how to travel from kaohsiung to taichung

KAOHSIUNG TO TAICHUNG: By Bus & By Train (THSR & TRA)

Along with other major cities like Kaohsiung and Taipei, Taichung is situated on the west coast of Taiwan. Although there is no direct flight from the Philippines to Taichung, its location — between Kaohsiung in the southern part and Taipei in the northern part — makes it accessible from either gateway.

If you are entering Taiwan via Kaohsiung, you will arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport , the second busiest after Taoyuan Taiwan Airport. If you are coming from the Philippines, Air Asia Philippines will link you to Kaohsiung from Manila, Cebu, and Clark.

The next step is to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung. Here’s how to do that by train or by bus.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

KAOHSIUNG AIRPORT TO TAICHUNG

The railways system in Kaohsiung is very efficient, connecting important districts to each other including railway interchange stations and Kaohsiung Airport. The Kaohsiung MRT Red Line links the airport to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) at Zuoying Station and to the Taiwan Railways (TRA) at Kaohsiung Main Station.

• From Kaohsiung International Airport Station (R4), take the MRT to Zuoying Station (R16). The travel time is about 30 minutes. The fare is NT$ 50.
• From Zuoying Station (R16), transfer to a high speed train at Zuoying HSR Station to Taichung HSR Station. The travel time is approximately one hour. The fare is NT$ 765 – NT$ 1390, depending on the seat class.

Total Travel Time: Approximately 80 minutes Kaohsiung Airport to Zuoying HSR Fare: NT$ 50. Zuoying HSR to Taichung HSR Fare: NT$ 765 (Non-Reserved), NT$ 790 (Standard), or NT$ 1390 (Business) Operation Hour: The regular operation hour for transportation services, especially THSR and TRA trains is from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Note: The Taichung HSR Station is located on the city’s outskirt in Wuri District. You can get to downtown Taichung by free shuttle or by regular train via Xinwuri TRA Station. There’s a passageway on the second level of Taichung HSR Station to Xinwuri TRA Station. The travel time between Xinwuri TRA Station to Taichung TRA Station is 11-15 minutes. The fare is NT$ 15.

• From Kaohsiung International Airport Station (R4), take the MRT to Kaohsiung Main Station (R11). The travel time is about 20 minutes. The fare is NT$ 35.
• From Kaohsiung Main Station (R11), transfer to a TRA train at Kaohsiung TRA Station to Taichung TRA Station. The travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours. The fare is NT$ 300 – NT$ 470, depending on the train type.

Total Travel Time: 3-4 hours Kaohsiung Airport to Kaohsiung Main Fare: NT$ 35. Kaohsiung TRA to Taichung TRA Fare: NT$ 301 (Ordinary Train) or NT$ 469 (Express Train) Operation Hour: The regular operation hour for transportation services, especially THSR and TRA trains is from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Note: The Taichung TRA Station is located at the heart of Taichung CBD in Central District.

You can book a TRA ticket online. READ: HOW TO BOOK TAIWAN TRAIN ONLINE!

KAOHSIUNG CITY CENTER TO TAICHUNG

If you spent a day or two in Kaohsiung before heading to Taichung, you can take the THSR via Zuoying Station or the TRA via Kaohsiung Main Station.

From Zuoying HSR Station, take the train to Taichung HSR Station. The travel time is about an hour. The fare is NT$ 765 for a non-reserved seat, NT$ 790 for a standard seat, and NT$ 1390 for a business seat. The Taichung HSR Station is located outside the city center in Wuri District. You can take the free shuttle bus to the city or cross the passageway connecting the Taichung HSR Station and Xinwuri TRA Station. The fare from Xinwuri TRA to Taichung TRA is NT$ 15. The travel time is about 15 minutes.

From Kaohsiung TRA Station, take the train to Taichung TRA Station. There are two types — ordinary trains and express trains. The travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is NT$ 301 for ordinary train fare and NT$ 469 for express train fare. The Taichung TRA Station is located in Central District, right at the heart of Taichung City.

Whether you will head straight to Taichung or will spend a day or two in Kaohsiung first, taking the bus is the best option if you are arriving in Kaohsiung around midnight. Some of the reputable private bus companies operating the Kaohsiung-Taichung route are UBus, Free Go Bus Corp., Guo-Guang (Kuo-Kuang) Bus Corp., Citi Air Bus, and Aloha Bus among others.

• Ubus #1621 for Zhonghua Station – Taichung TRA Station
• Kuo-Kuang #1872 for Kaohsiung Station – Taichung (Chaoma Station)

Note: These are just some of the options. There are other bus routes from other points in Kaohsiung to Taichung.

• Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Fare: NT$ 240-350
• Operation Hour: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM (Regular) / After 11:30 PM – 6:00 AM (Midnight)

For more info about Taiwan Highway Bus, check out Taiwan Bus . If your itinerary requires you to frequently use the train, you might want to get an Easy Card or iPass. These are reloadable contactless cards that you can use for transportation, some retail purchases, and other services in Taiwan. This is convenient because you don’t have to purchase ticket every single ride. You just need to reload once or twice. You can buy at the airport and convenient stores for NT$ 100 plus your load. The best thing about Taichung is that bus fare is free within 10KM using your Easy Card or iPass.

TOP HOTELS IN TAICHUNG

• Moving Star Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Petrichor Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• 53 Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Shin Sei Bashi Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Taichung Hotels!

2020 • 8 • 23

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Taichung to Kaohsiung Travel Guide

Traveling from Taichung to Kaohsiung is super simple these days. Follow this simple guide to see how to get to Kaohsiung from the “ middle city ” Taichung. Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Taichung to Kaohsiung by HSR (High Speed Rail)

My favorite way to travel to Kaohsiung from Taichung is by HSR, or High-Speed train. I do this journey every month for work, so I’m very familiar with the whole trip.

First, you want to get to the HSR station in Taichung. From there, you get a ticket to Zuoying , as there is no HSR station named “ Kaohsiung “. Zuoying is the southernmost HSR station in Taiwan.

Travel Time: 1 hour

Price for a one-way for Taichung to Zuoying: 

• Standard Economy: 900NT$
• Business Class: 1390NT$

Taichung to Kaohsiung by Normal Train (TRA)

Tze-qiang trains from the TRA take about 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Kaohsiung, and cost 455NT$ for a one-way ticket. The Puyama Express has two trains a day and it cuts travel time by 30 minutes, making you arrive in Kaohsiung in exactly 1 hour and 56 minutes! Price for one-way Puyama Express train from Taichung to Kaohsiung is 469NT$.

The best advice I can give you if you’re going to take the train to Kaohsiung is to reserve your ticket in advance for weekend travel and holidays.

Check train schedule and book ticket online here.

Taichung to Kaohsiung by Bus

Buses for Kaohsiung leave Taichung Bus Terminal  regularly. That station is next to the train station in the old part of Taichung. The UBus Company buses leave every 40 to 60 minute between 5:30am and 21:30 during the week, and all the way to 22:30 on weekend. Kuo-Kuang Bus Company also has buses to Kaohsiung (bus #1872). Price for a one-way ticket is 350NT$.

Important Note! The Ubus Company does not have departures for Kaohsiung from Chaoma Bus Station.

Check Kuo-Kuang Bus Company website to see schedules.

Taichung to Kaohsiung by Car

Driving to Kaohsiung is pretty straightforward. From Taichung, take either Freeway #1 or #3. Freeway 1 is usually slower, but gets you in the middle of the city. Freeway 3 is faster, but it’s a bit east outside the city, so you need to eventually connect to Freeway #10 to reach northern Kaohsiung and Zuoying, or Expressway #88 to reach South Kaohsiung and the airport in Xiaogang.

Taichung to Kaohsiung by Scooter / Motorcycle

There’s two options available to you if you’re planning to ride your scooter or motorcycle to Kaohsiung. The first option is to take expressway #61 , along the coast, all the way to Tainan, then switch to provincial road #17. The other option is to ride mountain road #3 , which is the most scenic, but takes much longer.

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A Travel Guide to Taichung, Taiwan’s Middle City

Taichung City is literally Taiwan’s “middle city”, according to its name tai (臺) for Taiwan + zhong (中) meaning “middle”.

For many travelers, Taichung is a stepping stone to famous attractions like Sun Moon Lake , Cingjing Farm , and Hehuanshan in the mountains of neighboring Nantou county .

But don’t rush through! There are several reasons to stay in Taichung city for a day or two. These include Miyahara Ice Cream (and its partner store Fourth Credit Union ), Chun Shui Tang (birthplace of bubble tea), and Feng Chia Night Market .

Outside of the city center, big-name attractions like Rainbow Village , Zhongshe Flower Market , Gaomei Wetland , and Lihpao Discovery Land are a few more.

Consider getting the Klook Taichung Pass , which can save you money during your Taichung trip.

Table of Contents

Taichung City Introduction

Taichung lies between Miaoli to the north and Changhua to the south.

Originally Taiwanese aboriginal territory, Taichung was the capital of Taiwan for a brief period in the late 1800s, between when the capital was moved from Tainan to Taipei .

In 2010, Taichung city and Taichung county (a vast area that encompassed the high mountains of Shei-Pa National Park and almost reaches Taroko Gorge on the eastern side of Taiwan) were merged , so the entire area is now called Taichung City. The same thing has happened in Taoyuan , Tainan , and Kaohsiung .

This so-called “city” is home to 2.8 million people, making it the third largest city in Taiwan, after New Taipei City and Kaohsiung City (though technically, Taipei + New Taipei is Taiwan’s largest population center). Only about half of Taichung residents live in the actual city center, or original Taichung city area before it was merged with the large county.

Taichung city keeps developing and attracting more people. Taiwanese people view it as a cheaper alternative to Taipei, not to mention the better weather. In 2021, the Taichung MRT opened, with a single Green Line. Several more lines are currently being planned.

Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, started in Taichung in 1972.

Getting to Taichung

Taichung International Airport has a limited number of direct flights to other Asian countries (see which budget airlines fly to Taichung and find the cheapest flights here ). Taichung is well connected to other cities on the highly developed west coast of Taiwan.

If you’re coming from Yilan , Hualien , or elsewhere on the east coast, there may be a few direct trains, but you’ll have more options if you transfer in Taipei.

If you plan to use Taichung as a base for visiting places in Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and Hehuanshan, I highly recommend renting a car at Taichung HSR station like I did !

High Speed Rail

The HSR only runs down the west coast of Taiwan. It only takes about 1 hour to reach Taichung from Taipei or from Zuoying (Kaohsiung). If you’re coming from Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport, you can ride the Airport MRT to Taoyuan station, from where it’s a 40-minute HSR ride to Taichung.

However, one consideration is that the Taichung High Speed Rail station is outside of the city center, to the west of the city.

The HSR from Taipei to Taichung costs TWD 790, more than twice as much as the TRA (regular) train. You can get an early bird price on HSR tickets if you book them early enough (28 to 30 days in advance) on the official site or 20% off if you book them on Klook .

Find more info how how to book either way in my HSR ticket booking guide .

TRA (Regular) Train

TRA trains from Taipei to Taichung cost TWD 241 to 375 and take 2 to 3.5 hours. On the plus side, they will arrive Taichung Station in the city center, close to most hotels and attractions.

Book your TRA tickets on the TRA website up to 28 days in advance. You can also just show up at the station and swipe an EasyCard to board most trains (except express ones), but you may not get a seat.

Find out here how to buy mobile tickets (e-tickets) for trains in Taiwan .

Several bus companies operate buses from Taipei and other major cities on the west coast to Taichung. You can buy tickets for them online here .

There are a few major bus stations in Taichung. Chao Ma Bus Station is somewhat close to Feng Chia Night Market in the northwest of the city center, while most intercity buses start / end at Taichung Bus Terminal just north of the train station.

Some buses, for example ones to Sun Moon Lake and to Cingjing Farm , stop at the collection of bus company offices called Gancheng Station , which is one block north of Taichung train station, or on the street just outside the north side of the station. See more info in my guide to getting from Taichung to Cingjing .

There are also shared / private transfers to Sun Moon Lake and shared / private transfers to Cingjing Farm .

Getting Around Taichung

If you arrive by HSR , you’ll need to take a taxi (20 minutes) or local train from Xinwuri station (connected to the HSR station) to Taichung Station in the city center. Consider visiting Rainbow Village first, which is somewhat close to the HSR station.

You could also ride the MRT Green Line from the HSR station to Wenxin Yinghua station, which is 15 minutes on foot from Feng Chia Night Market – some people choose to stay around the night market instead of around Taichung Station in the city center.

You can cover the main attractions of Taichung city center on foot , around Taichung train station. Hiring a YouBike will be very handy, as the sights are a little spread out.

Until they build more MRT lines, you’ll need to take some taxis or ride local buses to reach sights like Feng Chia Night Market , National Taichung Theate r, and 921 Earthquake Museum .

