Things to do in Taichung City
Most people think of Taiwan and immediately think of Taipei city, with its hot springs and its night markets, or the rural sights of mountainous ranges in Central Taiwan, or the sun and sands in Kenting. The charm of Taichung is hence lost to some would be tourists to Taiwan.
Located on the western side of central Taiwan, Taichung city is an industrial city that also doubles up as a major tourist center too! Taichung is the gateway for exploring the interior mountainous interior of the island. From here, you can head up to Sun Moon Lake for boating and hiking. In the center of Taichung city, you will find temples, museums, and the ornate Taichung Station. All these are reminders of the time when Japan colonized Taiwan a period that lasted from 1895 to 1945.
The city has a population of 2.7 million people and thus is the third largest on the island. It emerged from a hunter and gatherer culture which morphed into the Kingdom of Middag. This kingdom was established on the western side of the present day city and formed through an alliance of Taiwanese aboriginal tribes with its influence stretching across 27 villages in Taichung and Changhua counties. Soon the city became part of China and after years of revolt from the locals, China finally took control of the city and the entire island. In 1897, Taiwan was declared an independent Chinese province with Taichung City as its capital. Back then, the city was known as Taiwan-fu or ‘the capital city of Taiwan’. Later, the capital of the province was moved to Taipei.
In 1895, China was defeated by Japan and thus had to cede control of the island to the new masters. That’s when the city became known as Taichung. In a series of infrastructural projects, the Japanese constructed roads, dams, and a north-south railway. The center of the railway is what’s known today as Taichung Station.
Taichung is a wonderful destination for anyone going on holiday. From Taoyuan International Airport, it’s only one hour to Taichung. Make day trips to other places such as Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Changhua, right from here. Apart from Feng Chia Night Market, there are a number of tourist attractions in Taichung City.
5 places to visit in and around Taichung City
Taichung City is a great place to visit. It has a great climate as compared to the hot and humid Taiwanese capital Taipei. Taichung is less prone to typhoons making it a safe destination. If you ever find yourself in Taiwan, Taichung City is certainly the place to be. Here are the top five places you should visit while in Taichung City.
921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan
This museum is the place you should be if you want to take with you unique piece of Taichung City. It has an interactive earthquake simulator room and detailed information on the 921-earthquake of 1999. This museum will definitely resonate with you on a different level. The most touching part about it is that it’s located in the epicenter where the worst damage occurred in 1999.
You don’t have to be knowledgeable in the effects of the worst earthquakes to come here. You only have to sit in the earthquake simulator room for a five-minute program to have a feel of it. For about 40 seconds, you will be taken through violent vibrations to feel what it was like during the 921-earthquake. If you have never been in an earthquake, this is a good introduction.
Address: Fengjia Road in Xitun District of Taichung City.
National Museum of Natural Science
If you are after getting knowledge in astrology, paleontology, ecology, gems, and minerals, here is the place to be. It is the fun place to learn about Taiwanese aborigines and tropical plants. Come here and you will be one of the over three million visitors who visit for a hands-on science learning experience. You will better understand evolution over time from the dinosaur age to the present. All this supports with dinosaur fossils, replicas, and life-size dinosaur models. Feed your curiosity by visiting his museum.
Address: No 1, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung City.
Taichung Folklore Park
If you are looking to experience the best part of traditional Taiwanese living, this is the place to be. It is an attractive and quiet park that where you can relax holiday style. It includes a traditional, fully furnished home from Fujian Province and a large courtyard and Chinese-styled gardens. Add to this the traditional farmhouse with a basement exhibition hall of traditional household items. This is definitely something special. If you are the type who keeps mementos, a visit to the traditional shopping street is something you will love. Here, you will find all sorts of folk items you will be glad to sample. Finally, wrap up your visit with a relaxed rest in any of the pavilions.
Address: No. 73, LuShun Road, section 2
Confucius Temple & Martyr’s Shrine
Well, if you know about Confucius, here is the place to learn more about him. Visit Taichung’s peaceful Confucian Temple and experience beauty of the time gone by. The temple features impressive, rectangular structures straight from the long gone Sung Dynasty. Have a view of the perfect oriental architecture complete with a surrounding garden and courtyards. Next to this is the Martyr’s Shrine which is dedicated to heroic patriots of the past. Breathe in fresh air as you go through the gateway and move along the walkway lined with cypress trees. If this does not take you to the place of fond memories, what would?
Address: No. 30 ShuangShr Road, section 2
Taichung Jade Market
This is Taichung City’s main jade market. It is conveniently located in a large building at the WenXin and TaichungGang roads intersection. This market is open three days a week from Friday to Sunday. Come here if you are into works of art and jewelry. You will find dozens of vendors selling all manner of jade, antiques, jewelry, paintings, and pottery. This is in additions of tens of other artistic and decorative products. Surely, your trip to Taichung will not be complete without buying and carrying away something to keep the memories alive.
Address: No. 651, WeiXin Road, Section 2
Clearly, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit Taichung City while on a trip to Taiwan. Explore the jade market, Confucius Temple, and the two museums to gain more knowledge of the world. Make it part of your trip and create a memory that will last forever.