2024 Taichung Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Taichung is the economic, cultural and communications center of Taiwan. There are many famous historical sites and ruins, as well as cultural venues here, and it has always had the fine reputation of a “city of culture.” You can take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque scenic areas of Tunghai University campus to experience the spirit of youth and take photos at the uniquely designed Luce Memorial Chapel to remember your trip. Those who like art and history can stroll about in Caihongjuan’s Rainbow Village. The vibrant art and colorful graffiti painted on these military veterans’ houses is unique and special, and is an excellent place to take souvenir photos. If you want to enjoy natural scenery, you can go for a hike in the emerald green Dakeng Scenic Area or the Gaomei Wetlands. Visitors craving delicious food should not miss the mouthwatering sweets of Miyahara, especially since its interior has been redecorated to look like Hogwarts from “Harry Potter”, as well as all the local snacks of Taiwan at the popular Fengjia Night Market.
Today's Weather
Overcast 23-32℃
Le Méridien Taichung
Located across from Taichung Train Station, the Le Méridien Taichung offers spacious twin rooms with large bathrooms. Guests celebrating their birthday receive a complimentary cheesecake 😋. The rooftop pool is fully transparent, providing a relaxing spot to enjoy the view and breeze in the evening.
Price: A twin room for one night on Friday without breakfast is approximately $4200.
Taichung's Indoor Tropical Rainforest
The Botanical Garden at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung combines nature and education, especially with its tropical rainforest greenhouse, immersing visitors in a tropical jungle.
The outdoor plant area showcases plants from different climate zones, including tropical rainforest plants, piranhas, Amazonian fish species, and poison dart frogs.
Travel Guide
1. Getting to the Botanical Garden
Transportation
The Botanical Garden at the National Museum of Natural Science is located in the North District of Taichung City. It is recommended to take the Taichung MRT or bus. If driving, there is a parking lot near the museum.
Opening Hours
The Botanical Garden usually opens in sync with the museum. It is advisable to arrive shortly after opening to avoid crowds and enjoy a quiet morning.
2. Inside the Botanical Garden
Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse
This area simulates a tropical rainforest environment, with a humid and vibrant atmosphere where various tropical plants grow. It is recommended to walk slowly and appreciate the rare tropical plants such as orchids, ferns, and various giant tropical trees.
Outdoor Plant Area
Outside the greenhouse, you can explore plants from different climate zones, such as desert plants and subtropical plants. There are many signboards here to learn about the plants, making it a great place to walk and learn.
Ecological Pond
The Botanical Garden also features an ecological pond that nurtures various aquatic plants and fish. It is recommended to take a break here and enjoy the harmonious natural scenery.
3. Best Time to Visit
Morning to Noon
The air in the Botanical Garden is fresh in the morning, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll and avoiding the high temperatures after noon. If visiting in the afternoon, it is better to stay in the indoor greenhouse area to avoid direct sunlight.
First Visit After Relocation
Address: No. 459, Section 3, Fuxing Road, South District, Taichung City
Atmosphere/Facilities: This is my first time visiting the new location. I've dined at their two other branches in Taichung and had a great impression. I didn't realize the cultural and creative store had relocated since it's near the original spot. Initially, I didn't notice the change, but upon entering, I was surprised to see that dining has moved to the second floor. The space is much larger, and the business is booming, making it quite noisy, unlike the relaxed atmosphere of the old store.
Specialty: The dishes are creative cuisine and still delicious.
Average Price: 300-500 TWD
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Worth visiting occasionally for the food.
This Year's Best Italian Restaurant
Address: No. 108, Zhongcheng Street, West District, Taichung City
Atmosphere/Facilities: You might miss this place if you're not looking for it. The interior is small with only 6-7 tables, but the dining atmosphere is great thanks to the friendly and professional staff. Everything from the menu to the tableware is thoughtfully prepared.
Features: The dishes are different from the Italian cuisine I've had before. The sauces, side dishes, pasta, and portions are all carefully crafted. The desserts are especially charming and not to be missed.
