Central Taiwan Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to eat, where to stay, and things to do in Central Taiwan.


Introduction to Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan, located in the heart of Taiwan, is a paradise for tourists who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Boasting a beautiful coastline, spectacular mountain ranges, and an array of tourist destinations, Central Taiwan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Central Taiwan

Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or thrill seeker, Central Taiwan has a wide range of attractions for all. Let’s take a look at the list of places to visit in Central Taiwan.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Central Taiwan is home to some of the finest museums and historical places in Taiwan. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • National Museum of Natural Science
  • National Taichung Theater
  • National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
  • Lukang Historic Area
  • Puli Brewery Factory Museum

Natural Attractions of Central Taiwan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Central Taiwan is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rugged mountains, verdant forests, and pristine lakes. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions:

  • Sun Moon Lake
  • Xitou Forest Recreation Area
  • Taroko National Park
  • Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area
  • Guanziling Hot Springs

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan is a haven for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with its scenic trails, winding roads, and numerous mountain peaks. Here are some popular routes to try:

  • Fengyuan-Xinshe Cycling Route
  • Wuling Sixiu Hiking Trail
  • Dasyueshan Hiking Trail
  • Alangyi Ancient Trail
  • Taroko Gorge Trail

Best Things to Do in Central Taiwan: Activities and Tours

From amusement parks to temples, Central Taiwan offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some ideas for things to do in Central Taiwan:

  • Rainbow Village
  • Gaomei Wetlands
  • Fengjia Night Market
  • Taichung Metropolitan Park
  • Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Taiwan

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Central Taiwan to help you plan your trip:

Day Itinerary
1 Taichung: National Museum of Natural Science, Fengjia Night Market
2 Puli: Sun Moon Lake, Wenwu Temple, Xitou Nature Education Area
3 Lukang: Lukang Historic Area, Longshan Temple, Lugang Mazu Temple
4 Nantou: Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park
5 Hualien: Taroko National Park, Qingshui Cliff, Swallow Grotto
6 Yunlin: Beigang Chaotian Temple, Janfusun Fancyworld, Jian Hu Tang
7 Taichung: Taichung Metropolitan Park, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

Food and Drink Scene of Central Taiwan

The food scene in Central Taiwan is diverse, with a wide range of local specialties that are sure to satisfy any food lover. Let’s explore some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braised Pork Rice
  • Sun Cake
  • Fried Chicken Cutlet
  • Hakka Lei Cha
  • Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Over Rice)

Local Beverages

  • Sun Moon Lake Black Tea
  • Bubble Tea
  • Hakka Lei Cha Tea
  • Mung Bean Soup
  • Sugarcane Juice

Where to Stay in Central Taiwan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Taiwan has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some popular choices:

  • Fullon Hotel Lihpao Land
  • The Lin Hotel
  • Freshfields Conference & Resort
  • Folkwisdom Hotel
  • Puli Hotel and Spa

What to Buy in Central Taiwan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for unique, locally made souvenirs to bring home? Here are some ideas for what to buy in Central Taiwan:

  • Sun Cake
  • Wooden Handicrafts
  • Tea Leaves and Tea Sets
  • Ceramics and Pottery
  • Taiwanese Aboriginal Artwork

Local Culture and Customs of Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditions and customs that reflect its diverse history. Some local customs include:

  • The Mazu Pilgrimage
  • The Sky Lantern Festival
  • The Dragon Boat Festival
  • The Marching Bands of Nantou

Best Time to Visit Central Taiwan

The best time to visit Central Taiwan is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, Central Taiwan also offers unique experiences throughout the year, such as the Sky Lantern Festival in February and the Mazu Pilgrimage in April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Taiwan

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Central Taiwan:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try local foods and beverages.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting temples or religious sites.
  • Litter or damage natural sites.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Before traveling to Central Taiwan, here are some important safety and health considerations:

Safety in Central Taiwan

Overall, Taiwan is a safe country to travel in. However, be aware of these hazards in Central Taiwan:

  • Typhoons and floods during typhoon season (from June to October).
  • Rockfall and landslides in mountainous areas.
  • Traffic accidents on winding roads.

Health in Central Taiwan

Taiwan has a relatively high standard of healthcare. However, it is still recommended to take these precautions:

  • Wear a mask in crowded areas during flu season (from November to March).
  • Drink bottled or boiled water.
  • Take insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Central Taiwan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central Taiwan is accessible by plane, train, or bus. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Central Taiwan

  • Taichung International Airport
  • Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
  • Kaohsiung International Airport

Bus Stations Near Central Taiwan

  • Taichung Bus Station
  • Puli Bus Station
  • Hualien Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR)
  • Regular trains

How to Get Around in Central Taiwan

The most convenient way to get around Central Taiwan is by renting a car or scooter. However, public transportation is also a feasible option:

  • Local buses
  • Taichung Metro
  • Train

Where to Go Next from Central Taiwan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can visit from Central Taiwan:

  • Taipei City
  • Tainan City
  • Changhua City
  • Alishan National Scenic Area

Conclusion

Central Taiwan is a hidden gem in Taiwan, offering a diverse range of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, there is something for everyone in Central Taiwan.



    Changhua County
    Miaoli County
    Nantou County
    Taichung
    Toufen