The Ultimate Taichung City Guide
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Taichung is the second largest city in Taiwan and is situated in the center of the country. The city's name itself, with "Chung 中" meaning center and "Tai 台" representing Taiwan, perfectly captures its central location.
I visited Taichung three times to see my parents, and each time I went back, I fell more in love with its unique blend of nature and trendy urban vibes. It offers the best of both worlds — from exploring scenic landscapes to experiencing the buzz of the busy city filled with museums, night markets, and charming cafes.
In this City Guide, I am excited to share my top things to do, the best local food spots to check out, hidden gems to explore, and some handy tips along the way to make your Taichung adventure even more fun!
Taichung map
know before you go!
💬 LANGUAGE
Mandarin is the main language, though some younger locals speak basic English. A translation app, like Google Translate, will be your best friend!
🗣️ HELLO: nǐ hǎo | THANK YOU: xiè xiè | BYE: zài jiàn
💰 CURRENCY
New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Cash is king at night markets and small eateries, but cards/Line Pay are widely accepted. No tax is added to the end of your bill!
💡 TIPPING
Tipping isn’t common in Taiwan. Most restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge for parties of 6 or more. At hotels, leaving a small tip on your unmade bed is a kind gesture, but not required.
🚨 SAFETY
Taichung is very safe! Just stay alert when crossing busy intersections — scooters can come from any direction. And when driving… skip the honking — you don’t want to mess with the wrong people.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Police: 110 | Ambulance/Firetrucks: 119
tours you might like
where to dine 🍜
From local street vendors to Michelin-starred dining in the mountains,
here are some of my top recommendations places you must try:
where to explore
nearby gems
where to stay
HOSHINOYA Guguan
Located in the beautiful natural neighborhood of Guguan, Taichung, HOSHINOYA is renowned for its luxurious hot springs experience.
The resort also provides the perfect escape from Taichung city, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature.
find your perfect stay
tips + guides
Learn a little more about Taiwan!
Below I’ll have some other travel guides, packing tips, bucket list ideas, and travel tips.
Click to read more about what piques your interest.
FAQ
Q: Is Taichung worth visiting?
A: Absolutely! Taichung offers a unique blend of urban experiences and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking a diverse range of activities.
Q: How many days in Taichung is enough?
A: While 1-2 days in Taichung is enjoyable, I recommend allocating at least 2-3 days to fully explore Taichung. If you have more time, 4-5 days will allow you to experience the city's highlights and surrounding attractions.
Q: What’s the best way to get around in Taichung?
A: There are various ways Taichung has for transportation:
BUSES
A more affordable option for reaching various destinations.TAXIS OR UBER
Ideal for door-to-door convenience, especially for longer distances or group travel.
Q: Is Taichung cooler (temperature-wise) than Taipei?
A: Yes, Taichung generally has a slightly cooler and less humid climate compared to Taipei, especially during the summer and early fall.
Q: How long does it take to ride the HSR from Taipei to Taichung?
A: There are different travel times from Taipei to Taichung. If you prefer a quicker trip, it will take around 45 minutes on the expedited High-Speed Rail (HSR) with a higher ticket price. If you choose a regular HSR ticket, the travel time will be approximately 1 to 2 hours with multiple stops, but the ticket cost will be less expensive.
check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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Last Updated: 10.07.2025
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