Taichung Tourism

Boasting lavish natural environment and easy access, Guguan and Dakeng are among the best outing destinations not far from downtown Taichung. The hot spring and rich local culture also make it an ideal destination to spend the holidays.

Day 1
Suggested Route: Guguan Hot Springs Cultural Center → Enjoy Guguan hot spring → Guguan Hot Spring Park → Shaolai Trail and Guguan Suspension Bridge → Hotel

Following the extending path uphill, you will arrive in Guguan, a lovely place surrounded by mountains. The fresh air and natural hot springs attract visitors all year round. The town of hot springs is definitely worth an overnight stay.

Guguan Hot Springs Cultural Center
The history of hot springs
The Hot Springs Cultural Center is nearby the tourist center. It is a venue for occasional exhibitions and regular guides with multimedia equipments. Aside from enjoying a good bath in the hot spring, why not further enrich your trip by visiting the Hot Springs Cultural Center to learn more about the history and various effects of different hot springs?

Guguan Hot Springs Cultural Center
Open Time: 08:30-17:30
Address: No.102, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd., Heping Dist., Taichung City
TEL: +886-4-25951496

Guguan Hot Spring Bath
A warm remedy for the tired soul
The renowned Guguan hot spring is rich in CO2. Since it is of a relatively lower temperature, dipping in Guguan hot spring is good for blood circulation without over-working the heart. Hence, it is praised as“hot spring for the heart”. Visitors can choose to enjoy Guguan hot springs from a wide range of hot spring facilities featuring different styles and prices.

Guguan Hot Spring
Open time: 07:00-22:00
Address: Lane Wenquan ,Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd.,, Heping Dist., Taichung City

Gugang Hot Spring Park
A leisurely afternoon
Located nearby the Hot Springs Cultural Center, the Hot Spring Park is a spacious land full of lavish greeneries. It is a great outing location for families. There is a free hot spring pond where you can experience kiss-fish removing cuticles from your skin.

Shaolai Trail and Guguan Suspension Bridge
An encounter with the divine tree in the mountains
Follow signs in the Hot Spring Park, and you will arrive at Shaolai Suspension Bridge and the beginning of Shaolai Trail. The hike takes about an hour during which you will encounter a thousand-year-old white pine, which is believed to be divine tree. Don’t forget to take a picture with Guguan Suspension Bridge. The thirst-easing white pine juice is a highly recommended refreshment worth trying.

Day 2
Suggested Route: Basianshan Forest Recreation Area→ Xinshe mushroom-picking → Xinshe Castle → Dakeng Scenic Area(Dakang walking trails)→ Taro balls

You might as well make a stop in Xinshe on the way back to Taichung City from Guguan. The glamorous colors of the seasonal sea of flowers will definitely catch your attention. The fun mushroom-picking experience will make your day. Xinshe is rather small but full of surprises.

Basianshan Forest Recreation Area
Forest bathing with phytoncide
Basianshan is the main peak of the mountain range in Guguan, Taichung. Boasting rich forest ecology, it was once a forestry area during the Japanese colonial period. Now a recreation area of unique forestry culture, it has clear rivers and the protected beetle, Aeolesthes Oenochrous. The trails are mostly gentle. A complete detour around the mountain takes about three hours. It is suitable for visitors of all ages.

Basianshan Forest Recreation Area
Open Time: 08:00-17:00
Address: No.200-8, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd., Heping Dist., Taichung City
TEL: +886-4-25951214

Mushroom-picking in Xinshe
The delight of mushroom-picking
Xinshe Mushroom Street is a major place of mushroom production. It was once little known, but after some hard work, the mushroom farmers have successfully transformed Xinshe into a top tourist attraction. In addition to trying some juicy and crispy fried mushrooms and the one-of-a-kind mushroom ice cream, visitors can also experience mushroom-picking at their chosen mushroom farm.

Xiezhong Mushroom Street
Open Time: 09:00-17:00 （Business hours of each store vary）
Address: Xiezhong St., Xinshe Dist., Taichung City

Xinshe Castle
A trip to the classic European imagination
The 14-hectare Xinshe Castle is a European-style stone-built architecture on a spacious grassland. The minute you set foot in the area, you will immediately be immersed in a classic European ambience. You can buy a drink and enjoy the unique seasonal scene of cherry blossoms, red maple leaves or deciduous cypress that compliment the beauty of the castle.

Xinshe Castle
Open Time: 09:00-18:00
Address: No.65, Xiezhong St., Xinshe Dist., Taichung City
TEL: +886-4-25825628

Dakeng Scenic Area
Light traveling to the suburb
Dakeng, also known as Taichung’s back garden, is a popular holiday outing destination among locals. There are twelve hiking trails of distinct features that appeal to different types of hikers. The area also offers hot spring, delicious cuisines and coffee shops with a view. If you don’t have time for an in-depth travel, a one-day trip to Dakeng is an alternative.

Dakeng Scenic Area / Dakang walking trails
Visiting Information:Hiking Trail No.6, No.7, No.8, No.9 and No.9-1 are suitable for hikers of all ages.
Address: No.30, Sec. 2, Dongshan Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City
TEL: +886-4-22289111#58511

Taro ball
A mouthful of fragrance and texture
Though Dakeng does not produce taros, it sure is known for taro sweet soup. Every store boasts its signature taro ball whether it is made of the famed Dajia taros, or comes with handmade grass jelly. The one thing in common is the clean and sweet aftertaste that is favored by all.