Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rainbow Village
VILLAGE
(Cǎihóng Juàncūn; Lane 56, Chun'an Rd)
Found to the west of the city, this aptly named age-
ing village has been revitalised into a whimsical 'outdoor gallery', bedecked with vibrant
colours and drawings on every inch of the walls by Mr Wong, the nonagenarian 'resident
painter' who's also a KMT veteran of the Chinese Civil War (1945-49).
To get there, take bus 27 (50 minutes) from the train station. Alight at Gancheng 6th
Village (Gānchéng Liùcūn), cross the road, walk through the archway (Chun'an Rd),
pass a primary school and then turn left into an alley and walk to the end.
Gaomei Wetlands
SCENIC AREA
(Gāoměi Shīdì; 24hr)
The prime spot for a bird-and-sunset-watching combo in
the greater Taichung area. Take a local train to Qingshui, then board bus 178 (NT$20, 30
minutes). There are only five buses a day, so consider taking a taxi (NT$250).
Dakeng
SCENIC AREA
(Dàkēng)
To the east of the city is a hilly area known as Dakeng. If you're going to spend
any time in the city, Dakeng is worth exploring, as there are pleasant hiking trails and
even a few hot springs.
Festivals & Events
Taichung Jazz Festival
MUSIC
(
www.taichungjazzfestival.com.tw
)
One of the most famous annual events in Taichung is the
Taichung Jazz Festival, a nine-day extravaganza held mainly at the Civic Square and
along Jingguo Boulevard Parkway in October.
Sleeping
The area around the Taichung train station has been cleaned up a bit in recent years and
makes for a decent base, having all your life-support systems nearby.
WoW Backpacker
HOSTEL $
( 2465 2058; 3rd fl, 166-81, Xitun Road, Sec 3, 166-81 3; dm from NT$450, tw NT$1400; )
This hostel is quite out of the way (it's northwest of the city) but travellers rave about it
and find the staff very helpful. Dorms (sleeping between three and six) and rooms are
well set up, and common areas are spacious.
