Amazing Taichung

National Taichung Theater, nicknamed “the Most Difficult House to Accomplish” by the industry, was designed by the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect, Toyo Ito. Drawn from the concept of the Sound Cave, National Taichung Theater makes the best of its streamlined, rigid silhouette by means of modern techniques and materials, and then turns itself into an active venue. The images of streams and hanging gardens on the exterior of the opera house break the usual binary separation between stage and audience, as well as outdoors and indoors. It aims to initiate more conversations among people, art and architecture, while bringing people back to the basic aspect of life: feeling real.

Surrounded by the Calligraphy Greenway, Gongyi Road, Citizens Square, National Museum of Natural Science and the National Museum of Fine Art, Park Lan by CMP is a great place for a culture-themed one-day outing. Upon your arrival at Park Lane by CMP, you will definitely notice the 20-meter tall vertical garden walls. The building was renovated from an abandoned parking lot by the CMP team with an intension to integrate the architecture with greeneries that surround. Based on a sense of respect to nature, Park Lane by CMP is designed to be an urban garden where modernity and nature coexist. The facility comprises several sections by theme including the Children’s Hall, Music Hall, Eslite Wine Cellar and restaurants. There is also the over-330-square-meter Eslite Stationary Store, lifestyle boutiques, designer’s clothes and accessaries. On weekends occasionally, a handmade marketplace will be held as a platform for local designers to showcase their creativity.

Rainbow Village is in Nantun, Taichung. One of the retired soldiers paints on the wall with paints. However, the housing is facing problem of dismantling for the government’s city plan. There are over 3 thousands of people supporting Rainbow Village in only 2 days. The retired soldiers started to paint since September, 2008. He paints his dream out on the wall and brings a new life to the military housing. As a result, many people call him Grandpa Rainbow. The spot attracts many people on weekends. The city government declared that the painting is worth to preserve and they will modify their city plan.

The Gaomei Wetlands are located on the south side of the Dajia River Estuary in Qingshui. Over 120 bird species have been recorded here, it is an important ecological conservation area. It is not large, but because it has both mud flats and sand beaches and is also connected to the estuary's swamp area, it contains a rich variety of flora and fauna. It also offers beautiful sunsets over a unique manmade landscape, Gaomei Lighthouse and wind turbines. A cycle track runs through the area on which riders may coast with the wind in their hair, the Gaomei Wetlands are one of the highlights of the shore.

Feng Chia Night Market is within a 1 kilometer radius of Feng Chia University. It includes Wen-hua Night Market, Feng jia Road, Xitun Road, Fuxing Road and Beacon Sun Plaza. According to marketing surveys, it is one of the most popular and visited night markets among young people. At weekends, as many as 30,000 people will pass through it! It is perhaps the most famous night market in all of Taiwan. Feng Chia has all kinds of creative take-away snack foods to sample; it is also full of new clothes that are oriented toward young students. They are fair-priced and fashionable. A sensory feast for both the eyes and palate!

Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is one of the most famous Mazu Temples in Taiwan. It has over 200 years of history. It is filled with pilgrims all year long. The inspection tour held in March every year has become a world-famous religious ceremony attracting domestic and international tourists. It is a scenic spot that best represents Dajia. The violet jade Mazu of Jenn Lann Temple and the Golden Mazu in the basement of Mazu cultural museum are the treasures of the temple. Now, Mazu is considered one of the three treasures of Taichung. It is a scenic spot you must visit when in Taichung.

The 4.5 kilometer long Hou-Feng bike path was built along the old Mountain Railway Line, giving tourists a glimpse into the history of Taiwan Railway. The bike path crossing an iron bridge over Dajia River exhibits a series of landscapes rich in greenery and beautiful natural scenes and goes through the old railway tunnel, adding to its charm. It’s also connected to Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way to form a long, charming bike lane of 18 kilometers in total.

Guguang Hot Spring is with Bashan Mountain as its backdrop and also facing Dajia River. The Cultural Museum of Hot Spring, Shaolai Walking Trail, Shaolai Suspension Bridge, Guguan Suspension Bridge, Taiwan Pines, etc are among those well-known scenic spots around Guguan Hot Spring. The hot springs flow from between the rocks at the foot of the mountains all year round. Due to the high sulfur content the air is filled with the pungent smell of sulfur when close to the springs.It is said that after bathing here the Meiji emperor of Japan had a son, leading to the springs being nicknamed “Son Springs.”

Lihpao Land’s Italian-style outlet mall was inspired by the romantic Italian town, Portofino. You can find an abundance of international brands, an exclusive Hokkaido ramen street, pharmacy, and many more stores in this exotic shopping environment.

Japan's Mitsui Fudosan Group, a major retailer in in Japan, crossed the sea to Taiwan to build the Mitsui Outlet Park. Taichungport is one of the three branches in Taiwan. The park has many international boutiques and popular Japanese brands. The mall offers a wide range of items, including sporting goods, gourmet restaurants and entertainment venues.

Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport, built by Japan’s Mitsui Fudosan Group, is located in the Eastern Taichung and closed to Taichung Train station. It combines shopping, restaurants, and entertainments in one space, offering one-stop shopping experience.