Despite what many English language articles report, local buses in Taichung are only free for citizens / Taichung residents who have registered their card. As a traveler, you’ll need to pay, but Taichung buses are very cheap (price charged according to distance). Swipe your EasyCard when you get on and again when you get off.

For the most convenience, you can hire a private driver for the day in Taichung. You can also rent a car or scooter for exploring Taichung.

Where to Stay in Taichung

The most popular and convenient area to stay in Taichung is around the train station in the Taichung city center. Most attractions are in the area north of the train station.

For budget travelers, I recommend Norden Ruder Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ), which has an amazing 12F view of the city.

For families and mid-range travelers, I recommend the super friendly Central Land Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda , also called Old School), RedDot (see on Agoda ), which has a super cool slide into the lobby, or the nicely designed Blue Sky Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ).

In the luxury category, Windsor Hotel Taichung (see on Booking / Agoda ) is the city’s finest hotel.

Some travelers also choose to stay around Feng Chia Night Market, for the convenience of going directly from the famous market to their hotel. From cheaper to more expensive, try Green Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ), Beacon Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ), Hotel 7 (see on Booking / Agoda), or La Vida Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ).

Top Things to Do in Taichung

In Taichung city center, the area north of Taichung Station has a handful of attractions that you can visit in a half day on foot.

The Harry Potter-like Miyahara Ice Cream is extremely popular (expect long lines) while Fourth Credit Union nearby is less busy and has the same ice cream. Nearby, Taiwan Sun Cake Museum honors in the invention of sun cakes (太陽餅) in a cool heritage building. You can taste/buy them and learn all about their history.

Chun Shui Tang Si Wei Original Store , where pearl milk tea was supposedly invented, is also a top spot.

Taichung Cultural Heritage Park , Taichung Second Market , Painted Animation Lane , Taichung Park , Shenji New Village , Calligraphy Greenway , and Yizhong Street Night Market are other sights worth considering.

National Museum of Natural Science (with moving dinosaurs) National Taichung Theater (popular photo spot), and Fengchia Night Market are northwest of the city center.

To the west of the city near the HSR station Rainbow Village is Taichung’s most famous attraction. After a whole year of being closed after it was defaced, it has finally reopened but will look a little different than before. Expect about an hour to get there by bus.

South of the city center, Wufeng Lin Family Garden , Guangfu New Village , and 921 Earthquake Museum are a collection of cool attractions that could be a half-day trip. East of the city center, Lavender Cottage (lavender season is January and February) and Xinshe Castle are popular but not super easy to reach.

Going even further from the city, but to the north, Zhongshe Flower Market , Gaomei Wetland , Lihapao Discovery Land , or HouFeng Bikeway are all popular. Consider each one a half-day trip. Choose two and that would be a full day trip, as it takes time to travel between them.

Just outside of the city, Dakeng Scenic Area (大坑風景區) is considered the Yangmingshan of Taichung, with network of hiking trails and a few hot spring hotels.

Last but not least, eastern Taichung city stretches 100 kilometers to the eastern side of Taiwan. You can drive the slow, winding, high mountain Central Cross Island Highway (Highway 8) past Guguan Hot Springs all the way to beautiful Lishan area and even Taroko Gorge in Hualien county .

However, this highway is subject to landslides and is often closed for repairs. See here (click the small arrow next to Highway 8) for the most recent updates about highway closing times.

Wuling Farm , famous for its cherry blossoms and other flowers, and Xueshan (Snow Mountain) are also in eastern Taichung, but easier to reach from the east coast of Taiwan.

Best Taichung Tours

If you’re time in Taichung is limited but you want to see a lot, joining a day tour is a good idea. The most popular tour is this one , which includes Miyahara Ice Cream, National Taichung Theater (closed Monday), Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetland, and drop off at Feng Chia Night Market.

For a tour that includes Zhongshe Flower Market, try this one .

There are also day tours from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake , Cingjing Farm (or see both in one day with this tour ), Hehuanshan , and Lihpao Discovery Land .

To make your own tour schedule, hire a driver for the day .

How to Plan Your Taichung Itinerary

Most travelers spend 1-2 days in Taichung on their round-Taiwan tour.

With one full day in Taichung , you could spend the morning exploring the sights in the Taichung city center, afternoon at Rainbow Village, and evening at Feng Chia Night Market.

Add a second day if you want to visit any of the places further from the city center, such as Zhongshe Flower Market, Gaomei Wetland, Lihpao Discovery Land, Houfeng Bikeway, and so on.

If you’re coming from Taipei, consider going there are early as you can on the High Speed Rail, go directly to Rainbow Village (opens 9 AM), then proceed to the city center.

If you’re planning to go to Sun Moon Lake or Cingjing Farm next , try to stay around Taichung station in the city center, where you’ll be catching the bus. It takes 1.5 hours to reach Sun Moon Lake and 2.5 hours to reach Sun Moon Lake, so make sure you leave Taichung early enough to have enough time at those places.

Where to Eat in Taichung

Taichung is well known for its food. For a traditional Taiwanese breakfast or lunch in the city center, Taichung Second Market has some good food stalls. There are also similar Taichung Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth markets in the city (the “first” one is now a ASEAN Square).

Miyahara ice cream is an attraction itself. Getting a pearl milk tea at Chun Shui Tang Siwei Original Store is another must. Chun Shui Tang also has decent food. Yet another experience for foodies is buying or tasting sun cakes at Taiwan Sun Cake Museum .

In terms of night markets, Feng Chia Night Market is Taichung’s largest and one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan . If you’re vegetarian, see my recommended vegetarian foods at Fengchia .

Feng Chia isn’t super close to the city center, though. For a more convenient option, Yizhong Street Night Market , just north of Taichung Park, is also very cool.

Taichung Events

One of the biggest events of the year in Taichung is the Xinshe Sea of Flowers Festival ( 新社花海 ). The event is usually held for a couple weeks in early December here in Xinshe , east of the Taichung city center. There are usually free shuttle buses from the Green MRT line.

Taichung’s New Year’s Eve party and fireworks usually take place at Lihpao Discovery Land, while Christmas lights can be seen at locations around the city.

The huge Matsu Pilgrimage takes place for nine days in Taichung and nearby counties. It starts at Dajia district in northwestern Taichung and travels mostly through rural areas. It takes place around Matsu’s birthday (23 rd day of 3 rd lunar month).

Lantern Festival (15 th day of Lunar New Year) and Dragon Boat Festival races (5 th day of 5 th lunar month) take place at different locations every year.

Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei (or Taipei to Taoyuan Airport)

A travel guide to changhua, taiwan’s “bamboo town”, 2 thoughts on “a travel guide to taichung, taiwan’s middle city”.

is the garden space at Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center still open to public?

According to GoogleMaps, the whole sight appears to be permanently closed to the public.

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How to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung Best Way

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: September 24, 2023  - Last updated: November 26, 2023

Categories City to City Transport Guides , Taiwan

Last updated on November 26th, 2023 at 07:04 pm

How to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung Best Way – You can go by bus, train and private transfer.

Table of Contents

What Is The Distance from Kaohsiung to Taichung?

The distance from Kaohsiung to Taichung is 240 kilometers and it will take 2 hours and 40 minutes. Click here to book activities in Taichung City !

What Is The Best Way from Kaohsiung to Taichung?

The best way from Kaohsiung to Taichung is by train for $20 USD you can book online and it will take 1 hour.

What Is The Cheapest Way from Kaohsiung to Taichung?

The cheapest way from Kaohsiung to Taichung is by bus for $10 USD and it will take 2-3 hours.

There are many cool Taichung tourist spots and hotels in Taichung that you can’t miss it. From Rainbow Village and Sun Moon Lake the most popular ones to parks, museums and night markets.

Read here how to get from Tainan to Taichung and how to get from Taoyuan airport to Taichung !

Where to stay in Taichung

For accommodation, you can find accommodation prices starting from  $20-30 USD  depending on how much you want to stretch your budget. Luxury hotels in Taichung can cost  $100-300 USD  for a room if you wish more comfort when visiting Taichung.

Click here to get the best deals via  Booking  and  Agoda

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

How to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung

By train from kaohsiung to taichung, kaohsiung to taichung hsr.

If you want to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung by HSR train. It will be the fastest option by TSHR high speed train is the fastest way. It will take you around one hour to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung. Prices are around  $20 USD . The train stations are outside the city but there is easy access with public transportation in both cities.

Click here to book in advance your train ticket in Taiwan !

Kaohsiung to Taichung TRA

If you prefer going from Kaohsiung to Taichung by TRA the regular train will take 2 hours and a half. You will get to city center. The price will be around  $15 USD . For the train tickets make sure that you book in advance 1-2 weeks just in case there are no seats available. The trains are running every 30 minutes.

The best of going by regular train is to stop close to city center in Taichung, And also in Kaohsiung you will get the train close city center so it can be convenient for you.

BY BUS FROM KAOHSIUNG TO TAICHUNG

If you want to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung by bus. It will take you 3 hours by bus. It depends on the traffic leaving Kaohsiung and get into Taichung City.

The price of the bus is around  $10 USD . The bus leaves and get to city center and you will find wifi connection for your trip. If you are on a budget it can be the best option. The buses are running every 1-2 hours.

Great thing for the Bus Station in Kaohsiung and Taichung are close to city center. So you can go walking distance to your accommodation.

BEST WAY FROM KAOHSIUNG TO TAICHUNG HIGH SPEED TRAIN VS REGULAR TRAIN AND BUS

The best way from Kaohsiung to Taichung is by train for $20 USD you can book online and it will take 1 hour. If you go on a budget you can go by bus for $10 USD or regular train for $15 USD and it will take 2-3 hours!

Hope you liked our Kaohsiung to Taichung travel guide. Let us know in the comments below if you have questions.

Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys.

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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A Comprehensive Guide to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) service is only for those who want to travel outside of Taipei. Opened in 2007, it travels almost the entire length of Taiwan (220 miles) at speeds in excess of 185 mph.

• Ticket Types
• How to Buy Tickets

Destinations

The high speed rail runs down the west coast of Taiwan, from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, in under 100 minutes.

Trains generally run from 06:00 – 24:00 in intervals ranging from a few minutes to an hour (depending on the time of day). Unless you are catching a train at night, you won’t need to wait long for a train.

The high speed rail trains are always on time.

Click here for a Full Timetable of departures

There are only two lines – Northbound and Southbound – so you simply need to ensure you choose the right direction before boarding – and a total of 12 stations, 3 of which are in Taipei – Nangang, Taipei Main Station and Banqiao.

For a more detailed look at the THSR route, visit the Destinations section below.

THSR trains have 12 carriages :

• 1 Business Class (carriage 6)
• Carriage 7 has wheelchair spaces
• Carriages 10 – 12 are for non-reserved seating

The seats are comfortable with ample leg room, plus they recline and even rotate 180 degrees to facilitate passengers travelling in a group.

The Business Class carriage has more comfortable seating and fewer seats, whilst also giving passengers extra leg room. Additionally, there are complimentary drinks and cakes, a complimentary newspaper (in English if you require), with plug sockets, headphones and lights by each seat.

Toilets are in all odd-numbered carriages, and there are vending machines in some carriages selling drinks and snacks.

There are some great discounts for foreign travellers if ordering online ( jump to discounts ).

THSR Ticket Types

There are 3 classes of tickets you can purchase:

• Standard Class (with reserved seat)
• Standard Class (without reserved seat)
• Business Class

If you choose not to reserve a seat in standard class, you can take your chances in the unreserved carriages (10 – 12) but if you find all the seats taken, you’ll need to stand.

It is cheaper this way, but if you’re travelling for a while, it’s preferable to reserve one. The price difference between the two are between 3% – 5% depending on how far you travel.

The ticket will have the arrival and destination stations and times, along with the car and seat number. Obviously if you are reserving a seat, you must catch a specific train.

If you’re not reserving a seat, then you can catch any train for a specific date.

Early-Bird Tickets

Early-bird tickets are available if you are willing to book ahead. These can be booked between 5 and 30 days in advance.

Discounts of 35%, 20% and 10% are available for early-bird tickets, although these will not be offered on peak-time trains. Once the 35% tickets get sold, then the 20% tickets will become available and so on until all the discounted tickets are sold out..

35% discount tickets usually get snapped up on the first available booking day so you need to be very quick for these.

Early-bird tickets are applicable to standard adult reserved seating only.

Child Concessions

Children under the age of 6 years can travel for free, only if they do not require an extra seat.

Otherwise, children under 12 years can travel with a 50% discount (if your child is 12 years, you will need to pay the full fare).

There is a limit of 2 children per paying adult for these concessions, and you may be required to show proof of their age if they are above a certain height.

