[TAIWAN] How to Plan A Perfect Day Trip to Taichung

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921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan (921地震教育園區)

Shenji New Village (审计新村)

Then, we went to the trendy, regenerated Shenji New Village (审计新村) for some dessert. The former abandoned government dormitories has transformed into a vibrant center for art, local entrepreneurship, unique shops, and quaint cafes. There are plenty of Insta-worthy spots here. It is a nice place to stroll around and enjoy sweet treats such as gelato, cakes and puffs.  

Shenji New Village (审计新村)

Opening hours: 11AM - 7PM

Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村)

Afterwards, we went to see the colourful and whimsical Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村). The artwork was created by Huang Yung-Fu (affectionately known as "Rainbow Grandpa"). As the government planned to demolish the old, deteriorating military housing for redevelopment, Mr. Huang began painting out of boredom, starting with the inside of his home and eventually spreading the vibrant murals to the entire remaining settlement. Local university students discovered his work and successfully campaigned to save the village from demolition. It was declared a cultural asset, and the remaining 11 homes were preserved as the Rainbow Village we see today. Mr. Huang passed away in January 2024 at the age of 101. You can walk through the entire village in 10-15 minute. Admission is free and it is generally open all day.

Wuqi Fishing Harbour (梧棲漁港)

Wuqi Fishing Harbour (梧棲漁港) is a bustling fish market for a fresh, authentic seafood lunch. We got to pick our favorite catch and have it cooked right on the spot—a truly local experience!

A brief stop at the long row of imposing wind turbines lines before heading to the stunning Gaomei Wetlands (高美湿地).

Gaomei Wetlands (高美湿地)

Gaomei Wetlands is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, scenic wind turbines, and especially its breathtaking sunsets. Unfortunately, the weather on that day was too cloudy and windy to see any sunset that day. To protect the delicate ecosystem, an 800-meter-long wooden boardwalk extends out into the wetland. Visitors must stay on the boardwalk, but at the very end, there is often a designated area where you can take off your shoes and walk onto the mudflats (at low tide) for a closer look and a paddle.

Miyahara (宫原眼科)

Our last stop were the gorgeously renovated Miyahara (宫原眼科) for its exquisite ice cream. Built in 1927 by Japanese ophthalmologist Dr. Miyahara Takeo, it was once the largest eye clinic in Taichung during the Japanese colonial period. After years of abandonment and damage from the 1999 earthquake, the building was acquired and meticulously restored by Dawn Cake (日出), a famous local Taiwanese pastry company. The interior has been dramatically redesigned to resemble a majestic, antique library or even a hall from Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, complete with high ceilings, tall bookshelves (now filled with product packaging), and preserved architectural details. I originally planned to have dinner at Moon Pavilion restaurant on its 2nd floor but unfortunately, without prior reservation, we were unable to do so.

The ice cream selection has over 60 unique flavours. Toppings are a spectacle themselves, including slices of their own pineapple cake, cheesecake, butterfly-shaped cookie and other exquisite sweets. It is by far the fanciest ice cream I had. I ordered 3 scoops with toppings which cost about NT$350. The ice cream flavours are unique and delicious.

Miyahara (宫原眼科)

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Taichung Railway Cultural Park (臺中驛鐵道文化園區)

Stroll through the beautifully restored historical Taichung Station and its surrounding park before taking a train back to the THSR station. 

We enjoyed a simple dinner at the THSR station before catching the train back to Taipei. The high speed train duration from Taichung to Taipei is about an hour, cutting half of the journey time. We were back to Taipei at 8:39 PM. The THSR ride is comfortable and they do checked passport for reserved seats.

Here's a summary of my day trip to Taichung:

6.30am - 7.18am arrive at Taichung, THSR 

Painted Animation Lane 動漫彩繪巷

Breakfast at Chun Shui Tang Original Store 春水堂四維創始店 (8am - 10pm)

921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan 921地震教育園區 (9am – 5pm, closed on Mon)

Shenji New Village审计新村

Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村

lunch at Wuqi Fishing Harbour 梧棲漁港

Gaomei Wetlands 高美湿地

Miyahara宫原眼科 (10am – 9pm) 

Taichung Railway Cultural Park 臺中驛鐵道文化園區

Dinner at Taichung THSR station

7.36-8.39pm Back to Taipei