The Ultimate Taichung Bucket List

Experience the best of Taichung: Yizhong Street Night Market, Hoshinoya Guguan luxury resort, and Kung Fu Noodles

Renowned as the island's third-largest city in Taiwan, Taichung seamlessly merges urban life and nature together. In Chinese, "Taichung" translates to "Tai" (臺), signifying Taiwan, and "Chung" (中), meaning center — a perfect name as Taichung lies at the geographical heart of Taiwan. Yes, you guessed it right, Taichung is literally the center of it all!

I've made this ultimate Taichung bucket list guide to help you effortlessly discover destinations that will capture your attention from the moment you see them. Within this guide, you'll find a variety of places to explore, amazing restaurants to dine at, and intriguing spots to check out.

Pick your favorite that resonates most and click to read more!

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for Adventures

Crowded Yizhong Street Night Market in Taichung

【一中街夜市】
Yizhong Street Night Market

When in Taiwan, exploring the vibrant night markets is an essential experience. In Taichung, the second biggest night market is Yizhong Street Night Market!

Teeming with small businesses, a ton of traditional games, delicious street food, and diverse shopping options, there's never a dull moment here.

Boardwalk under construction in Gaomei Wetlands

【高美濕地】
Gaomei Wetlands

Gaomei Wetlands is a must-visit for people who love sunsets.

While I was there, the boardwalk was closed and under construction. However, when it's open, you can stroll along the deck and explore the wetlands, discovering critters and crabs!

Even though the boardwalk was closed, renting bikes is still an option, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing breeze as you pedal around.

Don't forget to capture the stunning sunset against the backdrop of windmills!

avender Cottage gift shop exterior in Taichung

【薰衣草森林】
Lavender Cottage

Zhan Huijun and Lin Tingfei brought their dream of a lavender farm to life at Lavender Cottage. Located in the mountains of Taichung, their vision has become a reality, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Lavender Cottage is the perfect place to take cute pictures, casually walk around, admire flowers, and unwind.

Sun Moon Lake with clouds and a boat

【日月潭】
Sun Moon Lake

Although Sun Moon Lake is not actually located in Taichung, it’s still super easy to get there from the city!

There are so many things to do in Sun Moon Lake: renting bikes and biking around the lake, riding ferries to different ports, enjoy nature while eating amazing local dishes and street food.

Don't forget to take some amazing pictures and make sure to bring mosquito spray to protect yourself!

Architectural Wonder: National Taichung Theater Side Profile, A Glimpse of Taichung's Cultural Gem

【臺中國家歌劇院】
National Taichung Theater

The National Taichung Theater, also known as the Metropolitan Opera House, is a beautiful opera venue that was established in 2016. It was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito, in cooperation with Cecil Balmond. The building's architecture is truly exceptional.

Inside, you can explore various small shops, enjoy theater performances, and find plenty of food options. It's a place where you can easily spend hours.

【國立臺灣美術館】National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

Opened in 1988, The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts has a variety of modern and contemporary art. The museum takes up roughly 10 hectares of land, including an outdoor sculpture park. Its main building stretches east-west, with three floors above the ground and two under.

📍 No. 2號, Section 1, Wuquan W Rd, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403

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for Experiences

Luxuriate in the serenity of Hoshinoya Guguan, a luxury resort in Taichung, featuring stunning outdoor baths

【谷關溫泉】
relax at Guguan Hot Springs

If you're looking for a refreshing hot springs experience, I highly recommend adding Guguan Hot Springs to your bucket list.

These hot springs were discovered back in 1907 and are known for their carbonic acid spring water with a white, cloudy appearance but it feels super smooth.

You can just kick back and soak in the hot springs and take in the amazing natural views.

It's a must-visit spot for sure!

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for Foodies

Savor delicious soft tofu at Liu Shao Qing, a restaurant known for its exquisite Chinese cuisine in Taichung

【柳梢青】
Liu Shao Qing

If you’re craving Chinese food in an aesthetic restaurant, you definitely have to check out Liu Shao Qing (柳梢青).

The interior has the perfect blend of exquisite and modern designs but also adds playful color accents that make this place feel super welcoming and playful.

Beyond the ambiance, the food is absolutely delicious. Every bite you take makes you want more.

Discover the unique ambiance of Miyahara, a popular dessert shop in Taichung, known for its beautiful interior

【宮原眼科 】
Miyahara

Miyahara is a historic building in Taichung with a history dating back almost a hundred years! It started as an eye doctor's office opened by a Japanese man named Miyahara in 1927, during the time when Japan ruled Taiwan.

Today, it is a shop that sells sweets. The interior of the building reminds me of Hogwarts, and they are famous for their delicious treats.

If you happen to stop by, make sure to visit their restaurant on the second floor for a lovely meal. Save room for dessert, don't forget to try their milk tea and ice cream right outside the building!

Experience Michelin-star dining at Fooding Smoke, a renowned restaurant in Taichung

【又見一炊煙】
Fooding Smoke

Located in the mountains, Fooding Smoke has been awarded the prestigious Michelin star for their exceptional food and desserts.

They offer both indoor and outdoor dining with stunning views, and constantly update their menu to reflect the changing seasons.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Chun Shui Tang, a historic restaurant in Taichung, birthplace of bubble tea

【春水堂】
ChunShuiTang

Did you know that Taiwan is the birthplace of boba?

Lin Hsiu-hui invented boba in 1987 at ChunShuiTang which was located in Taichung! Not only does ChunShuiTang serve amazing boba, but they also offer delicious Taiwanese dishes with tons of vegetarian options as well!

A must-visit restaurant for boba lovers!

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more places to check out!

  • TAICHUNG PARK

  • CARTOON KING CREATIVITY PARK

  • TAICHUNG SECOND MARKET

  • PAOCHUEH TEMPLE

  • TAICHUNG CITY CONFUCIUS TEMPLE

  • SHENJI NEW VILLAGE

  • XINSHE CASTLE

  • RAINBOW VILLAGE

  • GUANGFU NEW VILLAGE

  • TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

  • XIANFO TEMPLE

  • WUFENG LIN FAMILY MANSION

  • DAKENG HIKING TRAILS

  • NANTOU RAINBOW BRIDGE

  • CINGJING FARM

  • XITOU MONSTER VILLAGE

  • SUN LINK SEA FOREST RECREATION AREA

  • ANIMATION ALLEY

  • FENG CHIA NIGHT MARKET

  • YU-HSIU MUSEUM OF ART 毓繡美術館 📍No. 26號, Lane 150, Jianxing Rd, Caotun Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 542
    A contemporary art museum in the mountains. Must make reservations in order to view the museum

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What’s on your Taichung bucket list?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! ⊹˚. ♡

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Check Out My Taichung Vlog!

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Last Updated: 02.29.2024

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