Taichung Travel Guide 2026: Exploring the Old Town, Miyahara Eye Clinic, Hidden Cafés, and Must-Try Delicacies

Taichung•Taiwan•Asia

Published at 06/17/2026

Thinking of embarking on an artistic journey this weekend? The charming, laid-back pace of Taichung is sure to rejuvenate you. This city boasts magnificent historical buildings, while its alleys are home to exquisite cafés and authentic local cuisine. Grab your camera and join Kinnso as we stroll through the old town, capturing the essence of your unique Taichung experience!

Exploring Taichung's Old City: A Glamorous Transformation Over a Century

Miyahara Ophthalmology and the Fourth Credit Cooperative: Nostalgic Ice Cream Aesthetics

When visiting Taichung, a walking tour of the old city is undoubtedly the best way to get to know this vibrant locale. Stepping out from the historic Taichung Railway Station, a leisurely five-minute stroll will lead you to the renowned Miyahara Ophthalmology. Interestingly, this red brick building originally served as a clinic!

After undergoing a renovation, it has retained its vintage, weathered exterior while transforming the interior into a dreamy dessert shop that feels like a movie set. The towering wooden bookshelves, paired with an exquisite glass roof that lets in natural light, create an atmosphere that is irresistibly captivating as soon as you step inside.~

In addition to admiring the architecture, the ice cream here is another highlight that you simply cannot miss. With dozens of flavors of chocolate and local Taiwanese fruit ice cream, paired with whole slices of cheesecake or pineapple cakes, just looking at it brings immense joy! However, it's worth noting that Miyahara Eye Clinic usually attracts large crowds and does not have seating for dining in.

If you’re looking to sit down and savor your experience, Kinnso recommends heading over to the “Fourth Credit Cooperative,” which features a vault theme. This place retains the metal industrial style of an old bank, offering a much more spacious environment. Choose a cozy spot by the window and enjoy a refreshing and sweet afternoon tea in comfort.

A generous serving of a double-scoop ice cream costs around NT$200 to NT$250 (approximately HK$50 to HK$60). The portion is substantial, making it perfect for sharing between two people. After enjoying the ice cream, take a leisurely stroll along the nearby Green River waterfront. The lush greenery and thoughtfully designed lighting along the water's edge create a particularly romantic and pleasant atmosphere as a gentle breeze blows through.

Vintage Vault and High Bookshelf: A Source of Community Inspiration for Photos

If you want to capture the grandeur of an old building, it's recommended to use a wide-angle lens and shoot from a low angle to emphasize the high ceilings. Wearing an earth-toned vintage dress would be a perfect match! When filming Reels, consider starting with a shot of the vault door and then transitioning to a close-up of the ice cream. This contrasting transition will surely make your visuals stunning!

Discovering Taichung: The First Cup of Bubble Tea and the Fragrance of Tea in the Alley

Chun Shui Tang Founder Store: Savoring the Internationally Renowned Classic Hand-Shaken Tea

When it comes to Taiwan, how can one not mention bubble tea? Since you are in Taichung, it's a must to make a pilgrimage to the Chun Shui Tang Founder Store on Siwei Street! This is the birthplace of the globally popular bubble tea. Upon entering the shop, the wooden decor and the antique-style calligraphy create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

Ordering a classic cup of bubble tea typically costs around NT$100 (approximately HK$25). As you gaze at the condensation forming on the outside of the glass, it makes you eager to take a sip. The milk tea here boasts a rich tea aroma, with a smooth and creamy flavor that isn’t overwhelming. The standout feature is the chewy, bouncy pearls, which allow you to savor the effort put into each sip.

In addition to the tea beverages, the Taiwanese snacks offered at the shop are also of high quality. Kinnso personally recommends the signature braised tofu and rice blood cake, which are infused with a subtle tea aroma from the flavorful braising sauce. Pairing these with a refreshing milk tea is simply a match made in heaven! Enjoying tea and chatting with friends in such a historically rich environment truly becomes one of the most relaxing moments of the trip.

Tai Chung Meatballs and Braised Pork Rice: The Ultimate Temptation of Street Food

If you have a passion for local street snacks, the culinary offerings in Tai Chung are sure to impress! Unlike the methods found in the southern or northern regions, Tai Chung's meatballs boast a unique style. The outer skin, which is deep-fried at a low temperature, appears semi-transparent and delivers a slightly crispy texture on the outside, while the inside is incredibly chewy and soft, creating a wonderfully rich combination of flavors and textures.

Upon cutting open the meatball, the hearty pork filling is complemented by the sweetness of diced bamboo shoots. Drizzled with Taichung's distinctive pink sweet rice sauce and a touch of chili sauce, the delightful blend of fresh and sweet flavors is truly amazing! Each piece costs around NT$50 (approximately HK$12), making it perfect as a light afternoon snack or as a side dish for a main meal.

As night falls and hunger strikes, a steaming bowl of braised pork rice is undoubtedly the ultimate comfort food. Locals in Taichung highly recommend a time-honored establishment for their braised pork rice, where the fatty pork with skin is simmered to perfection, becoming tender enough to melt in your mouth. The rich gelatin and savory braising sauce envelop each grain of white rice, creating an irresistible aroma that is simply impossible to resist.

When ordering braised pork rice, make sure to add a soft-boiled egg! Gently break the golden yolk, allowing the thick egg sauce to flow into the rice with the steam, and mix it all together before taking a bite. The exquisite smoothness and rich aroma of the fat will undoubtedly make you crave bite after bite until it's all gone!