Fares From Taipei Main Station

All prices in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$300 is approximately US$10)

Click here for a full pricing matrix between every station Click here to use the THSR fare-finder website

How to Buy High Speed Rail Tickets

There are a few ways you can purchase THSR tickets:

Purchase on Klook

Ticket counter, ticket vending machine.

• THSR Website

Convenience Stores

This is by far the best option if you hold a Non-Taiwanese passport and are visiting Taiwan for less than 180 days.

• One-way ticket between any two THSR stations
• 2 or 3 day tourist passes
• 5 day joint train pass

You can also reserve seats for all tickets purchased on Klook

The one way ticket will give you a 20% discount on a single ticket. You must select your departure and destination stations when purchasing the ticket.

The 2 and 3 day tourist passes will give you unlimited THSR travel, ideal if you want to do a tour of the major cities in Taiwan, or if you want to make use of the Tourist Shuttle Buses that depart from many THSR stations (see the Destinations section below for further details of these).

The 3 day pass must be used over 3 consecutive days.

The 2 day pass is more flexible, allowing you to travel within 7 days of each other.

You must specify the date of your first journey when purchasing either of these.

The 5 day joint ticket will give you use of both the THSR and TRA (Taiwan Rail). The TRA rail service travels to the centre and east of Taiwan, which are where the most rural, mountainous and scenic areas are located.

There are two types of ticket you can go for

• Standard gives you reserved seats on THSR only
• Express will get you reserved seats on both THSR and TRA

Note that you can only use the THSR service for 2 out of the 5 days with this deal.

After you have purchased a ticket from Klook, you will need to take your printed voucher or e-ticket to one of the THSR Service Desks to reserve seats. Alternatively, visit this website and enter your redemption code and passport number to reserve them

These are located near the THSR entrances. It’s pot-luck as to whether the person serving you will be able to speak English however. I find it preferable to use a Ticket Vending Machine instead.

You will need to tell them the departure date and station, then the arrival date and station if you’re booking a return ticket, and also if you want to reserve seats.

You can pay by card or cash.

These can by found near the THSR entrances and also within the MRT near the stations.

I’ve added a step-by-step guide for purchasing tickets from these machines:

Note that some machines have trouble accepting cash payments. Just move to another machine and try again, or alternatively use your credit/debit card.

High Speed Rail Website

You can book tickets directly from the THSR website. English language can be selected from the top-right.

Click here to book tickets

You can also see if there are early-bird tickets still available using this method.

High Speed Rail App

Download the Taiwan High Speed ​​Rail T Express Mobile Ticketing Service App ( Android / iOS ).

Select the Booking tab and enter all the required information.

Tap Search and select the desired outbound journey, then the return journey if needed. You’ll then need to enter contact information, including passport number and email address or phone number.

After you enter the payment details, you can choose to either collect your tickets from a ticket vending machine or service booth, or use an e-ticket directly on your phone (this option is better).

All convenience stores in Taiwan are equipped with machines where you can purchase THSR tickets from. However, these machines are in Chinese only .

These are the main stations on the THSR route. I’ve included attractions and destinations that can be reached by the Tourist Shuttle Buses (TSB) which depart from most THSR stations. These will take you many top attractions around each county. The cost of these vary but they’re around NT$100 – NT$300 per trip.

For more information about using these, please read this section of my public transportation post.

There are also free shuttle buses that will take you from most THSR stations to the city centre. These are free for anyone with THSR tickets (so ensure you don’t throw the stubs away!).

Click here for information about each station, including all the ways to travel from stations (TRA, TSB, buses, car hire, taxis) and locker availability.

Travel time from Taipei Main Station in brackets

Hsinchu (32 minutes)

Hsinchu is the oldest city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu County is home to the largest Hakka (aboriginal) community in Taiwan. If you wish to try some delicious Hakka food or rice wine, I would recommend trying it here or in Miaoli.

Although the THSR station is located a few miles from the city, there is a free shuttle-bus service every 20 minutes.

Alternatively, there are two Tourist Shuttle buses that depart from the THSR station:

Click links for route, timetable and pricing

Miaoli (41 minutes)

If you’re visiting Taiwan during spring, I would strongly recommend visiting Miaoli County. The fields and trees be covered in beautiful blossom, and Miaoli has the perfect climate for cultivating strawberries during these months. The Dahu Strawberry Culture Park pays homage to the humble strawberry, where you can pick your own, and eat almost anything strawberry related.

Unfortunately, the TSB doesn’t travel to Dahu, so you would require a private vehicle or taxi. However, the Lion’s Head Mountain Scenic Area is on the TSB and is a great place for hiking (which is also accessible from Hsinchu).

There is one Tourist Shuttle Bus that departs from Zhunan Station, which is a 15 minute bus ride from the THSR station:

Taichung (52 minutes)

Taichung has seen considerable growth in recent years, and is now the second largest city in Taiwan. Although the city doesn’t have a underground system, it does have buses which are efficient and punctual. Easycard is accepted on these.

There is also a Tourist Shuttle Bus service that will take you through many of the city’s main attractions. This departs from Taichung Train Station, which is a 20 minute bus ride from the THSR station.

There is another TSB that leaves from the THSR station, that will take you to one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Taiwan – Sun Moon Lake. From there you can also take a cable car ride to visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, hire a bike to ride, or take a ride on one of the many boats.

Changhua (64 minutes)

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Changhua is a great area to visit if you enjoy hiking and temples.

There are two Tourist Shuttle buses that depart from the THSR station:

Yunlin (70 minutes)

Much like Changhua, Yunlin County is one of the more rural areas of western Taiwan, with an abundance of temples and scenic areas.

There is a Tourist Shuttle bus that departs from the THSR station that will take you to some of the best temples in the area, along with the Glove Puppetry Museum:

Chiayi (79 minutes)

Chiayi is the best place to travel to the scenic mountain area of Alishan.

Alishan is the most popular national park in Taiwan, and boasts Taiwan’s tallest mountain and waterfall.

You can catch a bus or train to Alishan, journey times are approximately 2.5 hours and 2 hours respectively. Both depart near the THSR station in Chiayi. The train journey is especially recommended – the Alishan mountain railway narrow-gauge line has remained largely the same since pre-war times.

The trains only depart 3 times a day in the mornings. Click here for times. Only two buses depart each day, between 10:00 and 11:30.

Alternatively, there is also a Tourist Shuttle bus that departs from the THSR station:

Tainan (88 minutes)

Tainan city is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the country’s first capital. With a perfect blend of old and new, there is so much history is crammed into every part of the city. Tainan boasts over 500 exquisite buddist and Taoist temples, including the Luerman Matsu Temple.

There is a free shuttle bus that will take you from the THSR station to the city centre. Public transportation isn’t great in Tainan however, so you should use taxis or hire a moped instead.

Alternatively, there is a Tourist Shuttle Bus available to take you around many of the city’s hotspots from the North and South train stations in the city.

Kaohsiung (97 minutes)

Kaohsiung is the third largest city and the largest port city in Taiwan. Like Taipei, it has it’s own underground MRT system which also accepts Easycard . It’s also a great city to cycle around, with many dedicated cycle paths.

Being in the south of Taiwan, it has a sub-tropical climate, so it’s preferable to visit Kaohsiung (and Tainan for that matter) outside of summer months.

If you want to get up-close-and-personal with hundreds of Formosan Macaques, then Monkey Mountain is a fantastic hike where you’ll also be rewarded with some awesome views.

Kaohsiung also has some of the best night markets in the country, including the Liuhe Night Market.

There is a Tourist Shuttle Bus that will take you to Kenting in the south, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and soak up the sun. This leaves from the THSR Station and takes around 2 hours.

You can also buy Kenting Express tickets on Klook for a more favourable rate:

Go back to Taipei Public Transport page

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• Where To Visit Kaohsiung Or...

Where to Visit, Kaohsiung or Taichung?

Of course, the perfect answer is both, but unfortunately visiting more than one city isn’t always possible. So, if time or budget are a concern on your next trip to Taiwan, which west coast city should you visit? Well, that all depends on what you are looking for.

Kaohsiung has a reputation for having some pretty great food – after all, it is said to be the original home of Taiwan’s famous beef noodles . Without a doubt, there are some fantastic restaurants in the city offering a huge range of cuisines from all over the world.

However, Taichung has a much more storied history when it comes to locally produced food. It’s the spiritual home of Pearl Milk Tea , the birthplace of the sun cake, and the only place where you can find true Taichung meatballs. And if that weren’t enough, Taichung has enjoyed a boom in recent years which has resulted in restaurants and cafés aplenty lining each and every street.

Recommendation – For food, it has to be Taichung.

There’s no denying the fact that religion is a massive part of the Taiwanese culture, and so each of its major cities is full of temples to various Gods . In Kaohsiung, the most famous is, of course, is the Fo Guang Shan Temple and Buddha Memorial Center , which is a huge complex of pagodas and buildings that are simply breathtaking. The city is also home to Lotus Pond, a man-made lake that has the famous Tiger and Dragon Pagodas on its shores.

Kaohsiung is also home to a great many museums such as the National Science and Technology Museum and the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. Then there’s the Pier 2 Art Center which is a reclaimed port area that is now home to cafés, galleries, and restaurants.

Taichung also has its fair share of museums, and the National Museum of Natural Science is the jewel in this particular crown. When it comes to temples, Taichung has plenty, and the Confucius Temple is the foremost among them.

Here, you’ll also find quite a few older buildings that have been carefully preserved and restored to their former glory. These include the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion , which is an impressive complex of small buildings and scenic gardens.

Recommendation – It’s a close call, but the Tiger and Dragon Pagodas along with the Fo Guang Shan Temple make Kaohsiung unmissable for culture vultures.

Local attractions

Aside from the obvious cultural attractions, there are also other tourist hotspots that make both cities worth visiting.

Take night markets, for example. In Kaohsiung, there are two huge night markets that both claim to be the largest in Taiwan. Rui Feng and Liuhe night markets are both massive places and well worth a visit. Both offer incredible food and no small amount of souvenirs and trinkets for keepsake-hunting travellers.

Taichung has Feng-Chia night market, which many in the city claim is the ‘real’ largest night market on the island. It doesn’t really matter which is largest though, as all three are wonderful places to visit, full of the sights, sounds, and smells of the night market.

Other attractions found in Kaohsiung include Love River, 85 Sky Tower, the incredible Formosa Boulevard MRT station, and the Old British Consulate.

Meanwhile, in Taichung, there’s the Taichung Opera House and the famous Rainbow Village .

Recommendation – Kaohsiung pips Taichung simply because there are a few more things to do in the city.

In Taiwan, the further south you go, the better the weather, yet for some reason both Kaohsiung and Taichung (which lies further north) both enjoy temperate climates and very little rain. Expect plenty of sunshine in both cities.

Recommendation – There’s nothing to separate the cities here.

Scenery isn’t really a concern when most tourists visit a city, but in both Kaohsiung and Taichung there are some pretty amazing open spaces.

In Kaohsiung, there’s Lotus Pond mentioned earlier and, of course, Love River. The river is an amazing place to be at night as the illuminated walkways light up the night view. Then there’s Cijin, which is a wonderfully quaint islet just a short ferry ride from the city. Here, there are panoramic views of both the coastline and the ocean.

In Taichung, scenery is a little different. It’s only a short bus ride to the countryside, and the areas surrounding the city boast some of the most amazing scenery. Gaomei Wetlands lies on the coast and offers the most incredible sunset views. Then there are the hiking trails of Dakeng, which range from easy to tough and again offer amazing views. The city itself is also home to a huge number of parks, green walkways, and, of course, the Botanical Gardens.

Recommendation – Taichung wins this one hands down. Although Kaohsiung does have some fantastic views, Taichung’s many green public spaces make it the perfect city for a relaxing break.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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A Guide to Cijin Island, Taiwan

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How to Travel from Taipei to Taichung (The Easy Way!)

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Taichung is an amazing city in Taiwan that is sometimes overlooked by tourists, which is a shame! Taichung has an amazing vibe and is home to some the best museums and theatres in all of Taiwan.

The best part is that it is incredibl y easy to get from Taipei to Taichung!

There is really no excuse not to visit Taichung when you’re in Taiwan.

There are multiple ways to get from Taipei to Taichung, and it can be difficult for a tourist visiting Taiwan for the first time to pick the best option that works for them and their travel needs.

I have my favourite way to travel from Taipei to Taichung, but it might not be the best method for you and your travel needs.

I’m going to go through all the different ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung, so yo can decide for yourself what is the best method.

But don’t worry, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method and then give you my opinion at the end as to what I think is the best way to get from Taipei to Taichung.

Table of Contents

Before We Get Started

I find one of the most frustrating parts of planning a trip abroad is figuring out the best way to get from one city to another. There is oftentimes so little information about travelling between cities, and I have to go to multiple website just to find the answer.

