After diving into the vibrant cultural scene and exploring the plethora of things to do in Taichung, from the colorful Rainbow Village to the expansive views at the Gaomei Wetlands, your journey doesn’t have to end there. Day trips from Taichung open up a world of natural beauty and historical intrigue around Taiwan, allowing you to discover more beyond the city’s bustling streets and artistic corners.
Venturing out from Taichung, you’ll encounter the diverse range of things to do in Taiwan, such as the breathtaking scenery of Sun Moon Lake, the historic charm of Lukang town, or the majestic beauty of the Alishan National Scenic Area. These excursions offer a deeper glimpse into Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes, enriching your travel experience with every step.
Choosing where to stay in Taichung is key for travelers looking to make the most of their city visit while also planning excursions to explore the broader Central Taiwan area. A well-chosen location in Taichung provides easy access to local highlights and convenient options for day trips, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay enriched by both urban and natural Taiwanese wonders.
Discover Best Day Trips from Taichung, Taiwan
1. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountainous backdrop. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Taichung and offers a tranquil escape with activities like boating and biking.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Crystal-clear waters, mountainous backdrop, boating, biking
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Tour: $15
- Wenwu Temple: Free
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Shuishe Pier, Ci En Pagoda, Ita Thao Village
Travel Tip: Take a boat tour to explore the lake’s beauty from different perspectives and visit the Wenwu Temple.
2. Qingjing Farm, Taiwan
Qingjing Farm offers a refreshing highland experience with its lush green pastures and cool climate. Located around 2.5 hours from Taichung, it’s a great place for families and nature lovers.
Distance: Approximately 105 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Highland pastures, cool climate, sheep shearing shows
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Farm Entrance: $8
- Sheep Shearing Show: $5
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Green Green Grasslands, Small Swiss Garden, Qingjing Skywalk
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the sheep shearing show and the chance to interact with friendly farm animals.
3. Alishan National Scenic Area, Taiwan
Alishan National Scenic Area is famous for its sunrise views, ancient forests, and the Alishan Forest Railway. It takes about 3.5 hours to get there from Taichung, but the scenic beauty is well worth the journey.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: Roughly 3.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Sunrise views, ancient forests, Alishan Forest Railway
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $10
- Forest Railway: $6
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Alishan Sacred Tree, Alishan Train Station, Giant Tree Trail
Travel Tip: Plan to stay overnight to catch the iconic sunrise over the sea of clouds, a truly magical experience.
4. Lukang, Taiwan
Lukang, a town rich in history and culture, is known for its well-preserved heritage and traditional architecture. It’s just about an hour’s drive from Taichung and perfect for a cultural day trip.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Well-preserved heritage, traditional architecture, temples
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Longshan Temple: Free
- Lukang Folk Arts Museum: $2
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old Street, Tianhou Temple, Nine Turns Lane
Travel Tip: Explore the old streets and visit the Longshan Temple, one of the finest examples of temple architecture in Taiwan.
5. Hehuan Mountain, Taiwan
Hehuan Mountain, located about 3 hours from Taichung, offers some of Taiwan’s most accessible high-altitude hikes and stunning mountain views. It’s a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset views.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: High-altitude hikes, mountain views, sunrise and sunset views
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Mountain Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Wuling Peak, Song Syue Lodge, Shimen Mountain
Travel Tip: Dress in layers as temperatures can change rapidly, and the altitude can make it cooler than in the city.
6. Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan
Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, about 2 hours drive from Taichung, is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic trails.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Rich biodiversity, bird watching, scenic trails
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Forest Trails, Giant Tree Cluster, Taoshan Waterfall
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and enjoy the various walking trails that offer different levels of difficulty.
7. Puli, Taiwan
Puli is a small town in the heart of Taiwan, known for its cultural attractions and the famous Chung Tai Chan Monastery. The drive from Taichung takes about 1.5 hours.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: Roughly 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cultural attractions, Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Shaoxing wine
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Chung Tai Chan Monastery: Free
- Shaoxing Wine Brewery: $3
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Puli Winery, Paper Dome, Kokomu Music Box Factory
Travel Tip: Visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, an architectural marvel, and don’t forget to try the local specialty, Shaoxing wine.
8. Gaomei Wetlands, Taiwan
Gaomei Wetlands, located about 40 minutes from Taichung, are known for their rich biodiversity and stunning sunsets. This coastal wetland attracts both nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Rich biodiversity, stunning sunsets, coastal wetland
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Wetlands Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Boardwalk, Wind Turbines, Bird Watching Areas
Travel Tip: Wear waterproof shoes to walk on the wetlands and check the tide schedule for the best time to visit.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Taichung, Taiwan
What are the best day trips from Taichung?
Top day trips from Taichung include Sun Moon Lake, Qingjing Farm, Xitou Monster Village, and the historic town of Lukang. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Is Sun Moon Lake worth visiting for a day trip?
Definitely! Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake and a renowned scenic spot known for its serene beauty, cycling trails, and the famous Wenwu Temple. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Can I visit Hehuan Mountain from Taichung?
Yes, Hehuan Mountain is accessible for a day trip from Taichung. Known for its breathtaking high-altitude views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see snow in winter, it’s a must-visit for adventure seekers.
What can I do in Qingjing Farm?
Qingjing Farm offers visitors the chance to enjoy fresh air, green landscapes, and the experience of sheep shearing shows. It’s a great place for families to explore the outdoors and relax amidst nature.
Is there a recommended cultural site near Taichung?
Lukang, a historic town known for its well-preserved architecture, traditional Taiwanese culture, and temples like Longshan and Tianhou, is highly recommended. The town’s old streets are perfect for exploring Taiwan’s rich history and traditional crafts.
Can I explore Taiwan’s tea culture on a day trip from Taichung?
Absolutely! A visit to a tea plantation in the Nantou area, such as the famous Alishan tea region, offers insights into Taiwan’s tea production. Visitors can tour the plantations, learn about tea processing, and enjoy tastings of high-quality oolong tea.
Are there any nature reserves recommended for a day trip?
The Dakeng Scenic Area, with its hiking trails and beautiful landscapes, is a popular nature reserve near Taichung. It’s ideal for those looking to enjoy a day of hiking and to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty up close.
What unique attractions can I visit near Taichung?
Xitou Monster Village, a themed village with a Japanese atmosphere, offers a unique cultural experience with its monster statues, themed shops, and beautiful bamboo forests. It’s a fun and quirky destination for visitors of all ages.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/taichung-city-l32624?activity_type=dayTrip
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