This picture was taken in front of Minimal - the world's only Michelin star ice cream restaurant.
Updated January 2025.

City of Bubble Tea

As the heart of central Taiwan, Taichung has grown from a quiet agrarian town into a vibrant cultural and economic hub shaped by colonization, creativity, and climate.

Originally a farming settlement in the fertile western plains, Taichung gained prominence during the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945), when the city was modernized with grid-planned streets, train stations, and government buildings that still shape its urban character today. The Japanese influence remains evident in historic districts like Taichung Park and the Miyahara building.

After World War II, Taichung transformed into a manufacturing center, but it also cultivated a reputation for the arts. It earned the nickname “Cultural City” (文化城) for its museums, creative parks, and performing arts centers—including the internationally acclaimed National Taichung Theater, designed by Toyo Ito.

Today, Taichung balances tradition with trendiness, offering a slower pace than Taipei, but a thriving food scene, lush biking trails, and year-round sunshine that make it a local favorite.
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Fun Facts:
  • Taichung is the birthplace of bubble tea, first served at Chun Shui Tang in the 1980s.
  • It has some of the best weather in Taiwan—mild winters and fewer typhoons than the north or south.
  • Taichung is often called “Little Kyoto” for its preserved Japanese-era architecture and calm streetscapes.
  • It’s home to Rainbow Village, a former military housing complex transformed into a colorful art landmark by one elderly resident.

Overview

  • 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Zhongshe Flower Market - floral wonderland with displays year-round
  • 10:45 - 11:15 AM: Cultural Heritage Park - old brewery repurposed into market space
  • 11:15 - 11:45 AM: Miyahara - ice cream and dessert store
    • ​Moon Pavilion or Fourth Credit Union
  • 12:00 - 12:15 PM: Taiwan Sun Cake Museumist's Palette - quick museum for a snack
  • ​12:45 - 2:00 PM: Lunch 
    • ​Chun Shui Tang Original Store or Taichung Second Market
  • 2:00 - 2:30 PM: Liuchuan Riverside Walk - relaxing riverwalk spot
  • 2:30 - 3:00 PM: Painted Animation Lane - alley filled with beautiful paintings
  • 3:30 - 4:00 PM: Shenji New Village - historic area
  • 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Calligraphy Greenway - pedestrian shopping street
    • ​MINIMAL, Kapoo Store!, Foam Cat Cafe
  • ​7:00 - 9:00 PM: Night Markets
    • ​Fengjia Night Market, Yizhong Street Night Market, Zhongxiao Night Market, Tunghai Night Market
​Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.

Tips

Getting To/From the City
  • HSR (High-Speed Rail): 1 hour ride. NT$790
    • Arrives at Xinwuri station
  • TRA (Regular Train): 2-3.5 hours. NT$241 - NT$375 
    • Arrives at Taichung Station, close to city center.
Getting Around the City
The easiest way to get around the city is by walking or by taking a rideshare app; however, there is 1 metro on the Western side that connects the HSR and TRA stations. One can use your EasyCard to ride it.

There is also the Taichung bus system that runs through Taiwan Blvd from Taichung Station to Providence University, where a dedicated bus lane is shared by multiple buses.

Like in other Taiwanese cities, YouBike is also plentiful and an option to get around, although bike infrastructure isn't as prevalent.
Picture
Taichung Bus Station
Water
Temples have free water filling stations, but it's hard to find public refill areas outside of these areas.