Average Price: 350-600 TWD
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A place I'd love to visit again and again, definitely on my list of favorites~ya
Must-Try Foods in Taichung: Big Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage, Salt and Pepper Chicken, Takoyaki. Avoid Peak Hours.
Fengjia Night Market is one of the most famous and bustling night markets in Taichung. Located near Fengjia University, it attracts a large number of students and young people. The night market features a variety of stalls offering a wide range of snacks, clothing, accessories, and more. Here, you can find traditional snacks as well as innovative new foods such as Big Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage, Salt and Pepper Chicken, and Takoyaki. In addition to food, the night market also has many game stalls and stalls selling daily necessities, making it a vibrant place to visit.
🌸Must-Try Foods:
1️⃣ Big Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage🔸️ A traditional snack where a sticky rice sausage wraps around a regular sausage, topped with garlic slices, peanut powder, and pickled vegetables, offering a rich flavor.
2️⃣ Salt and Pepper Chicken🔸️ A classic snack where chicken is coated with spices and flour, fried to a golden crisp, and sprinkled with pepper powder, making it very crunchy.
3️⃣ Takoyaki🔸️ Small balls filled with octopus, drizzled with mayonnaise and bonito flakes, very delicious.
4️⃣ Stinky Tofu🔸️ Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it smells strong but tastes great.
5️⃣ Pig Blood Cake🔸️ Hot pig blood cake sprinkled with peanut powder and cilantro, a perfect combination.
🌸Photo Spots:
1️⃣ Night Market Entrance Arch🔸️ The tall entrance arch is a landmark of Fengjia Night Market, perfect for taking memorable photos.
2️⃣ Food Street🔸️ Find a colorful stall background on the street filled with various snack stalls, ideal for capturing the night market atmosphere.
3️⃣ Unique Stalls🔸️ Many stalls are decorated with creative lighting or interesting signs, great for taking photos of the night market's unique features.
🌸Tips:
🔺️ The night market is crowded, so it's best to avoid peak hours.
🔺️ Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the night market is large and involves a lot of walking.
🔺️ Take a walk around the night market first to see what stalls are available before deciding what to buy, so you don't get too full and miss out on other delicious foods.
Romantic Afternoon Tea Date Spots in Taichung: August 2024
Located on the outskirts of Taichung City, this romantic park is renowned for its beautiful gardens and European-style architecture. It's a popular spot for weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots, and dates. The park is divided into two main areas: the 'Romantic Champs-Elysées Area' and the 'Dreams of Happiness Pavilion,' each offering different landscapes and facilities.
🌸Romantic Champs-Elysées Area: This area features many European-style buildings, garden landscapes, cafes, and restaurants, making it perfect for a stroll, afternoon tea, or dinner. The restaurants and cafes here offer exquisite meals with beautiful garden views.
🌸Dreams of Happiness Pavilion: This area is themed around a dreamy and fairy-tale atmosphere, ideal for taking beautiful photos, especially pre-wedding photos. There are also craft workshops and shops where visitors can experience DIY activities or buy souvenirs.
🌸[Photo Spots]
1️⃣Garden Walkway in the Romantic Champs-Elysées Area: Different flowers bloom throughout the seasons, providing a beautiful backdrop.
2️⃣Fairy-tale Buildings in the Dreams of Happiness Pavilion: The fairy-tale atmosphere of the buildings makes it a favorite spot for many to take photos.
3️⃣Love Locks: Symbolizing love, these locks can be hung in designated areas of the park for memorable photos.
[Tips]
🔺️It's recommended to book restaurants in advance, especially on holidays and weekends.
🔺️The weather in the park can change quickly, so it's advisable to bring rain gear or sun protection.
🔺️There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so be mindful of mosquito repellent.
🔺️The park offers wedding, photoshoot, and event venue services. It's recommended to check in advance if there are any large events to better plan your visit.
