Why Taichung is the top choice for many locals in Taiwan

Quick challenge: Can you name one city in Taiwan?

Taipei often comes to mind first – known for its bustling night markets and vibrant nightlife. It's also home to one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, attracting millions of visitors, including the 7.5 million tourists who visited Taiwan last year.

However, if you ask locals, you might be surprised by their answer. A 2013 survey showed that most Taiwanese prefer Taichung as the most livable city.

A similar conclusion was reached by online discussions among users last year.

Taichung is just under an hour south of Taipei by High Speed Rail. While it lacks Taipei’s fast-paced energy and subway system, the city has its own charm. So, what makes it worth visiting? Here are a few highlights when you visit:

Top dining in Taiwan

The culinary scene in Taichung is elevated by Le Mout, one of only two Taiwanese restaurants to make it onto the 2016 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Le Mout, a modern French restaurant ranked 30th this year, is renowned for its exquisite wine selection, one of the finest in Taiwan.

For those on a budget, Taichung offers a wide range of affordable dining options. From local fried chicken joints to bustling outdoor markets with barbecued octopus and fresh fruit, and noodle stands serving Taiwan’s iconic beef noodles – food is everywhere. You'll also find Japanese ramen shops and curry houses scattered throughout the city.

Exploring Arts and Culture

As Taiwan’s cultural heart, Taichung boasts the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest in Asia. It showcases a wide array of artworks, from paintings to sculptures and installations, by Taiwanese artists. The city also hosts an annual outdoor jazz festival each October, drawing international performers.

A must-see site is Rainbow Village, once a settlement for former soldiers. Preserved by its 93-year-old resident, who painted the buildings with vibrant murals of children and animals, it was saved from demolition by his artwork.

Unforgettable Night Markets

The open-air night markets are the vibrant pulse of Taiwan’s nightlife. Stalls line the streets, offering everything from noodles and stinky tofu to mouth-watering desserts and barbecued delights. Taichung is the perfect place to enjoy bubble tea, the drink that was first created here.

Craving something sweet? How about a massive cotton candy shaped like a duck?

Game booths offer everything from dart throwing and basketball shooting to mahjong, all with the chance to win giant stuffed animals. You’ll also find vendors selling clothes, accessories, and toys, often at negotiable prices.

Feng Chia Night Market is the most famous in Taichung, bustling with locals and tourists alike. It's open every night from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Bright and Sunny Days

Locals will tell you that summer in Taipei can be unbearable with its hot, humid, and stormy weather due to frequent typhoons. In contrast, Taichung enjoys sunny skies and mild temperatures throughout most of the year, thanks to its location just above the Tropic of Cancer.

Taichung has an annual average temperature of 23°C (73°F), according to the local government. This comfortable climate encourages locals to spend time outdoors at parks, markets, patios, and festivals.

Relaxing Hot Springs

Taiwan is known for its hot springs, but the Guguan hot springs near Taichung have a unique tale. It's said that soaking in these waters helped Japan’s Emperor Meiji conceive a son with his wife. The natural spring water here ranges from 48-60°C (118-140°F).

Guguan is located about two hours from Taichung, making it a popular destination for those who prefer to stay overnight. The resort hotels in the area all feature hot spring pools, with some offering private hot spring suites.

Nature’s Elements: Wind, Water, and Wildlife

Located about an hour from Taichung’s city center, the Gaomei Wetlands are situated south of the Dajia River mouth. This peaceful spot is perfect for bird-watching or catching a stunning sunset.

Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, observing the local wildlife, including birds and crabs. At the end of the boardwalk, many people take off their shoes and wade into the shallow waters.

The towering wind turbines across the wetlands create a picturesque backdrop for photos. Nearby street vendors offer delicious snacks like hot squid balls and locally grown mushrooms.

Shopping in Taichung

You don't have to go to Taipei to find great shopping.

Taichung offers a wide variety of local designer clothes, bags, and accessories at affordable prices, available in shops throughout the city.

The night markets also feature many shops behind the food stalls and game booths. For stylish yet affordable options, check out NET, a popular Taiwanese mid-range clothing chain with several locations in Taichung.

Exploring Scenic Trails

In Taichung, locals truly appreciate the sunny weather. The Dakeng Scenic Area, just 30 minutes from the city center, offers breathtaking hiking trails with stunning views of Taichung below.

Most of the trails are easy and family-friendly, with wooden staircases winding up and down the hills. There are also more challenging routes, and vendors selling fruit and drinks along the way.

Experiencing Taichung’s Warmth and Friendliness

Picture yourself standing outside a department store on a chilly winter morning, waiting for it to open. Or just standing at the bus stop outside the store. The warmth of local interactions is always present.

About an hour before the store opens, staff members step outside to greet you with candy and hot drinks. This is a common gesture at one Taichung department store, demonstrating how the locals take friendliness to the next level.

Service staff in restaurants and shops are incredibly attentive, always helpful but never pushy. Many taxi drivers also seize the opportunity to practice their excellent English with foreign tourists.

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