1-Day Plan

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Zhongshe Flower Market (中社觀光花市)
  • Year-round flowers are in bloom and depending on the season, visitors can wander through tulips, sunflowers, lavender, or roses.
  • The market is designed for Instagram-worthy moments, with props like grand pianos, windmills, and floral archways set within the gardens.
  • It’s one of the few places in Taiwan where you can see European-style flower fields without leaving the country!
  • Besides the gardens, the market has a flower-themed restaurant serving dishes like floral ice cream and rose-infused tea.
  • Located about 30 minutes from central Taichung. Best to visit early before crowds arrive, especially on weekends.
Take a rideshare to central Taichung.
10:45 - 11:15 AM: Cultural Heritage Park
  • Originally a 1916-built brewery, it's now transformed into an arts and cultural hub with red-brick warehouses hosting exhibits, craft fairs, and performances. It's easy to walk through the open courtyards and shaded walkways.
  • Entry is free, and there’s an on-site café for a quick coffee break.
11:15 - 11:45 AM: Miyahara
  • A former ophthalmology clinic turned into a stunning dessert shop, known for its grand, library-like interior with wooden bookshelves and chandeliers that has been compared to stepping into a scene from Harry Potter.
  • The best-selling item is its ultra-creamy ice cream, with flavors ranging from classic flavors to Taiwan-inspired tastes like teas to pineapple cake flavors. If you speak Chinese, you can read that they all have very fun names!
  • Moon Pavilion: On the second floor, they serve pineapple cakes, pastries, and other desserts (make sure to make reservations ahead of time).
  • Fourth Credit Union: If Miyahara is too crowded, head here for a food hall serving Miyahara ice cream!
12:00 - 12:15 PM: Taiwan Sun Cake Museum
  • Dedicated to Taichung’s iconic sun cake (太陽餅), a flaky pastry filled with malt sugar that originated in the city. 
  • The museum consists of one room on the second floor with information all written in Chinese, but there's also a short demonstration of the baking process with possible free tastings.
  • Admission is free, and you can buy sun cakes in various flavors on the first floor!
12:45 - 2:00 PM: Lunch at Taichung Second Market
  • ​A historic market packed with decades-old food stalls selling must-try dishes like black tea (Lai's Tea Shop), braised pork rice (滷肉飯) at (Li-Hai Braised Pork Rice), and turnip cakes.​
  • Head for the southern entrance where you can find the black tea and turnip cakes.
2:00 - 2:30 PM: Liuchuan Riverside Walk
Picture
Liuchuan Riverside Walk from Taiwan Blvd

  • A scenic riverside promenade lined with cherry blossoms, stone bridges, and ambient lighting at night. There are plenty of places to sit, observe the architecture, or simply rest and take a break.

  • Formerly heavily polluted, a large-scale restoration project changed it to the beautiful place it is today.

  • Locals come here to jog, cycle, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city.
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  • Best visited during cherry blossom season (March) or in the evening when the pathway is illuminated.

​2:30 - 3:00 PM: Painted Animation Lane
  • The walls of the alley around the entire block are covered with murals of famous anime and manga characters.

  • Spot fan-favorites like Doraemon, Totoro, One Piece’s Luffy, Dragon Ball Z, and even Spongebob.
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  • It was originally started by local artists as a passion project, but has truly exploded!
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  • Given that it's in a residential area, visitors should be mindful of noise.
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Shenji New Village
  • Former military housing complex turned into a hipster hotspot with indie boutiques, local artisan shops, and cozy cafés.
  • The village is known for its “cultural and creative industry” shops, where young entrepreneurs sell handmade crafts, ceramics, and eco-friendly goods.
  • Weekends are the best time to visit, as the area comes alive with pop-up food stalls and live music.
  • Don’t miss the colorful street art scattered around the village!
4:00 - 6:00 PM: Calligraphy Greenway
  • A ~2-mile-long urban parkway stretching through Taichung. Along the way, you’ll find sculptures, art installations, street performers, and an open-air market selling crafts and local delicacies. It's name stems from the flowing curves of the park’s design, which resemble strokes in Chinese calligraphy.
  • Along the way, head to the following places:
    • MINIMAL: The world's first ice cream-focused venue to receive a Michelin star by offering a seven-course tasting menu. Recently, they've closed the dining room, but you can wait in line to try their creamy, artisanal flavors that are quite delicious and beautifully presented.
    • Kapoo Store (咖波屋): A specialty shop dedicated to Kapoo, Taiwan’s beloved blue cat character. Stock up on plushies, stationery, and other cute Kapoo-themed goods.
    • Foam Cat Café: A cozy spot where guests can enjoy coffee and desserts while cuddling adorable cats. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Night Markets
  • Fengchia Night Market (逢甲夜市): 12 PM - 2 AM
    • ​One of Taiwan’s largest and most famous night markets that rivals Shilin Night Market. Located near Feng Chia University, it's known for snacks ike flaming beef cubes, cheese-filled scallion pancakes, and brown sugar boba. There also trendy clothing stores, arcades, and unique gadget shops, making it a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike.
    • ​My favorite store here is Xiao A Roast Duck serving affordable and delicious duck rolls. It's located on Wenhua Road right after the bend heading north towards the Feng Chia University.
  • Yizhong Street Night Market (一中街夜市): 12 PM - 10 PM
    • Located near National Taichung First Senior High School, this is more budget-friendly with similar Taiwanese street food to those in Taipei like giant fried chicken cutlets, taro balls, and grilled squid.
  • Zhongxiao Night Market (忠孝夜市): 4 PM - 10:30 PM
    • A local-favorite night market with classic Taiwanese eats like braised pork rice, oyster omelets, and sesame oil chicken soup. For dessert, try peanut mochi and herbal jelly.
  • Tunghai Night Market (東海夜市): 4 PM - 10 PM
    • ​Located near Tunghai University, this night market is known for its laid-back atmosphere and student-friendly prices. The market’s claim to fame is "big sausage wrapped in small sausage" (大腸包小腸)—a Taiwanese classic featuring a sweet glutinous rice sausage wrapped around a grilled pork sausage. Other highlights include fried milk cubes and bubble tea.

