The best souvenirs to buy in Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung is an incredible city that is becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. With so many things to see and do it is perfect for a short weekend trip. But what kind of souvenirs can you buy that are uniquely local? Here are five of the best locally made souvenirs you can pick up next time you are in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Mentioning suncake naturally reminds people of Taichung. It is almost like the synonym for Taichung. In earlier times, suncake was all hand-made typically with maltose as filling, with thin pastry skin, good smell and easily melts in your mouth; the keys to the fabulous taste of suncake. Due to the interest in health care in recent years, many pastry shops began to replace animal shortening, which is usually the material oil of suncakes, to vegetable ones and also further invented many lighter flavors for suncakes.

Fengyuan Lacquer Art

Fengyuan in Taichung was once the center of all things lacquer here in Taiwan. In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you will find that it is home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. It is also the best place to pick up a locally made piece of lacquerware. From chopsticks to bowls, there are plenty of brightly colored pieces to choose from, and they are the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Waipu Wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that is simply down to a lack of wine-producing history. However, that is all about to change as Waipu winemakers Shu Sheng have won international acclaim for their products. Started back in 2000 by a local farmer and a winemaker, the vineyard is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best producers of wine in Asia, with their wines winning many awards across the globe.

Pineapple Cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just cannot leave the city without, pineapple cakes are plentiful in Taichung. The problem is, which ones are the best?

Dawn Cake can probably take that accolade as their pineapple cakes are incredible. They are without doubt the best locally made cakes, and many people consider them to be on a par with, or even better than the more famous Chia Te or SunnyHills cakes.

Cheese-Filled Mochi

You have probably heard of the sticky and chewy dessert known as mochi, and you may have even tried some with various fillings such as green tea or red bean. It is highly unlikely though that you have tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It does not sound too appetizing, but then again many of the world’s most delicious snacks started out as a weird combination of two contrasting foods. And this is one of those times when such a strange marriage of ingredients actually works.

Read more: Take a trip to Taichung

Source Internet

5 great souvenirs you should buy in Taichung

Taichung is an incredible city that is fast becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. With so many things to see and do it’s perfect for a short weekend trip. But what kind of souvenirs can you buy that are uniquely local? Here are five of the best locally made souvenirs you can pick up next time you’re in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Ask any Taiwanese person what they want you to bring back from your trip to Taichung, and they will scream ‘Suncakes!’ Yes, it’s the most popular thing you can buy in Taichung (aside from pearl milk tea but who’s taking that on a plane?) but don’t assume that it’s some bland, tasteless cake that people buy simply because it’s the done thing. Suncake is a flaky pastry with a sweet maltose filling but lately, bakeries have been getting quite creative with their fillings, and you can now find a wide variety of flavors. There are dozens of bakeries throughout the city, but perhaps the most famous is Chia Wia Sina. Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular. Their Milk SunCake was recently voted one of the best souvenirs to take home from Taichung.

Cheese-filled mochi

You’ve probably heard of the sticky and chewy dessert known as mochi, and you may have even tried some with various fillings such as green tea or red bean. It’s highly unlikely though that you’ve tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It doesn’t sound too appetizing, but then again many of the world’s most delicious snacks started out as a weird combination of two contrasting foods. And this is one of those times when such a strange marriage of ingredients actually works.

Fengyuan lacquer art

Fengyuan in Taichung was once the center of all things lacquer here in Taiwan. In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you’ll find that it’s home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. It’s also the best place to pick up a locally made piece of lacquerware. From chopsticks to bowls, there are plenty of brightly colored pieces to choose from, and they’re the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Pineapple cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just can’t leave the city without, pineapple cakes are plentiful in Taichung. The problem is, which ones are the best?

Dawn Cake can probably take that accolade as their pineapple cakes are incredible. They are without doubt the best locally made cakes, and many people consider them to be on a par with, or even better than the more famous Chia Te or SunnyHills cakes.

