7 things to do during a weekend in Taichung

STAY: Moxy Taichung

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Even though it’s been positioned for millennials, the hottest new hotel to open in Taichung has been drawing in people from their early 20s to 80 – as long as they are curious and have a sense of adventure. During my stay, I found myself having breakfast with a small group of septuagenarians at the communal dining table.

The hotel’s design oozes party vibes from the outside, especially at night. Neon lights frame the building, making it stand out from miles. Inside, industrial chic rules. The interiors pay homage to Taichung's past as an industrial city (perhaps this takes the older guests down memory lane). Rooms are utilitarian in decor but still score high on comfort. There is no TV in the rooms but you will hardly miss it because there is so much to see and do in Taichung. Head downstairs to the common areas if you want to watch the telly. There is plenty of lounging area for those who want to socialise and mingle. There are also a lot of working spaces for those who need to work. Incidentally, the hotel attracts a lot of local business travellers from the south and the north.

Breakfast is a mix of western and Taiwanese delights like congee and dan dan noodles. The jewel in the crown of Moxy Taichung’s F & B is the bar. Rooftop XOXO is currently the hottest bar in Taichung. As a nod to the betel nut stands that dot Taiwan, particularly in central Taiwan, the bar is designed to look like a betel nut kiosk. Naturally, many of the cocktails are inspired by Taiwanese flavours. Try the malty Boozy Bubble Tea, made with whisky and Baileys for an alcoholic version of the famous Taiwanese drink.

No. 288號, Wenxin South 6th Rd, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408

CHECK OUT: World famous architecture and art

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Drop by Asia University Museum of Modern Art on the campus of Asia University 30 minutes away from Taichung city centre by car. It’s worth the trip, as the university founder has put his private collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Salvador Dali on display here. The building itself is also worth a look for its design as it is designed by Tadao Ando, the famous Japanese architect.

No. 500號, Liufeng Rd, Wufeng District, Taichung City, Taiwan 41354

Learn about oriental arts

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Those interested in Chinese culture should make time for visiting Natural Six Arts Culture Centre. It is housed in a well-preserved building in downtown Taichung that resembles a Japanese shrine – a relic of Taiwan’s colonial past. Formerly named Taichung Bukoten, the building was originally built as a centre for kendo and judo practice during the Japanese Occupation. It reopened in 2011 as Natural Way Six Arts Culture Center. With the objective of promoting the six main Confucius arts such as archery and Chinese tea ceremony, the centre runs day classes for visitors.

No. 33號, Linsen Rd, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403

Miyahara is a local institution for Taiwanese pastries like sun biscuits (flakey biscuits filled with maltose) and pineapple tarts. It is named after the Japanese ophthalmologist who operated the building as an eye hospital in 1927. When confectioner Sun Cake restored and reopened the building in 2011, it outfitted the building with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and retro-looking display cabinets in oak and walnut wood, earning it the nickname of ‘Taichung’s Hogwarts’, for its resemblance to the set of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

No. 20號, Zhongshan Rd, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400

SHOP AND EAT: Fengjia Night Market

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Taichung is known for its three main night markets where a lot of popular Taiwanese street foods are said to have been invented. If you only have time for one market visit, make it the Fengjia Night Market, for a glimpse into local life. The market was actually born out of necessity in 1963 to serve the students of the neighbouring Feng Chia University looking for a post-study snack.

Home to over 1000 food stalls, the market is spread over four wide main streets. Those looking for local street food beyond braised minced pork rice, grilled pork sausages, pork blood glutinous rice cakes and oyster omelettes, stop by one of the oden stalls with a wide variety of mostly skewered vegetables and meat (strangely resembling Malaysian lok lok).

Wenhua Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407

DINE: Singaporean food at JL Studio

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Yes, definitely eat Singaporean when in Taichung. In fact, book your table at JL Studio even before you get your tickets to Taiwan. JL Studio is one of the hottest tables in Taichung. Jimmy Lim — a Singaporean chef and probably one of our most famous culinary exports to date — owns and runs the only Michelin two-starred restaurant in Taichung. And the cuisine served here is Jimmy’s elegant take on Singapore favourites like bakut teh, Hainanese chicken rice and kueh pie tee with French cooking styles. The flavours stay true to the traditional dishes but present a wholly fresh perspective.

408, Taiwan, Taichung City, Nantun District, Yifeng Rd. Sec.4, 689號2樓

DINE: Fleur de Chine

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Widely billed as the pioneer in the fine dining scene of Taichung, chef-owner Justine Li’s Michelin one-starred restaurant Fleur de Chine is still popular with locals and out-of-towners after many years. Justine serves French classics that look hearty and wholesome and the flavours taste clean and rich at the same time. Though on the dessert menu of many restaurants, Li’s chocolate fondant is “not just another chocolate molten cake”. The warm chocolate lava took me by surprise with its intensity. Despite not having a sweet tooth, I finished my dessert and found myself thinking about seconds. Who cares about the extra calories?

114, Wuquan West Street