Taichung's Stunning Tabebuia Flower Season: Must-Visit Photo Spots
Located in Beitun District, Taichung City, this park is a popular spot for locals to take leisurely walks and enjoy nature. One of the park's highlights is the blooming of the yellow and pink Tabebuia trees every spring, attracting many visitors to admire the flowers and take photos.
🌸Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣Tabebuia Trail: Spring is the season when the Tabebuia trees are in full bloom. The trail is lined with trees covered in golden or pink flowers, forming a beautiful floral tunnel. This is one of the most popular spots in the park, perfect for walking and photography.
2️⃣Lakeside Scenic Area: The park features a small lake surrounded by lush greenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
3️⃣Recreational Facilities: The park is equipped with fitness equipment, a children's play area, and pavilions, making it ideal for family outings and relaxation.
🌸Photo Spots
1️⃣Tabebuia Trail: When the Tabebuia trees are in bloom, this is the most popular photo spot. Whether it's the yellow or pink Tabebuia flowers, they make for a perfect backdrop.
2️⃣Lakeside Pavilion: Taking photos at the lakeside pavilion captures the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding greenery.
3️⃣Benches Under the Tabebuia Trees: The benches under the trees are surrounded by flowers during the blooming season, making it a romantic and poetic photo spot.
🌸Tips
🔺️The Tabebuia flower season usually occurs from March to April each year. It's recommended to check the flower status in advance to avoid missing the best viewing time.
🔺️The park's facilities are simple, but there are many local restaurants and cafes nearby where you can dine after flower viewing.
🔺️It's advisable to visit on weekdays or in the morning to avoid the weekend crowds during the flower season.
Exploring Taichung: Century-Old Western Building with Delicious Food and a Chic Café
|Taichung. Central District|
Opened just last December, 'HAUSINC 1035' is located on Shifu Road. The café retains the two-story Western-style building that used to be a clinic, featuring high wooden beams inside. The name includes the phone number 1035 to distinguish it from other branches.
The menu focuses on light meals and desserts. This time, we tried the savory pie, brunch, and pudding. We loved everything, especially the pudding served in vintage porcelain teacups, which perfectly matched the café's ambiance. The pudding was soft, creamy, and had a rich egg flavor, with caramel at the bottom adding a slight bitterness without being overly sweet—absolutely delightful! The breakfast plate with sourdough bread was also a favorite. The only downside was the menu listed 'Italian sausage,' which we expected to be like Salami or German sausage, but it tasted more like Chinese sausage. Despite visiting on a weekend, the place wasn't crowded, and the spacious environment made for a comfortable dining experience. Both indoor and outdoor seating are highly recommended.
🔰 Potato Stew Savory Pie with Seasonal Vegetables / $320
🔰 Italian Sausage and Mushroom Scrambled Eggs Brunch / $360
🔰 Caramel Pudding
🔰 Plain Latte / $160
🔰 Mixed Fruit Tea (Iced) / $150
✅ HAUSINC 1035
📍 Address|No. 73, Shifu Road, Central District, Taichung City 400
⏰ Business Hours|10:00–17:30
Taichung: Jie Sushi Japanese Cuisine: Omakase, Sushi, Date Night, Elegant Ambiance
🌸Restaurant Name: Jie Sushi Japanese Cuisine
🌸Recommended For: Omakase, Sushi, Date Night
🌸Restaurant Introduction: Jie Sushi is renowned for its exquisite omakase dishes. The chef designs the menu based on the freshest ingredients of the day, ensuring each meal is unique. The sushi here is meticulously selected, showcasing delicate craftsmanship and innovative presentation. The restaurant's elegant ambiance and soft lighting make it an ideal choice for couples on a date or small gatherings. The presentation and taste of the dishes are impeccable, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
1️⃣ À la carte Menu: Composed of the freshest seasonal fish, each bite brings the taste of the ocean.
2️⃣ Omakase: Seasonal appetizers that not only highlight the original flavors of the ingredients but also incorporate the chef's creativity.
【Tips】
🔺️Reservation: Jie Sushi usually requires advance reservations, especially for dinner. It is recommended to confirm your spot at least a few days in advance.
