What type(s) of travellers would your recommendations for Taichung suit?
My recommendations for Taichung are perfect for families, foodies and people who love shopping.
How long would you recommend for one to spend in Taichung?
2 days 1 night would be perfect. Taichung is just an hour’s ride by train from Taipei, so it can be an extension of a trip to Taipei!
What are the top things to see in Taichung that you would recommend?
1. Yi Zhong Street Night Market
– This street is filled with shops catering to students and young adults,
being located near universities and cram schools in Taichung
– Stores open from around noon to 10pm, much earlier than typical night markets, so you
can start visiting this place in the early evening where it is less crowded.
– Items here are slightly cheaper than in Taipei, so prepare your wallets and stomachs!
2. Feng Jia Night Market
– Biggest night market in Taiwan, so be sure to allocate more time to this place!
– Lots of food and carnival-style games for those who want to try their hand at
winning some souvenirs home
3. Lavender Cottage
– Small but cosy, Lavender Cottage is set up by two Taiwanese ladies who wanted to get
away from the city life
– NT$100 per entry, but you will be provided with 2 coupons of equivalent value
which can be used to purchase items in the cottage itself
– Get a clear view of the mountainside in Taichung, while having one of the famed
lavender-flavoured ice cream
– About one hour’s drive from Taichung city, so it is best if inserted into a day tour
around Taichung, along with visits to Rainbow Village, Xinshe Castle and Carton
King.
What are the top things to eat that you would recommend in Taichung?
1. 东东芋圆 – Dōng Dōng Yù Yuán (Don Don Taro)
– One of the best taro balls in Taichung, and probably Taiwan!
– Comes in multiple combinations, and your preference of warm or chilled for all kinds of weather!
– 15 to 20 minutes drive from the city centre, but any local taxi driver will be able to
bring you there!
Address: No. 48-3, Section 2, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 406 (View on Google Maps)
2. Breakfast at Taichung Second Market – 第二市場
– Visit the Second Market for breakfast at Wang Ji Radish Cake 王記菜頭粿
– Try the Fried Radish Cake and mixed meatball soup!
– Within walking distance from Taichung Railway Station
– Go early or you will have to queue!
3. Urn Roast Chicken – 東山廣場甕缸雞
– Try the famous Urn Roast chicken in Taichung
– There are many different stores selling it, but I love this which my taxi
driver recommended.
Address: No. 383, Section 1, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 406 (View on Google Maps)
Any recommendations on where to stay in Taichung?
When is a good time of the year to visit Taichung?
How should one get around?
Similar to other parts of Taiwan, most taxi drivers are willing to bring you around for a full day from 9am to 6pm for around NT$3000. Most recommended if you are travelling in fours. The difficulty is in picking the best host. Get recommendations from friends that went before! Leave a comment below if you would like my driver’s contact.
Are there any local norms/cultures that a tourist should be aware of?
What are the acceptable payment currencies and modes?
Best to prepare cash in Taiwan Dollars before your trip. You can only find money changers in banks and the larger shopping malls, and most places don’t accept cards.
Any other tips/things to be aware of?
How should one stay connected to the internet?
Buy a travel sim card at the airport (8 days unlimited data for NT$450)!
Cost of Trip
Airfare – return ticket from Singapore to Taipei – Scoot NT$11,000
Train – One-way ticket from Taipei to Taichung – Normal TRA – NT$350, High-Speed Rail – NT$700
Accommodation – Chance Hotel – Pretty decent room goes for NT$1,500 per night (for 2)
Food – NT$50 – NT$100 for each snack, NT$1000 for a meal for 2 at the restaurants (i.e Din Tai Fung)
Transport – Taxis are at reasonable rates via meter within the city. Uber is not common in this area of Taiwan.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am always up for trying new things, as I believe what matters most in life is capturing magical moments and gaining new experiences. And one of the best ways to do so is through travelling, to experience different cultures and way of life of each country and city. This has led me to develop a travel application with my team at Away Nation, to help people plan their perfect trips based on recommendations from friends and locals.
