TaichungPlay Recommendations

Butterfly Valley Waterfall in Guguan, Heping District, Taichung, is a nature-based summer retreat. The trail passes through primeval broadleaf forest, with multi-tiered waterfalls and clear streams along the way; the air is rich in negative ions and summer temperatures usually stay below 25°C, making it a cool escape for families and hikers. There are two trailheads (Songhe and Lileng) and the easiest route takes about 3.5 to 4 hours round trip, ideal for relaxed family hikes. In spring and summer swarms of butterflies dance through the air, offering outstanding scenes for photographers and nature watchers.

Guguan in Heping District, Taichung, sits along the Dajia River and is central Taiwan's most famous hot spring destination. It's a year-round spot—cool in summer and warming in winter—home to a cluster of hot spring hotels and public bathhouses offering packages with meals, open-air baths and mountain views. Beyond soaking, visitors can enjoy the river valley scenery, taste local Hakka cuisine and the area's signature ice pops, making it an easygoing holiday choice for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

Aofengshan Park on Dadushan in Taichung was originally called Qingshui Park. It covers more than 60 hectares and is a free urban park and viewing terrace with wide lawns, walking paths, observation decks, a Jade Belt Bridge and a white pavilion, perfect for strolls, photography and family fun. A roughly 5-minute walk from the car park takes you to the viewing terrace overlooking Qingshui District, the city skyline and the coastline—an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset. The nearby Ziyun Temple, an interactive game arena and a children's playground with multiple slides make for a complete family day out.

Yuizuishan (Yuizui Mountain) at the 19.8 km mark of Taichung's Daxueshan Forest Road is the most popular mid-level hike in central Taiwan. Sitting between 1,300 and 1,900 metres above sea level, summer temperatures stay around 23°C, providing a natural summer retreat. The route runs through fragrant incense-cedar forest, emerald bamboo woods and Cryptomeria groves, with chances to spot Swinhoe's pheasant, squirrels and macaques, plus rock ridges, rope sections and short scrambling climbs—suitable for fit beginners and nature lovers. The trailhead is by the large water tank parking area, a 10-minute walk into the forest road, with a round trip of about 2-3 hours, ideal for a one-day summer escape with views.

BUTTER HOTEL in a quiet lane off Minquan Road, Taichung's West District, is a four-storey retro-American immersive experience space from the gift brand but. we love butter. The exterior is painted butter yellow; each floor has its own theme—hotel lobby, laundry room, art guest room and butter bath house—perfect for photos and social check-ins. Admission is free, with free butter cookies and tea-time treats to sample, and dessert gift boxes for sale. The fourth-floor 'Space Station' requires advance booking; other floors are open to wander, making it one of Taichung's most popular dreamy attractions in recent years.

Nago Nago in Beitun District, Taichung, is a pet-friendly themed restaurant with eight large dogs (Huskies, giant poodles, Alaskan malamutes, Bernese mountain dogs and more) acting as 'managers' who interact with customers. The white glass-house design and Instagram-style decor are bright and spacious, ideal for photos. The menu offers pasta, sandwiches, brunch combos, light meals and a range of drinks; on the second floor customers can dine at the same tables as the dogs, while the ground floor sells dog treats and accessories. Entry requires a ticket or a minimum spend, perfect for those with pets or anyone who loves dogs.