Taichung, meaning Central Taiwan, is the third largest city in Taiwan with a population just over one million. Taichung is located on the middle west side of the island which in 2010 going to merge the city and the county to a direct – controlled municipality. With less than 1 hour from Taipei or Kaohsiung, with Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taichung is easily accessible. The Taichung Port, provides a wide range of facilities for shipping like warehouse and logistic services to mention a few.
Taichung is regarded to be a most attractive place to live in and enjoys the best year around climate.
Taichung traces its origin to a village – Datun, today the site of Taichung Park together with Nantun, the western part of the city, and other places nearby. This explains why old temples and buildings are scattered all around the city. Datun was briefly the capital of Taiwan but in 1894 Taipei assumed the official role.
Taichung can be divided into two parts – The old center includes: Central, East, South and parts of North and West district, lies around the train station and is home to many government offices, hotels, shops and traditional food stalls. The modern part of the city: Beitun, Nantun, Xitun and West district includes the business sector and most of the international restaurants, hotels and nightlife.
The city's oldest place of worship, Wanhe Temple, dedicated to Mazu is situated in the modern Nantun district. Not far away from the temple is the unique Fongle Statue Park with many sculptures made of bronze, stainless steel and stone. Across the street lies Lakeside Street Block of Arts, where many tea and coffee shops together with local antique, ceramic and folk art shops can be found. For local handicrafts Nantun Old Street is the best place. Taichung Railway Station, began operating in 1907, and Taichung City Hall are both built under the Japanese time. Dining in this part of the city caters more for the traditional setting.
In the North district is the famous Baojue Temple with one of Taichung most popular tourist attraction – the 27 meter - high gold – painted statue of Milefo. In the same part of the city is Confucius Temple and close by is the Martyrs' Shrine. Both of them close to Taichung Park which was inaugurated in 1903. National Museum of Natural Science, a very interesting place for Chinese speaking tourist and their children, not many English labels available. Just behind the complex is the Botanical Garden with a Tropical Rainforest Green House. In the Wenxin Forest Park is the newly built Fulfillment Amphitheater, part of Taichung National Library. There are two nice night markets in this area: Jhonghua Rd. Night Market and Yu Tsai Night Market both open late at night and are most enjoyable.
The West district includes the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts which reopened in 2004 after renovation due to the strong 921 earthquake 1999. Neighboring Taichung Cultural Center hosts some art galleries which display local art work.
A selection of western food, the Canal District south of Taijhonggang Rd. offers a wide selection of western restaurants and bars. However, Taichung is famous for their Suncake, a flat crumbling pastry filled with sweet wheat seed, honey and taro paste.