Waipu wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that’s simply down to a lack of wine-producing history. However, that is all about to change as Waipu winemakers Shu Sheng have won international acclaim for their products. Started back in 2000 by a local farmer and a winemaker, the vineyard is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best producers of wine in Asia, with their wines winning many awards across the globe.

Read more : Rainbow Village, a must-visit place in Taichung

Source Internet

Best souvenirs to bring home from Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung is an incredible city that is fast becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. Here are five of the best locally made souvenirs you can pick up next time you’re in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Ask any Taiwanese person what they want you to bring back from your trip to Taichung, and they will scream ‘Suncakes!’ Yes, it’s the most popular thing you can buy in Taichung (aside from pearl milk tea but who’s taking that on a plane?) but don’t assume that it’s some bland, tasteless cake that people buy simply because it’s the done thing. Suncake is a flaky pastry with a sweet maltose filling but lately, bakeries have been getting quite creative with their fillings, and you can now find a wide variety of flavors. There are dozens of bakeries throughout the city, but perhaps the most famous is Chia Wia Sina. Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular. Their Milk SunCake (yes, it’s a thing) was recently voted one of the best souvenirs to take home from Taichung.

Cheese-filled mochi

You’ve probably heard of the sticky and chewy dessert known as mochi, and you may have even tried some with various fillings such as green tea or red bean. It’s highly unlikely though that you’ve tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It doesn’t sound too appetizing, but then again many of the world’s most delicious snacks started out as a weird combination of two contrasting foods. And this is one of those times when such a strange marriage of ingredients actually works.

Fengyuan lacquer art

Fengyuan in Taichung was once the center of all things lacquer here in Taiwan. In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you’ll find that it’s home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. It’s also the best place to pick up a locally made piece of lacquerware. From chopsticks to bowls, there are plenty of brightly colored pieces to choose from, and they’re the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Pineapple cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just can’t leave the city without, pineapple cakes are plentiful in Taichung. The problem is, which ones are the best?

Dawn Cake can probably take that accolade as their pineapple cakes are incredible. They are without doubt the best locally made cakes, and many people consider them to be on a par with, or even better than the more famous Chia Te or SunnyHills cakes.

Waipu wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that’s simply down to a lack of wine-producing history. However, that is all about to change as Waipu winemakers Shu Sheng have won international acclaim for their products. Started back in 2000 by a local farmer and a winemaker, the vineyard is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best producers of wine in Asia, with their wines winning many awards across the globe.

See more: 7 local delicacies you should try in Taichung

Source: Internet

Best things to see and do in Taichung, Taiwan

Once thought of as an industrial city, Taichung is fast gaining popularity among the tourist masses. As a melting pot of both culinary and cultural delights, it’s easy to see why this vibrant city is one for the Taiwan bucket list.

Rainbow Village

This one-time home for former members of the military is now an incredible place full of vibrant colors. A former soldier who felt that the drab and dreary neighborhood could do with a bit of life and color started the project. Although the area was marked for demolition, Mr. Huang went ahead and painted every surface he could find in every color of the rainbow. Thanks to his efforts, it is now a protected cultural area and is well worth a visit.

Gaomei Wetlands

The Gaomei Wetlands, located on the Dajia River Estuary, is home to more than 120 species of bird. This area, comprising mudflats and sandy beaches with easy-to-navigate promenades throughout, is a popular spot for ecologists and birdwatchers alike. Take a couple of hours here in the evening, and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Confucius Temple

Although this temple was built in the 1970s, it’s an impressive recreation of Song dynasty structures. It is a very relaxing place to visit, and tourists are more than welcome to take as many photos as they like. However, if you happen to be there on September 28th (Confucius’ birthday and Teacher’s Day), then be prepared for pure bedlam as locals flock to give thanks to Confucius.

