Although it is the third largest city in Taiwan, Taichung is more often than not overshadowed by bustling Taipei and many travellers tend to have this misconception that there is nothing much to do in Taichung.

Taichung is a gateway to many hidden gems and nature attractions which are perfect for day trips. And yes, you will find out that there is more to Taiwan than night markets and cheap shopping.

Here are 8 Best Day Trips From Taichung You Must Visit.

Photo Credit: Elin Chow

#1 ZHONGSHE TOURSIGHT FLOWER MARKET

It takes less than an hour’s drive from Taichung city to reach Zhongshe Toursight Flower Market which is set in Houli town. Known for its bright and colourful flowers that change according to the season, this market spans across 6 hectares of land in total.

Wander around the beautiful garden and watch the flowers sway as if they are dancing in the wind. Look out for the Dutch-style windmill and a white wooden piano sitting in a field of purple lavender flowers—they make great backdrops for your pictures!

No. 469-13, Sanfeng Rd
Houli District, Taichung City
Taiwan
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm

Photo Credit: JSCY

#2 LAVENDER COTTAGE

Nestled on the top of a mountain, the air is cool and crisp at Lavender Cottage. As you may have inferred from its name, this place is where you can find anything and everything lavender. From lavender flowers to lavender tea, lavender handmade products and even lavender ice cream!

When you arrive at the entrance, walk up and push a button to take a “lavender shower” which is essentially lavender mist for guests to spray on themselves. Take photographs with a magnificent carousel, hang your written wishes on wooden branches and mail postcards out.

No. 20, Zhongxing Street
Xinshe Dist, Taichung City
Taiwan
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6.30pm

Photo Credit: taiwanaut

#3 XIN SHE CASTLE

One of the most popular tourist attractions, Xin She Castle is a replica of old European style castles set among the high mountains of Taichung. Complete with a lake, manmade waterfall and large garden, it is not difficult to imagine why locals and tourists make Xin She Castle their choice destination for photo shoots.

Those who are visiting Lavender Cottage can drop by Xin She Castle afterward as the two places are only 30 minutes away from each other by car.

No. 65, Xiezhong Street
Xinshe Township, Taichung City
Taiwan
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6pm

Photo Credit: nonsenserambling

#4 921 EARTHQUAKE MUSEUM OF TAIWAN

Paying tribute to the victims of one of the worst earthquake incidents that occurred in Taiwan and for educational purposes, the Taiwanese government decided to preserve a school building that has been wrecked during the natural disaster.

921 Earthquake Museum is truly worth a visit as it serves as a reminder that it is always important to keep vigilant and be prepared for future disasters. This national museum will be an eye opener for those who are curious about the aftereffects of an earthquake. Do not skip past the earthquake simulation room!

No.192, Xinsheng Road, Kengkou Vil,
Wufeng District, Taichung City
Taiwan
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Vincent Ting

#5 SUN MOON LAKE

The most affordable way to Sun Moon Lake is to take a coach from Taichung Train Station. Although the journey takes more than an hour, you will be blown away by how picturesque the place is. Nature lovers will delight in the clean air and turquoise coloured lake water.

It has been said that Sun Moon Lake derived its name from its geographical shape where the east side of the lake appears to be round like the sun while the western part of the lake is long and narrow like the moon. Take a boat tour to Shuishe, Ita Thao, and Syuanguang Piers and have fun exploring or trying out local snacks before making your way back.

Sun Moon Lake
Yuchi Township, Nantou County
Taiwan

Photo Credit: Taichung Travel Net

#6 GAOMEI WETLANDS

If you don’t mind a little mud, why not head to Gaomei Wetlands? Many people like to catch sunsets there as there are no tall structures obstructing your view.

During low tide, you are likely to catch sightings of mud skippers, fiddler crabs and also different bird species. Otherwise, kick off your shoes and play in the mud with your travel companions!

Gaomei Wetlands
Taiwan

Photo Credit: Taichung Travel Net

#7 WUQI FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Less than an hour’s ride away from Taichung central, Wuqi Fishing Harbour is a seafood lover’s paradise. What used to be a small fishing village has transformed into a bustling fishing port where you can get affordable seafood.

Fill your stomach with the freshest seafood catch of the day or watch the fishermen unload the day’s haul directly from the fishing boats.

No. 30, Beiti Road
Qingshui District, Taichung City
Taiwan

Photo Credit: An ABC In Taiwan

#8 DAKENG HIKING TRAILS

Ask any local to recommend you a hiking trail and they will tell you to go to Dakeng. As this is a popular location, rest assured that there will be manmade walking paths such as wooden stairs to guide you along the way.

There are 10 trails with various difficulty levels catering to beginners and experts. Be mindful that trails six to 10 are the most popular ones, so you have to arrive earlier to beat the crowd during weekends and holidays.

Dakeng Hiking Trail No. 10
Lane 383, Section 1, Dongshan Rd
Beitun District, Taichung City
Taiwan

Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.