I remember that when I was graduating from high school and preparing for university entrance exams, a close friend made a special trip to Taichung to take a local train—just to collect a commemorative ticket that read “Zhuifen–Chenggong” (which sounds like “pursuing success” in Chinese) and wish me good luck.
Contents
◦ Taichung Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Taichung
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei
🛵 Taichung Scooter Rental - Taichung Station Pickup
🛵 Taichung Scooter Rental - Taichung High Speed Rail Station Pickup
02｜Popular Attractions in Taichung
🎫 Lihpao Land Ticket in Taichung
🎫 National Museum of Natural Science Ticket and Combo Ticket
🎫 Carton King Creative Park Ticket in Taichung
🎫 Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
🎫 Lavender Cottage Ticket in Taichung
🎫 Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket in Taichung
03｜Things To Do in Taichung
🚌 Gaomei Wetland, Rainbow Village and Miyahara Day Tour from Taichung
🚌 Sun Moon Lake & Cingjing Farm Day Tour
💆🏻♀️ Royal Thai Massage in Taichung
◦ The Past of Dadu
Speaking of the history of Dadu, one of its most fascinating chapters is undoubtedly the “Kingdom of Middag,” which was active during the 16th and 17th centuries. For a long time, the Kingdom of Middag was largely overlooked. It was not until the 1990s, when scholars renewed their research into Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures, that its outline was gradually pieced together. It was not merely a legendary super-tribe, but a large, cross-tribal kingdom in its own right. The Kingdom of Middag was mainly composed of the Papora, Babuza, Pazeh, Hoanya, and Taokas peoples. At the height of its power, its sphere of influence extended south to Lukang and north to areas just south of present-day Taoyuan. In its later period, its core territory centered on the Dadu River basin.
How powerful was it? Even during the period of Dutch rule in Taiwan, the Kingdom of Middag was able to maintain a semi-independent status. It was not until 1670, when the Ming loyalist general Liu Guoxuan launched a military campaign against the Shalu community—inflicting a devastating blow that nearly wiped them out—that the power of the Kingdom of Middag finally collapsed.
◦ Attractions in Dadu
01｜Zhuifen Station
Zhuifen Station is the final stop on the Coastal Line. The station building is constructed from hinoki cypress, and as soon as you step inside, you can catch the faint, soothing scent of wood in the air.
However, most visitors don’t come for the fragrance of cypress. Instead, they are drawn by the exclusive “Zhuifen–Chenggong” commemorative train ticket sold only here and at Chenggong Station. Each year, after the College Entrance Examination Center announces the exam dates for the following year, many parents make a special trip here to purchase a ticket dated on the day of the exam, keeping it as a lucky charm for their children. When I visited that day, I happened to meet two groups of parents who had come specifically to buy the tickets. It seems that the popularity of “Zhuifen–Chenggong” has never faded.
Zhuifen Station No. 13, Zhuifen St., Dadu Dist., Taichung
02｜Huangxi Academy
Zhuifen Station and Huangxi Academy together are probably the ultimate combination in Taichung for praying for good exam results. Huangxi Academy was founded during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and has a history of more than 130 years. It is the oldest surviving building in Dadu District and the only remaining traditional academy in Taichung City. In the past, local students studied here, and during the imperial examination era, the academy produced several successful scholars, enjoying a period of great academic prosperity.
The hall enshrines Wenchang Dijun, the deity of literature, who is said to be especially efficacious. Whenever major exams approach—such as the Comprehensive Assessment Program, the General Scholastic Ability Test, two-year college entrance exams, and civil service examinations—the hall is filled with photocopies of admission tickets, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Huangxi Academy Opening Hours: 0800-1700 No. 10, Wenchang 1st St., Dadu Dist., Taichung
03｜Dadu Great Wall Trail
A friend happened to be free that day, so we decided to take a walk along the Dadu Great Wall Trail. The stone-paved path here is very well maintained, and a round trip takes about 1–2 hours. The trail is shaded by trees almost the entire way, making it a comfortable and pleasant walk—perfect for visitors of all ages.
After climbing up to Xiangshou Pavilion, the view suddenly opens up. From there, you can look out over the Dadu River, the surrounding plains, and the city skyline. My friend mentioned that this is also a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset and the night view.
Dadu Great Wall Trail Search “Dadu Great Wall Trail” on Google Maps.
04｜Middle Eastern Date Palm Grove
The name “Middle Eastern date palm” itself carries an exotic charm. Once you step into the grove, you truly understand how beauty lies in grandeur—the vast expanse creates a striking, foreign landscape. Native to West Asia and North Africa, the Middle Eastern date palm is known for its tall, upright form and its resilience to both cold and heat. It is commonly used in landscape design, as a roadside tree, or arranged to create dramatic tunnel-like avenues. In Taiwan, Middle Eastern date palms are relatively rare, and large-scale plantations are even more uncommon. Its appearance—resembling a blend of a coconut tree and a pineapple—has sparked quite a bit of discussion.
Middle Eastern Date Palm Grove Search “Middle Eastern Date Palm Grove” on Google Maps.
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Dadu
01｜Jinchang Snack Shop
Jinchang Snack Shop is quite interesting. At lunchtime, it serves common rice and noodle dishes, but after 3 p.m., it starts offering fried guo (savory fritters) and oyster fritters, which attract long lines of customers. Since I had other plans that afternoon, I chose to dine there at noon. I ordered a small bowl of noodle soup—surprisingly generous in portion—along with sliced pork intestines and blanched vegetables. The total came to less than NT$100. From such affordable prices, you can truly feel the owner’s heartfelt intention to make sure everyone leaves well fed.
Jinchang Snack Shop Opening Hours: 1100-1400, 1500-2000, closed on Wednesday. No. 19, Sec. 1, Wenchang Rd., Dadu Dist., Taichung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Taichung
➤ Dongshi | The Season of Tung Blossoms and Firefly Spectacles has Arrived!
➤ Taiping | The Must-See Secret Spot of Bald Cypress