The first 1,000 mainland tourists to Taichung can enjoy a "stay one, get one free" hotel offer.

By Chi Binghui, compiled and reported

Starting June 28, Taiwan is officially open to independent mainland travelers. The Greater Taichung area has launched the “Love Travel Taichung 123 Independent Travel” campaign to attract visitors. The first 1,000 independent mainland tourists visiting Taichung can enjoy benefits such as one night’s accommodation free, buy-one-get-one-free on pastry souvenirs, a commemorative T-shirt, and an i384 Love to Play card—giving independent travelers even more to enjoy.

Independent travel to Taiwan by mainlanders aims to be different from the traditional group tours. It's not just about going to places like Sun Moon Lake or Alishan. Travelers are encouraged to explore spots rich in historical and cultural charm, such as the Xinshe Mountain City Flower Town, Dongshi Mountain City, Gaomei Wetlands, bike trails, Guanguan, and the Lukang Old Street in Changhua. The Taichung City Government recommends a travel plan where visitors explore nearby attractions during the day and return to downtown Taichung at night. Whether staying in hotels or motels, it’s convenient to shop at department stores, visit Smart Street, Fengjia Night Market, or Yizhong Street Night Market—all easily accessible, making your trip to Taichung more fulfilling.

The most attractive part of the “Love Travel Taichung 123 Independent Travel” campaign is its partnership with central Taiwan’s hotels, transportation providers, souvenir shops, and bike rental companies. It offers benefits to the first 1,000 independent mainland tourists visiting Taichung: when two people check in together at well-known hotels such as Taichung Regent Hotel, National Taichung Hotel, Fresh Hotel, Grand Formosa Taroko Hotel, Howard Plaza Hotel Taichung, or Taichung Tong-Hao Hotel, they only pay for one night when staying two consecutive nights; buy-one-get-one-free deals on pastries at confectionery shops like Acongshi Pastry, Baoquan Food, and Jiawei Restaurant. Tourists will also receive a souvenir T-shirt provided by the city government and an i384 Love to Play Card. After topping up the card, they can take city buses for free within the first 8 kilometers, and for rides over 60 NT dollars, the city government covers the fare. Additionally, a hot spring coupon for Guanguan Shenmu Valley Hotel is included, so visitors can bring back Taichung’s warm hospitality and delicious experiences to share with family and friends.