Such a waste of time!

That’s why I love creating these transportation guides for you! I love stumbling across comprehensive transportation guides when I’m planning a trip and wanted to create them to help save my fellow travellers some time.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, here is a list of transportation guides I’ve written and hope they help you in your planning process!

• How to Travel from Taipei to Hualien
• How to Travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung
• How to Travel from Taipei to Tainan
• How to Travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
• How to Travel from Kaohsiung to Hualien
• How to Travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park

Now back to telling you about how to get from Taipei to Taichung!

Option One: Taking the High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung

The high-speed train (HSR) is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Taiwan. It is fast, clean, efficient, and comfortable.

The only problem is that is it also the most expensive way to travel through Taiwan. You’re definitely paying for the convenience of fast travel, but it can be worth it!

How Long is the HSR Ride?

It will only take you 40 to 70 minutes to get from Taipei to Taichung on the HSR!

That is about half the time of the next quickest option! Nothing comes close to competing with the HSR when it comes to speed!

How Much Does a High-Speed Rail Ticket Cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on what day of the week you’re travelling and what time of day.

You can expect a standard ticket to cost between 650 NTD and 750 NTD. Or approximately $22 USD to $25USD.

A business class ticket is going to cost you quite a bit more. They range in price from 950 NTD and 1,050 NTD. That is about $32 USD to $35 USD. But you don’t need a business class seat. The standard class seating area is quiet nice, and you’re not on the HSR for long!

Where Can You Buy HSR Tickets?

You can purchase HSR tickets one of these locations:

• In person at the rail station
• At a ticketing machine at the rail station
• Online on the Taiwan High Speed Rail website

Both options work perfectly fine, but I prefer to purchase my ticket online and pick it up at the train station the day I’m travelling. It is just easier that way. You don’t have to worry about setting aside the time to ensure you’re at the train station far enough in advance to stand in line to get a ticket.

If you do purchase your ticket online, you’ll either have to print your ticket or pick it up at the station.

There are dedicated ticketing machines for people who are picking up their tickets at the station, so it doesn’t take more than a few minutes. All you need is your booking reference, and you’re good to go!

Where Does the HSR Depart from in Taipei?

You can catch the high-speed rail to Taichung at one of these three stations:

• Taipei Main Station
• Banqiao ( located in New Taipei City)

Most tourists will catch the train at Taipei Main Station. It is the most convenient location and tends to be the easiest for people to get to.

No matter what station you choose to depart from, be sure to follow the signs in the station to find the HSR station. The signs are easy to follow and will lead you right where you need to be!

Where Does the HSR Arrive in Taichung?

The unfortunate part of the HSR station in Taichung is that it is located in the outskirts of the town. That means you have to take the extra step of taking a separate train to get to the heart of the city.

The HSR station in Taichung is well connected, so it is easy to get from the station into town.

It is only a mild inconvenience.

You can either take the train or a bus from the HSR station into town. The New Wurih Railway Station is only a five minute walk from the HSR station, and you can board a bus directly into the heart of Taichung from there.

Alternatively, you can take a Nantou bus from the HSR station to the Taichung Railway Station in the heart of the city.

Taichung is in the process of building a metro line to the HSR station. Hopefully it is up and running soon, so we can just hop on the metro and get off downtown.

Pros of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung

• The trains are clean and comfortable
• The HSR is reliable and hardly ever running late

Cons of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung

• It is fairly expensive compared to other options
• You have to get from the HSR station to downtown by bus, train, or taxi

Option Two: Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

Taking the train is another great option for getting from Taipei to Taichung. It isn’t as quick as taking the HSR, but it is just as convenient.

The train is a nice combination of price, speed, and comfort. It is a great option for people looking to save a little money on transportation without sacrificing comfort or convenience!

How Long Does the Train Ride Take?

The length of your journey on the train varies a lot more than if you were to take the HSR. It depends on the time of day, what day of the week, and if the train has to stop to let faster trains/HSRs pass it on the track.

In general, you can expect the train ride from Taipei to Taichung to take anywhere between 2 hours and 3.5 hours.

That’s a pretty big difference!

I highly recommend you look at the departure and arrival times for multiple trains departing within an hour or two window of when you want to leave Taipei.

This will allow you to pick the shortest journey that fits within your price point. You may have to leave a little earlier or later than you intended to, but it could end up saving you a lot of time!

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

There are two different types of trains that travel from Taipei to Taichung:

• The local train
• The express train

There will, of course, be a price difference between the two types of trains you can take.

The local train is slower and less expensive, and the express train is faster and more expensive.

There isn’t a huge price difference between the two types of trains. If you’re not on a super tight budget, I recommend trying to get a ticket for the express train.

You will arrive in Taichung much quicker than on the local train. The extra money you spent on the quicker train will be made up in the extra time you have in Taichung!

On average, you can expect a ticket to cost:

• Local train: 240 NTD or approximately $8 USD
• Express train: 375 NTD or approximately $12.50 USD

Where Can You Buy Train Tickets?

There are quite a few different places you can purchase train tickets, and they all have their pros and cons.

Here is a list of where you can purchase train tickets:

• The Taiwan Railway Administration website
• Through the Taiwan Railway Administration app
• In person at the train station

I personally purchase my tickets through the app. There is an English version, and it is super straightforward and easy to use!

I like purchasing my tickets through the app because the app automatically saves my ticket to my phone, and all I have to do is scan my phone when I arrive at the platform.

There is no need for a paper ticket!

You can download tickets you purchase through the website to your phone as well. You simply enter the booking number into the app, and your ticket will appear.

Buying tickets in person is, of course, great for people who want to pay in cash and don’t want to use their credit card.

You have to arrive at the station early to get your ticket, but it is worth it if you don’t have a credit card or want to use up cash.

No matter how you choose to purchase your ticket, I suggest purchasing your ticket at least a day or two in advance. It will ensure you get a ticket on the train you want, and you have a better chance of getting your preferred seat (window or aisle).

Where Does the Train Depart Taipei?

The easiest place to catch the train from Taipei to Taichung is at Taipei Main Station .

You may be able to catch the train at other local train stations in Taipei and New Taipei City, but it depends on the train, so I wouldn’t rely on that.

If you do want to catch the train somewhere other than Taipei Main Station, make sure you use the station you want to depart from when purchasing your ticket.

This way you’ll only see trains departing from your chosen station.

Where Does the Train Arrive in Taichung?

The train from Taipei to Taichung arrive at Taichung Station .

Taichung Station is in the heart of Taichung, so it is a more convenient arriving point than the HSR station outside of town.

Once you arrive at Taichung Station, you simply find you way to wherever you’re staying. You don’t have to worry about the extra step of taking a bus or train into the city, which is really nice!

Pros of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

• Less expensive than HSR
• Arrives in the heart of the city
• Nice blend of inexpensive price but still comfortable and convenient
• Can buy tickets on the app

Cons of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

• Slower than the HSR
• Have to pay attention to travel time to make sure you’re not on a super slow train

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

The final option to get from Taipei to Taichung is by bus.

Highway buses in Taiwan are convenient and comfortable! They have nice big seats, storage under the bus for bags, and curtains to block the sun. Buses are actually quite a comfortable and stress-free way to travel in Taiwan.

The downside to taking the bus that they have to deal with traffic! You never know when you’ll hit a traffic jam, and your journey could take a lot longer than you anticipated.

How Long is the Bus Ride?

It is quite difficult to tell you exactly how long the bus ride from Taipei to Taichung is. The duration of your trip relies heavily on traffic, and that is impossible to predict.

On average, you can expect the bus ride to last anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are ways you can try to ensure your bus ride takes as little time as possible.

This includes not travelling during rush hour and avoiding the weekend if possible. That will give you the best chance of not getting stuck in a traffic jam.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The bus is the least expensive transportation option and is perfect for people who count every penny!

A bus ticket will normally cost between 200 NTD (approximately $7 USD) and 275 NTD (about $9 USD).

As you can see, the least expensive ticket price isn’t much cheaper than the least expensive train ticket price, but there is a bigger difference between the more expensive tickets.

You should take the time to price out the train and bus options if you’re on a budget. There may not be a huge difference between the cost.

Where Can You Buy Bus Tickets?

Bus tickets are purchased at the bus station.

Sometimes there is ticket window where you purchase your ticket and sometimes you purchase your ticket directly from the driver.

You should be able to figure out the protocol when you arrive at the bus station, but if you’re unsure, you can ask any bus station employee, and they’ll be able to help you out!

Where Does the Bus Depart Taipei?

Buses from Taipei to Taichung depart from the Taipei Bus Station .

The bus station is connected to Taipei Main Station. You simply follow the signs inside the station, and you’ll arrive at the bus station!

Where Does the Bus Arrive in Taichung?

The bus arrives at Taichung Station .

Basically, the bus departs and arrives at the same stations as the train. Obviously, the buses depart from a parking lot outside the stations, but you’ll easily be able to find the bus station if once you get to Taipei Main Station or Taichung Station.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

• The least expensive option
• Comfortable
• Has storage under the bus, so you don’t have to worry about lifting bags overhead to store

Cons of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

• The length of the trip relies on traffic and could take much longer than anticipated
• Can’t get up and walk around like on the train or HSR
• Purchasing a ticket isn’t as convenient as other options

Other Ways to Travel from Taipei to Taichung

There are a number of other ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung. I didn’t go in depth for these options because most people won’t use these methods, but I wanted to include them quickly.

• Driving yourself (car or scooter)
• Taking a chartered bus/limousine bus

My Recommendation

It is difficult to give a firm recommendation on how to get from Taipei to Taichung.

If I were travelling between the two cities, this is the process I would go through to decide what transportation method I wanted to use:

• Check to see if I could get an express train that takes under 2 hours to get from Taipei to Taichung for under 350 NTD (approximately $12 USD).
• If I can’t get a quick train to Taichung for under 350 NTD, then I would explore the HSR options.
• I would compare the journey length to the ticket price and decide what I felt was the best for me balancing both cost and time.

In all likelihood, 9 times out of 10, I would probably take the train rather than the HSR.

For me, it is worth saving a little bit of money and having a slightly longer journey time than it is to pay the extra price for an HSR ticket.

But it might be different for you.

If you’re only in Taiwan for a very short period of time or are only visiting Taichung for the day, then the HSR is probably your best option.

The only option I’m weary of and don’t really recommend is the bus. I don’t like having my journey time depend on traffic when there is a comparable option for basically the same price.

There isn’t really a wrong way to travel from Taipei to Taichung. Each transportation method is suited for different people with different needs.

The easiest way to get from Taipei to Taichung is definitely taking the HSR or train. It takes a lot of the unknown out of the journey.

Plus you get a much nicer view from the train/HSR than the bus. Who wants to be looking at cars when you could be looking at nature?!

No matter how you decide to travel from Taipei to Taichung, it is well worth the trip! Taichung is a beautiful city that you should add to your Taiwan itinerary!

You won’t regret it!

PS- if you’re interested in learning some great tips to help you navigate Taiwan and not stick out like a tourist, be sure to check out my post on Taiwan travel tips !

Related Posts

• 10 Practical Taiwan Travel Tips
• How to Get from Taipei to Kaohsiung

Taichung to Kaohsiung

Best options, other options, taichung to kaohsiung schedule, transportation from taichung to kaohsiung.

• Trains RUB 1,783
• Flights RUB 10,954
• Buses are not available
• Ferries are not available
• Taxis are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the transport from Taichung to Kaohsiung

Popular routes, from taichung.

• Taichung → Sun Moon Lake
• Taichung → Taipei
• Taichung → Taoyuan Airport
• Taichung → Tainan
• Taichung → Chiayi

To Taichung

• Taipei → Taichung
• Taoyuan Airport → Taichung
• Kaohsiung → Taichung
• Tainan → Taichung
• Taoyuan City → Taichung

From Kaohsiung

• Kaohsiung → Taipei
• Kaohsiung → Tainan
• Kaohsiung → Taitung
• Kaohsiung → Chiayi

To Kaohsiung

• Taipei → Kaohsiung
• Tainan → Kaohsiung
• Taoyuan Airport → Kaohsiung
• Taoyuan City → Kaohsiung
• Zuoying → Kaohsiung

Popular Routes in Taiwan

• Taipei → Taoyuan Airport
• Taoyuan Airport → Taipei

How to get from Taichung to Kaohsiung

When you want to get from Taichung to Kaohsiung, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Train. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about RUB 14,046 . If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as RUB 1,783 .

How far is Taichung from Kaohsiung?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Taichung to Kaohsiung. Your trip will be a total of 36 miles (57 km). The flying distance is 36 miles (57 km).

How long does it take to get from Taichung to Kaohsiung?

The travel time from Taichung to Kaohsiung can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 2 to 21 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Taichung to Kaohsiung?