🔺️Dining Etiquette: Since it is an omakase restaurant, it is advisable to inform the chef of any special needs or dietary restrictions when ordering to enhance the overall dining experience.
🔺️Date Atmosphere: The restaurant's soft lighting and quiet ambiance make it perfect for dates or small gatherings that require privacy.
🔺️Address: No. 653, Section 2, Gongyi Road, Nantun District, Taichung City, 408
Exploring Taichung: Memory Maker - 50-Year-Old Hardware Store Café
While wandering near the Model Market in Taichung, I stumbled upon 'BeanGood Café,' which started as a coffee cart and has now become a street-side shop. The café retains the traditional hand-painted signboard of the old hardware store, giving it a retro and charming vibe. The open space is perfect for relaxing, daydreaming, or chatting after a stroll along the Greenway. Besides their popular house-roasted beans, their cinnamon rolls are also a hit.
This time, I tried the limited edition #MilletWineCoffee. It was slightly sweet but overall fresh-tasting. The alcohol content is low, so you can taste a hint of millet wine without getting drunk. The owner mentioned that their #Tiramisu is made with tofu, so I had to try it. The texture isn't as creamy as mascarpone cheese, but it makes the dessert feel light and refreshing. The taste is quite similar, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
✅ BeanGood Café
📍 Address: No. 6, Lane 46, Mofan Street, West District, Taichung City, 403
⏰ Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wenxin Yue Le Hotel in Taichung
Address: No. 339, Section 4, Wenxin Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406
Atmosphere/Facilities: Elegant and literary/Brand hotel
Features: Located in Beitun, Taichung, Wenxin Yue Le Hotel offers convenient transportation, being close to Wenxin Chongde Station on the Taichung MRT Green Line. The hotel exudes a strong literary vibe, with both public spaces and guest rooms giving a small but beautiful feel, showcasing thoughtful design everywhere. The hotel even provides free late-night snacks for guests, with dozens of instant noodles and small snacks available for free. Overall, the cost-performance ratio is quite good!
Average Price: 1200
Rating: 8
Playful Vibes at Moxy Taichung
#chinatrip
Moxy Taichung brings playful and vibrant vibes to Taiwan's cultural city. This contemporary hotel offers stylish and functional accommodations, perfect for modern travelers. Guests can enjoy social spaces like the lively bar and lounge area, where creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere await. The hotel's design reflects local influences mixed with international flair, creating a unique experience. Located conveniently near attractions and dining options, Moxy Taichung provides both comfort and convenience for exploring the city. With its energetic ambiance and friendly service, Moxy Taichung is an ideal choice for those looking to experience Taichung with a twist.
Comfort and Convenience at Fairfield by Marriott Taichung
#chinatrip
Fairfield by Marriott Taichung offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of Taiwan's vibrant city. The hotel features modern and cozy accommodations designed for relaxation after a day of exploring Taichung. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast to start their day right, and unwind in the evening at the hotel's cozy lounge. The location provides easy access to local attractions and dining options, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. With its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, Fairfield by Marriott Taichung ensures a pleasant stay in this dynamic city.
Guyu Hot Spring Resort
Guyu is centered around spring water, complemented by rugged stones, sea of clouds, and five-needle pines. Utilizing natural and primitive materials, it creates a deep and unpretentious scenery. The simple design style exudes a low-key and serene vacation atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, Guyu blends elements of nature, art, and culture, with an undeniable sense of quality, inspired by Japanese service spirit.
Guyu Hot Spring Resort
Address: No. 36, Lileng Lane, Section 1, Dongguan Road, Heping District, Taichung City
Experience at Taichung's Ruins-Style Hotel
During my trip to Taipei, I made a side trip to Taichung and accidentally booked the last room at SOF Plant Light Garden Hotel for less than 500 HKD per night, which is a great value. This unique hotel embodies the authentic ruins hotel style, truly illustrating the experience of art and nature combined. For those who are brave and not afraid of the dark, this is worth considering❗️
💞Reasons to Recommend:
【Explore Unique Aesthetics】
Designed by New Zealand architectural firm Fearon Hay, SOF Plant Light Garden Hotel retains the weathered and decayed style of a 1950s building while incorporating wild plant elements, reflecting Taichung's recent trend of returning to the original intentions in old building renovations.
