Things To Do
in Zhongbu
Zhongbu (中部), or central Taiwan, is a diverse region of fertile plains, low mountains and mid-sized cities centered between Taichung and Changhua. The area blends traditional towns, agricultural landscapes and convenient urban hubs, making it easy to combine cultural sites, night markets and natural escapes. Visitors will find historic streets, temple architecture, tea plantations and scenic ridgelines within short drives of one another.
Good transport links (high-speed rail, conventional rail and highways) make Zhongbu an accessible base for exploring Sun Moon Lake, Bagua Mountain and Taichung’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the National Museum of Natural Science, where you can marvel at the diverse exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space exploration. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful landscaping of the museum's outdoor gardens, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk and freshly made scallion pancakes.
Visit the historic Zhongxing New Village, where you can learn about Taiwan's agricultural history and explore the charming streets filled with art installations. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, sampling dishes like beef noodles or braised pork rice. As you wander, don’t miss the opportunity to visit local artisan shops and galleries showcasing handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, head to the Fengjia Night Market, one of the largest in Taiwan, to indulge in a variety of street food delights. From stinky tofu to bubble tea, the vibrant atmosphere and delicious smells will entice your taste buds. After sampling various treats, enjoy some shopping at the market stalls before returning to your accommodation.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Taichung Confucius Temple, where you can appreciate its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings. Participate in a morning ritual by lighting incense and offering prayers to gain insight into Taiwanese spirituality. Take a moment to reflect in the temple's peaceful courtyard, surrounded by fragrant trees.
Travel to the nearby Yingcui Temple, famous for its elaborate carvings and vibrant colors. Engage with local worshippers and learn about the traditions and festivals celebrated at this significant religious site. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring regional specialties while discussing your experiences.
As dusk falls, visit the serene Wenwu Temple by the Sun Moon Lake, where the views of the lake are particularly stunning at sunset. Explore the temple grounds, which are beautifully illuminated as night falls, and witness devotees engaging in evening prayers. Conclude your evening with a lakeside dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the picturesque setting.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi (short trip) | $5-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Great mix of urban culture, traditional towns and accessible nature
- Excellent and varied street food and local specialties
- Well-connected transport links (HSR, rail, highways)
- Lower tourist density than Taipei but still lots to do
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in season
- Scooter traffic can be intimidating for new visitors
- Smaller towns may have fewer English speakers and limited vegan/gluten-free options
- Some attractions can be spread out—requires transport to see everything
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問廁所在哪裡？(qǐng wèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- "多少錢？(duōshao qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)" - Excuse me / Sorry (polite attention-getter)
Places to Visit in Zhongbu
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic hilltop views over Changhua plain, large seated Buddha statue and shrine architecture—great at sunrise or golden hour.
A compact, colorful mural village in Taichung with vivid street-art scenes—very photogenic but busy; visit early to avoid crowds.
Narrow lanes, old wooden shopfronts and ornate temple carvings—ideal for cultural and architectural shots.
Near Taichung, a set of ridgeline trails offering forested views and city panoramas—good for landscape and nature photography.
Terraced tea fields and misty mornings provide atmospheric shots of rural central Taiwan.
Food in Zhongbu
Zhongbu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Minced and slow-braised pork served over rice—ubiquitous comfort food found in local diners and night markets across Zhongbu.
Must-Try!
A translucent dough dumpling filled with pork, bamboo shoots and mushrooms, then steamed or fried; Lukang and Changhua stalls are best places to try it.
A savory omelette with oysters, starch and a sweet-savory sauce; a staple of Fengjia and other night markets.
Invented in Taiwan and ubiquitous here—try locally run shops for fresh tapioca pearls and regional variations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Taichung’s largest night market—wide variety of snacks, fried creations, drinks and novelty foods; must-try stalls include grilled skewers, flavoured fries and bubble tea stands.
Historic market streets near Lukang’s temples selling local pastries (sun cakes), dried seafood and traditional snacks.
Known for regional specialties like ba-wan, meat skewers and local desserts—smaller and more traditional than Fengjia.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly at temples, remove hats indoors, speak quietly and avoid pointing shoes at altars. Follow signs and photography rules at religious sites.
Taiwanese are polite and orderly—line up for buses, trains and market stalls, and use '不好意思' or '請問' to politely get attention.
Many homes and some traditional guesthouses ask you to remove shoes—follow host cues and provide socks if needed.
Safety
Tipping in Zhongbu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may be included at some hotels and upscale restaurants. For exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not expected.
Cash (NTD) is widely used for markets and small shops; credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and stores. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) and Taiwan’s EasyCard/ iPASS for transit are convenient in central cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and blooming fruit trees; comfortable for outdoor activities but expect occasional rain showers and slightly unsettled weather during the transitional season.
Hot, humid and rainy—monsoon rains and the peak typhoon season (July–September) can bring heavy downpours; plan indoor backups and stay updated on forecasts.
Generally the most pleasant time—cooler temperatures, clearer skies and lower humidity after the summer rains; excellent for hiking and cycling.
Mild and drier compared with the north of Taiwan; days are comfortable though evenings can be cool—higher elevations may be much colder.
Zhongbu at Night
Hiking in Zhongbu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of forested ridgeline trails near Taichung with varying difficulty—popular for short hikes and city views.
Easy-to-moderate trails with lookout points and cultural sites around the Great Buddha; good for sunrise or afternoon walks.
In Nantou County, a well-maintained forest park with boardwalks, bamboo groves and trails—suitable for families and nature lovers.
Higher-elevation alpine trails accessible from central Taiwan for seasonal hikes and dramatic scenery—best in autumn and winter when roads are open and weather is stable.
Airports
How to reach Zhongbu by plane.
The closest regional airport handling some international and domestic flights; a shuttle or taxi connects to Taichung city and surrounding counties.
Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei—reach Zhongbu by high-speed rail (HSR) or express bus in about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route.
Located to the south—useful if combining a multi-city trip; travel to Zhongbu by train or highway bus in a few hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in central Taiwan—speak Taiwanese Hokkien and Mandarin, form the backbone of local culture and businesses.
Present in pockets of the region with distinct language, festivals and cuisine (notably in some inland towns).
Indigenous communities live primarily in the higher interior and nearby mountainous areas; cultural sites and crafts reflect their heritage.
Families who moved from mainland China after 1949 and more recent migrants add to the cultural mix and urban workforce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Taiwan’s most popular spectator sports with local leagues and community games frequently played in parks and stadiums.
Widely played in schools and urban courts; informal pickup games are common in neighborhoods and campuses.
Recreational and competitive cycling are very popular—many scenic cycling routes and events take place in central Taiwan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhongbu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Taiwan has many Buddhist and vegetarian restaurants, especially in urban centers—look for the word '素' (sù). However many Taiwanese dishes use fish sauce or lard, so ask staff; ordering vegetable-only dishes or visiting dedicated vegetarian eateries is easiest.
Vegan options are growing but still limited in small towns; carry a translation card explaining 'no dairy, no eggs, no seafood' and seek out vegan restaurants in Taichung.
Rice-based dishes are safe, but soy sauce (contains wheat) is common—communicate restrictions clearly and prefer simple steamed dishes or fresh fruit.