The cost of the trip from Taichung to Kaohsiung varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Taiwan High Speed Rail : travelling by train expect to pay as low as RUB 1,783 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as RUB 14,046 .

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Taichung to Kaohsiung:

• Train tickets - RUB 1,783 to RUB 10,190 ;
• flight price: RUB 10,954 - RUB 14,045 . From Taichung to Kaohsiung starting from 08:00 Taichung City Airport until 18:10 Taichung City Airport

How many trips per day are there between Taichung and Kaohsiung?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

• Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 31 trains per day.
• 6 by flight from Taichung to Kaohsiung starting from 08:00 Taichung City Airport until 18:10 Taichung City Airport

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Taichung to Kaohsiung? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

• 100% users enjoyed a train ride.
• Transport Options

City Guides , Taiwan , Tips & Inspo · October 16, 2021

Getting From Taipei to Taichung: Easiest Ways to Travel

While there are  stacks to do in Taipei , Taiwan’s capital city, it would be a shame to come all this way and not check out all the amazing things to do in Taiwan’s second largest city, Taichung. And since the distance between the two cities is only about 160km, it is an obvious add-on to any  Taiwan itinerary . The best part? Traveling from Taipei to Taichung is super easy, so you should definitely go! 

Central Taiwan’s shining star, Taichung, is a hub for all kinds of traveling folk, from foodies to hikers to culture seekers. It’s a huge metropolis home to some of Taiwan’s most iconic landmarks, such as Rainbow Village and the National Taichung Theatre. Above all, Taichung is a multifaceted city with loads to do! In fact, you could easily spend a couple of days here visiting all the fascinating museums, sacred temples, lively night markets, and nearby nature spots.  

As already mentioned, getting to Taichung is pretty straightforward, with several ways to access the city. To help you find the easiest route to suit your travel needs,  here are the best ways to travel between Taipei and Taichung. 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before you go

Before you head out to explore all of Taichung’s sights and sounds, these posts may come in handy:

• The Perfect Taichung Itinerary
• Best Day Trips from Taichung
• Complete Guide to Sun Moon Lake
• Complete Guide to Cingjing Farm
• How to get to Cingjing from Taichung

How to Get From Taipei to Taichung: 5 Easy Ways to Travel 

Getting from taipei to taichung by hsr.

Travel time: 45-65 minutes | Cost: TWD 700

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Taichung from Taipei is by HSR – Taiwan’s uber-fast high-speed rail. There are dozens of trains daily and the travel time is only about 45-65 minutes, depending on which train you take. 

The HSR train departs at several locations in Taipei City, with Taipei Main Station being the easiest to access. The first train leaves at 6:26 am, and the last train is at 11 pm. If you’re not close to the city center, hop on an HSR train at Nangang Station or Banqiao Station. For more departures, you can check out the  HSR train schedule  here. 

Tickets for the HSR can be booked online here with Klook (tourists only), on the official THSR website, via Ibon machines, or directly at the station. A standard seat costs TWD700 , and a business class seat TWD 1250 . If you don’t mind not having a guaranteed seat, non-reserved tickets cost TWD 675 . 

While taking the HSR to Taichung is arguably the easiest route to access the city, you should know the HSR Station is not actually in town. Instead, it is in Wuri District, just on the city’s outer edges. Thankfully the station is well connected, with buses, trains, taxis, and the MRT Green Line allowing easy access to central Taichung. 

Just outside the HSR Station, you’ll also find several scooter rental shops where you can rent a scooter for as little as TWD 450 a day. If that’s not an option for you, catch a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle on B1 of the station. Another option is to catch a local train from nearby Xinwuri Railway Station to downtown. The train only takes a few minutes and is dirt cheap. 

Getting to Taichung from Taipei by Train 

Travel time: 1.5-3.5 hrs | Cost: TWD 241-375 depending on the train you take. 

If the HSR is not for you, another straightforward way to get to Taichung from Taipei is by train. Taiwan has an incredibly reliable railway network, with frequent trains down to Taichung. Although your journey will be slightly longer than taking the HSR, it will be much cheaper. And while the cost and exact duration mainly depend on which train you take, work on roughly 1.5-3.5 hours of travel time.

There’s no shortage of trains traveling between Taipei and Taichung, and you can easily catch one practically any time of day. The first train to Taichung from Taipei Main Station departs at 5:24 am, and the last one is at 9:00 pm. However, if you want to shave off a bit of traveling time, make sure you book a seat on one of the Express trains. These include Puyuma, Taroko Express, or Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains.

The Puyuma and Taroko trains, in particular, allow you to access the city in less than 1h40, whereas Tze-Chiang train generally takes about 2h30. However, all three are typically much faster than the Local Train, which practically stops at every stop along the track. A seat on either the Puyuma train or a Tze-Chiang Limited Express train will cost TWD 375 , while tickets for the local train cost TWD 241 . For more details on the train schedules, visit the  TRA website . 

It’s easy to buy train tickets directly at the station, but you can also grab them online. Another plus point is that you can reserve tickets 14 days in advance. This is especially recommended if you are visiting Taichung over a long weekend or special holidays like Chinese New Year. 

The best part about taking the train from Taipei to Taichung is that you’ll arrive right in the heart of the city. Taichung Train Station is well connected with buses and taxis ready to transport you to your hotel. Alternatively, pre-book a scooter here on Klook for pickup at the train station.

Taking the Bus to Taichung

Travel time: 2 – 3 hrs | Cost: TWD 27 0-330

Taking the bus from Taipei Bus Station to Taichung Station is definitely one of the longer routes to get to Taichung, but since it costs much less, it’s a great option for those traveling on a shoestring. However, you should know that Taiwan’s highways get congested easily, especially during rush hours. So if you don’t want to be stuck in traffic, you might need to rethink taking this option. 

There are several bus operators, but the most convenient option is Ubus ( bus #1619  and  #1620 ). Both buses depart directly from Taipei Bus Station, which is adjacent to Taipei Main Station. Loads of buses run daily between the two cities, with the first bus leaving at 6 am. The last #1619 bus to Taichung TRA Station is at 8 pm, and for bus #1620, it’s at 9:35. With that said, there is also an option to take an overnight bus to Taichung. It will be slightly more expensive, and you’ll have to deal with arriving in the city when everything is shut. For more details, check out the  Taiwan Bus website here . 

Bus tickets generally range between TWD 270 – TWD 330, and if you’re lucky, it’s possible to get discounted access. Buses in Taiwan are super comfy with adequate legroom space and free wifi. Just make sure to bring a sweater as the AC can be a pain. You can buy tickets at the Ubus ticket booth within the bus station or grab them here on Klook .

Taking a Private Transfer from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung

Travel time: approx. 2 hours | Cost: TWD 2200-5000

If you’ve just arrived at Taoyuan Airport and don’t want to bother with public transport to get to Taichung, taking a taxi is your best bet. The only problem is that it will be considerably more expensive. Added to that, you won’t necessarily save on traveling time – especially when traveling during peak hours, weekends, or national holidays.

The easiest way to get a taxi service from Taoyuan to Taichung is to book a private transfer via Klook . The best part is that you can book everything online in a few clicks! The whole process is seamless, and you won’t need to deal with the headache of figuring out which trains or buses to take.

However, if you’re spending a few days in Taipei , getting back to the airport just to get a taxi would be a huge waste of time. Instead, opt to ask your hotel to assist in arranging a transfer for you, or at the very least, put you in contact with a reputable taxi service. Just make sure you agree on a fixed price first! 

Flying to Taichung from Taipei

Travel time: 2.5-4.5 hours | Cost: Dependant on carrier and departure details.

If none of the options above are for you, your last resort is flying. However, I really wouldn’t recommend this option. First off, it is by far the most expensive option on this list of how to get to Taichung. And secondly, considering the time it takes to get to the airport, check-in times, and the actual flight, it will take much longer to get to Taichung than you think.

If you must fly, Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines offer daily flights from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). There are currently no direct flights between the two cities, so expect a layover in Magong, Penghu . Flight tickets can cost anywhere from TWD 5000 to TWD 8000 , depending on your departure details. To get to the city from the airport, grab a taxi, or catch bus #302 or #9.

Well, there you have it – an entire list of options on how to get to Taichung! While each option has its perks and drawbacks, I hope this post has helped you figure out the best way to reach Taichung from Taipei. As always, feel free to share your transport tips in the comments below! 

Need more help getting around Taiwan?

• Getting to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung
• Getting to Cingjing Farm from Taichung
• How to go to Kaohsiung from Taipei
• How to get to Kenting from Kaohsiung
• Getting to Tainan from Taipei
• How to get to Hualien from Taipei
• Easiest ways to get to Alishan from Chiayi
• How to get to Penghu
• How to get to Jiufen from Taipei

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9D Taiwan Itinerary Under S$80/day From Taipei to Kaohsiung

Here’s the best way to explore Taiwan on a budget itinerary, without scrimping on both iconic and unique experiences!

Taiwan holds a special place in our hearts — we love the affordable shopping, delicious street food and super duper friendly locals 💖 But besides eating and shopping, there are plenty of other things to do too.

We’re talking about discovering new scenic landscapes and trying exciting activities (like standup paddle boarding or getting strapped to a giant swing 🙃). Plus, did you know you can also see sakuras in Taiwan?

Since we covered the more laidback Eastern Taiwan on our previous trips, this time we ventured out to lesser-known places along the West Coast. So check out our nine-day budget Taiwan itinerary (incl. must-visits and hidden gems) all under a budget of S$80/day 😲

Read also: 8D Eastern Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Best Adventures (Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)

Taiwan Itinerary Route via the High-Speed Rail

Photo credit: Taiwan High-Speed Rail

This Taiwan itinerary starts from Taipei, before working south towards Kaohsiung, stopping by several cities like Taichung, Tainan, and Chiayi along the way.

Fun fact: Taiwan’s high-speed rail system is mainly based on Japan’s Shinkansen (which explains why the trains are super punctual)!

The high-speed rail (HSR) is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to explore Taiwan’s West Coast 🚅. There are 12 main stations on the line, stretching around 350km from Nangang to Zuoying — taking only less than 2 hours to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung.

Plus, the stations are connected to the local metro, which made it easier for us to travel to certain attractions. For example, the HSR Tainan Station is located next to the Shalun metro station, which is just four stops away from attractions like Ten Drum Cultural Village .

*Pro-tip: Book your tickets online via Klook to score one-for-one tickets! Do remember to reserve your seats beforehand as trains can be quite packed during the holiday seasons.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off all activities * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15) at checkout. One-time use only! (* – list of excluded activities )

Read also: Exploring Taiwan by High-Speed Rail — Guide to Maximising your THSR Pass

Budget Breakdown

8N Accommodation:  S$237.30 Transport:  S$130.35 (excl. flights) Activities:  S$251.30 Food & Misc:  S$91.50 Total:  S$710.45 (~S$80/day) (1SGD = 23.41) ( detailed breakdown for one pax here )

Day 1: Taipei 台北

THSR from Taoyuan to Taipei: ~20mins

Tall skyscrapers, quirky museums, and lively shopping streets — Taipei is a one-stop destination for fun. Since we wanted more time out of the city, we only spent a day here but still managed to check out some unique places in Taipei.

Unique Museums

Taiwan has some pretty interesting museums — on our last trip, we visited its first IG Museum, Gaki Hip ! In the local dialect, the name sounds like words for: “take a picture by oneself” or “selfie” — and that’s what we did 📸

There are various themed rooms inspired by the local culture such as old telephone booths, claw machines with stuffed toys, and even bubble tea. However, the museum was only a temporary stint and is no longer there. But do keep a lookout on their socials for when they do return (hopefully in the near future).

Buckingham Palace. Photo credit: Klook

In the meantime, you can still visit other permanent museums in Taipei like the Astronomical Museum (learn about the mysteries of space) or even the Miniatures Museum (see the world’s iconic attractions in mini-sizes)! For other upcoming museums or exhibitions, check out Taiwan’s official tourism site !

Lunch at Hao Ji Dumpling Noodles 豪季水餃專賣店

For lunch, head to Hao Ji Dumpling Noodles store for their zha jiang mian (NT$50) and hot sour soup (NT$35) near Taipei Main Station. While it was really crowded during the lunch period, the wait was worth it.

Both dishes cost less than S$4 and came with pretty generous portions — we’d say it was a value-for-money meal!

Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM (closed on Sun) How to get there: Walk 8mins from Taipei Main Station ( Google Maps )

Huanshan 1914 Creative Park 华山1914文化创意产业园区

Huashan 1914 Creative Park was originally a Japanese  sake  plant in 1914. It was later refurbished into an arts and culture space housing various exhibitions and performing arts showcases!

Back in 2023, we came across a Mickey Exhibition dedicated to the history of the OG Disney character — which showcases artworks of different styles from around 30 international artists.