SOF Plant Light Garden Hotel stands out with its unconventional design, skillfully blending historical traces with modern creativity. Exposed brick walls and raw concrete surfaces tell the story of time, while the greenery adds vitality to the industrial space. It's not just a place to stay but a hidden oasis of tranquility in the bustling city.
【Low Carbon Sustainability】
The hotel has also received a local low-carbon hotel certificate, and its operations are very eco-friendly. Besides not proactively providing disposable items, guests need to bring their own mugs to the water dispenser on each floor. The natural lighting in the atrium allows plants to grow freely and helps regulate the microclimate in the guest rooms.
【Convenient Location】
📍Address: No. 52, Guangfu Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan, 400
The hotel is just a few steps away from Taichung Train Station, located in the old town area. The surrounding area has many Southeast Asian immigrants, making it an easy choice for tasting authentic food and exploring city culture.
💰Average Cost: The hotel offers great value for money. When booking, it was less than 500 HKD per night. Interested friends should give it a try.
Stylish Luxury at Le Méridien Taichung Next to the Train Station
Located right next to the Taichung Train Station, the five-star Le Méridien Taichung opened in 2022. It was formerly a department store building, with its towering chimney-shaped glass tower being a signature feature of Le Méridien, offering a fitness center with an excellent view on the high floors, as well as a rooftop outdoor pool and bar.
The price at Le Méridien Taichung seems not too extravagant? It appears that booking websites have a pricing formula; once someone hits the lowest price, the room rates will surge across the board. Spotting a 13-ping (approximately 43 square meters) classic twin room priced at only NT$3,600, I immediately booked it.
Sure enough, upon rechecking the prices for the month, there were no rooms below NT$5,000. Using the full accommodation credit from the booking site trip, not only was the stay free, but also a 10% cashback was received through shopback. What a deal!
There's a big difference between five-star hotels and four-star or business hotels. Not to mention the spaciousness, the bedding and facilities used are all high-end, and the design and color scheme are the epitome of stylish luxury. The carpet and sofa are very photogenic. Generous with bottled water, the bathroom is separated into wet and dry areas and has a large bathtub, and there's a three-sided mirror like a wardrobe, which I've never seen before!
The lobby reception area on the first floor is stylish with high ceilings, and the ceiling decoration in the elevator area looks like a starry sky. The escalator leading to the second-floor restaurant feels like it's taken from the light corridor of New Taipei's Christmas City. It's incredibly dreamy and shiny!
In short, Le Méridien Taichung really meets the general expectations of a five-star hotel and provides a fantastic experience. Staying for less than NT$4,000 is really worth it!
Riverside Cafe by the Green Railway in Taichung: Hunger
A coffee and dining establishment by the riverside of the Green Railway, with large floor-to-ceiling windows on both the first and second floors, offering direct views of the Green River, which is quite comfortable. The interior space retains the rough mud walls, with a cozy sofa area on the first floor and long tables on the second floor, creating an overall relaxed and textured atmosphere. Even when the sun is shining brightly outside, it's still very comfortable to sit inside.
The menu features Italian pasta, with distinctive offerings like orecchiette, hand-torn pasta, and long curly pasta, all flavorful whether stir-fried or slow-cooked. I ordered the hand-torn pork orecchiette with a white wine sauce base, which was refreshingly less greasy than typical pasta dishes.
You can upgrade your main course to a set meal, which includes a side dish and a choice of a 120-dollar drink. For the side dish, I chose a salad that was more like a warm salad with tofu and grains, reminiscent of marinated side dishes, and for the drink, I went with a red guava sparkling beverage.
