Stinky tofu, “Rainbow Grandpas,” virtual reality bicycles and more.
By Madeline Perreard.
Day 1: Dunghai Shopping District, Tunghai University
The best way to explore a new place is on foot! Walking immerses you in the sights, sounds and smells of a place, and doesn’t cost a dime. Luckily, T-Life Hostel is in walking distance of many attractions, restaurants and shops.
Just a two minute walk from the hostel is a small temple with vibrant colors and intricate artwork. Keep walking and you will find Donghai Shopping District, a bustling neighborhood filled with street food, tea shops and stores.
After grabbing an infamous bubble tea, I continued on to my next destination; Tunghai University. Tunghai’s campus is known for its scenic parks, architecture, and dairy farm. The entrance is about a 20 minute walk away. Once you’re on campus, don’t miss Tunghai Dairy, where you can buy homemade milk, yogurt, sweets and more. I bought a yogurt and had a picnic by the lake.
Day 2: Natural Science Museum, Sushi, Vintage Shopping
My second day at T-Life hostel I visited the Natural Science Museum and botanical garden. The museum was a popular spot for families with young children, so I suggest going on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you prefer art museums, the National Museum of Fine Arts is also nearby, and known as one of the best art museums in Taiwan.
After visiting either museum, I highly recommend visiting High Jump Sushi. Just a 12 minute walk away, the food and atmosphere was absolutely incredible. I ordered the angus beef roll, kowabunga and salmon peach roll. It’s definitely worth the visit. Just know it’s cash only.
About a 20 minute walk away from High Jump is a vintage store called 東星商店. I spent two hours browsing, and chose some custom clothes to take home with me. They will even custom-alter your clothing for you.
Day 3: Cycling Culture Museum and Taichung Metropolitan Park
My third day I visited the Cycling Culture museum and Metropolitan Park. The Cycling Culture museum cost $400 TWD and examined the history of bicycles, cycling culture, and the impact of cycling on the environment. They also had some VR exhibits where you can practice different cycling skills.
From the Cycling Museum, the park is a 30 minute walk away. If you’re feeling inspired, rent a U-Bike and bike around the park. The park has an elevated view of the city, so stay past sunset to view the nightscape if you please.
Hungry? Stop by the Dadushan Longjing Ziqiang Night Market on your way home.
Day 4: Donghai Art Street
On my fourth day I explored the Donghai art street, a 15 minute walk away. Compared to Donghai Shopping District, this neighborhood is far less busy! The art street is a charming area with boutique shopping, antique stores, restaurants, salons, etc. I love looking at old things, so I visited antique shops and found some cool vintage photographs. After, I went to Freya Beauty and got a facial. The staff there were so sweet!
Day Five: Rainbow Village, Taichung National Theater
I started day five at the Rainbow Village, a vibrant park created by by “Rainbow Grandpa” Huang Yung-Fu. In 2010, Yung-Fu began painting houses in his settlement with colorful animations to save them from demolition. Now the space is a vibrant collection of murals and a popular tourist attraction. Down the street is a big temple called 壽明宮 and if you continue walking, there is a restaurant called 成功臭豆腐 where you can try Taiwan’s famous stinky tofu.
After the Rainbow Village I visited the Taichung National Theater. I would recommend visiting at night to see the beautiful cityscape. The architecture is eclectic, modern and romantic. I found a balcony on the fifth floor and watched the city. There is also a nice park across the street. I spend the night walking around the area (and went back to high jump sushi).
Overall, Taichung has so much to offer, and even after all this, there is still more I want to do around Taichung. These are my suggestions, but there are plenty of opportunities here that suit any travel style.