Photo credit: 華山1914文化創意產業園區 via Facebook

For 2024, the exhibitions lined up include Pepper Pig (till 7 Apr), Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary (till 7 Apr) and even a Stranger Things pop-up store (till 10 Mar)! So do check out the official social platforms for updates on new events.

Opening hours:  24hrs (shops open from 11AM – 9PM) How to get there: Take the train to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station and walk 7mins ( Google Maps )

Taipei 101 台北101

You could say Taipei 101 is the pride of Taiwan. After all, it was formerly the world’s tallest architecture in 2004 at 508m tall, before it was taken over by Dubai’s 828m-tall Burj Khalifa in 2010 😲.

That said, the building still holds a record for having one of the world’s fastest elevators — taking you to the top in just 37 seconds! Once at the top, there are various observation decks to take in a panoramic view of the city, including an outdoor area on the 91st floor.

Entrance fee: From ~S$25.60/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM, last entry at 8:30PM How to get there: Take the train to Taipei 101 World Trade Center and walk 5mins ( Google Maps )

Read also: 4D3N Taipei Itinerary incl. Day Trips and Lesser-Known Things To Eat-See-Do

Day 2: Jiufen 九份, Shifen 十分, Yehliu 野柳

Jiufen and Shifen are one of our favourite day trips from Taipei — roaming along their traditional old streets and lighting up sky lanterns along the railway are just some of the iconic experiences on most Taiwan itineraries.

Since these cities can be covered in half a day, we decided to take a short detour to Yehliu first as it’s in the area and along the way from Taipei too!

First stop, Yehliu Geopark — a 1.7km long cape that’s home to several rock formations formed by natural erosion. The area is separated into three sections, each housing its own rock star (heh).

Section one is known for its diverse mushroom-shaped and candle rocks. Section two includes famous rocks like Fairy’s Shoe and the Queen’s Head — which we thought really resembled the late Queen Elizabeth. Section three is an important ecological conservation area of the park featuring sea-eroded caves and pearl rock.

Overall, 1 hour was enough to cover the whole park but we’d recommend giving an extra hour to fully soak in nature’s creations at a leisurely pace.

Entrance fee:   ~S$5/pax   Opening hours:  8AM – 5PM How to get there:  45min drive from Taipei 101 ( Google Maps )

Jiufen Old Street is like going to your grandma’s house stocked with food — I know, weird comparison, but there are just so many different food stalls and tea houses along the narrow alleyway, it was hard not to stop and try everything we saw. If you’re short on time, here are our top picks:

Tasty braised pork rice (NT$40) from Zhang Ji Traditional Fishballs and A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NT$50) — which gave us two generous scoops of peanut ice cream wrapped in a thin crepe. Plus a bowl of taro ball soup (NT$40) from Lai Ah Po Taro Balls , which warmed us up on a rainy day.

Opening hours:  8AM – 7PM (Mon – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri – Sun) How to get there:  Take Bus 1062 from Ruifang Train Station and alight at Jiufen Old Street (3 stops) ( Google Maps )

Before making our last stop of the day at Shifen Old Street, we sidetracked a little to the nearby Shifen Waterfall . The 40m waterfall is dubbed Taiwan’s own Niagara Falls, and we could clearly see why.

*Pro-tip: Check the weather forecast before going and you might even catch a rainbow here on sunny days!

Setting off sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street is one of the most iconic experiences in Taiwan. Write your wishes on the paper lanterns, light them up, and watch them float up to the skies hoping the heavens answer it — ours was definitely to travel more 🤞🏻

Shifen Waterfall Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  9AM – 5PM (Oct – May, last entry at 4:30PM), 9AM – 6PM (Jun – Sep, last entry at 5:30PM) How to get there:  Walk 12mins from Shifen Station ( Google Maps )

Shifen Old Street Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: Walk 3mins from Shifen Station ( Google Maps )

Read also: Taipei Day Trip: Shifen & Jiufen Guide To All The Must-Eat-See-Dos

Day 3: Keelung 基隆

Keelung may not be as well known as Jiufen and Shifen, but it has its own natural charm with beautiful ancient forts, temples, and colourful photo spots.

Heping Island Park 和平島海濱公園

Our day started with a trip to Heping Island Park or Peace Island Park. The small island felt like a weekend getaway with cabin houses, a seaside pool, and even a beach to relax at.

Feeling a little more adventurous, we opted for a 30-minute (round-trip) hike on the Huanshan trail to Hepingdao Lookout Point . It was a relatively easy climb and the view overlooking the sea was just majestic.

Entrance fee: ~S$5/pax Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM How to get there: 17min drive from Keelung City ( Google Maps )

Khoo Tsu-Song Old Mansion 許梓桑基隆古厝

Back on the mainland, an iconic historical site we visited was the Khoo Tsu Old Mansion — a 93-year-old building from the Japanese colonial era. The mansion was named after its owner, a local who was a prominent figure in politics and civic matters in the past.

Although abandoned and covered in vines, it didn’t feel spooky at all but gave off a tranquil atmosphere among nature.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: Walk 14mins from Keelung Station ( Google Maps )

Xiandongyan (Fairy Cave) Zuisheng Temple 仙洞巖最勝寺

What makes Xiandongyan Zuisheng Temple temple special compared to other temples is that it’s built in a natural sea cave — one of the biggest in Keelung at over 80m long!

Here’s some background: The caves were once a natural refuge for local fishermen during bad weather but were converted to a Buddhist temple during the Japanese colonial period.

While exploring, we came across a narrow path on the left of the entrance leading to a Buddhist shrine. But be mindful, the path is only wide enough for one person and we had to squeeze through to pass.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4PM How to get there: Take Bus 301 from Minzhi Village Activity Center bus stop and alight at Xiandongyan, Foshoudong (10 stops) ( Google Maps )

Zhengbin Port Colour Houses 正滨渔港

Google “Keelung” and one of the first few images you’ll see are the 16 vibrantly coloured houses at Zhengbin Port!

It was once the largest fishing port in Taiwan back in 1934 and was later re-developed by the local government. After colouring the building facades and introducing new cafes and restaurants by the sea, this place is now one of the most popular attractions in Keelung.

Guess we’ll now be contributing these photos to Google, including a 5-star review 💫.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs Address: Take Bus 101 (Xiangfeng St/Zhongzheng Rd) from Keelung City Bus Station and alight at Heping Bridge, Indigenous Assembly Hall (21 stops) ( Google Maps )

Read also: 5D4N Taiwan Itinerary Under S$400 — Scenic Roadtrip Uncovering Hidden Gems in Taipei and Yilan

Day 4: Taichung 台中

THSR from Taipei to Taichung: ~20mins

Did you know? Taichung is Taiwan’s second-largest city and is the birthplace of many delicious Taiwanese treats like sun cakes and bubble tea! It’s also a great base to head out for day trips to other cities like Taian and Nantou.

Sun Cake Museum 太阳饼博物馆

I was today years old when I learnt that the famous Taiwanese delicacy tai yang bing (太阳饼) or sun cakes originated from Taichung 🤯. For those who’re unfamiliar, it’s a buttery and flaky pastry with a maltose filling.

Learn about sun cakes at the Sun Cake Museum but what we’re really here for is the sun cake-making workshop ! We joined a 1-hour session with a professional chef to create six freshly baked sun cakes.

Not to boast but ours turned out really well, being sweet on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Entrance fee: Free Cost of workshop: NT$250/pax (~S$10.70) Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM How to get there: Walk 8mins from Taichung Station ( Google Maps )

Desserts at Chun Shui Tang 春水堂 and Miyahara 宮原眼科

Apart from innovating sun cakes, Taichung is also where my favourite drink was created. Dating back to the 1980s, a local tea shop named Chun Shui Tang 春水堂 is said to be the inventor of bubble tea .

After having been there though, we found it to be slightly overpriced at NT$90 for a small cup of pearl milk tea. But hey, never forget your roots, so it’s still worth a try to taste how it all began.

Miyahara’s ice cream is another dessert we highly recommend. There are over 50 flavours, including 18 different types of chocolate ice cream. Some interesting flavours we got were the Alishan osmanthus oolong, and caramel apple — which tastes just like an apple pie.

Chun Shui Tang (Siwei Original Store) Cost: From NT$90/cup (~S$4) Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM How to get there: Walk 14mins from Taichung Station ( Google Maps ) Miyahara Cost: From NT$90/scoop (~S$4) Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM How to get there: Walk 4mins from Taichung Station ( Google Maps )

Yizhong Night Market 中夜市

There are plenty of night markets in Taichung but Yizhong Night Market is the one to visit. It’s open daily, quite spread out, and not too crowded. Most importantly, we found the best bubble tea here (sorry Chun Shui Tang).

The milk tea (NT$40) from Black Tea Bus is really sweet and fragrant, and topped with mini pearls! Other local delicacies here are the usual chicken cutlet, papaya milk, and fried pancakes with interesting fillings like pork with curry.

Opening hours: 12PM – 10:30PM (Weekdays), 12PM – 11PM (Weekends) How to get there: Take Bus 25 from Taichung Station (Minzu Rd. Intersection) and alight at Chung Hsing Hall (4 stops). Walk 3mins ( Google Maps )

Bonus: Day Trip to Taian 泰安

If you have extra time to spare, take a day trip to Taian — a mountain indigenous town located in Miaoli County .

It’s only 30 minutes from Taichung by train and is famous for its Huoyan Shan hike which can take up to 3 hours (round-trip). The incline is steep and may not be an easy hike for beginners but we assure you, the views at the top are worth it 💯.

*Note: Check the train/bus timings to Huoyan Shan Trailhead regularly on Google maps as they are infrequent.

Come here during spring (between Feb – Apr) to catch the beautiful pink blooms! Some places we recommend are Wele Cherry Blossom Park and outside the Taian Police Station — with street vendors selling food like scallion pancakes and Taiwanese sausages.

*Pro-tip: Check Google reviews regularly to see if flowers are still in bloom in these areas.

Read also: The Ultimate THSR Taiwan Food Guide: 25 Must-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung

Day 5: Nantou 南投

Fun fact: Nantou is Taiwan’s only non-coastal county but ironically, one of the country’s most beautiful lakes is found here!

Sun Moon Lake 日月潭

Photo credit: @grave_before_shave_ via Instagram

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Sun Moon Lake is one of the most scenic landscapes in Taiwan. It’s a popular day trip from Taichung, being only 2 hours away by bus.

To fully revel in its beauty, we went for a 1-hour Stand Up Paddling experience . Even without an instructor, it was surprisingly beginner-friendly and no one ended up falling in the water 🤭 .

Something else we learnt is that it’s easier to stand up when your board is moving — probably due to calm lake waters! If you’re not too confident, it’s also nice to just sit and paddle while taking in the views.

Other attractions to explore in the area (if there’s time), include Wenwu Temple , Yidashao Lakeside Trail , Riyuetanlan Station and Ci’en Pagoda .

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off all activities * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15) at checkout. One-time use only! (* – list of excluded activities )

Cost: ~S$29.50/pax for 1hr Timing slots: 9AM – 4PM (hourly session) How to get there: Various buses available from THSR Taichung Station to Sun Moon Lake ( Google Maps )

Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village 九族文化村

As the Stand Up Paddling experience was near the Sun Moon Lake ropeway, we hopped on it to get to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village .

The village has a section dedicated to replicas of aboriginal villages which you can enter and explore, but we definitely didn’t expect a full-on amusement park there too!

We took the Gold Mine Adventure — a water ride with two decent drops, and Maya Adventure — a rollercoaster that drops from a height of 11 stories.

If you are up for the challenge (unlike us), the toughest one here is the UFO Gyro Drop — hailed as the highest free-fall drop tower in Taiwan at 85m 😱.

Entrance fee: From ~S$30/pax (incl. Sun Moon Lake Ropeway ticket) Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM How to get there: Take the ropeway from Sun Moon Lake to Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village ( Google Maps )

*Note: The last bus from the village departs at 4:45PM but do leave earlier as drivers may depart early.

Day 6: Tainan 台南

THSR from Taichung to Tainan: ~55mins

Established in 1661, Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan with many historic temples, artsy streets, and unique villages.

We also chose to set up base here for the last few days of our Taiwan itinerary as it’s less than 30mins away by train to cities like Chiayi and Kaoshiung!

Chihkan Tower 赤嵌樓

With more than 300 years of history, Chihkan Tower is the oldest building in the West Central District and one of Tainan’s most famous landmarks.

It was formerly built in 1653 as a fort by the Dutch, and now it’s a national historic site comprising Haisheng Temple (海神廟), Wengchang Pavilion (文昌閣) and Penghu College (蓬壺書院).

Besides the beautiful traditional architecture, what caught our eye were the nine imperial steles carried by stone bixi — a mythical half-dragon, half-tortoise creature.

