TaichungPlay Recommendations

Luce Memorial Chapel sits on the campus of Tunghai University in Xitun District, Taichung, a modernist masterpiece co-designed by I. M. Pei and Chen Chi-kwan and completed in 1963. Its shape resembles two hands lifted in prayer and uses a reinforced-concrete thin-shell structure with a diamond-coffered ceiling, fusing the Chinese concept of 'heaven and humanity as one' with Western modernism. The chapel was selected by the Getty Foundation as one of ten global modern buildings to preserve and is now a National Monument. Open to the public and surrounded by green lawns, it's a peaceful spot for a family stroll, photography or quiet reflection.

A-Cong Shi Taro Cultural Museum in Da-an District (near Dajia), Taichung is a taro-themed tourism factory and cultural hall with free admission. The site combines indoor exhibition spaces, an outdoor ecological zone and barrier-free facilities, making it ideal for families. Visitors can sample assorted taro pastries at the gift counter, and join the popular taro-cake DIY class (reservation required) to follow the process from dough to finished pastry. Unlimited free freshly ground coffee and iced tea are offered on site, and bicycle rental is available too, making the museum a great outing for families, school trips and couples.

Gaomei Wetland in Qingshui District, Taichung, is a natural attraction famed for its vast wetlands, intertidal ecology and sunset views. Visitors can stroll the wooden boardwalk, spotting fiddler crabs and mudskippers, and step onto the exposed tidal flats at low tide. At dusk, the sea mirrors the golden sun, earning it the nickname 'Mirror of the Sky' and drawing families and photographers in droves. The visitor centre (09:00-18:00) provides ecological information and interactive displays, and the entire site is free, reachable by bus or car. It's a must-stop on any one-day coastal Taichung itinerary.

Lihpao Land at No. 8, Fulong Road, Houli District, Taichung, sits right next to the Houli–Waipu interchange of Highway 1, making access easy. The park blends theme-park rides, live shows and leisure entertainment, designed for a full family experience. Thrill rides sit alongside gentler attractions for younger visitors, with seasonal events and festival performances adding variety, so a single day can pack in multiple kinds of fun. As specific ticket prices and opening hours may change, it's best to check the official site or ticketing platforms before visiting to plan the ideal day.

The National Museum of Natural Science (often called Kebo) near Audit Village in Taichung was Taiwan's first museum of science. Its halls cover dinosaurs, a 3D theatre, a botanical garden, ecological exhibits, space and the human body, making it suitable for the whole family. Admission to the main hall is free, with free entry for children under six, and from 14:00 every Friday the museum opens its doors free of charge, making planning easy. The spacious, well-equipped halls run a range of educational activities that blend learning with entertainment.

The Shalu Leisure Landscape Trail is in Shalu District, Taichung, just next to Zhengying Road off Taiwan Boulevard. The trail runs roughly 1.9 kilometres and takes about an hour to complete, sitting underneath Highway 3. Lined with trees on both sides, it features viewing decks, pavilions and interpretive signs along with toilets and parking, ideal for family strolls, dog-walking and jogging. Because of its under-highway setting it has been nicknamed 'Taiwan's Mini Great Wall' or 'Shalu Underground City', a popular Instagram spot that needs no ticket and can be used year-round.