Are you ready to for an epic day in Taichung? I was lucky enough to visit recently and it has everything you could want from a city trip. From vibrant night markets to beautiful natural landscapes. So whether you’re a foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there is something for everyone in this Taiwanese city.
In this guide, I’ll navigate through the best of what the city has to offer, from the iconic Chun Shui Tang teahouse to the historical Taichung Old Train Station, colourful Shen Ji New Village and the heavenly Miyahara dessert shop.
So get ready to experience the ultimate day and make sure you save this itinerary for your visit to Taichung.
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Chun Shui Tang Teahouse (9:00-10:30 am)
Start your day at Chung Shui Tang teahouse. Locals and tourists alike love this special place, making it a must-visit spot. They have an incredible selection of high-quality teas, including regular favourites like oolong, black and green tea.
But the real star of the show is their famous bubble tea. This globally renowned drink, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, was actually invented right here! It’s often credited to Lin Hsiu Hui, the teahouse owner of Chun Shui Tang.
The story dates back to the 1980s when Lin was inspired to create a unique and innovative tea drink that would stand out from the traditional offerings.
The invention of Bubble Tea
Word has it that Lin’s creativity struck during a staff meeting when she decided to pour sweetened tapioca pearls into her iced tea. The delicious combination of chewy tapioca pearls and refreshing tea created a sensation that quickly gained popularity among customers.
Soon enough, people across Taiwan became fans of this sweet, creamy and chewy drink. It eventually made its way to other parts of Asia and beyond. Now, people worldwide enjoy there are countless variations and flavours. But could there be a better way to enjoy it than at the place that made it all happen? This sweet treat is a must-try for anyone visiting the teahouse.
Food at Chun Shui Tang
Let’s talk about the food menu at Chung Shui Tang. They offer a variety of traditional Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup, dumplings and scallion pancakes. And don’t forget to save room for dessert because their shaved ice topped with fresh fruit is a spectacular treat.
So why not start your epic day in Taichung by stopping by this charming teahouse? Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Tip: After you’ve indulged in Bubble tea, consider trying different tea varieties on the extensive menu to discover new flavours.
Taichung Old Train Station (11:00-12:30 pm)
Next it’s time for some nostalgic charm at the Taichung Old Train Station. It was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan. Built in 1905, it started operating in 1908. In 1917, it was rebuilt with Renaissance architectural style.
The red brick exterior, wooden accents and magnificent clock tower give it a vintage charm that’s hard to find in modern train stations. The old station is now suspended for use and was announced a national historic site in 1995.
Public park
They have transformed the old Taichung Station rail tracks into a vibrant public park. The disused tracks now offer a tranquil escape in the heart of Taichung, with walking paths and recreational areas. It can be loosely compared to the High Line in New York because they’ve both been renovated into urban parks.
Next to it the old station you’ll find the new operational station, which is a modern building made of glass and concrete.
Tip: If you have time in your stay in Taichung, explore the station both during the day and at night. During the day, appreciate the historical architecture and in the evening, see the transformation of the station into a beautifully illuminated landmark.
Shen Ji New Village (1:00- 2:o0 pm)
Continue your epic day in Taichung at Shen Ji New Village. This is an artisitic area where modern creativity meets history. You can have a wander through vibrant street art, explore many of the quirky cafes and discover some unique boutiques, which showcase the talents of local artists.
It’s a popular area for tourists and locals and there are peaceful parks within walking distance too. Take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined streets and soak up the atmosphere and charm.
Tip: Engage with artists and shop owners to hear stories behind the murals and creative spaces. 
Yabi Kitchen (Lunch) (2:30-3:30 pm)
It’s time for lunch! Head to Yabi Kitchen for Thai and southeast Asian cuisine in a modern and airy setting.
The menu is quite extensive so even the fussiest of eaters can find something tasty. The menu carries dishes from six countries; Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and even India.
The portions are huge and the presentation is 10 out of 10. Some of the specialities to try are the Vietnemese Coffee Pork Ribs – yes, that’s right. The first bite may feel strange because you can taste the coffee but you quickly get over that and can really enjoy the juicy and tender meat beneath.