Entrance fee: ~S$3/pax Opening hours: 8:30AM – 9:30PM How to get there: Walk 15mins from Tainan Station ( Google Maps )

Hai’an Road Art Street 海安路藝術街 and Snail Alley 蜗牛巷

At first glance, Hai’an Road might seem a little run-down and covered in graffiti. But as we walked around, we realised it was just a huge public art exhibition.

Some of our favourite artworks were the 3D pedestrian crossing — where we couldn’t resist recreating that iconic Beatle photo, and the rainbow blocks sculpture — which symbolises the diversity of gender and family 🏳️‍🌈.

Another lesser-known art street is Snail Alley , just a 10-minute walk away. Its name was based on a fictional alley in a novel by Ye Shitao, a literary writer in Taiwan who used to live in the area.

Snails were his metaphor for taking life slow and steady, so take your time while strolling around the residential area looking for snail-themed decors such as murals, artwork and even signposts 🐌

Hai’an Road Art Street Opening hours: 24hrs Address: Walk 20mins from Tainan Station ( Google Maps )

Snail Alley Opening hours: 24hrs Address: Walk 10mins from Hai’an Road ( Google Maps )

Ten Drum Cultural Village 十鼓仁糖文創園區

After roaming the streets for photo-ops, we visited Ten Drum Cultural Village — a former sugar refinery during the Japanese colonial period, now converted into Asia’s first drumming-themed international art village 🥁.

Photo credit: Tourism Bureau of Tainan City Government

Our main highlight here was the 45-minute music performance by Ten Drum, an internationally acclaimed Taiwanese percussion group. Besides drums, the group also used other instruments like flute and cymbals to create an amazing medley.

*Note: There are only two musical performances in the day, at 11AM and 3PM.

But the village isn’t just about drums, it’s also home to various thrilling activities and unique cafes. We were surprised to find fun attractions here like a seven-storey free-fall drop, zipline, sky swing, and even a 360VR experience.

As someone laidback though, I preferred chilling in the Magical Space Cafe — which looked straight out of a Harry Potter movie with spellbooks floating in the air and “magic potions” for sale.

Entrance fee: S$18/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 8:20PM (Weekdays), 9:30AM – 8:20PM (Weekends) How to get there: Take the train to Bao’an Station and walk 15mins ( Google Maps )

Read also: 7 Underrated Things To Do in Tainan

Day 7: Chiayi 嘉義, Alishan 阿里山

THSR from Tainan to Chiayi: ~20mins

Compared to the larger Taichung and Tainan cities, Chiayi is often overlooked. But we say it’s worth a day trip out for its star attraction — the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area — plus other hidden gems too.

Alishan Forest Recreation Area 阿里山國家森林遊樂區

Contrary to popular belief, Alishan is not a mountain. Rather, it’s an entire mountainous area covering more than 1,400 hectares! To us, it looks straight out of a fairy tale with beautiful lakes surrounded by a misty forest.

It can take up to 3 – 4 hours (round-trip) to hike from Alishan Railway Station, but for people who are bad at hikes (like me), here’s our cheat code to cut that time by half — without missing out on iconic landmarks.

Take the train from Alishan Railway Station to Zhaoping Station and go on a leisurely stroll towards Shenmu Station before taking the train back down to Alishan Station.

Overall, we managed to cover attractions like the Sisters Pond , Magnolia Garden , and Shouzhen Temple (currently under renovation) in a span of 2 hours, taking our time snapping photos. We were even treated to a few pink blooms during the hike — which really made all the walking worth it.

*Pro-tip: Travelling out of the city into the mountainous region can be a bit of a hassle, so we recommend joining a day tour instead! Plus, lunch is provided too.

Cost: ~S$85/pax (for 1 day tour) Tour timing: 8:15AM – 6:30PM Meeting point: THSR Chiayi Station ( Google Maps )

Hinoki Village 檜意森活村

After returning to Chiayi from Alishan, our guide also brought us to Hinoki Village — a cultural village comprising 28 Japanese-style buildings.

Being a self-proclaimed Japan otaku (nerd), I was really excited to see a replica of the traditional houses and zen gardens in Japan here. There were even various shops selling Japanese souvenirs and food like gold-leaf ice cream!

Mochiron (of course), I had to rent a yukata (NT$550 for 2 hours) to truly immerse in the Japanese culture but mostly take pretty photos while exploring the village.

*Pro-tip: Head to Hinoki Village early as most shops close by 6PM.

Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM How to get there: 30min drive from THSR Chiayi Station ( Google Maps )

Dinner at San He 三禾

Tired and hungry after a long day of walking, we asked our guide for dinner recommendations and he was kind enough to drive us to a local restaurant called San He .

We ordered the braised pork rice (NT$35) and turkey chicken rice (NT$35) to try, and the former was possibly one of the best I’ve had — literally melt-in-your-mouth soft 😋. Other add-on side dishes were available, such as braised egg, seaweed soup, miso soup, and vegetables.

Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (closed on Thu) How to get there: Walk 12mins from Hinoki Village ( Google Maps )

Day 8 – 9: Kaohsiung 高雄

THSR from Tainan to Kaohsiung (Zuoying): ~15mins

On the last leg of our trip, we headed to Kaohsiung — home to several attractions such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas , as well as The Pier2 Art Center .

But since we visited those on our previous trip there, we wanted to explore new places and try new experiences.

Cijin Island 旗津島

Our first stop in Kaohsiung was out of the city and on a quaint little island named Cijin. It’s known for several iconic photo spots like the Kaohsiung Lighthouse , Starlight Tunnel, Cijin Shell House, and Rainbow Church .

After browsing through many IG-worthy pictures on the Internet, we were really looking forward to visiting Cijin Island and it didn’t disappoint — I mean just look at this 👇

My personal favourite was this hidden spot along the beach that resembled a mini Santorini!

*Pro-tip: Rent an electric bike (~NT$600/hr for a 4-seater bike) to save time and cover these spots around the island under 2 hours!

How to get there: Hop on a 5min ferry ride to Cijin Island from Gushan Ferry Pier ( Google Maps )

Glory Pier 光榮碼頭

Photo credit: Kaohsiung Travel

Previously known as Pier 13, Glory Pier is located at the river mouth of Love River in Kaohsiung.

It used to be an important transport hub to the island areas of Kinmen and Matsu but now it’s a tourism and leisure attraction with a music centre — complete with three concert halls, an art gallery, and even a library!

Most people might also recognise a big yellow ducky at the pier, which is set to return to Love River Bay for a month from 27 Jan to 25 Feb 2024, after being MIA in 2023 🥲🦆

Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: Take the Kaohsiung Light Rail to Glory Pier Station and walk 3mins ( Google Maps )

Liuhe Night Market 六合夜市

In true local fashion, we ended our last night in Taiwan by visiting a night market!

Since Ruifeng Night Market was closed on the day we were in Kaohsiung, we went to Liuhe Night Market instead. It may be smaller but it’s still packed with lots of delicious local food.

We tried the Taiwanese hot dog (NT$50) — a sausage stuffed into a larger sausage made of pork intestine casing filled with sticky rice, topped with peanuts and shallots. Wow, that was a mouthful, literally .

Of course, we also had the Taiwanese huge fried chicken which was so good that someone said and I quote: “I could make love to it”. Disclaimer: I swear it’s not me.

Opening hours: 6PM till late How to get there: Walk 8mins from Formosa Boulevard Station ( Google Maps )

Breakfast at Good Morning 早安美芝城 

Serving up fresh toast, croissants, and burgers, Good Morning breakfast place was an unintended gem while walking around Kaohsiung city.

Some of the flavours were interesting, including a signature toast with a pork patty (NT$40) and a beef burger with peanut sauce (NT$55) — the burger actually tasted pretty good, without the peanut taste being too overpowering.

Opening hours: 6AM – 11:30AM How to get there: Walk 5mins from Light Rail Commerce and Trade Park Station ( Google Maps )

i-Ride Kaohsiung (5D Visual Flying Theater)

Before heading off to the airport, we squeezed in one last activity to explore all of Taiwan (in just 5 minutes) — i-Ride Kaohsiung !

It’s a 360° visual flying theatre where we “soared” over mountains, valleys, and cities in Taiwan. The 5D elements also took us by surprise with sprays of water and blasts of wind when diving into the sea or flying into the sky.

To commemorate our adventure, we even snagged a photo souvenir for NT$100.

Cost: From ~S$16/pax Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM (Wed – Sun), closed on Mon and Tue How to get there: Take the Kaohsiung Light Rail to Software Technology Park Station and walk 5mins ( Google Maps )

Read also: Top 7 things to do in and around Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid back South

Where to Stay in Taiwan

As we were travelling down from Taipei to Kaohsiung, we based ourselves in three main locations — Taipei (Day 1 – 3) , Taichung (Day 4 – 5) and Tainan (Day 6 – 9) . So it was easier for us to take day trips to nearby regions without the hassle of constantly moving around.

Day 1 – 3: Finders Hotel (from ~S$37.30/night)

Our crib in Taipei was Finders Hotel — while the rooms weren’t as big as we thought, it was still pretty cosy and comfortable.

Photo credit: Klook

We also loved hanging out in the lobby to play darts and foosball, as well as grab free food like cup noodles, tea and biscuits whenever we got hungry 😋.

The hotel is conveniently located near attractions like Taipei 228 Memorial Park and National Taiwan Museum too!

Cost:  From ~S$37.30/night (for 1 pax) Address: No. 86, Section 1, Chongqing S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan 100 ( Google Maps )

Day 4 – 5: Green Hotel – Midori (from ~S$33.60/night)

Not gonna lie, Green Hotel – Midori  was probably the best accommodation we stayed at on this trip. It’s clean and spacious, and here’s the best feature — the toilets are fitted with a bidet!

What’s more, it’s situated in a mall called ASEAN Square with various food options like Vietnamese and even Indonesian cuisine. It’s also a 5-minute walk from Taichung station and nearby places like the Sun Cake Museum, Miyahara restaurant, and Taroko Mall.

Cost:  From ~S$33.60/night (for 1 pax) Address: 12F, No. 123, Luchuan W. Street, Central District, Taichung, Taiwan 400 ( Google Maps )

Day 6 – 9: House Inn House (from ~S$19/night)

House Inn House may not be a fancy five-star hotel, but each room is really cosy with its own unique design — ours was retro-themed with a comfy couch and had prop items like a film light stand and even a standing karaoke mic.

It’s also just a 10-minute walk to Tainan station, which worked great for us since we planned to head out from Tainan and explore nearby cities like Chiayi and Kaohsiung!

Plus, there are also plenty of local clothing shops and fast food options nearby such as KFC and McDonald’s for a quick bite 😉

Cost:  From ~S$19/night (for 1 pax) Address: No. 33, Lane 108, Weimin Street, West Central District, Tainan, Taiwan 700 ( Google Maps )

Tips for Planning Your Taiwan Itinerary

Having mostly been to Taipei and its surrounds, it was refreshing to explore other regions and hidden gems in Taiwan!

I’ve fallen in love with newly discovered cities along the West Coast like Tainan and Kaohsiung for their picture-worthy spots, and was even lucky to catch some pink blossoms in areas like Alishan during spring!

Before you go, here are some tips for your future Taiwan itinerary:

1) Bring sufficient cash: not all shops accept cards, especially at local night markets.

2) Download useful apps like: Taiwan Railways Administration — to check the train schedule Uber — there’s no Grab Google Translate — to ask locals for directions 📱

3) Pre-book travel essentials: travel insurance , SIM card and EasyCard (reloadable transport card) for a hassle-free trip!

4) Hunt for online deals: Klook has promotions like one-for-one Taiwan high speed rail tickets and the Klook Pass Taipei , which gives you entry for up to six attractions (like Taipei 101 Observatory and Jiufen Day tour) at a discounted price!

Read also: 25 Unique Things To Do In Taiwan Besides Visiting Night Markets

First published: 14 Mar 2023

Did we miss any other interesting places in this Taiwan itinerary? Share with us in the comments below!

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16 Unmissable Things To Do In Tainan, Taiwan

When people travel to Taiwan, they often visit Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung, and rarely explore past these major cities.

Tainan is somewhat of a hidden gem in Taiwan, which seeks to challenge this status quo.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, there are so many things to do in Tainan that make it worthy of a pitstop on anyone’s travel plans.

From ancient temples to beautiful parks to delicious street food and bustling night markets, Tainan has so many attractions that will captivate you with its charm.

But if you’re not sure what to do in Tainan and why it’s worth a visit, keep reading to discover our insider travel tips and knowledge on Tainan for those looking for the best places to see, eat, stay, drink, and explore.

Is Tainan Worth Visiting?

• 1. Explore Tainan's Temples

2. Visit the National Literature Museum

Shanghai steamed pork buns | 上海好味道小籠湯包.