Hunger
Business Hours: 1000-1900
Address: No. 26, Minsheng Road, South District, Taichung City
Shuntian Envoy Hotel in Taichung
Address: No. 818, Section 3, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City 407, Taiwan
Atmosphere/Facilities: Exquisite elegance/Brand hotel
Features: Located in Xitun, Taichung, the Shuntian Envoy Hotel is close to the famous attraction Maple Garden and the interchange, making it convenient to get to whether by bus or car. The hotel is well-maintained and looks quite new. The guest rooms are spacious, bright, and of high quality. Notably, the rooms are equipped with washing machines and kitchenware such as pots and pans, which is very suitable for long-stay guests. The amenities are very comprehensive, leaving a good impression!
Average Price per Person: 2500
Rating: 8
Shinbei Handmade Donburi Sushi!! A must-try delicacy, the unbeatable seafood donburi!!
Address: No. 478, Chenggong Road, North District, Taichung City, 404
Atmosphere/Facilities: The restaurant is decorated in a simple and bright Japanese style
Feature: Unbeatable Seafood Donburi
Average Price: 500
Rating: There are three generations in Taichung, and so far, the first and third generations I've tried are both very worthwhile!
The fillings are generous, and it's photogenic! The seafood is also very fresh! Once you've tried it, there's no turning back!
Friends who have the chance to visit Taichung should definitely come and try it out! Guaranteed to be a trip well worth it!
European-style Late Night Cafe near the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung.
Coffury Studio No.71
The coffee shop with a super long name
Located near the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, the decor is quite European.
What's special is that this place is open until 00:00
It's quite suitable for night owls, but the downside is the 90-minute time limit.
The caramel pudding is recommended for dessert, it seems to be the signature dish.
The texture is bouncy but not too sweet, and the slightly bitter caramel pairs very well with the pudding.
As for the coffee, I ordered the grapefruit coffee, which is very smooth and has a fruity aroma.
Taichung Friendly Hiking Trail.
🏞 Zhigao Canal Trail § Taichung Hiking Trail
A tree-shaded waterside trail,
the wooden path laid along the canal is flat and easy to walk on!
Along the way, you will pass by old banyan trees, water diversion bridges, and aerial corridors,
with seats set up for resting along the route,
making it an extremely friendly trail suitable for all ages.
You need to return the same way, with a round trip taking about 1 hour,
and continuing forward can connect to the Hero Slope Xuelian Mountain hiking trail.
Opening hours: 24 hours
📍Address: No. 176, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Wuri District, Taichung City
🅿️Parking information: Cars can be parked at the free parking lot of Shanguang Temple, it is recommended to go by motorcycle
【Taichung】Miyahara Eye Clinic
Visited just before closing time. There were only a few groups in line, so we were promptly seated.
The staff took the time to explain the menu and ordering process to each group, which I found to be very courteous.
There are so many types of ice cream that even after the explanation, it's hard to choose...
I was worried about being able to finish it, but I went for the triple full combo, so it came with strawberry fruit topping as well.
By the time I got to the waffle ball, the melted ice cream had soaked in, making it moist and delicious to eat.
Taichung Heping - Lishan Guest House (Taiwan's Highest Palace Hotel)
As Taiwan's highest palace hotel, the Lishan Guest House shares the same design concept as the Grand Hotel in Taipei and Kaohsiung. It was created in the same period and used to be a high-end hotel for hosting foreign guests in the early years.
Staying here feels very much like staying in the Forbidden City. Friends who love ancient styles will definitely adore this place; every corner is like a scene from an international period drama.
However, departing from Taichung city center is quite a pain, driving about three and a half hours on mountain roads with heavy fog, resembling the path to becoming an immortal. But after the dark and flowery path, it is indeed worth it.
Lishan is incredibly beautiful, indescribably so. There aren't many tourist spots here, nor are there bustling shopping streets, but that's exactly what makes it feel like a true paradise.
I've seen many online reviews saying that the prices here are high and that they scam tourists with fruit prices, but in reality, when you do the math, it's about the same as Taipei. Considering the inconvenience of transportation here, I personally think it's reasonable for the prices to be a bit higher.
