Cultural Shuttle Tour: Explore Taichung’s Eight Fairy Tale-Inspired Creative Routes

By Liu Jiawen | Compiled & Reported

The popular Taichung Cultural Shuttle event has been expanded this year, with the first shuttle departing on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year (January 28). This year’s event innovatively introduces the beauty of Taichung’s culture through “fairy tales.” Each route features a story tailored to its unique characteristics, divided into eight routes such as “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” and “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” These creative storytelling-guided tours highlight the cultural and artistic features of each site visited. Each route also includes art DIY experiences and performances.

The Cultural Shuttle departs from four cultural centers in Taichung, including the Dacheng Cultural Center and the Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center. Along the way, it visits local cultural venues, historic monuments, artists’ studios, and tourist factories, taking participants on a journey through Taichung’s mountain, sea, Tuen, and city districts. Through professional guided tours, art experiences, and performances, the event enriches its overall appeal and depth, allowing participants to experience Taichung’s unique cultural charm.

Themed “Artistic Journey in Taichung – Everyone’s Invited,” this year’s Cultural Shuttle event features eight routes with 45 shuttle trips, totaling 1,800 available spots. The first shuttle begins on January 28, with subsequent departures every Saturday until December 8. Registration for the first batch opens at 9:00 AM on the 19th (tomorrow), including four routes—“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” and “Journey to the West”—with a total of 880 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The remaining routes will be part of the second batch, with registration opening at 9:00 AM on June 18. Departures for these routes begin on July 7. A deposit of NT$100 per person is required upon registration and will be refunded after the event. This activity is recommended for children aged 10 and above. Each person may register for only one route. Registration is available online, by fax, or by phone. For inquiries, call 04-2535-2017 or 04-2534-4471.

2012 Taichung Cultural Shuttle: longbus.35map.com

2011 Taichung Cultural Shuttle Routes:

Route 1: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (City → Sea)

Taichung Dacheng Cultural Center → Wujhi Old Street → Dajia Iron Anvil Mountain Scenic Area → Acongshi Cake Shop → Chenlan Temple → Jiutian Folk Performance Troupe → Taichung Dacheng Cultural Center

Route 2: Gulliver’s Travels (Tuen → Mountain)

Taichung Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Shekou Da Fu Mansion → Zhao Family Kiln → Taiwan Sugar Yue Mei Sugar Refinery → Chang Lienchang Saxophone Memorial Hall → Taichung Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center

Route 3: The Adventures of Pinocchio (Mountain → Tuen)

Taichung Huludun Cultural Center → Chen Songshi Sculpture Studio → Wu Ri Brewery → Dayi gY Cultural Center → National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra → Taichung Huludun Cultural Center

Route 4: Journey to the West (Sea → City)　

Taichung Port Arts Center → Rainbow Village → Ma? & Wanhe Temple Cultural Center → Huilai Relics Site → Yuanlv Yuan Art Gallery → Old Tree Root Magic Wood Workshop → Taichung Port Arts Center

Route 5: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (City → Tuen)　

Taichung Dacheng Cultural Center → Taichung Children’s Art Museum → Lin Family Garden – Laigarden → Zero Two Sculpture Space (Xie Dongliang Studio) → Taichung Shengwuzhou Puppet Troupe + Taichung Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Taichung Dacheng Cultural Center

Route 6: Treasure Island (Tuen → Sea)　

Taichung Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Gaomei Botanical Garden → Gaomei Lighthouse – Gaomei Wetlands → Jingxin Garden Art Gallery → Dajia Craftsmen’s Hometown → Taichung Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center

Route 7: Alice in Wonderland (Mountain → City)

Taichung Huludun Cultural Center → Zhaixing Villa → Taichung Folklore Park → Lai Gaoshan Art Gallery → Xingwusuo Martial Arts Field → Animation Flight Museum → Flower Yan Liu Chuan Creative Tuen → Taichung Huludun Cultural Center

Route 8: The Little Prince (Sea → Mountain)　

Taichung Port Arts Center → Tuniu Hakka Cultural Center → Qifen Kiln → Bailen Canal Historical Park → Kiln Valley Workshop (Chen Jinwang Studio) → Taichung Port Arts Center