Taichung (台中) was our pit-stop before we took the train to Alishan so the complacent us didn’t really plan an itinerary per se. Apart from Fengjia market, it was a “free and easy” day trip but to be honest, it got a bit aimless after a while. We then booked a cab (just ask the cab drivers, they all have a daily 包车 rate) and think we may have accidentally stumbled on an awesome 1-day Taichung itinerary?
Here’s what to do when you only have 1 day (or less) in Taichung
#1. Chun Shui Tang (春水堂)
You may not know this but apparently Bubble Tea originated from Taichung, and Chun Shui Tang is THE originator! Therefore, if you are a bubble tea fan, you definitely must give their bubble tea a try! If you are serious about the ‘tea flavour’ in your bubble tea, you’ll be happy to know that on top of crazy chewy pearls, their milk tea is really fragrant and you can taste the quality of the ingredients in just a few sips!.
While they have a seating area for you to rest your feet and have your lunch, we ordered our drinks for takeaway because it’s the perfect companion for a long drive too! Anyway, they have a lot of branches across Taichung but of course, we went to the original store for that extra old-school flavour 😉
Address: No. 30號, Siwei Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Hours: 8am – 10pm daily
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#2. Gaomei Wetlands (高美濕地)
When we got here, we were so relieved that we didn’t allow ourselves to laze the day away because this place is absolutely beautiful. Just look at that view!
Be warned that the wind can get really strong so skirts and caps are really not encouraged. What is highly recommended is to plan your itinerary such that you’ll arrive from 5pm onwards so you can soak in the gorgeous sparkling sunset as it reflects off the waves. What can we say? If there’s only one place you have to go in Taichung, it got to be this.
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#3. Miyaharu (宫原眼科)
We were quite confused when our driver said we are going to “宫原眼科” because “眼科” actually means an optical shop. Surprise, surprise. It’s actually an old building restored into an exquisite, quaint pastry flagship store!
You will probably get pastries even if you have no intention to because everything is just so beautifully packaged! Plus, staff are just so warm and friendly! You may also want to pop by their signature ice cream cafeteria at the side (you won’t miss it, there WILL be a long queue) to mark your attendance on IG.
Address: No. 20號, Zhongshan Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400
Hours: 10am – 10pm daily
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#4. Ru Yi Sunny Cakes (如邑堂餅家)
If you read our post on our favorite 太阳饼 in Taiwan, you’ll know that Ru Yi won the champion title for sunny cakes for a few years in a row! As Tai Yang Bing allegedly orignated from Taichung, they are so serious about their TYB that they hold yearly competitions for the title of 冠军太阳饼 (Champion of the Sunny Cakes). So, if you’ve never tried Ru Yi’s TYB, you must definitely pay their flagship store a visit! You’ll be treated with samples of all their pastries. Bulk orders are definitely possible and they’ll even prepare a huge carton for you to check-in with!
Address: 台中市西屯區漢翔路235號(近逢甲商圈)
Hours: 8am – 10pm
Website: Here
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#5. Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
Did we save the best for the last? Maybe we did! We finally understood the hype on Fengjia Night Market after we got there. It may not be as big as Xi Men Ding but my gosh, the food options are crazy!
Everything looks so good so if you are the sort who needs to join every queue, we wish you luck. Although the market opens at 4, we advise that you arrive after 7 so you can be sure that ALL the stalls are open. Some of the items that you must order is the famous Papaya Milk (you’ll see the queue) and the chicken chop stall above. Come here hungry – very hungry.
Address: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Hours: 4pm – 1am daily
