48 hours in Taichung, Taiwan: your ultimate weekend getaway

Why limit yourself to Taipei when exploring Taiwan, China's treasures? With its mix of nature, modernity and artsy charm, Taichung city offers an ideal destination for a quick getaway or cosy weekend escape. Follow our 48-hour itinerary to experience the city’s culinary delicacies, modern landmarks, natural splendour and historic architecture. We’ve also handpicked some of the best hotels in Taichung that promise a memorable stay. And as a Cathay Pacific's Cathay member, you can enjoy exclusive hotel perks when booking through Cathay Holidays, making your trip even sweeter.

Day 1

Morning

Load up for the day ahead at Sumama Egg Pancakes , where golden, crispy egg pancakes are served with a variety of fillings, from kimchi and cheese to basil pork and smoked duck. The generous portions and wallet-friendly prices make this unassuming roadside spot a hit with office workers and students alike.  

Walk off breakfast with a visit to the National Taichung Theatre in Xitun District, an architectural masterpiece featuring curved walls and sound caves that create an open, organic space. Opened in 2016, its avant-garde design is the work of Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Don’t miss the Instagram-friendly rooftop garden. 

Mid-morning and lunch

Nestled amidst the Calligraphy Greenway and Gongyi Road, the Park Lane by CMP shopping complex boasts Taiwan's first large-scale plant wall as well as the iconic Eslite bookstore. For lunch, Yonshin , known for its refined Taiwanese cuisine and artisanal tea. For something sweet, visit Miyahara , just a short 15-minute bus ride from Park Lane by CMP. Inside this red-brick building lies a Hogwarts-like interior – as well as delectable chocolate, fruit, and tea-flavoured ice creams, with unique toppings like pineapple pastry and cheesecake. 

Afternoon

Head out of the city centre towards Nantun District to discover the vibrant Rainbow Village . This artsy enclave owes its existence to Huang Yung-fu, the fondly remembered “Rainbow Grandpa”, who transformed a cluster of old houses into a kaleidoscope of colours, with whimsical murals referencing local history and imagery.  

Next, venture west to Huangxi Academy, a historic temple site built during the late Qing Dynasty that once served as a gathering place for scholars and literati. Explore the Minnan-style courtyard and marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship evident in the carved brick decorations and ornate stonework.

Sunset

Hailed as the “sky mirror” of Taiwan, the Gaomei Wetlands unfold across more than 300 hectares on the southern side of the Dajia River estuary in Qingshui. Home to both mudflats and sandy beaches, the ecosystem nurtures a diverse array of flora and fauna. 

Stick around for sunset to see the sky ignite in a blaze of reflected colours. 

Evening

Stretching from Wenhua Road to Fuxing Road, Fengjia Night Market is the most popular night market in Taichung – and one of the largest night markets in Taiwan. Must-tries include the crispy “sausage in sausage”, juicy Japanese takoyaki, fresh chicken cutlets and stinky tofu.  

After dinner, head out of town to Qingshui’s Ao-Feng Hill Park, whose hexagonal platform offers a stunning 180-degree panorama of the city. The journey from the mountain's base takes around 20 minutes, and the path isn't illuminated – so don’t forget to pack a torch.

Day 2 

Morning

Kick off your second day with a half-day tour to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, central Taiwan's crown jewel. In addition to cable car rides and boat tours, don't overlook the 6.4km scenic bikeway around the edge of the lake. Most visitors opt for the leisurely 3km Xiangshan section, connecting the photo spots of Shuishe Dam, Shuishe Port and Chaowu Pier.

Lunch

After your ride, refuel at Ita Thao Old Street, nestled near Ita Thao Pier. Queue up at the Nianjizuobufumai Mushroom Cabbage Bun food stall for one of its famous fried treats, served piping hot and stuffed with a mix of cabbage, vermicelli and mushroom. 

Afternoon

Head back to the city to explore Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden , the opulent historic home of one of Taiwan's “five great families”. Today, visitors can explore several spaces in the lower residence. Gongbaodi (the mansion of the prince's mentor) is the only remaining Qing-era official residence of its kind in Taiwan. Look out for decorative calligraphy by Li Hongzhang and auspicious traditional motifs, such as bats and hornless dragons, carved into window frames.  

Evening

To end your Taichung trip in style, ascend to Inflorescence , a Michelin-listed restaurant set against the mountains of Xinshe District at an elevation of 465 metres. Feast your eyes on breathtaking views and unwind in its Zen-inspired courtyard. Their speciality is a 10-course omakase menu showcasing dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has collaborated with culinary stars including Taiwanese Michelin darling André Chiang and Japanese sushi master Kenjiro Hashida, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s hottest (and hardest to book) tables.  

Where to stay  

Millennium Hotel Taichung   

Located in Xitun District, Millennium Hotel Taichung is within walking distance to National Taichung Theatre, Taichung City Hall and Fulfilment Amphitheatre. The luxury hotel is home to 243 modern rooms and suites as well as a range of popular dining spots.

Fleur de Chine 

Situated near the northern shore of Sun Moon Lake, the five-star resort is the perfect place to rest your head after a jam-packed day. It’s the first in the area to boast natural hot springs, creating a relaxing space infused with Sun Moon Lake’s pristine beauty. You'll never run out of things to do here, with daily activities like stand-up paddleboarding, a sunrise hike to Jin Long Mountain, a yacht tour and rock climbing on offer.

Windsor Hotel Taichung 

Known for its striking design, Windsor Hotel Taichung boasts a three-storey-high lobby and modern glass-filled interiors that create a bright inviting atmosphere. After a day of exploring, wind down in the hotel’s amenities, which include a fitness centre, indoor heated pool, shared reading space, outdoor garden, and men’s and women’s saunas.