Written/Reported by MOOK Travel Life Network’s Chen Guanxin
Taichung, with its leisurely pace of life, dry and comfortable climate, warm locals, and an abundance of affordable street food as plentiful as the stars, offers a vacation-like vibe right in the city. And the recently super-popular Qiuhonggu Valley, a clear oasis amid the concrete jungle, has made Taichung a hot travel destination in Taiwan. Today, our editor Jin wants to share with you a relaxing, slow-paced half-day itinerary in Taichung. This includes siphon coffee for just NT$49, the scenic Qiuhonggu Valley Park, hidden budget-friendly Japanese cuisine tucked away in a residential area, and everyone’s favorite Fengjia Night Market. It's perfect for those who arrive in Taichung after noon, or those who like to sleep in—so you can start enjoying a laid-back Taichung holiday from the afternoon onward.
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Quietly enjoy the sunset at Qiuhonggu Valley Park, bathe in the evening breeze, and listen to heartfelt performances by street musicians. A vacation in downtown Taichung can be this wonderful. (Photo provided by David Chen)
15:30 / TRIZ Handmade COFFEE
Maybe you’ve just arrived in Taichung, or you’ve just rolled out of bed. At this time of day, does anywhere else really feel quite right? Then start with a rich yet affordable cup of handmade siphon coffee to recharge your batteries.
TRIZ Handmade COFFEE is a small café tucked away in a residential area of Nantun District. It’s just a five-minute drive from the Chaoma Transfer Station. Though the café is so small it can barely fit a few people, it’s the designated coffee provider for the Taichung City Council when receiving foreign guests. All the coffee here is expertly brewed using the siphon method, and their iced coffee is even rapidly chilled after siphon extraction—without adding any ice water or cubes. Moreover, TRIZ is more generous than most cafés when it comes to coffee bean usage. For example, a regular Italian espresso typically uses 8–15 grams of beans per cup, but TRIZ uses at least 25 grams for hot coffee, and no less than half a pound for iced coffee, all to ensure customers can truly savor the rich aroma of the brew.
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Left: TRIZ satisfies even the most discerning palates with its handmade siphon coffee—the cheapest signature coffee is just NT$49. Right: The hidden “Snow Play” iced coffee—owners say it’s authentic only if you get some cream on your upper lip, like a white mustache. (Photo provided by David Chen)
At TRIZ, Editor Jin highly recommends the hidden menu item—the “Snow Play” iced coffee. Based on Mamba coffee, it’s rapidly stirred with ice immediately after siphon extraction to reduce bitterness, then poured into a chilled highball glass and topped with a layer of fresh cream. The striking black-and-white layers are a treat for the eyes, and the taste is rich and slightly sweet with a refreshing, silky smooth finish from the cream. Because of the complex preparation and the need for precisely chilled cups to achieve the perfect layered effect, Snow Play iced coffee is only available for on-site enjoyment—not for takeout.
[Info]
Address: No. 20, Baoshan East 2nd St., Nantun District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-2380-7380
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Aside from its great coffee, TRIZ’s crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside pancakes are also highly praised and perfect for pairing with your afternoon coffee. (Photo provided by David Chen)
17:30 / Qiuhonggu Valley Park
Located right across from the Chaoma Transfer Station, Qiuhonggu Valley Park stands out like an oasis in the desert compared to the surrounding skyscrapers. Stroll along the undulating wood-chip paths and admire the vast ecological lake. If it weren’t for the nearby high-rises, it’d be hard to believe you’re in the heart of urban Taichung. The park’s elevated walkways over the lake and perimeter paths make you feel as though you've wandered into a mountain forest.
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Nearby buildings are beautifully reflected in the ecological pool—this is the quietest corner of Qiuhonggu Valley Park. (Photo provided by David Chen)
Visiting Qiuhonggu Valley Park as the sun sets not only lets you avoid the scorching afternoon heat, but also allows you to enjoy the changing light over the park in just 1–2 hours—from the golden-orange hues under the warm sun, to the clouds shifting from white to fiery red, and finally to the evening glow as night falls and city lights twinkle alongside the sunset. Each moment showcases a uniquely beautiful side of Qiuhonggu Valley. Sharing this dreamy time with loved ones or close friends is simply delightful.
[Info]
Address: Intersection of Taichung Zhonggang Rd. and Chaofu Rd., Xitun District, Taichung City
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The vast greenery of Qiuhonggu Valley Park is especially precious in the heart of the city. (Photo provided by David Chen)