Museums

  • National Museum of Natural Science: One of the largest museums in Taiwan, it features a diverse range of exhibits including astronomy, paleontology, ecology, and human biology. The museum also houses a planetarium, botanical garden, and science center, making it a great spot for family-friendly educational experiences.
  • National Taiwan Museum of Comics: This museum celebrates the history and cultural impact of Taiwanese comics and animation, featuring exhibitions on famous local artists, anime, and the evolution of comic art in Taiwan. It’s a vibrant and interactive space for both fans and newcomers to the medium.
  • Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park: A unique park located at the site of Taichung’s old railway station, this cultural space preserves historical rail structures and integrates modern art installations. It serves as a cultural hub with exhibits on Taiwan's railway history and hosts various artistic and community events.

Other Activities in Taichung

  • Taichung Park: A historic park in the heart of the city, featuring a peaceful lake, the iconic Pavilion (built in 1903 during the Japanese colonization) on Zen Lake, and Zhongshan Bridge. 
  • Taichung Central Park: A modern, eco-friendly park with sprawling green spaces, a lake, and various recreational areas, designed to promote urban sustainability. It has rainwater harvesting systems to manage water usage!
  • Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center: A cultural center showcasing Taiwan's traditional arts and crafts, with programs in music, dance, and calligraphy. 
  • National Taichung Theater: A striking modernist performance venue designed by famed architect Toyo Ito, known for its fluid, organic architecture that was inspired by natural forms like caves and canyons.
  • Taichung Confucius Temple: A historical temple dedicated to Confucius, featuring classical Chinese architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Modeled after the famous Confucius Temple in Qufu, China, it was built to honor Confucius's teachings and values and stands as a symbol of educational and philosophical significance in Taichung.
  • Teikoku Sugar Factory: A former sugar refinery transformed into a cultural and shopping hub, featuring art exhibitions and local products. Originally established during the Japanese colonial era, the factory played a key role in Taiwan's sugar industry and now serves as a reminder of the region's industrial history, while offering a mix of modern culture and commerce.

