Taichung–Changhua–Nantou
Taichung–Changhua–Nantou at a Glance
What it's like
Taichung–Changhua–Nantou is the core of central Taiwan, combining urban shopping districts, Lukang's historic streets, and the alpine lake of Sun Moon Lake—covering the full spectrum from city to nature in one trip.
Good for
Ideal for travelers who enjoy hip shopping districts, old-street culture, and lake-and-mountain scenery; also popular for family trips and honeymoons; not the first choice for those seeking pure island vibes or offshore-island diving.
Suggested days
1-2 days for Taichung city; extend to 3-4 days if adding mountain areas such as Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing.
Best season
March-May and October-November are the most comfortable; July-September is hot with frequent thunderstorms, and the Sun Moon Lake mountain area has large day-night temperature swings—bring a light jacket.
Getting around
Enter via Taichung Airport (Ching Chuan Kang) or THSR Taichung Station; the city has the Taichung MRT and buses, but Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing have no rail—take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus or drive.
Things to note
Driving around Sun Moon Lake takes longer than you might expect, so don't schedule too tightly; Cingjing's high elevation gets cold in the morning and evening, so dress warmly; shuttle bus queues at THSR Taichung Station get crowded on weekends and holidays.
Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area
Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area
Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area
Places to Stay
The Splendor Hotel Taichung
Wyndham Sun Moon Lake
The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake
Freshfields Taichung
Windsor Hotel Taichung
Evergreen Laurel Hotel (Taichung)
Local Eats
MOTEX Diamond-Shaped Medical Mask Gift Box Set (Motex Healthcare Corp.)
Not at Home不在家甜點
Vesuvio Pizzeria (想義廚房)
Sweego Fruit Cuisine (水水果饌)
'Grandpa Hua' Dried Cauliflower (Xihu Township Fruit and Vegetable Market Co., Ltd.)
ㄎㄠ一杯臺灣菜專門店
Events
2026–2027 Explore the Beauty of Taichung: Visitor Incentive Program
Fly Air Macau and Enjoy Non-Stop Perks with Your Boarding Pass!
"Tour Taichung with Your Jin Air Boarding Pass!" — Discounts at Local Taichung Businesses
2026 Hike Taichung
Domestic Travel Subsidy, Taichung Bonus: Stay in Taichung Every Week, Vacation All Year Long
Stay in Taichung Every Week, Vacation All Year: Stay in Taichung and Win Prizes
FAQ
What's the most time-efficient way to visit Sun Moon Lake?
For touring the lake, take the Sun Moon Lake boats connecting the three piers of Shuishe, Ita Thao, and Xuanguang Temple — it's faster than driving the ring road, and you can cover the main sights in half a day.
How many days should I spend in Taichung city?
Two days is enough for the shopping districts and hip spots (Shen Ji New Village, Rainbow Village); if adding Sun Moon Lake or Cingjing, extend to 3-4 days.
Does it get cold in the Cingjing highlands in the morning and evening?
At about 1,700 meters elevation, mornings and evenings are cool even in summer — bring a light long-sleeve jacket; in winter you'll need a warm coat.