I highly recommend the black and white pepper shrimp, the grilled pork with kimchi and the signature turmeric rice. However, my favourite dish hands-down is the roti prata with minced beef and northern Thai spicy sausage.
Tip: Yabi Kitchen offers a cosy ambiance; enjoy a relaxed lunch to refuel for the afternoon.
Miyahara (4:00-4:30 PM)
Now I’m about to take you somewhere really special on the next part of your epic day in Taichung. Head to Miyahara, a dessert shop that is special for more reasons than one.
First off, the shop itself is like stepping into a fairytale. It’s a stunning historic building that used to be an ophthalmology clinic owned by a Japanese eye doctor.
Antique furniture, stained glass windows, and even a little garden courtyard deck out the interior. The ornate wooden fixtures and timeless charm definitely give you Harry Potter vibes.
Variety of desserts
It’s the desserts that are the real star of the show though. Miyahara is well-known for their sundaes, parfaits, and ice cream cones, which come with heaps of tasty toppings. And if you’re a fan of chocolate, you’re in luck. They have an entire section dedicated to gourmet chocolates and truffles.
Tip: Try the pineapple cake, Taiwan’s signature treat. It’s a delicious pastry renowned for its buttery crust and sweet pineapple filling.
Check out this Reel for an even closer look to appreciate the beauty of Miyahara.
Fourth Credit Union (5:00 – 6:00 PM)
In 2013, Miyahara opened a second store, transforming an old bank into a three-storey cafe and restaurant. They’ve kept the features of the bank and the whole interior is just stunning.
If you’re not a fan of crowds then visit this branch instead. Although this restaurant also attracts a lot of people, this building is more spacious, giving it a more relaxed feeling.
There are more than 50 ice cream flavours available but you can get more than desserts; salads, fries, coffee and afternoon tea snacks are all on the menu.
Tip: Opt to sit in the bank’s vault for a unique dining experience.
Le Méridien Hotel (7:00 PM Onward)
It’s time to get some rest in before we continue our epic day in Taichung. I recommend staying at Le Méridien Hotel, a stylish hotel right in the heart of the city.
This really is a luxurious hotel. Rooms are spacious and modern and the beds are incredibly comfortable. If you’re anything like me, the bathroom has to be a winner and this hotel goes above and beyond. The cutest ornate wooden box sits on the sink unit, housing complimentary toiletries and you even get a loofah!
The spacious shower room features a powerful rainfall shower head, and the addition of a separate bathtub with salts provides a nice touch.
One of the highlights of staying at Le Méridien is its rooftop swimming pool, although I didn’t get a chance to use it during my stay.
Tip: Head to the rooftop bar for a relaxing cocktail before and panoramic city views.
Fengchia Night Market (8:30 PM)
It’s time for the final part of your epic day in Taichung; Fengchia Night Market. It’s one of the most popular night markets in Taichung with a wide variety of street food. It actually spreads for around 1.5km, with hundreds of stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
You can try the famous grilled squid on a stick if you fancy a tasty snack to kick off dinner. Another popular choice is the stinky tofu. I must admit I couldn’t get past the smell but it was a hit with everyone else in my group, who said it was delicious. I regret it now and will definitely try it on my next visit to Taiwan.
There are plenty of other foods on offer, including Taiwanese fried chicken, sweet potato balls, spicy noodles, grilled corn and grilled fish.
If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to indulge in some bubble tea or mango shaved ice for dessert.
Tip: Make sure you explore the small lanes and alleys too, as the market spreads beyond the main road.
More things to do in Taichung
So that’s the end of an epic day in Taichung. It’s time to head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. But you’ll want to wake up early to explore more amazing places Taichung has to offer, including Rainbow Village, Zhongshe Flower Market, Guguan Hot Spring and The Sugar Factory.
Taichung has so much history, culture and culinary wonders and no matter how many days you have to explore, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip.
Disclaimer: Taiwan Tourism paid for this press trip but all thoughts and opinions are my own. If you would like to work with me, click here.
While you’re here, why not plan some more adventures around Asia? Here is all you need to know about a trip to Muang Boran, the Ancient City of Bangkok.
