Why Taichung is Hands Down My Favorite Spot in Taiwan (and Why You Should Go Too!)

Taichung is, hands down, my absolute favorite city in Taiwan. No contest. Why? Well, for starters, it’s perfectly nestled right in the middle of the island, making it a total breeze to zip up North or head South whenever the mood strikes. I’m obsessed with the food, the vibes, and the scenery. Basically, Taichung has my heart.

Pro tip for getting around: If you use an EasyCard or iPass, the first 10 kilometers on the bus are free. Call me a cheapskate if you want, but coming from places where a bus ride isn’t exactly pennies, it’s a total game-changer!

※ Heads up! Taiwan is super strict about eating and drinking on buses and the MRT (subway). No snacks, no sips—not even water in some places. You’ll get hit with a hefty fine, or at the very least, some seriously judgmental side-eye. Just don’t do it.

To keep your trip stress-free, I recommend pinning all your “must-visit” spots on Google Maps first. Group them by area and tackle one neighborhood per day. It’s way more efficient than crisscrossing the city like a headless chicken!

Also, locals here are incredibly chatty. Bus drivers will literally talk your ear off if you let them. If you’re feeling social, don’t be shy—say hi!

The “Must-See” Hit List:

1. Gaomei Wetlands

This place is stunning—huge, wide-open spaces and serious wind. Even in the summer, you might want a light jacket. It’s a bit of a trek to get out there, but I promise it’s worth the hype. Check the sunset times before you go and get there early to catch the whole show. You can even walk out onto the wetlands barefoot. It’s pure magic.

Transport: Take the train to Qingshui Station, then hop on a bus. If you’re short on time, just grab a cab or do a rideshare from the station. Coming back after dark can be tricky, so I ended up splitting a taxi back to the city for about 250 TWD. Worth it for the convenience.

2. Tunghai University

They call this the “most beautiful university in Taiwan,” and since I’m a total nerd for pretty campuses, I had to check it out. It’s massive, so you might need the campus bus. They actually have their own dairy farm and sell their own milk and ice cream—super fresh and tasty! Some of the buildings are architectural masterpieces, while others have that cool, vintage academic vibe.

The Luce Memorial Chapel is the star of the show here. It was closed when I visited, but if you’re lucky, you might even catch a wedding happening!

I also have a weird obsession with school cafeterias. I found one where you pay by weight—so many choices, and it was packed with international students.

3. Puli & Paragliding

Take a bus from Taichung to Puli and hit up the Puli Paragliding Co. (find them on Facebook) to book a flight. Why Puli? The views are incredible, and it’s the perfect halfway point to Sun Moon Lake. Stay a night, explore the small-town vibes, go paragliding in the morning, and head to the lake after lunch.

Paragliding is all about the weather and the wind. If the conditions aren’t right, you can’t fly. But when you do get up there? Everything goes silent except for the wind rushing past your ears. It’s so peaceful. It really puts things into perspective—life is short, so just enjoy the moment!

4. Sun Moon Lake

Okay, confession time: I didn’t realize Sun Moon Lake was actually an artificial reservoir until I overheard a tour guide mentioning it! But honestly, who cares? It’s a classic Taiwan staple. You can bus there directly from Taichung or Puli. Once you’re there, you can bike around the lake, take a boat tour, or use the local bus. My friend and I paid about 350 TWD for a boat ride, but pro tip: you can totally haggle for a better price!

You HAVE to try the famous tea eggs here. They are legendary. I also picked up some cute fridge magnets because, let’s face it, you can’t leave a landmark without a souvenir. Oh, and the egg rolls by the lake? Surprisingly delicious.

5. If you’re feeling cultured, check out the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a great place to soak in some art before strolling over to the CMP Block Museum of Arts (Park Lane by CM) for some trendy shopping and outdoor vibes.

6. Providence University

Does this bridge look familiar? If you’re a fan of the drama “It Started with a Kiss,” this is where Xiangqin gave her love letter to Zhishu! It’s a bit out of the way, but you can stop by on your way to Gaomei Wetlands if you plan it right.

The Foodie Guide:

1. Roji Monster Ice (存中街61巷1号)

I trekked across town for this, and even though it was dark by the time I arrived, those little “soot sprite” monster eyes are just too cute not to photograph!

I got the Matcha flavor. It’s adorable and tastes great. They have a similar spot in Taipei called Ice Monster, but these little guys have way more personality.

2. Hong Rui Zhen Sandwich: These sandwiches are legendary. They’re super simple—no fancy lettuce or tomatoes, just bread with jam or mayo and pork floss—but they are strangely addictive. The shop looks modest, but people literally buy boxes of these to take home. They stay fresh for about 3 days!

3. Night Markets: I hit up Yizhong Night Market and Fengjia Night Market. Yizhong is right by a school, so it’s packed with cheap, delicious eats. I loved the braised snacks (Lu Wei) there. Fengjia is massive and way more touristy, but it’s a must-do for the sheer variety. Just follow your nose and eat everything!

4. Sun Cakes (Taiyang Bing): You can’t leave Taichung without these. While everyone talks about the big names like Yi Fu Tang, I highly recommend Jin Wei Fang. Their original sun cakes aren’t too sweet, and the Roselle flavor has a nice little tang. Their mung bean cakes are also fire. Another solid choice is Li Ji, or Ruyuetang if you want something the locals swear by.

5. Miyahara

Located right near the train station, this used to be an eye clinic! Now, it’s a high-end ice cream shop and souvenir palace. To be honest? The ice cream is “okay,” but the packaging and the Harry Potter-esque interior are 10/10. It’s worth a visit just for the photos.

I’ve been trying to remember all the spots I visited, but honestly, I ate so much that half the addresses are gone from my brain! But trust me: whether you stay for a week or a month, you will gain weight in Taiwan. It’s unavoidable.

Stay tuned! Next time, we’re talking about Cingjing Farm, Alishan, Hualien, and more. Thanks for reading, and Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!