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What to Do in Taichung & How Long to Stay
Taichung may not have the buzz of Taipei or the beaches of Kenting, but what it offers is balance: parks and art, food and nature, old streets and modern design.
When you're heading to Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or Cingjing Farm, you'll probably pass through Taichung. But don't just pass, stay a while. Spend a day or two exploring the city's green spaces, cool museums, vibrant night markets, and quirky spots like Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands.
For most travelers, 1–2 days is the sweet spot for Taichung. That gives you enough time to wander the city, enjoy a night market feast, and maybe take a scenic day trip into the mountains or countryside.
Taichung is easy to reach, easy to love, and it absolutely worth to visit.
Top Things to Do in Taichung: Night Markets, Day Trips
1 Day Taichung Itinerary: 5 Taichung Day Trip Plans
With just one day in Taichung, you can still experience a lot. From mountain retreats to lakeside serenity, or simply enjoy the laid-back charm of the city itself. Whether you're coming from Taipei or using Taichung as your base, here are five well-planned day trips to help you make the most of your time.
Option 1: Day Trip from Taipei to Taichung
If you're based in Taipei and want a change of scenery, Taichung is just 1 hour away by high-speed rail. Or you can ride a private car to Taichung City in 2 hours.
- Route: Taipei → Taichung → Rainbow Village → Miyahara → Gaomei Wetlands → Feng Chia Night Market
Start with a visit to Rainbow Village, a once-abandoned military settlement turned colorful art spot by a retired soldier. It's small but vibrant, great for quick photos and a fun cultural touch.
Then, head to Miyahara, a beautifully restored former eye clinic turned into a dessert shop known for its vintage interior, ice cream, and pineapple cakes. Have lunch nearby to explore some of Taichung's local flavors.
In the late afternoon, go out to Gaomei Wetlands, one of the best places in Taiwan to watch the sunset. The windmills, wooden boardwalks, and migrating birds create a dreamy landscape.
Cap the day with street food at Feng Chia Night Market, the biggest in Taiwan. Try bubble tea, grilled squid, fried chicken steak, and stinky tofu.
After all the exploration, you can stay in Taichung for overnight or hop on a high speed rail back to Taipei.
Taipei to Taichung: Time, Price, Route & Map
Round trip by HSR is easy and convenient — just book tickets in advance for peak hours.
Option 2: Taichung City Day Trip
Want to keep things simple? Spend the day in Taichung City itself.
- Route: Museum Art Parkway & Calligraphy Greenway City Walk →Taichung Second Market → Rainbow Village → Gaomei Wetlands → Night Market (Feng Chia, Yizhong Street, or Zhongxiao Road)
Begin your day with a city walk along Museum Art Parkway and the Calligraphy Greenway. It's a 3-km-long walk and there are local shops, cafes, and a creative flair to enjoy at your own pace.
You'll also pass through National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Natural Science. They're free to visit if you have time.
For lunch, head to Taichung Second Market. It's an old-style market famous for dan zai noodles, radish cake, and braised pork rice.
In the afternoon, swing by Rainbow Village for fun photos, then continue to Gaomei Wetlands around sunset.
Return to the city for a bite at Zhongxiao Road or Yizhong Night Market, where you'll find great snacks with fewer crowds than Feng Chia.
Option 3: Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Day Trip
It's a classic day trip from Taichung. Sun Moon Lake is 1.5 hours away and worth every minute.
- Route: Taichung → Sun Moon Lake → Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple → Ita Thao Village → Shuishe Pier → bike ride to Xiangshan → Shuishe Pier → back to Taichung
Depart in the morning by bus or private car. Once you arrive, start your lake exploration.
First, take a boat ride across the water to visit Xuanguang Temple, Ita Thao Village, and Shuishe Pier.
Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant and don't forget to try the President Fish (arowana) and local wild boar sausage.
Then rent a bike and cycle along the lake's scenic trails, especially the Shuishe to Xiangshan section, voted one of the most beautiful bike paths in the world. It's about 1 hour for round trip ride.
If time allows, take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway from Yidashao up to the Aboriginal Culture Village. It's a kind of amusement park for fun.
Return to Taichung by late afternoon or early evening.
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus or Taxi for a Day Trip? (2025)
There are many group day tours available from Taichung, a great way to avoid transfers and enjoy the lake stress-free.
Option 4: Taichung to Alishan Day Trip
The full exploration in Alishan Scenic Area only takes about 2-3 hours, but the travel from Taichung to Alishan needs around 3 hours one way. It's ambitious, but possible with an early start and private transportation.
- Route: Taichung → Alishan → Alishan Forest Railway → Zhaoping Station → Hike Forest Trails → Sacred Tree Station → Alishan Forest Railway → Alishan Station → back to Taichung
Depart around 7:00 AM and drive to Alishan via Chiayi. Once arrive, enjoy lunch with mountain tea and simple local food at a mountain teahouse. Then start exploring the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
Take the Alishan Forest Railway from the tourist centre (Alishan Station) to Zhaoping Station (7 min). Then hike through sister ponds, Alishan Shouzhen Temple, and misty cedar woods (1 hour).
Finally, take the Alishan Forest Railway from Sacred Tree Station back to the tourist centre (8 min).
Head back in the late afternoon. It's a long day (8-9 hours), but nature lovers won't regret it.
Taichung to Alishan Train, Bus or Car in 3 Hrs via Chiayi (2025)
Pro Tips: Best with a private car or pre-booked tour, as public transport can be slow for a round trip.
Option 5: Taichung to Cingjing Farm Day Trip
Craving cool mountain air and green meadows? Head to Cingjing Farm, located about 2 hours from Taichung.
