TaichungPlay Recommendations

Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area in Heping District, Taichung, sits between 1,800 and 2,600 metres above sea level, with summer temperatures of just 15-20 degrees, making it a refreshingly cool retreat. Visitors can hike the trails and breathe in forest phytoncides, and after the rain spot a wide range of wild fungi. The park regularly hosts family-friendly events such as phone-stand DIY workshops. Spring and summer bring alpine flowers, autumn brings seas of clouds and red maple leaves, and winter wraps the area in a dreamy fog, making it a year-round high-mountain nature destination.

Xintian Hiking Trail in Tanzih District, Taichung, near Tzu Chi Hospital, is one of the area's most popular hiking routes. The trail runs about a kilometre on a 1,063-step wooden staircase that winds up the hillside, with constantly changing views from dense forest to open panoramas. A loop design with a large car park at the entrance makes driving easy. The path is mostly gentle gradient, suitable for hikers of all ages, and the summer shade prevents overexposure, making it ideal for a hot-weather hike. The setting is quiet and clean, perfect for those looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Lishan is a high-mountain scenic area in Taichung that sits between 680 and 2,000 metres above sea level, with summer temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal summer escape. In spring and summer hydrangeas bloom along gentle trails suitable for families and seniors, with mist and valley views along the way. From July the peach harvest season begins, letting visitors taste alpine fruit and tea and experience local mountain produce and culture. Whether it's natural ecology, flower-lined trails or alpine tea and peach cuisine, Lishan delivers cool weather alongside rich experiences, making it a top summer destination.

Fushoushan in Taichung is one of Taiwan's most famous alpine summer retreats, centred on Fushoushan Farm. Each season offers different views—cherry blossoms in spring, cool escapes in summer, maple leaves and ripening apples in autumn, and snowscapes in winter. The farm offers camping, wooden cabins and apple-house accommodation at about 2,574 metres above sea level, with summer daytime temperatures of 24-26°C and night-time 14-16°C, suitable for families, seniors and budget travellers. The farm can be combined with nearby high-mountain farms such as Lishan and Wuling Farm; transport and ticket information are available via the farm's official online booking platform.

The National Museum of Natural Science (often called Kebo) in Taichung is a comprehensive museum that blends science, nature and ecology. The grounds include a botanical garden, an indoor waterfall and the Phoenix Valley Bird Park—cool spaces perfect for summer escapes and family visits. The museum regularly hosts themed activities around soil conservation and ecological discovery, with extended hours during the summer holidays for more flexible visiting. Whether admiring plants, watching birds or exploring the interactive zones, visitors enjoy a rare blend of freshness and knowledge in the city.

Zhukeng-Nanliao Trail in Longjing District, Taichung, links the old settlements of Zhukeng and Nanliao and is a gentle, family-friendly historic mountain trail. The route follows wooden boardwalks, stone-paved paths and cobblestones, with pavilions and viewing platforms that overlook the Dadu River estuary, Taichung Port and the Taiwan Strait, with green views of Dadushan beyond. The trail has a long history—once a Qing-era route for Han settlers and plains indigenous hunters—and has been restored as a leisure trail perfect for relaxed hiking with families, seniors and nature lovers.