During my Taiwan trip, I crossed the country visiting cities from north to south. Taichung was the final stop before Taipei, and it couldn’t have been a better place to relax before another round of visits in the capital. Since it’s easily accessible from Taipei, I really recommend stopping by if you need a break from the busy streets and fast-paced life of the city. You’ll really enjoy it ! If you’re in for the ride, here are my recommendations for your visit of Taichung.
How to get there – 🚃
Before diving into what to see in Taichung, let me tell you how to get there from Taipei ! The city is easily accessible by train, with several departures every hour. The travel time depends on the type of train, but on average it takes about 2 hours—and it’s usually very affordable! Taichung’s train station is close to the city center, so once you arrive, you’re pretty much ready to start exploring.
Central District & Shin Sei Green Waterway – 新盛綠川水岸廊道
Start your visit of Taichung in the Central District. When you exit Taichung train station, cross the main square and head toward the heart of the city. This is the busiest area, packed with shops selling food, drinks, clothes, and electronics. My first impression was a bit overwhelming—the crowds, the noise, the bright storefronts all around. But as you walk away from the main square, things quickly become more peaceful.
Soon, you’ll come across the Shin Sei Green Waterway. This narrow stream runs through part of the district and adds a breath of fresh air to the urban scenery. It’s a great spot to pause for a few minutes, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a quiet moment before continuing your tour.
Miyahara – 宮原眼科
Right next to the Shin Sei Green Waterway is Miyahara, the most famous store in Taichung. It’s best known for its delicious pineapple cakes. Originally an ophthalmology clinic, the building was transformed by the Dawn Cake company into a pastry shop.
As you walk inside, you will be surprised by its high ceiling and beautiful wooden architecture. The first time I entered, it felt like I was transported into another time! It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to buy pineapple cakes to bring home to your friends and family. The packaging is colorful and beautifully decorated, making it a perfect gift.
Miyahara is also famous for its ice cream shop, where people line up to get a taste. If you’re craving something sweet, stop by the ice cream counter and enjoy your treat by the stream, just like some locals do !
Taichung park – 臺中公園
As you continue your visit in Taichung, head to Taichung Park. This large green space is another breath of fresh air in the city. At its center is a pond with a bright red bridge stretching across it. A pavilion overlooks the water, creating a beautiful scene both during the day and at night.
One surprising thing we noticed was a goat statue. My friend and I weren’t expecting to see something like that in the middle of the park! We later found out it’s actually a commemorative statue, celebrating the 2003 Taiwan Lantern Festival, which was hosted by Taichung for the Year of the Goat.
Liuchuan Riverside Walk – 柳川水岸景觀步道
The Liuchuan Riverside Walk was redesigned to offer a peaceful stroll along the water. It’s a calm, scenic path lined with trees, benches, and art installations. I really enjoyed the relaxed vibe — it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, listen to the sound of the stream, and take a break from the busy streets.
What I liked most was how the walk naturally connects you to other parts of the city. I found myself going back and forth between the canal and nearby spots, then returning to the water each time. It became a kind of anchor throughout the day — a quiet thread that tied the whole visit together.
Taichung Literature Museum – 臺中文學館
This small museum is made up of traditional wooden houses, carefully renovated to host an exhibit on literature. It features various poems and styles of calligraphy, creating a quiet space that celebrates words and art. The layout feels a bit like a small labyrinth — you can wander between the houses, which makes it a fun place to explore.
Even if you don’t go inside to read all the exhibits, the setting itself is worth a stop. It has a calm, almost nostalgic atmosphere, with shaded paths and wooden architecture. In the back, there’s a large, old tree that adds to the charm and gives the whole space a serene, timeless feel.
Painted Animation Lane – 動漫彩繪巷
Even though I don’t watch anime or read many mangas, Animation Lane was a really fun and interactive place to visit! Every wall and corner is decorated with manga characters, and it’s easy to snap photos with your favourites. You’ll also spot video game references like Mario and Sonic, which adds a nostalgic touch — even for those who aren’t manga fans.
The murals are vibrant and well maintained, which really enhances the experience. It’s a spot that both kids and adults can enjoy !
Shenji New Village 審計新村
Shenji New Village is the perfect spot for a relaxed shopping walk. The small yellow houses are home to independent creators selling all kinds of handmade and local products. There’s a lot to browse through, and as a fan of postcards, I was happy to find several cute shops where I picked some out to send to friends!
The village has two levels. The street level features small stands shaded by parasols, giving it a lively market feel. There’s also an upper floor with outdoor walkways and stairs connecting the buildings. These upper walkways not only let you explore more stores but also offer a nice little escape if it starts to rain!
Fusion Space 1962 – 富興工廠1962文創聚落
As you head back to the train station you can stop by Fusion Space 1962. I didn’t get the chance to visit it myself, but it’s often recommended for its creative mix of art, architecture, and cafés — a good spot to check out if you’re into design and local culture.
Now that you have finished you visit of Taichung, check out my article on Taipei so you also have a guide once you get back to the city !