Hit the night market

If there’s one thing Taiwan is famous for, it’s night markets, and in Taichung, there’s no shortage of them. But for the complete night market experience, head to Feng-Chia Night Market. It’s an incredible place full of food stalls where you can sample the famous local delicacies. There are also tons of clothing stalls so that you can get a little holiday shopping done.

Take a scenic bike ride

Hou-Feng Bikeway is a 4.5-kilometer-long (2.8 miles) route that takes you along an old railway line in Taichung’s Fengyuan District. On your ride, you get to cross an old iron railway bridge and pass through one of the railways old tunnels. It’s a pleasant ride, and riding through the tunnel is a fun experience that you’ll never forget.

Read more: A vibrant city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung

Source the culture trip

The reasons to visit Taichung one time in your lifetime

For many years, Taichung was considered a hub of industry and, as a result, not a place that many considered the ideal holiday or weekend break destination. However, in recent years the city has undergone a huge wave of redevelopment and is now a great place for a short break. Here are some of the main reasons why travelers should have the west coast city of Taichung on their Taiwan bucket list.

Arts and culture

Taichung is Taiwan's cultural center. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is one of the biggest in Asia, showcasing paintings, sculptures and installations from Taiwanese artists. The city has an outdoor jazz festival every October, attracting international acts.

Another stunning attraction is Rainbow Village, an old settlement for ex-soldiers, preserved by a 93-year-old man who's now the village's last resident. He hand-painted the buildings with colorful murals featuring children and animals, thereby saving it from demolition.

Super-friendly people

Taiwan has a reputation for being an incredibly welcoming place, and Taichung is one of its most welcoming cities. People here are very friendly towards tourists, and it is not uncommon to go out for dinner and make a few new friends along the way.

Amazing food

Many tourists would surmise that the food is amazing no matter where you go in Taiwan but in Taichung, you have a genuine melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. From French haute cuisine to local hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, Taichung has it all and then some. But more, it is the local treats that make the city one of a kind. Taichung is the home of a variety of snacks and foods such as Sun Cakes and Pearl Milk Tea. In fact, no self-respecting local will visit the city without sampling at least one.

Awesome night markets

Open-air night markets are the heart of nightlife here. Food stands offer noodles, stinky tofu, desserts and barbecued everything. There is no better place than Taichung to try bubble tea, where the popular drink was invented.

Nature

The countryside surrounding Taichung is home to some of the best trails for short hikes, and at any time during your stay in the city, you are never more than a half-hour away from lush green countryside. The nearby coast is also a great spot to visit the Gaomei Wetlands, one of the most popular places for an evening stroll. The wetlands are home to an incredible array of local wildlife, and the pathways that wind through the area provide easy access.

The cutest coffee shops

In a land overflowing with oddly themed cafés, saying that Taichung has the quirkiest is something else. But in Taichung, the cafés are not so much odd as they are cute and colorful. And what is more, there are so many of them. Every street seems to have at least two or three coffee shops, and with so much competition, each strives to stand out from the crowd. Having a coffee in Taichung is certainly an interesting experience.

Read more: Take a trip to Taichung

Source Internet

9 must-eat restaurants and night markets in Taichung

Taichung is one of Taiwan’s biggest cities. In fact, it’s the second biggest by population, bigger than Taipei and second only to New Taipei City. As you’d expect from a city with over 2.7 million people, it has a dizzying number of food choices, especially in a country as food-centric as Taiwan.

1. Second Market

If you’re in the mood for traditional Taiwanese breakfast, then Second Market is the place to go to in Taichung. Open since 1917, Taichung Second Public Market is a 7,000 square meter market with over fifty shops and three hundred stalls. There you’ll find all kinds of meat, produce, and spices, as well as multiple stands selling cooked food like baozi, noodles, lu rou fan, and black tea. As you can see from the long line of people below, it’s especially popular for breakfast.

2. Chun Shui Tang (Original Shop)

If you’re a fan of boba or bubble tea, then you absolutely must have one here at the original shop of Chun Shui Tang. It’s one of two Taiwanese establishments that have a legitimate claim as being the inventor of bubble tea. The other is Hanlin Teahouse in Tainan.

