Taichung (Taiwan)

Taichung is a city located in west-central Taiwan, the Republic of China. It is the third largest city on the island after New Taipei and Kaohsiung. It is located about 120 kilometers west-northwest of Hualien Port and about 130 kilometers southwest of the Port of Taipei, the nation's capital. Facing the Taiwan Strait and China's mainland, the Port of Taichung is the third biggest city in Taiwan.

Attractions include the world-class science museum, a very large and elaborate science themed museum, composed of seven museums in one. The Taichung Folklore Park is also worth a visit. This park is dedicated to presenting a more traditional Taiwanese way of life. It includes a combination of authentic and recreated buildings and streets in an attempt to recreate a more rustic Taiwan.

Visitors should take a stroll along ‘The Parkway'. This narrow corridor of greenery forms a pleasant parkway which runs south/north between the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural Science, intersected by the main Taizhonggang Rd. The southern end is home to the Art Museum with Modern and Traditional exhibits. At the north end of the Parkway behind the Science Museum is a botanical garden home to interesting plants and trees.

Things to See & Do

* National Museum of Natural Science
* Taichung Folklore Park
* Taichung Winery
* The Parkway - between the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural Science
* Zhongzheng Park

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language - Mandarin
Population - 2,629,323 approx
Land Area - 2,214.89 km2
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus eight hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 86

Port Location - The port of Taichung is located in the Wuci district, approximately 10 km's from central Taichung.

Travel Links - Taichung airport operates mostly as domestic hub, though it does also offer a limited international service to neighboring counties. A flight to Taipei takes 40 minutes, although air service to Taipei has been cut back lately as the High Speed Rail is generally a faster and more convenient way to get there.

Bus is the most convenient and least expensive option. From Taipei Train Station, go to the bus terminal and take the Tong-Lien Bus or the Kuo-Kuang Bus. Buses depart several times an hour from the early morning through evenings and the entire ride is about three hours long.

All Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) trains between Taipei and Kaohsiung stop at Taichung. The High Speed Rail station is located on the outskirts of Taichung. You can take a regular train between the two stations in about six minutes.