I came here because of the Kaohsiung Travel Fair. The Central Cross-Island Highway had been closed for a long time and finally reopened. Lishan Guest House sold super short-term accommodation vouchers at the fair. A double room with breakfast was 2980 NTD. This time I was assigned to stay in the annex building. The main building is more expensive, so I didn't stay there, but the two buildings are very close, and it's easy to enjoy a morning walk.
I was lucky to stay in a black bear-themed room. Looking down the row of rooms, only our door had a black bear sticker on it, cute and delightful.
Because the house is old, the doors and windows are still made of pure wood, which gives a sense of the era. However, it was renovated again after the 921 earthquake, with the bathroom refurbished to separate dry and wet areas, making it comfortable to stay in. It's like a blend of old and new. Although it's old, there's no musty smell in the room.
Stepping out of the room, you can reach the visitor center and various trail attractions. Lishan's bustling area centers around the Lishan Guest House, making it suitable for both walking and driving.
In the evening, there is a dedicated person in the Dream Library to brew Lishan tribute tea for free drinking. Outside the library, there's a platform where you can stargaze, poetic and picturesque.
The restaurant's breakfast is thoughtful and of good quality (unfortunately, the fried items are baked, not crispy, but very healthy), and there's someone cooking Danzai noodles on site. The breakfast combines Chinese and Western styles, and it's a joy to eat.
Staying at Lishan Guest House, even without any plans, just sitting leisurely on the readily available benches with a cup of tribute tea is very relaxing.
The altitude here is high, making it perfect for summer retreats. It's long-sleeve weather even in summer; 30 degrees at the foot of the mountain, 14 degrees here, with fresh air that is refreshing and uplifting.
I recommend visiting during the off-season on weekdays. Although you won't get the seasonal fruits, the fewer people make it feel like you've chartered the whole of Lishan.
Hualien and Taichung can both drive here, but due to the earthquake, the Hualien road has been closed. From Taichung, it's a longer drive, so it's recommended to leave early. The darkness combined with the fog can be quite scary.
Address: No. 91, Zhongzheng Road, Heping District, Taichung City
Taichung Night View Restaurant Offers a Lofty Perspective.
This very famous night view restaurant is one of the hottest spots in Taichung. Without a reservation, it's very easy to miss out on a seat. Once you get here and see the view, you'll be truly amazed, especially as it gets darker and the scenery becomes even more beautiful. I think it's very suitable for a romantic date. The indoor seating is also quite nice, but there's a time limit, so don't forget to eat while enjoying the beautiful view. You can come here to have tea and a meal.
Taichung, a Super Artistic Beverage Shop in a Small Alley
Sanwei Tea Shop
They put a lot of effort into their tea.
Ordering here is different from other bubble tea places.
Next to the ordering counter, there's a tea industry section where you can try smelling the teas.
The staff will also provide explanations.
You start by choosing a base tea.
Then you select from rich flavors like fresh milk tea, fruit juice, honey, and so on.
Finally, you can choose toppings like pearls, konjac, and more.
This time I ordered a pine needle green tea with fresh milk tea.
The aroma was strong, and it paired well with the milk tea, smooth and easy to drink without any burden.
Although a cup is more expensive than other beverage shops,
you can really taste a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other places.
The first floor has the ordering area and seating area where you can rest.
The second floor has a small exhibition space.
The third floor has a tea tasting area and a greenhouse.
In conclusion, this beverage shop stands out from others.
It has made its own unique mark, especially with its focus on tea, and everyone is welcome to come and see.
Taichung Afternoon Tea | A Japanese Shaved Ice Shop Combining Art Gallery | Coffee | Desserts!
Japanese-style shaved ice with a cultural and artistic vibe, combining desserts/shaved ice/creative culture/art exhibitions
SHIROYAMA
While preparing for the gallery exhibition recently, when my inspiration was nearly drained,
my assistant took me for some shaved ice to refresh and awaken my mind
I really love this shop and immediately added it to my list of favorites
The shop's comfortable atmosphere is very relaxing, and the shaved ice, desserts, and drinks are all delicious!