If you’ve never had boba before, it’s a Taiwanese drink which at its most basic is black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. It was invented in Taiwan but it’s become hugely popular worldwide. There are countless varieties of boba today, including here at Chun Shui Tang.

3. Fu Din Wang

Not only was it mentioned in a few blog posts, but one article described this restaurant as the place to go to in Taichung for pork knuckle. Aside from braised pork knuckle, they also specialize in lu rou fan or braised pork rice. Check out that bubbling cauldron of pork knuckle deliciousness. Taiwanese pork knuckles are slow cooked for hours until they’re fork tender and the meat is practically sliding off the bone. Fu Din Wang was packed during lunch but it looks like they do a lot of business with takeaways as well.

4. Ding Wang Hotpot (Tripodking)

Like lu rou fan and beef noodle soup, hot pot or shabu shabu is another beloved Taiwanese dish. Popular in East Asian countries like Japan and China, hot pot is a soup dish containing a variety of ingredients like seafood, thinly sliced meat, noodles, vegetables, tofu, and different types of fish and meatballs. A simmering pot of one or two kinds of soup stock is left on a burner at your table along with your ingredients. You then drop the raw ingredients into the pot yourselves to cook.

5. Smokey Joe’s

Smokey Joe’s serves mainly Tex-Mex cuisine but they do offer many global dishes as well, like burgers, pasta, and paella. Smokey Joe’s is a huge Tex-Mex restaurant with an American Vintage theme. It’s a beautifully designed restaurant with multiple dining areas and vintage memorabilia adorning every space.

6. Miyahara Ice Cream

Miyahara is the most famous place for pineapple cakes in Taichung. It’s so famous in fact, that it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Though Miyahara is best known for its pineapple cakes, it’s beloved for its ice cream as well which you can try from their small shop at the side of the main store. As you can tell from the markings on the floor, Miyahara Ice Cream is used to serving long queues of customers.

7. Hui-Sun Coffee

Hui-Sun Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Taichung that specializes in siphon coffee, a method of preparation that produces a delicate, tea-like cup of coffee. They gave a demo of the process and it was pretty cool to see, like watching a chemistry experiment. The coffee beans produced in Huisin Forest are described as being some of the very best in Taiwan. If you’re a coffee connoisseur and are interested in trying good local coffee in Taichung, then you may want to try a cup here at Hui-Sun Coffee.

See more: 6 reasons why Taiwan should be your next adventure

8. Zhongxiao Road Night Market

Zhongxiao Road Night Market didn’t seem to have as much food variety as other night markets. But more importantly, it didn’t feel as safe. Unlike other markets that are closed to vehicular traffic, this one has stalls on either side of busy Zhongxiao Road. Zhongxiao Road Night Market was offering lu wei, a type of Taiwanese braised food which is considered a distant cousin of hot pot. Commonly eaten as a snack, it involves braising a variety of ingredients in broth, then adding spices and sauces to the cooked food.

9. Fengjia Night Market

Home to an estimated 15,000 shops, restaurants, and stalls, Fengjia Night Market is described as the biggest night market in Taiwan. It’s a popular night market with a huge selection of food choices, so if you had time to visit just one night market in Taichung, then it should be this one. You’ll find many different types of grilled seafood at Fengjia Night Market like scallops, clams, squid, oysters, sea snails, and abalone.

Source willflyforfood

8 snowy destinations in Asia for mountain and winter lovers

When people talk about Asia, some of the first things come to mind are the spectacular islands, crystal clear waters, beach parties, or anything that you can incorporate into summer and tropical weather. While this is not surprising as this is what Asia, particularly southeast part is mostly known, tourism wise, did you know that Asia can also be a great destination for a snowy getaway? Here is a list of some of the best snowy destinations in Asia for those who love the winter.