Start early and drive or take a shuttle. Once there, visit the Green Green Grasslands, home to fluffy sheep and panoramic views of the Central Mountain Range.
Catch the sheep-shearing show or horse parade if you're traveling on weekends. Visit the Small Swiss Garden for European vibes, or stop by a highland strawberry farm in season.
For lunch, enjoy Yunnan-style hotpot or local veggies at one of the mountain-view cafes. Return to Taichung before sunset.
Cingjing is popular with families and couples — a peaceful, photogenic escape from the city.
Taichung Itinerary 2 Days: Alishan & Sun Moon Lake
After exploring the 5 popular one-day trip ideas from Taichung, planning a two-day Taichung itinerary is just like putting together the perfect set of travel “building blocks.” The most popular combo? A nature-filled route from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.
Day 1: Taichung → Sun Moon Lake
Start early in the morning from Taichung (about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus). Upon arrival, take a boat cruise across the peaceful lake, stopping at Xuanguang Temple, Ita Thao Village, and Shuishe Pier.
Rent a bike and cycle along the lakeside path, the Shuishe-Xiangshan trail is especially scenic.
Optional: Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for an aerial view (and access to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village if you're interested). Stay overnight in Sun Moon Lake or nearby Puli.
Day 2: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi/Taichung
Depart early for Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (about 2.5–3 hours by car).
Stroll through the Alishan Giant Tree Trail, explore the Sisters Ponds, and feel the misty charm of the high-mountain forest.
Hop aboard a section of the Alishan Forest Railway for a short scenic ride through the woods.
Head to Chiayi or return to Taichung in the late afternoon.
Travel Tip: This route is best done by private car or with a guided tour to save time and avoid complex transfers. If you love mountain views, forests, and lakes, this is a perfect 2-day escape from the city.
Taichung Itinerary 3 Days: Taipei to Alishan & Sun Moon Lake via Taichung
Planning to spend 3 days in Taichung? Smart choice! This plan is perfect for travelers who want to start from Taipei, explore Taichung's urban charm, then dive into the beautiful nature around Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.
Here's your day-by-day breakdown:
Day 1: Taipei → Taichung City Tour
Take a morning high-speed train or private car from Taipei to Taichung (around 1 hour). Once you arrive, spend the day exploring Taichung's city highlights.
Morning: Visit Rainbow Village, a once-abandoned military settlement turned colorful art spot by a retired soldier.
Afternoon: Head to Miyahara, a beautifully restored former eye clinic turned into a dessert shop known for its vintage interior, ice cream, and pineapple cakes. Then visit Gaomei Wetlands for sunset.
Evening: Dive into the local food scene at Fengjia Night Market, the largest night market in Taiwan. Stay overnight in Taichung City.
Day 2: Taichung → Sun Moon Lake
Leave the city behind and head to Sun Moon Lake (about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus).
Morning: Start with a relaxing boat ride across the lake — stop at key piers like Shuishe, Xuanguang Temple, and Ita Thao Village.
Afternoon: Visit Wenwu Temple and enjoy a bike ride or lakeside walk. If time allows, hop on the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for scenic views.
Evening: Stay overnight at a lakeside hotel. Try a sunset lakefront stroll and a peaceful dinner in Ita Thao Village.
Day 3: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi
In the morning, head toward Alishan. It takes about 2.5–3 hours by car.
Midday to Afternoon: Explore Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Walk the Giant Tree Trail, see the Sisters Ponds, and experience a short ride on the Alishan Forest Railway.
Late Afternoon: After soaking in the misty forest atmosphere, drive down to Chiayi for overnight. It's the gateway city for Alishan and a great place to rest before continuing your Taiwan adventure.
Taichung Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Taichung has a mild, pleasant climate year-round, no need to worry about typhoons as much as other cities. The best months are October to April, when the weather is cool and dry. It's perfect for visiting Sun Moon Lake, Gaomei Wetlands, and Alishan.
Where to Stay in Taichung
- Central Taichung (near Taichung Station): Easy access to city highlights, night markets, and public transport. Great for short stays.
- Fengjia Night Market area: Perfect for food lovers and budget travelers.
- Sun Moon Lake (Shuishe or Ita Thao Village): Ideal if you plan to stay overnight by the lake for sunset or sunrise views.
How to Get Around
By HSR (High-Speed Rail): Taichung is easily reached from Taipei, Chiayi, or Kaohsiung via HSR. The HSR station is about 20–30 minutes from downtown.
By bus or taxi: Good for reaching outskirt areas like Gaomei Wetlands or Rainbow Village.
By car: If you're planning to visit Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or Cingjing Farm, a private car or guided tour will save time and hassle.
In the city: Taichung's local buses are free for short distances with an EasyCard — super convenient!
Extend Your Taichung Trip to Taiwan
| Day | Itinerary | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Taipei | Check in Hotel | Taipei |
| 2-4 | Taipei Tour | Yeliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Beitou, Yangmingshan National Park | Taipei |
| 5 | Taipei → Sun Moon Lake | Sun Moon Lake | Sun Moon Lake |
| 6 | Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi | Alishan Forest Train, Alishan Forest Park | Chiayi |
| 7 | Chiayi → Kaohsiung | Hinoki Village, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Cijin Old Street | Kaohsiung |
| 8 | Kaohsiung → Taipei | Lotus Pond, HSR back to Taipei |
Travel to Taichung & Taiwan with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel partners with trusted local experts to bring you seamless, worry-free journeys through Taichung and Taiwan. Whether you're here for Sun Moon Lake, street food, sunsets, or just a short stop, we make sure every moment counts.
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