Sunny Days in Taichung

Guest Post by: Tina Liu, a Junior at Foster studying Information Systems and Marketing. Tina is currently on a Foster Exchange at the National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

Sunset at Gaomei Wetlands

Because the NCCU campus is near the mountains, heavy rain was a constant factor during my spring semester exchange. However, the further south you go, the more tropical and sunny the weather can get! So, if you ever want to get away from the rain without heading all the way south to Kenting, Taichung is a great location with many attractions for a long weekend trip. In my opinion, the Gaomei Wetlands are a must for those visiting Taichung. The shallow water of the wetland makes an incredibly scenic view and the sunset is different each time depending on the weather conditions. We weren’t so lucky that day with a mostly overcast sky, but it is always a beautiful sight regardless!

Rainbow Village

Another iconic destination is the Rainbow Village. If you’re looking for an “Instagram worthy” shot, this is the place for you! Not only is it a one-of-a-kind place, but it also holds a touching back story. Originally, these old buildings were set to be knocked down by the government to make way for a modern apartment complex. But one resident, Huang Yung-fu, was reluctant. So at the age of 86, he painted the remaining buildings with vibrant colors and designs, eventually single-handedly saving it from demolition. This year, at 97 years old, I met him in the Rainbow Village!

Lole Market

A great place to find unique souvenirs from your trip is at Lole Market. This is a weekend market where creators sell their homemade goods. You can find a plethora of items including things like stationary items, accessories, desserts, and more! Last but not least, a weekend trip in Taiwan isn’t complete without finding the best nearby night market. For Taichung, that would be the Feng Chia Night Market. It’s a large market with everything you could want to find: clothing, games, and of course, delicious food!

So, if you are interested in a well-rounded trip with great scenery, culture, shopping, and food, make sure to visit Taichung!