Taichung, located centrally in Taiwan along the western coastline, offers several tourist attractions, though they may not be as compelling as those in other parts of the country. I primarily used Taichung as a base to explore the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake nearby.
How to get to Taichung from Taipei / Jiufen
If you’re in Jiufen, you’ll first need to return to Taipei via direct bus. From Taipei, you can choose from several options to reach Taichung: buses, local trains, or the HSR (high-speed rail).
Alternatively, direct buses to Sun Moon Lake are available, allowing you to skip Taichung altogether. In hindsight, this might be the more appealing option.
Sun Moon lake
This stunning lake is nestled in the mountainous region east of Taichung and is surrounded by tropical forest in several areas. You can take ferries across the lake, rent a bike or e-bike to circle it (about 30 km), or use the cable car for panoramic views. If you visit during typhoon season, as I did, be prepared for sudden heavy rainfall. Bike rentals typically provide rain covers for such weather.
