Taichung Travel Guide

The twin-roofed pavilion on the lake in Taichung Park
Taichung Park Lake Pavilion · Photo: xiquinhosilva / CC BY 2.0

Central Taiwan's big city, with milder weather and an easygoing mix of night markets, cafes and bubble tea. See sunset over coastal wetlands, a painted village and striking theater architecture, and take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake.

Flights to Taoyuan Airport (TPE)

Plan your Taichung trip

We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.

✈ From Taoyuan Airport to Taichung takes about 1.5-2 hours by Airport MRT and high-speed rail. Check official transport information for fares and timetables.

On this page

At a glance

Currency
TWD (NT$)
Power & plugs
110V · Type A/B
Driving side
Right
Tipping
Not expected
Local language
中文(繁體)
How long to stay
3 to 4 days

Emergency numbers

When to go

October-April is drier and sunnier, the best time to visit. May-September is hot with afternoon showers, and typhoons are possible from summer into autumn. Many shops close and sights are crowded over Lunar New Year.

Monthly climate normals

Warmest: Jul (avg high 33.3°C) · Coolest: Jan (avg low 13.4°C) · Wettest: Aug (340.8 mm)

High °CLow °CRain mm
Jan22.3°13.4°36.6
Feb22.9°14.2°63.0
Mar25.2°16.4°86.9
Apr28.1°20.1°126.8
May30.7°23.1°249.6
Jun32.3°24.9°329.0
Jul33.3°25.5°303.3
Aug32.7°25.3°340.8
Sep32.2°24.6°147.5
Oct30.3°22.2°25.0
Nov27.6°19.0°23.8
Dec23.9°15.1°30.5

Monthly averages of daily highs and lows, and average monthly rainfall. Any given year can differ.

Source: Central Weather Administration (CWA), Taiwan · Taichung station · 1991–2020 normals —View source

Airport to the city

Via Taoyuan Airport and high-speed rail

From Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), take the Airport MRT to HSR Taoyuan station, then the high-speed rail to HSR Taichung station. This is how many international travelers arrive.

Time about 30-50 min on the HSR (about 1.5-2 hours from the airport)Cost about NT$550-650 for Airport MRT plus HSR reserved seat

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 555 (Taichung Airport Express Line)

A tourist bus line between Taichung International Airport and the city that runs as a one-way loop. It stops at Shuinan Transfer Center, MRT Wenhua Senior High School Station and the City Hall stop on the Taiwan Boulevard bus lane, so it is easy to change to the MRT, city buses and trains. There is room for large luggage on board. Pay in coins, or tap an EasyCard or iPASS when you get on and off. Check the official timetable.

Time about 30 minutes to the cityCost TWD 90 adults, TWD 45 concession

City buses (to Taichung Station and Chaoma)

Buses run from the airport to Taichung Station or the Chaoma bus station. Check route numbers and timetables on the Taichung City Bus real-time information service (hotline 04-2229-5089).

Time about 50 minutes to Taichung Station, about 30 minutes to ChaomaCost varies by route (check official info)

Taxi

Handy with heavy bags or a late arrival. Many drivers do not speak English, so show your destination and hotel address written in Chinese. The airport is open 06:00–23:00 and its travel service center (04-2615-5029) is open 09:00–18:00.

Time depends on trafficCost metered fare (check official info)

From HSR Taichung station to the city

The high-speed rail station is outside the center. Continue by the MRT Green Line, a regular train from neighboring Xinwuri station, or bus.

Time about 15-30 min to the centerCost about NT$20-50

Getting around

Transit card (EasyCard or iPASS)

Buy one at a convenience store or station for buses, the MRT, trains, YouBike and small purchases.

Buses

The main way to get around. Find routes in a map app and tap your card when boarding and getting off.

MRT Green Line

A single line from HSR Taichung station to the northern districts. No eating or drinking in stations or on trains.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Easiest for the wetlands and out-of-town sights. Taxis are metered and ride-hailing apps work too.

YouBike

Shared bikes across the city, good for parks and wide boulevards.

Where to stay

Around Taichung railway station

Good for: Train travel, old town

Near the conventional railway station, with older buildings and an old-town feel. Lots of bus routes.

Xitun (new downtown)

Good for: Shopping, stylish stays

The modern center with the National Theater, a large park and malls. Hotels cost a bit more.

Around Fengjia Night Market

Good for: Night market, value

Next to a university and one of Taiwan's biggest night markets. Busy and noisy late into the night.

Around Yizhong Street

Good for: Student area, cheap eats

A student district full of inexpensive food and shops, close to Taichung Park.

Map of stays in Taichung

Compare prices from many booking sites on the map

Search stays in Taichung in the app

Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

  1. Gaomei Wetlands

    Tidal flats lined with wind turbines, famous at sunset. Follow on-site guidance on accessible areas and tides.

    Gaomei Wetlands with a row of wind turbines under a cloudy sunset sky
    Gaomei Wetlands · Photo: 阿爾特斯 / CC BY 3.0
  2. Rainbow Village

    A small village covered in colorful murals. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to see.

  3. National Taichung Theater

    A performing arts center known for its flowing, curved architecture. Check official information on visiting public areas and the roof garden without a ticket.

  4. Fengjia Night Market

    One of Taiwan's largest night markets and a testing ground for new street snacks. Lively until late.

  5. Sun Moon Lake (day trip)

    A large mountain lake for boat rides and lakeside cycling. About two hours by bus, so allow a full day and check the timetable.

    Sun Moon Lake surrounded by mountains in the afternoon
    Sun Moon Lake · Photo: Mitchell Hirsch / CC BY 2.0
  6. National Museum of Natural Science

    Dinosaur skeletons and a botanical greenhouse, great with kids. Allow half a day. Closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

  7. Luce Memorial Chapel (Tunghai University)

    A graceful curved-roof chapel on a university campus. Combine it with a campus walk.

    Front view of Luce Memorial Chapel with its curved, rising roof
    Luce Memorial Chapel (Tunghai University) · Photo: Kenneth Lee / CC BY-SA 2.0
  8. Taichung Park

    An old downtown park whose lakeside pavilion is a city symbol. Nice for a morning stroll.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Bubble tea

Taichung is one of the cities credited with inventing bubble tea. About NT$50-90 a cup.

Sun cakes

Flaky pastries filled with sweet malt, Taichung's classic souvenir.

Night market snacks

Fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelets and Taiwanese sausages in small portions. About NT$50-100 each.

Beef noodle soup

Rich broth with big pieces of beef, Taiwan's signature noodles. About NT$150-250 a bowl.

Lu rou fan

Braised pork over rice, cheap and filling. About NT$40-70 a bowl.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout NT$1,300-1,800 per day: guesthouse, night markets, buses
Mid-rangeabout NT$3,000-4,000 per day: city hotel, restaurant meals, some taxis
Comfortabout NT$7,000+ per day: upscale hotel, car with driver

According to Taiwan's Tourism Administration survey (2025), international visitors spent an average of US$185.14 per person per day in Taiwan (national average for all of Taiwan, excluding international airfare). Actual costs vary widely with your itinerary and accommodation.

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Day 1

    High-speed rail from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung, check in, then Fengjia Night Market.

  2. Day 2

    Rainbow Village in the morning, the National Theater and Xitun in the afternoon, then sunset at Gaomei Wetlands.

  3. Day 3

    Day trip to Sun Moon Lake by bus for a boat ride or cycling, then bubble tea and beef noodles back in town.

  4. Day 4

    The science museum or Taichung Park, sun cakes to take home, then the high-speed rail to the airport.

Local tips

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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.

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