Finally, at long last, Taichung has its own operational MRT system! This is great news for tourists, as, until now, using public transportation (buses) to get around the city was not really convenient or intuitive if you were not a native Chinese speaker.
On this page, I will be showing you the most important (my favorite actually) attractions along the Taichung MRT GREEN line. Unfortunately, the line does not go through the heart (what I like to call “The Zone“) of the city. It also does not connect with the Taichung Train Station or the old part of town, but it does link to the HSR (High-Speed Rail).
Shui-An Temple station, near Gongyi Road
Facts about the Taichung MRT
- Travels through the northern and western parts of the city, from Beitun to Wuri District.
- Number of lines: 1
- Number of stations: 18
- Length: 16.71km
- Operation began on April 25, 2021
- Years needed to complete: 11
Stations of Interest
Take a look at which MRT stations have noteworthy attractions, or interesting things to do / places to eat or drink.
Taichung City Hall Station 市政府站
I would say that from a tourist / visitor point of view, Taichung City Hall is the one station which has the most opportunities and variety: shopping malls, parks, restaurants, cafes, bars, sights…
It’s right at the eastern edge of Qiqi District; the most modern (and richest) neighborhood in the city. You can spend an entire day walking around Qiqi, along the beautiful parks and wide, clean sidewalks.
Check out these places around City Hall Station:
- National Taichung Theater
- Taichung City Government building
- Maple Garden
- Top City Department Store
- Mitsukoshi Department Store
- Mezamashikohi Coffee
- Ruler Bar
Shui-an Temple 水安宮
Shui-an Temple station is the nearest to Gongyi road – an avenue which is considered to be the most famous in Taichung, for its endless options of places to eat. That road is packed with restaurants that deliver international flavors, from Sichuanese hot pot to Korean BBQ. So my top tip about Shui-an Temple station is to get off and walk along Gongyi Rd, all the way to the Green Belt. If you do that, you will have a wonderful day – guaranteed! Note that there’s an interesting temple next to the station.
Check out these places around Shui-an Temple Station:
- Le Ble d’Or – brewery, western food
- Wine Not – great little wine bar, bring your own food
- 岩手炭火燒烤 – A Japanese BBQ place, across the road from Wine Not
Transfer from Taichung MRT to TRA Train
If you arrive to Taichung by normal train (TRA), you can get off at either Songzhu Station 松竹站 or Daqing Station 大慶站.
Taichung MRT to HSR Station
The last (southernmost) station is called Xinwuri Station and that is where you can get on the High-Speed Rail, Taiwan’s amazing bullet train.
The Taichung MRT also goes under the following names: Taichung Mass Rapid Transit, Taichung Metro