Things to do in Taichung

It was our first time in our Taichung and we’re glad that we booked Klook tour since it was very convenient and there was ample time for us to go through each attractions. We booked June so it is very hot & humid; just a tip to bring e-fan and wear airy clothes. Aside from that, it was perfect that we were grouped with Tour Guide Superman Eric— he was very informative and cool all throughout.

Alicia was a sweet, knowledge, and skilled tour guide! The tour was ran smoothly and had lots of chances to take photos, buy food + souvenirs, and take in the beautiful sights. As someone studying abroad in Taichung for a month with only weekends available, this was a great and affordable (compared to US prices) way to experience Alishan.

The itinerary deserves a perfect score, and first, I'd like to express my gratitude to our driver and guide, Brother Ken! Brother Ken arrived very early to pick us up and took thoughtful care of everyone. Our first stop was Cingjing Farm. The journey wasn't short, and the mountain roads were winding, making me wonder if it would be boring, but it wasn't at all. Brother Ken started sharing many interesting local stories even before we began ascending the mountain, which was incredibly entertaining. He would share details about every place we passed. On the way up, we saw trucks transporting cabbages down from the high mountains, and we got a sense of the indigenous people's way of life, culture, and art. Even the place names we passed had their own history. Thanks to Brother Ken, I learned so much about Nantou. The mountains in Nantou are truly beautiful. Stepping into the vast mountains, I truly understood what it means to see layers of green peaks. The mountains seemed endless. Occasionally, we'd pass by cliffs, and in the distance, we could see riverbeds. It was the dry season, so they looked like shallow, scratch-like marks, with a few shimmering, wide, thin mirrors reflecting on them. The scenery was captivating. Upon arriving at the farm, the weather was perfect. Time seemed to stand still under the blue sky and white clouds, and we gradually felt the temperature becoming cooler. Sheep trotted on the slopes, creating little 'flowers' on the lush green grass. The walking path was built along the mountain, and a few horses grazed in the flat area below. In the distance, the continuous mountain ranges were hazy, only their general outlines remaining, blending into the azure sky. We walked along the path to the exit, where Brother Ken picked us up for lunch before taking us to our second destination, Sun Moon Lake. Getting out of the car, I was immediately drawn to the surface of Sun Moon Lake. It was more expansive than I imagined, with an emerald-like surface that seemed bottomless. Just then, fragmented sunlight fell upon it, creating shimmering ripples, like light, thin silk stretching and unfurling in the wind. Taking a boat tour of the lake was exhilarating. The breeze was refreshing, reducing some of the early summer heat. Brother Ken continued to provide explanations, deepening our impression of Sun Moon Lake. The boat stopped at several piers, and in the shallow waters near the shore, we could faintly see small fish. I guessed the fish were as happy as I was. During our free time, we walked to the Yuchi Township Farmers' Association's Ita Thao branch and bought Ruby Black Tea. It felt like a must-do to bring back some black tea from Sun Moon Lake. The Assam milk tea we bought from a roadside shop was also delicious. On the boat ride back, we could see the cable cars, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Sun Moon Lake at sunset, with its water becoming deeper and more profound, gently smoothed away all worries. Even though we were reluctant to leave, it was time to head back. Brother Ken drove us back, again carefully reminding us to gather our personal belongings. On the way back, we watched the sun set, and the fields along the highway turned golden. The lingering warmth of the sun gradually faded, and our phone galleries filled with more and more photos. I thought to myself how truly happy this day had been, and it had passed by so quickly. As night fell, we finally returned to Taichung, and Brother Ken patiently dropped us off at our respective accommodations, bidding us farewell. I am so grateful to Brother Ken and to this one-day tour. It felt like a wonderfully beautiful dream. I love the mountains and waters of Nantou, and perhaps if I ever feel anxious again, looking back at this trip, recalling those interesting little stories, those adorable little sheep, and those lovely ripples, will bring me peace. I truly hope to have the chance to visit again!

Facilities: We only visited Discovery World. For families with children: there are many facilities in the kids' area, some with an educational focus. For adults who just want to enjoy rides and aren't interested in characters: it's mainly because Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are too crowded and require long waits. The park is well-planned; you don't have to walk far between rides, and there are many small game stalls and seating areas along the way, plus plenty of restrooms! Convenience of booking with Klook: No need to go to the counter; just scan the Klook QR code at the gate for direct entry. Waiting time: We went on a Sunday in May, and it wasn't crowded at all. We didn't have to wait much; mostly just one or two turns before getting on a ride. Even for the Ferris wheel, we didn't have to wait, even near sunset.

This is a great place for edutainment, worth exploring again and again. The museum is divided into many different themed areas, and the exhibits in each theme hall are wonderfully and thoughtfully presented. However, some theme halls are not suitable for very young children, leading to constant crying and making it difficult to fully appreciate the exhibits, which is quite a shame. Some areas, such as the Life Sciences Hall, contain mummies and anthropomorphic sarcophagi, which can easily affect young children who are more sensitive. Parents are advised to think carefully and perhaps avoid this section, returning when their children are older and can better understand the exhibits. We suggest that the museum consider dividing visitors by age for different sections. It would also be beneficial to set up a play area, providing a temporary resting spot for children and parents. This is a museum worth revisiting and savoring.

The staff is very friendly. There were very few people visiting two days before Lunar New Year's Eve (Saturday), so we could enjoy ourselves to the fullest! We happened to catch a Klook buy-one-get-one-free ticket deal, which was super cost-effective! Children above elementary school age can be left to play on their own, and there are parent seating areas outside each zone. Parents of elementary school-aged children don't need to waste money buying companion tickets. There is also a small outdoor children's playground in the plaza on the first floor, where you can purchase a voucher for six amusement facilities. The original price is NT$300, but the add-on price is only NT$240. Convenience of booking with Klook: High. You can buy and redeem it for immediate use on-site, which is more cost-effective than buying tickets on-site! Facilities: Many Experience: Great. The kids played from 1:40 PM until almost 6:00 PM in the evening before leaving.

The QR code entry was very convenient, but unfortunately the weather wasn't great that day. It was very foggy, so we couldn't see the beautiful scenery or the animals. There weren't even any birds. I usually see a lot of animals and insects when I hike other mountains.

The tightrope walk at the beginning was very tense to watch, and the performer even fell in the middle, but thankfully managed to hold on. Although there were mats underneath, I'm not sure if it was a budget issue, but they only covered about two-thirds of the length. The entire performance was very entertaining. Photography and videography were not allowed during the show, but afterward, you could take free photos with the performers and horses, with optional tips. Aside from the clown act, where you had to cheer along, which was a bit boring, the overall experience was worth the ticket price ($380). It's even more worthwhile to buy the couple's package here. On weekdays, there are actually very few tourists, so there's no need to pay more than $380, as seats at that price are already quite close to the front. However, some of the chairs were broken and uncomfortable, suggesting a lack of funds for repairs. The troupe members were very enthusiastic, greeting us with bright smiles when we went for photos. Even though we didn't tip much, their professionalism and friendliness left a deep impression on me.