Art and Culture: Experience the Visual Impact of a Contemporary Palace

National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts: Immerse Yourself in a Boundless Artistic World

After enjoying a satisfying meal, it's the perfect time to plan an enriching cultural outing. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (commonly known as the NTMoFA) stands as a prominent cultural landmark in Taichung. Not only does it feature a vast outdoor sculpture park filled with lush greenery, but the indoor exhibition spaces are also spacious and comfortable, allowing visitors to stroll without feeling any sense of pressure.

The permanent exhibitions alternate with various contemporary art showcases, ensuring that whether you appreciate classical paintings, modern sculptures, or multimedia interactive art, you will find something that resonates with you here. Strolling through the vast, pure white galleries and watching the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the artworks, any feelings of restlessness will naturally begin to settle.

This is also a great place to escape the summer heat. The museum is air-conditioned, and after a long stroll, you can take a moment to relax at the attached cultural café. The best part is that most exhibitions at the National Museum are free to visit! Experiencing world-class art and culture without having to purchase a ticket is definitely a must-do for any art-loving traveler.

Unique Cultural and Creative Shops: Discovering Little Surprises in the City

Beyond the large art museums, the alleys of Taichung's old town are home to many independent shops brimming with personality. As you stroll through the area, you might stumble upon a vintage clothing store or a whimsical toy shop filled with fantastical designs. There are even quirky shops themed around zombies and the occult!

The driving force behind these shops are often passionate local creators who bring their imaginative ideas to life, filling every corner of the alley with surprises. Stepping into these stores feels like embarking on a treasure hunt; you can choose from postcards by independent illustrators or purchase a handmade leather pouch as a unique keepsake.

During conversations with shop owners, you can truly feel the warm and creative lifestyle attitude of the people in Taichung. There's no need for a meticulously planned route; simply wandering into an unknown alley and enjoying the delightful surprises you encounter is what makes exploring the city so captivating and addictive!

Tai Chung Mornings: Awaken Your Day with Pork Rib Rice

A Delicious Morning Ritual: The Locals' Hidden Gem of Pork Rib Rice

If you typically enjoy sleeping in while traveling, Kinnso highly recommends that you make an exception during your visit to Tai Chung. Set aside at least one morning to experience the unique vitality that this city offers! The morning atmosphere in Tai Chung is incredibly relaxed, with none of the hurried footsteps typical of larger cities. Instead, the air is filled with a sense of leisurely living.

Compared to the typical Western brunch, many long-time residents of Taichung prefer to start their day with a hearty and filling Taiwanese breakfast. In local markets or near old street areas, you'll find numerous long-established eateries serving up large portions of pork rib rice. That's right, it's a genuine local tradition for Taichung residents to enjoy pork rib rice in the morning!

The freshly fried pork ribs have a golden, crispy exterior. When you take a bite, the juices burst forth, and the meat is far from dry or tough. The white rice underneath is soaked in a rich braising sauce with a hint of five-spice flavor, complemented by pickled vegetables that provide a refreshing contrast. Starting your day with this dish, the warm, aromatic oil melts in your mouth, delivering a profound sense of satisfaction that will surely recharge your energy instantly!

A serving of pork rib rice costs around NT$90 to NT$110 (approximately HK$22 to HK$28). Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also offers a fantastic way to experience local life. After finishing your meal, you can easily grab a cup of traditional iced red tea from a nearby drink stall and take a leisurely stroll in a nearby park. Such moments often become the most memorable experiences of your journey.

Conclusion: Returning Home with Abundant Memories and Inspiration

The charm of Taichung lies in its innovative thinking that keeps pace with the times while beautifully preserving the warmth of the past. From the magnificent old buildings to the alleyway stalls serving pork ribs rice, from the internationally renowned bubble tea to the design-centric art museums, every corner invites you to savor and document its essence.

We hope this guide prepared by Kinnso brings you plenty of inspiration for your next journey. Don’t hesitate any longer—choose a weekend, book a flight, and come experience the unique slow-paced lifestyle of Taichung for yourself! We’ll see you on your next adventure!

台中自由行2026必看 QA

Q1: 台中宮原眼科有提供內用座位嗎？

A1:

宮原眼科沒有設置內用座位且人潮較多。如果想坐下來好好品嚐冰品，建議步行至附近的「第四信用合作社」，空間寬敞且座位充足。

Q2: 台中必喝的珍珠奶茶在哪裡推薦？

A2:

強烈推薦前往四維街的「春水堂創始店」！這裡是揚名全球的珍珠奶茶發源地，不僅茶香濃郁、珍珠Ｑ彈，還能搭配招牌滷豆干和米血等傳統茶點。

Q3: 國立台灣美術館參觀需要買門票嗎？

A3:

國美館的大多數常設展與當代藝術特展都是免費參觀的！館內冷氣開放又寬敞，是一處非常值得安排的避暑與文藝行程。

Q4: 台中早上的在地特色美食推薦什麼？

A4:

許多老台中人喜歡以豐盛的「排骨飯」來開啟早晨。市場或老街區附近都有早上就開賣的排骨飯老店，炸得金黃酥脆的排骨配上滷汁白飯，充滿濃濃在地生活感。

Q5: 台中肉圓的口感與其他地方有何不同？

A5:

台中的肉圓採用低溫油泡炸過，外皮半透明且外微酥內極度Ｑ彈軟糯。搭配清甜筍丁豬肉內餡，並淋上特有粉紅色甜米醬與少許辣醬，層次超級豐富！