1. Sapporo, Japan

There are many places in Japan to experience snow, but one of the most popular is Sapporo. This city has a lot of ski resorts only 20 to 60 minutes ride away by car, so adding that to your day trip itinerary would be bearable.

If you’re a beginner, you could try sledding or snow-tubing, on the other hand, if you’re not interested in snow games, you may want to time your visit during Snow Festival which usually takes place in February. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, more than 2 million people go to the Hokkaido capital to witness the snow come alive annually and Japan is well-known as one of the snow countries in Asia.

See more: Visit Japan in Winter

2. Yunnan, China

The second one is Yunnan Province where the small mountain range of The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – one of the most beautiful snow places in Asia is located. Soaring throughout the headwaters of the Yangtze River, this mountain range is famous for their far-fetched views and is a portion of a high altitude nature reserve.

3. Yongpyong, South Korea

Another place to go if you are looking for some ice adventure in Asia is Yongpyong, South Korea. This place has a lot to offer for those who are looking to go skiing or snowboarding. You will find a trendy ski resort on the slopes on Mount Balwang. Some other popular activities here include floodlit night skiing and a cross-country hiking. Just like in Sapporo, they also hold a snow festival every February.

See more: Best winter activities in South Korea

4. Sapa, Vietnam

Being surrounded by many top summer destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay, it may come as a surprise to you that Vietnam also experiences snow. Even though snowboards and toboggans aren’t common places to Vietnam, you will surely fall in love when what used to be green fields of rice in summer turn to white during the winter.

Sapa located in northwestern part of Vietnam is now becoming more and more popular among visitors from all over the world. The natural beauty of rugged mountain ranges along with the interesting cultural diversity of the ethnic minorities living in the regions is what attracts many tourists here all year round. 

5. Taichung, Taiwan

Another unpopular winter destination is Taiwan. Located in Heping District, Taichung, Xueshan or Hsuehshan or all known as Snow Mountain is the second-highest peak in the country standing 3,886m. This mountain is often ignored by many tourists who opt for Mt. Jade hiking as it is the tallest one. However, Snow Mountain offers a more scenic and interesting hike.

Hiking here is pretty safe even during the winter and the scenery is spectacular. However, you have to make sure to sign up months prior if you are planning to hike as they limit the number of hikers during the snowy season.

6. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

A few hundred miles away from Beijing, Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar is another place ideal for all the winter lovers out there.

If you’re an adventurous soul who wants to try something exciting, you are able to enjoy snowboarding and skiing just outside the city at the mountain called Bogd Khan Mountain, which is a protected mountain range that lies in the southern part of Ulaanbaatar. Keep in mind, though that temperature here tends to be very low. During the months of November to March, the temperature can get as low as -35°C, positioning Mongolia as one of the coldest snowfall countries in Asia.

7. Putao, Myanmar

Another country in Southeast Asia where you can experience snow is Myanmar. Famous for Bagan and Inle Lake – pictured above – what might not be so well-known are its snowcapped mountain ranges. Putao which is located in the northernmost town of Kachin State is a dream place for nature lovers. The region also has some of the tallest mountains in this part of Asia, one of which is Khaka Bo Razi, standing splendidly tall at 19,296 ft.

8. The Himalayas mountain range, Nepal

The Himalayas is a landmark of the earth. This mountain range is the most famous and also the most beautiful mountains in the world. Dates back to 80 million years ago when dinosaurs still exist, The Himalayas is the youngest and highest of its kind.

Every year, The Himalayas attract thousands of adventure seekers, nature lovers, and explorers who follow innumerable trails among wonderful forests and icy peaks searching for prehistoric monuments and spectacular panoramas. Himalayan mountains show an exhilarating range of mountain backdrop that will surely take your breath away. You will be stunned with various snowcapped mountain peaks, ever popular alpine grazing land, several stunning lakes, numerous high glaciers, and some of the gorgeous snow-fed rivers.

Source Internet