Other Activities Around Taichung

North
  • HouFeng Bikeway: A scenic, bike-friendly trail that stretches along a former railway track, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way: A popular 9-mile bike path that connects Taichung’s countryside, passing through lush farmland, bridges, and tranquil spots.
  • Lihpao Resort – DISCOVERY WORLD: A family-friendly theme park and resort, featuring interactive exhibits, an amusement park, and water park.
  • WELE Cherry Blossom Park: A stunning park located in the hills of Taichung, known for its spectacular cherry blossom blooms in spring, creating a breathtaking pink landscape ideal for nature walks and photography.
  • Gaomei Wetlands: A unique coastal wetland area, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning sunset views with wind turbines in the distance. It's a great place for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of Taiwan’s coastline.
West
  • Rainbow Village: A colorful, artistic village known for its bright murals, turning the once dilapidated area into a popular art attraction. The artwork is the result of one man, “Grandpa Rainbow,” who painted the entire village as an act of creative defiance to save his home from demolition.
  • Jukuiju Mansion (聚奎居): Originally built by a wealthy merchant, it showcases elements of both Southern and Northern Chinese architecture, reflecting the owner’s diverse cultural influences.
  • Panding Presbyterian Church: Built by early Presbyterian missionaries, its draw is that it's built in the design of Noah's Ark.
  • Luce Memorial Chapel: An iconic chapel located on the campus of Tunghai University designed by architect I. M. Pei. with a unique traingular shape.
South 
  • Dali Art Plaza: The plaza is surrounded by sculptures and public art, creating an immersive experience for art lovers and casual visitors alike.
  • Wufeng Lin Family Garden: A beautifully preserved historical garden that was once the residence of the Lin family, known for its classical Chinese garden design with an intricate layout, ponds, and lush greenery.
  • GuangFu New Village: The village was originally built for soldiers' families after the Chinese Civil War and has now become a charming example of Taiwan’s post-war history and transformation. It's now a cultural hub filled with art, boutique shops, and cafes.
  • 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan: A museum dedicated to educating visitors about the devastating 1999 earthquake. It's housed in a former school that was severely damaged in the earthquake, offering visitors a firsthand look at the destruction and resilience of the region.
​East
  • Cartoon King Creative Park: A vibrant, creative space filled with large-scale comic character statues, murals, and exhibitions, celebrating Taiwan's love for pop culture.

Sun Moon Lake

Picture
View from Little Rock Lookout

​In the mountains of central Taiwan’s Nantou County, it's the island’s largest natural lake, known for its serene beauty and cultural significance. The eastern side of the lake is shaped like the sun, while the western side resembles a crescent moon, giving it its poetic name.
  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Taichung: Take the Nantou Bus from Taichung HSR or TRA station. The trip should take 1.5 - 2 hours.
  • 10:00 AM: Shuishe Pier: Grab a snack, then rent a bike along the Sun Moon Lake Bikeway, one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world.
  • 11:00 AM: Wenwu Temple: Grand temple overlooking the lake dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu (goddess of mercy).
    • Famous "Stairway to Heaven" staircase down towards the water.
  • 12:00 PM: Ita Thao Village: Indigenous village with wild boar sausage, millet wine, and sticky rice cakes
    • Sun Moon Lake Ropeway: Stunning aerial views on a gondola.
  • 2:30 PM: Boat Cruise around the Lake: Depart from Xuanguang Pier and stop at Xuanguang Temple, Xuan Zang Temple, and Ci'en Pagoda (a panoramic viewpoint built by Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother).
  • 5:00 PM: Xiangshan Visitor Center: Watch an informational movie and then take a quick walk to a scenic outlook. Can skip if short on time.
  • 7:00 PM: Return to Shuishe Pier and take the Nantou bus back
NOTE: One can also take the boat to Ita Thao Village directly!

Restaurants

Besides the restaurants mentioned in the 1-day plan, here are some other options!
  • Chun Shui Tang Original Store: The birthplace of bubble tea, where the iconic drink is served in glass jars. Their braised beef noodles and kung fu noodles are also highly recommended.
  • Daxin Braised Pork Rice - 大炘魯肉飯（瓦御老字號）: Known for its delicious Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice).
  • Sowing The Sweets - 耕者有其甜（全面預訂制，現場無現貨，歡迎加Line預訂): Cake and pastry shop with a focus on visually stunning desserts.
  • Hong Rui Zhen Bakery: Simple sandwich shop but delicious tastes.
  • Menqian Yin Wei Beef Noodle Restaurant (門前隱味牛肉麵): Absolutely fantastic beef noodle soup!

Chi Cha San Chen
Bubble tea store most known for earning multiple Superior Taste Awards from the INternational Taste INstitute for their teas that use a "teapresso" system using high-temperature, high-pressure brewing method.

They have more locations in the U.S. than in Taiwan, but this specific location has multiple floors with a Tea Garden Room and a gallery-space 

Other Resources

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