Things To Do
in Taichung

A flaky, sweet pastry that is a Taichung specialty—buy sealed packs from established bakeries like Mei Long or Chun Shui Tang branches.

Must-Try!

Comforting bowl of minced braised pork over rice found in local diners and food stalls across Taichung.

Large, crispy street-food chicken cutlets popular at night markets such as Fengjia and Yizhong.

Taichung has many notable tea shops and bubble-tea innovators—try classic milk tea with tapioca from local chains and independent shops.

A simple "ni hao" (你好) or a nod is polite; Taiwanese are generally friendly and appreciate courteous behavior and a calm demeanor.

Form orderly lines for buses, trains, and food stalls—cutting in is frowned upon and staff often enforce queue order.

Remove shoes when entering some homes or traditional spaces, speak softly on public transport, and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.

If invited to a local’s home, a small gift (fruit, packaged sweets) is appreciated—gifts are often politely refused once before accepting, so present them graciously.

Tipping is not widely expected in Taiwan; good service can be acknowledged with small gestures, but restaurants typically include service charges only in higher-end hotels or international chains.

Cash (NTD) is commonly used for markets and small vendors; credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and local options like LINE Pay and JKoPay are increasingly common. Bring cash for night markets and small taxis.

Mild temperatures with occasional rain; a pleasant time for outdoor exploring and flower-viewing at Zhongshe Flower Market and city parks.

Hot, humid, and rainy—typhoon season peaks mid-summer with heavy showers and occasional storms; carry sun protection and plan indoor alternatives for stormy days.

Generally the most comfortable season with warm days and cooler evenings—good for hiking, cycling, and visiting wetlands at sunrise or sunset.

Mild compared with northern latitudes but can be damp and cool; higher elevations nearby (Hehuanshan) can be cold and even snow-covered—dress in layers for mountain trips.

Closest airport to the city center with domestic flights and some regional routes; about 20–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, or reachable by bus connections to Taichung city.

Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei—about 1.5–2.5 hours from Taichung by high-speed rail (HSR) plus transfer, or by direct bus services and car; offers the widest range of international flights.

Domestic and some regional flights close to Taipei’s center—reach Taichung by HSR, bus, or car in roughly 1.5–2 hours depending on connections.

Southern Taiwan’s airport—useful if combining a north-south itinerary; approximately 2–3 hours from Taichung by car or rail.

Many Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and meat-free options are available; ask for 'su' (素) dishes and look for dedicated vegetarian signs. Night-market stalls may have limited vegetarian choices but tofu and vegetable skewers are common.

Pure vegan restaurants are fewer but present—use apps like Google Maps or HappyCow to find certified vegan spots, and clarify no fish sauce or eggs when ordering.

Wheat-based soy sauce and batter are common—casual vendors might not be able to accommodate gluten-free needs; opt for simple rice-based dishes and communicate clearly in Mandarin or use a translation card.

Halal options are limited but growing; look for halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly eateries (mainly in larger cities) and consider searching online ahead of time.