• Vonny's Garden Vegetarian Restaurant | 綠素界花果茶餐飲坊

Shangri-La Hotel | 香格里拉

4. explore the night markets, 5. wander around anping, 6. mingle with the locals in hai an r, 7. shop till you drop, 8. relax in tainan park, 9. attend a festival in tainan.

• 10. Visit Tainan County's Monkey Mountain

11. Visit The Hot Springs in Guanzling

12. hang out in blueprint cultural & creative park, 13. take a trip to taijiang national park, 14. see chihkan tower, 15. visit chimei museum, 16. hike qigu salt mountain.

Tainan is absolutely worth visiting. It’s the oldest city in Taiwan and is also the former capital, so it’s steeped in Taiwanese culture and history.

Although by western standards Tainan is a large city, it does not feel like a metropolis.

It has a distinctly old heritage city feel, and because it’s less explored by international visitors, it offers an authentic experience to anyone who travels there.

There is also a lot of support for the fine arts in Tainan. There are some fantastic modern art galleries and even art street.

Things to Do in Tainan

From historic landmarks to jaw-dropping nature sites, be sure to add the following attractions to your Tainan itinerary.

1. Explore Tainan’s Temples

There are a lot of temples in Taiwan, but as the oldest city, Tainan has an especially high concentration of them, several of which are very well-known.

The Tainan Confucius Temple is one of the most famous in the city, and dates back several centuries – though it has undergone renovations over the years and today looks like it was built yesterday.

It showcases traditional Taiwanese folk culture and has some of the most beautiful designs and reliefs.

Another prominent temple worth checking out is the Tainan Grand Matsu Temple, or Grand Mazu Temple as it’s sometimes known, which is the largest temple in Tainan.

This temple was the first Mazu temple built by the Taiwanese government, and is dedicated to the The Heaven God Mother – the most worshipped in Taiwan.

It therefore attracts hundreds of visitors each day, from around the world, and is one of the best places to glimpse into the country’s religious and cultural practices.

If you have more time, the Lady Linshui Temple and Baihe Lady Linshui Temple, which hold great historical and spiritual significance, are worth exploring.

The National Literature Museum is also an excellent place to learn about the country’s culture and history.

Established in October 2003, it holds the distinction of being the first national museum dedicated to literature in Taiwan.

Housed in the former Tainan Prefecture Office, a building constructed in 1916, this museum showcases the development of Taiwanese literature from ancient times to the modern era.

As you wander its halls, explore its extensive collection of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese literary works, which allow you to gain insights into the rich literary heritage of the region.

3. Try The Local Delicacy

Taiwanese people are passionate about food, especially snacks, and Tainan is famous for having many of the best in the country.

In Taiwan most restaurants are small, only serve a few items, and have a specialty that they’re known for.

Since Tainan is so old, many of the recipes date back to the city’s early days during the Qing Dynasty.

Needless to say, street food stand and restaurant hopping is a fantastic experience here.

Be sure to try an oyster omelette, by far Tainan’s best-known specialty. Also, don’t forget to drink pearl milk tea, otherwise known as bubble tea, which originates in Taiwan.

If you get the chance, try some peking duck (about $8-9 USD for a whole duck), as well as coffin bread.

In Taiwan, it’s the small dumpy-looking restaurants with hundreds of years of history behind them that are best-known and are highly recommended. Here are a few of my favorite places to eat:

This restaurant is famous countrywide for its soup dumplings, but all the dumplings are fantastic!

There’s no English menu, so if you don’t speak Chinese you will either need to enlist some help or resort to pointing at other people’s food to order.

Ten steamed dumplings here will run you about $1.50 USD. That’s plenty for most people, but I usually can’t resist ordering a second plate.

Vonny’s Garden Vegetarian Restaurant | 綠素界花果茶餐飲坊

As a buddhist country, Taiwan has some amazing vegetarian food. The fake meat (they even have fake sashimi) is unbelievable.

Vonny’s is a homey restaurant in an old house with excellent vegetarian dishes, great service, and an English menu.

Meals here range from around $2.20 USD for noodles or rice, up to around $8 USD for the fake steak.

Shangri-La Hotels are known to be one of the most extravagant hotel chains in the country.

Most upscale hotels and shopping centres in Taiwan will also have a very upscale buffet restaurant serving exotic foreign cuisines, sushi, steak, seafood, and the like.

They are normally all you can eat and all you can drink (including beer and wine). If you are looking for an exceptional meal, visit Tainan’s Shangri-La for the best buffet in town.

The night markets are, of course, always entertaining. Among the most popular ones is the Tainan Garden Night Market, boasting around 400 vendors and serving as Taiwan’s largest night market.

Opened in 1999, it attracts locals and tourists alike, providing a wide variety of delectable street food and unique shopping opportunities.

Another notable night market is the Wusheng Night Market, Tainan’s oldest operating market since 1984, with approximately 250 market stands and food stalls. Here you can indulge in local delicacies, explore the bustling atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the lively energy of these night markets.

The Tainan Jade Market is also definitely worth a visit. It’s open Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.

Anping is the oldest neighbourhood in Tainan, which makes it the oldest in Taiwan. It is said that Anping is where Chiang Kai Shek first landed when fleeing China.

Here you will find some of the biggest and oldest temples in Taiwan, the Anping Old Fort, also known as Fort Zeelandia, (which was built by the Dutch as defence against invaders) and beautiful historical character alley lined with specialty food shops and artisans.

Walk down Yanping Street, otherwise known as Anping Old Street, which is the oldest street in the city and is known for its market stalls.

Another landmark in Anping worth checking out is the Anping Tree House, which is a former warehouse that has been reclaimed by nature. It gets its name from the roots of banyan trees that cover the building.

Locals and expats alike can often be found relaxing with friends and people-watching on tea shop patios on Hai An R., Tainan’s ‘hip district’, which is also a fantastic area for shopping.

Hai An Rd. is the location of a city-funded art project, and many buildings are adorned with murals.

The area around Hai An Rd. is also the old center of town and former red light district, so it has a character and charm all its own.

Like I mentioned above, Hai An Rd. has fantastic clothing and jewelry on the road and, especially in the back alleys nearby.

Another great shopping street is BeiMen Rd., the main road in the middle of town that runs past the front of the train station.

It’s also a fantastic place for shopping. If you are looking for cheap computer parts, there are two large computer malls here with everything that you could imagine.

It has very good clothes shops (although not as awesome as Hai An Rd.).

Hayashi Department Store is another popular place to shop in Tainan.

Just north of the train station on Bei Men Rd., you will find the Tainan Park, the largest in the city, complete with a lake and a pagoda suspended above it.

Tainan Park is a picturesque oasis that offers a serene escape from the urban buzz.

Steeped in history, the park dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was once a private garden of a prominent official.

Today, visitors can stroll along winding paths, admire vibrant flowers, and relax by the water’s edge.

Every year, shortly after Chinese New Year, there is an unbelievably dangerous fireworks festival called the Yenshuei Fireworks Festival.

It takes place in the nearby township of Yenshuei. During this festival thousands of fireworks are shot directly into the crowds.

Every Chinese New Year Tainan also hosts a fantastic Lantern Festival. Almost any time of year you are likely to see some sort of parade for a god’s birthday (Daoism has a LOT of gods).

10. Visit Tainan County’s Monkey Mountain

I’m a big fan of Tainan County’s Monkey Mountain, which is a 750 meter high mountain known for its macaque population. It’s about a 40 minute drive east of town near the town of NanHua in Tainan County.

There are fantastic hiking trails and you’re almost guaranteed to see hundreds of macaques, in addition to an enormous Buddha statue and a beautiful temple.

It’s also free to enter, which makes it my top free thing to do in Tainan.

If you want to get out of the city for a while, head to Guanzling, which is home to fantastic hot springs, mud baths, and hiking trails, as well as a pool of burning water (it burns as natural gas bubbles up from fissures in the earth beneath).

Nestled in the serene countryside, Guanziling is a place to recharge your batteries. Soak in the hot springs, which boast medicinal qualities that are believed to alleviate various ailments and promote relaxation.

Nestled in the heart of Tainan, Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park is a multi-purpose park, formerly known as “the First Judicial New Village,” that was once the dormitory for Tainan Prison employees.

Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring art studios, shops, and cultural events.

You can explore quirky bookstores, indulge in delectable snacks, and discover local artwork and pieces of handmade craftmanship.

Just outside Tainan on the southcoast is the captivating Taijiang National Park, which was established in 2009 and is famous for its picturesque coastal landscape and marine wonders.

From pristine beaches to lush wetlands, the park is a patchwork of diverse ecosystems, and is one of the best places to see the Black-Faced Spoonbill.

Walk along the scenic trails, grab your binoculars and look out for migratory birds, or just catch the sunset over the ocean, Taijiang National Park is the perfect nature retreat from the bustling city.

Another historic landmark in Tainan is the Chihkan Tower, which was originally built by the Dutch in 1653 as Fort Provintia.

Today, it’s a museum that allows visitors to learn about Tainan’s past, marvel at its architecture, and wander through the tranquil gardens.

The Chimei Museum is a private museum that contains an impressive collection of Western art, musical instruments, weaponry, and natural history.

Established in 1992 by Shi Wen-long of Chi Mei Corporation, this museum is famous for its renowned collection of paintings and classical music instruments from around the world.

The Chimei Museum is also a piece of architectural beauty and is worth visiting for its design alone.

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Tainan, be sure to discover the enchanting Qigu Salt Mountain.

Although named a mountain, this is more of a hill that reaches approximately 6 stories high, made entirely out of salt. It was once Qigu Salt Field’s salt pile, but when they closed their doors in 2002, the salt mountain was abandoned and the salt naturally clumped together, making it easy to climb.

Once at the top, you’ll witness panoramic views of the surrounding landscape of the Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Getting To and Around Tainan

There are lots of budget airlines in Asia that fly to Taiwan. Some of the most common are Tiger Airways, when travelling to or from Singapore, or Cebu Pacific when travelling to or from the Philippines.

You’ll find plenty of Air Asia flights when travelling to or from Malaysia, as well as Cathay Dragon, the budget version of Cathay Pacific, if passing through Hong Kong.

It’s really not worth the money or trouble to fly inside of Taiwan. You can easily get to the Taiwan high speed rail from Taipei, which is much more convenient.

Note that Tainan HSR Station is located outside the city center, and you will need to catch another train from Shalun Railway Station (5 minutes walk away and connected by a walkway, so you won’t get lost) to Tainan Train Station.

Although Taiwan has a good local train system, I much prefer to travel between cities by bus. The cost is similar, but the busses are incredibly luxurious.

I strongly recommend travelling by HoHsin (the red bus). Each seat is the size of a Lazy Boy, has massage settings, and its own screen for watching moves and playing video games.

The price is comparable to a train ticket, and they have service between major cities at least once an hour 24 hours a day.

When it comes to getting around Tainan, the bus system is very difficult to navigate and seldom used.

Taxis, however, are quite affordable. You can get to most places in the city for $3-6 USD.

Renting a scooter is also a good option, as they are better than cars for navigating the crowded streets. There are several scooter rental shops behind Tainan Station, and scooters can be rented for $25-30 USD/day.

Best Time of Year to Visit Tainan

The best time of year to visit Tainan is November and December, which are the months when the weather is by far the most pleasant.

It’s like North American summer. Not too hot, nice and dry, sunny most days.

Where to Stay in Tainan

When visiting Tainan, there are several areas that offer good accommodation and are close to the major tourist attractions and landmarks.

The West Central District is a popular choice, known for its bustling atmosphere and numerous attractions.

If it’s your first time, I recommend staying in the Anping District, with its historical sites and charming Old Street, it offers a more authentic experience.

For those seeking a tranquil stay, the Fort Provintia area provides a peaceful ambiance.

The Tainan Park neighborhood is also a great area, which offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.

A good all-round accommodation is the Kindness Day Hotel which is centrally located in the city center, has spacious and homey rooms, and a good price tag to match.

Another popular choice for those who want a little luxury is Silks Place Tainan , which is a 5* hotel within walking distance of Tainan city’s historic attractions.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Tainan

I love Tainan because the locals are so incredibly warm and friendly. It’s a city that’s so vibrant, so charismatic and so unique, that I want every traveler to discover it.

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Tainan and gave you some inspiration for what to do there. You may also like these posts: 19 Awesome Things To Do In Taipei, Taiwan and 20 Best Things to Do In Taiwan With Kids

Bio: Matt Gibson is a travel writer, photographer, blogger, who is passionate about eco-friendly adventure travel. Matt lived in Taiwan for six years, founded an island-wide magazine called Xpat Matt , and speaks Mandarin Chinese like a four-year-old with a lisp.  Matt’s Adventure Travel Blog ,  Twitter