai Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Another popular ice cream place in Tai Chung, it is a nice place to escape the heat. The place is also extremely pretty. It is open daily from 11.30am to 7pm. It cost about 150 for 2 scoops.
Chun Shui Tang
No. 1049, Jianxing Road, West District, Taichung City
Known as the birthplace of Bubble Tea, besides BBT, the place here also served other food as well. Price start at 85 TWD for a cup of Bubble Tea. There are numerous branch throughout Taiwan. At the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, you can even learn how to make your own bubble tea.
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