The Taichung Train Station area has received such a massive facelift in recent years that it is almost beyond recognition. For the better? Absolutely! This area is now one of the coolest in Taichung city, and I could not recommend it more.
What’s new around the Taichung Train Station area?
What is not new should be the question! So much has changed, but obviously, it’s the station itself that will make your eyes pop wide open when you get there. Previously, the train station in Taichung was in an old, elegant, Japanese-style building – a top colonial landmark of Taiwan – and one of the most photographed attractions in Taichung.
Top 20 Attractions in Taichung City
The Old Train Station
Today, that old building is in a sad state. It has been left aside, in the shade of the brand new station. Doors are locked, windows are shuttered, and the old signs are still hung, rusty and dirty… I really hope the city government will do something about it soon, out of respect for this Taichung legendary emblem.
The New Train Station
The new Taichung Train Station is simply stunning and looks like it’s coming straight out of a science fiction movie. The massive jaw-dropping, high-tech building is one of the most beautiful in the city, and as such, it attracts countless tourists every day of the week. The new train station in Taichung is not just a mere place where you catch a train: it’s a tourist attractions, where people come to take pictures, eat, shop, and walk around.
Old Taichung
The train station is located in the old part of Taichung, which is a very interesting area with a lot of contrasting sights. There’s obviously an effort by the city to re-design and “uplift” the old neighborhoods with new projects, but the old soul is still there, in plain sight at ever corner, on all the sidewalks. You can tell that some people are struggling, and that the younger generation has moved west, in more affluent neighborhoods.
But there is a charm to it all. It’s where the city was born, and you can still feel that the pulse of the past is still beating fast and hard. The energy here is without equal in any other zones of TC. It’s still one of my favorite parts of town to walk around.
Attractions Around Taichung Train Station
There’s quite a few sights in this district, but I would say that the streets themselves, the alleys, especially north of the train station, are the main attraction. Go get lost in those back alleys and you’ll discover stuff that no guidebook could lead you to.
If you do want to see the “official” attractions near the train station, here they are, and I will include them in the map below:
- Miyahara Ice Cream and Tea Shop
- Luchuan Canal (nice place to walk around)
- Shoyakusho (old Japanese building built in 1911)
- Taichung Park and Jade Market
- Confucius Temple
Night Markets Near Taichung Train Station
Another reason why you might want to consider staying around the train station, is that you have access to no less than four (yes, 4!) night markets within a 1km radius. Here they are, and make sure to check them out on the map at the bottom of this page:
- Yizhong Street 一中街夜市
- Zhongxiao Road Night Market 忠孝路觀光夜市
- Zhonghua Road Night Market 中華路夜市
- Hanxi Night Market 旱溪夜市
Hotels Near Taichung Train Station
The area around Taichung train station has the highest concentration of cheap accommodation in the city. There’s quite a few backpacker hostels, but most options are cheap to mid-range business hotels that have been re-modeled in recent years. Value-wise it’s great as you might end up in a place that’s been completely renovated with new furniture, but it’s cheaper because it’s in old Taichung.
CityInn Hotel Plus is the best value hotel near Taichung Train Station. Check room price and availability. It’s new, central, super clean, and offers all the amenities that usually come with this brand. I’ve heard the best about this place, and the reviews don’t lie, it’s in the top-5 best reviewed hotels in the city. It’s also near two malls: the Taroko Mall and the Showtime department store is not too far either.
Taichung Train Station to Xinwuri Station (HSR)
From Taichung Station, you can reach the HSR station, which is called Xinwuri, in 11 minutes by local slow train, cost 11NT$ for regular adult ticket.
Taichung Train Station to Sun Moon Lake (SML)
Bus #6670 travels to Sun Moon Lake from the train station. Check more info about Taichung to Sun Moon Lake.
Train Schedule and Timetable
Check this page on the TRA Taiwan Railway Administration to get the most updated schedule and timetable for travel from Taichung Train Station to other cities around Taiwan.
Train Fare from Taichung
The following train fares and travel time are for the Tze-Chiang Express class:
- Taichung to Taipei Main Station: 375$, 2h 20m
- Taichung to Hsinchu: 197$, 1hr 06m
- Taichung to Taoyuan: 308$, 1hr 46m
- Taichung to Tainan: 363$, 2hr 09m
- Taichung to Chiayi: 224$, 1hr 20m
- Taichung to Kaohsiung: 469$, 2hr 51m
- Taichung to Fengyuan: 32$, 10 minutes