A feast for both the eyes and taste buds, I can't wait to share it with you
【SHIROYAMA】
Shaved ice, desserts, coffee, drinks, with a minimum charge of one drink or one bowl of shaved ice
Recommended must-try: Shaved ice, Pudding
【Alison's Recommended Shaved Ice】
'Summer Flower Viewing' salt-pickled cherry blossom syrup, Taiwanese Nantou yellow plum, a sweet and sour refreshing love-themed shaved ice
Summer Flower Viewing $260
Salt-pickled cherry blossom syrup, QQ honey dices, homemade stewed yellow plum sauce, homemade jasmine tea honey, fresh lemon jelly, SHIROYAMA Japanese-style water mochi.
The sweet and sour taste is very refreshing! The flavor is not cloying! The homemade sauce is delicious!
Caramel Vanilla Pudding $100
Smooth pudding paired with slightly bitter caramel, not too sweet, very tasty!
Sunset Americano $160
Fresh lemon juice, passion fruit, concentrated coffee
I will definitely go again~ This shaved ice shop is really unique!
Taichung's Best Spots | A Retro Restaurant Converted from a Hospital | Very Distinctive.
Wow! Taichung has such a cool place hidden away—HAUSINC 1035! Did you know, this place used to be an otolaryngology hospital during the Japanese occupation, but now it has transformed into a paradise for coffee lovers! 😎
As soon as you enter this century-old building, the aroma of coffee hits you, it's really quite an atmosphere! And their sign is super creative, the 1035 formed by four hands, which was the hospital's phone number back in the day, how cool is that! 🤩
The place is divided into two buildings, the front building is HAUSINC 1035, with takeout on the first floor and seating on the second floor, the environment is super comfortable. The back building houses GFG design & art, Wheat Allergy Bakery, and the Lee Yu-Ping Architect Office, making it super convenient for a one-stop check-in! 😉
Address: No. 73, Shifu Road, Central District, Taichung City
Hours: 10:00-17:30, closed on Mondays
Next time I go to Taichung, this place is definitely my first choice! 💯
Taiwan: A Village Filled with Colorful Paintings by One Man
Located just an hour away from Taipei by high-speed rail is Taichung🚉
Did you know there's a place in Taichung known as the Rainbow Village?
The illustrations throughout the village are the work of Mr. Huang Yung-fu, also known as 'Rainbow Grandpa', and they create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere with their unique charm🖼️
It's surprising that this spot was painted by just one person!
There are times when Rainbow Grandpa himself is present, so if you're lucky, you might get to meet him✨
For access, taking a bus or taxi is recommended🚕
Taiwan: A Harry Potter World? A Shopping Spot in Taichung.
Located just an hour away by high-speed rail from Taipei, Taichung awaits with its train station 🚉
One spot you must visit in Taichung is 'Miyahara Eye Clinic'!
True to its name, this store is a renovated building that once served as an eye clinic, where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy their famous ice cream 🍨
The classic Taiwanese souvenir, 'Pineapple Cake (Fengli Su),' comes in very cute packaging, making it perfect for gifts 🩷
Be prepared to queue for the ice cream, which offers about 30 different flavors to choose from, and you can even add toppings!
All the toppings are actually sweets sold in the store ✨
It's also recommended to try them out as a taste test!
Taichung's New Spot is Open...
Address: 1st Floor, North Building, No. 600, Jinde Road, East District, Taichung City
Atmosphere/Facilities: Fresh color tones, spacious and bright space, appropriate distance between seats and tables, professional staff guiding to seats, restaurant quickly fills up during meal times
Specialties: American-style large plates, generous portions, menu highlights include French toast, pancakes, pasta, and risotto, with a wide selection of choices
Average Price: 400-600 TWD
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A restaurant worth revisiting, but recommended for group dining as the portions are large; it can be quite filling for just two people.
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Popular Restaurants in Taichung