Top Check-in Cities on the Internet: A Lazy Guide to 7 Free Instagrammable Spots in Taichung

Text & Photos /SOLO’s Play Guide

Taichung has always been a must-visit city that’s super popular for check-ins online. Whether it’s the attractions or the food, it can definitely be considered among the best. This time, SOLO is here to share some of the trending spots in Taichung lately.

Shalu Dream Street

A recently viral spot in Taichung—you’ve probably seen it all over your feed. At first glance from the photos, you might think it’s indoors, but it’s actually a semi-outdoor space. When you’re taking photos, there’s a line of people right in front of you watching you, which can be a bit embarrassing.

It used to be a shopping street with many shops, but due to management issues, it gradually declined. Recently, someone redeveloped the area, turning it into the now-popular attraction. The big "Dream" sign reflects the owner’s philosophy.

The tricky part is that all the super photogenic walls are on the roller shutters of the shops. It’s unclear how it’ll look when they’re open for business again.

Shalu Dream Street
Location: No. 21, Jinwen Rd., Shalu District, Taichung City
Price: Free entry
Business Hours: Open all day

Two Fools Café

Right next to Dream Street, Two Fools Café kindly allows people to take photos freely in the plaza outside the café. The heart-shaped swing is an absolute must for couples.

We were also lucky to have a red car there that day.

The nearby tin shed is perfect for group photos.

Two Fools Café
Location: No. 21, Longshan Rd., Shalu District, Taichung City
Price: Free entry

Totoro Tunnel

A forest full of soapberry trees—there are quite a few tunnels here, so no need to worry about crowds. The surroundings are actually just low-rise residential houses and roads, not deep in the mountains.

Outside Totoro Tunnel is a rice field, which I actually liked even more—the scenery there is adorable, especially when a group of people are taking pictures together.

Totoro Tunnel
Location: No. 82, Wulixiang, Siliu Lane, April Rd., Houli District, Taichung City
Price: Free entry
Business Hours: Open all day

Dakeng Pink Lovers’ Bridge

What you’re carrying on your shoulders isn’t a burden—it’s sweetness. Single folks might feel a bit left out here. Luckily, I always bring sunglasses. Getting flashed here is one thing, but the real issue is the static electricity—whether you touch someone or the bridge, you’ll keep getting zapped. That’s why they call it the Lovers’ Bridge.

Dakeng Pink Lovers’ Bridge
Location: No. 366, Buzi Road, Beitun District, Taichung City
Price: Free admission
Business hours: Open all day

Showtime Plaza

A really lovely outdoor space located on the fourth floor of Showtime Building II. Buildings I and II are right next to each other, so it’s easy to get confused about which one to go to, and there’s no skybridge or connecting corridor. If you go to the wrong one, you’ll have to walk quite a long way.

Remember, it’s Building II!!

Showtime Plaza
Location: No. 66, Nanjing Road, East District, Taichung City
Price: Free admission
Business hours: Open all day

National Taichung Theater

The layered lawns look just like a giant matcha mille-feuille cake in photos.

National Taichung Theater
Location: No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City
Price: Free admission

Blue Highway

This is a fairly high mountain road where you can overlook the entire city. The best photo spots are near the very top. There are only a few parking spaces along the roadside. I thought there wouldn’t be much traffic on the highway, but actually, there’s quite a lot, and cars drive pretty fast, so be careful when taking photos.

Blue Highway (South China Road)
Location: Taichung Blue Highway, Dadu District, Taichung City
Price: Free admission
Business hours: Open all day

Next are some recommended foods

Zhengkouwei

Savory soy sauce drizzled over fluffy rice, topped with tender, fragrant, and chewy duck meat — this simple dish captures the true essence of Taiwanese street food. The side dishes are just like those at a casual eatery near your home, giving off that comforting feeling of being back home.

Ice Tengarigari

With the weather getting hotter lately, Taichung has been opening a lot of attractive ice shops. As a matcha lover, SOLO had to check out Ice Tengarigari, which is full of refreshing matcha treats.

Samsung Garden

SOLO finally visited the long-renowned Samsung Garden to dive into this vibrant green world.

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