Dakeng Hot Springs %s Artistic Old Space – A Taiwanese Youthful Warm Spring Stroll

Originally in the import business, Ms. Yao founded Forty Café upon reaching her life’s "unquestionable year" (40 years old), with the name Forty symbolizing the age of her transformation — a beautiful commemoration of “a woman at forty is like a flower.” Ms. Yao insists that breakfast must be hearty and was also aware that most Taiwanese breakfast spots were either too fast-food-simple or overly refined and expensive. That inspired her to create Forty Café — a charming breakfast eatery with a delightful ambiance.

 

Forty Café occupies just a small section within a long row of storefronts on the first floor of a residential building. Without an ostentatious sign, first-time visitors need to keep their eyes peeled to spot it. The high-ceilinged space features floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with intermittent gold-toned lattice window decals, adding layers to the greenery visible indoors — some views are bright and clear, others subtly hazy, making the window scenery more engaging. The bar counter facing the windows is fitted with rattan-backed high stools, echoing the natural simplicity outside. The first-floor space is styled in a purple base tone paired with light white and earthy hues for an airy feel, while the loft boldly features purple walls accented with white painted floral patterns on the floor and black tassels — rich colors exuding the cozy vibe of a lounge bar. Ms. Yao shared that purple is a composite color reflecting the beauty of red and blue together, much like how her 40-year-old self went through many life phases when transforming into a café owner.

 

The brunch menu includes freshly blended juices, high-fiber salads, seafood or meat-based mains, along with bread from Taichung’s renowned Donto Bakery. The meal is paired with a hand-brewed coffee or floral fruit tea, turning a satisfying brunch into a wonderful start to the day. The restaurant space is deliberately integrated into the surroundings of Green Park Boulevard, bringing a relaxed atmosphere inside so customers can enjoy breakfast with ease — making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Only at Forty Café can you truly understand that breakfast is meant to be savored slowly.

 

[Info]

Address: No. 88, Lane 155, Gongyi Road, West District, Taichung City

Phone: 04-120664224

Hours: Monday: 8:00–20:00; Wednesday–Sunday: 8:00–20:00

Website: www.facebook.com/Fortycafe

Located opposite the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Zhongxin Market was originally a closed traditional market made up of nearly a hundred small shops. To evade taxes, shop owners deliberately built their spaces narrow and small, which inadvertently led to complications during later land expropriation. As the area gradually fell into disuse, many central Taiwan artists and cultural workers opened cafés, bookstores, photography studios, and art workshops in its dim, run-down alleys, creating a lively, avant-garde, and pleasant atmosphere. It’s one of the few places that successfully blends everyday life with artistic aesthetics.

 

[Info]

Address: No. 67, Section 1, Wucyuan West Road, West District, Taichung City

The adaptive reuse of the old Railway Art Warehouse No. 20 marks a shift away from an industry-focused economy. Thanks to the presence of artists, the once-abandoned warehouse has transformed into a significant cultural and creative hub in Taichung. Warehouse No. 20 consists of seven freight warehouses, combining to form an indoor and outdoor space of approximately 800 pyeong. Warehouse No. 20 serves as the main exhibition hall, along with a café, creative merchandise, offices, and lounge areas. Warehouse No. 21 functions as an experimental theater, while Warehouse No. 22 is a creative workshop. The site is also used for creative markets, film screenings, and discussion events.

 

Warehouses No. 23 to 26 house personal studios for resident artists, with these private spaces occasionally opened to visitors. Finally, there’s an idea space renovated from an old train carriage, usually serving as a small performance venue. Most art exhibitions held at Warehouse No. 20 lean toward avant-garde and experimental themes, and the outdoor plaza often hosts creative competitions and events.

 

If you get tired of exploring Warehouse No. 20, take a break at the café specially set up for visitors. It faces the train platforms and railway tracks of Taichung Railway Station, offering a uniquely relaxing experience as you sip coffee and admire the railway scenery.

 

[Info]

Address: No. 6-1, Lane 37, Section 4, Fuxing Road, Taichung City (Taichung Railway Station Rear Station)

Phone: 04-2220-9972

Hours: 11:00–20:00, closed on Mondays.

Website: www.stock20.com.tw

The Third Market on Minyi Street is a traditional market area bustling with vendors. It is close to Zhongxiao Night Market and not far from Taichung Railway Station. Many artists and cultural workers who work hard at Warehouse No. 2 often come here during lunchtime when hunger strikes, in search of local delicacies. The snacks in the market are affordably priced, making it the ideal spot for young artists on a budget to grab a meal, essentially becoming an everyday eatery for the artistic community. On the other side of the market, there are also many affordable clothing shops, where housewives can be seen browsing and shopping during the day, creating a lively atmosphere.

 

【info】

Address: From the back of Taichung Railway Station, go straight along Lide Street, turn onto Xinyi Street, and you’ll find the entrance to Minyi Street, which leads to the market.