Table of Contents

2 Days in Taichung

Getting There.

To go to Taichung, the best way is the train, take the train from Taipei main station.

I personally took the high speed train it takes only 47 minutes for 160 km little bit expensive NT$700, US$30, but it was very comfortable and very fast.

I stay only 2 days in Taichung, the goal was to go to the moon lake.

From Taichung is very convenient for the moon lake trip.

Accomodation

I stay at the Holliday inn express, (link) very nice hotel, 15 min walk from the train station, with the taxi it’s 5 minutes away. Price: NT$6700, US$230 for 2 nights, breakfast included.

Very convenient hotel, specially to take the bus for the sun moon lake, because the bus stop was on the same street just 1 block away.

Taichung, the third-largest city in Taiwan,

Geography

Taichung is located in central Taiwan, bordered by the Taiwan Strait to the west and surrounded by mountains to the east.

The city enjoys a subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

The geography of Taichung makes it an ideal location for agriculture, with fertile plains producing rice, fruits, and vegetables.

Early History

Taichung’s history dates back to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region long before Han Chinese settlers arrived in the 17th century.

The city was initially a small settlement known as “Taichung” or “Central Taiwan.” The name itself reflects its geographical location, serving as a central hub for trade and transportation.

The city saw significant development during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945). The Japanese government invested in infrastructure, establishing roads, schools, and hospitals.

This era left a lasting impact on Taichung’s architecture and urban planning, evident in the blend of traditional and modern buildings throughout the city.

Post-World War II

After World War II, Taichung became a key industrial and commercial center. The city’s economy flourished, attracting both local and international businesses. Today, Taichung is known for its manufacturing industries, including textiles, machinery, and electronics.

Things to Do In Taichung.

Sun Moon lake trip

You have to buy the ticket from NANTOU BUS, at the Gancheng station, on Gongyuan road, you can pay with the easy card if you already bought it, and otherwise you can buy one at this place.

Be at least 30 min before the departure, because is a very popular destination.

You have a choice between 2 options, the first one is just the ticket for the trip to the moon lake, the second is the bus +the boat trip on the lake, I personally took the combination bus + boat trip.

The Boat ride cost NT$ 300 ,10 US$, and to get to the moon lake it take approximately 2 hours.

For the boat trip you will start at the Shuishe pier.

During the boat trip you have 2 stops, the first one at the Xuanguang pier, from there you can hike little bit the mountain, to visit the XUAN ZANG temple at the top, little bit steep, but the hike worth the scenic view at the top.

The temple visit is free.

The second stop is at Ita Thao pier where you can enjoy little bit rest after the last stop hike.

Make sure you check the boat schedules.

For the return to Taichung, go back to the same stop then you arrived at the Shuishe shopping area.

Depending at what time you go back to Taichung but try to find out what time for the sunset, I was lucky I get back to Taichung during the sunset, it was very nice.