By Liu Jiawen | Compiled & Reported
The beloved Taichung Cultural Shuttle Bus event has been expanded this year and will launch its first trip on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year (January 28). This year’s program pioneers a “storybook” approach to help the public discover the beauty of Taichung’s culture. Each route features a story crafted based on its unique characteristics, divided into eight themed tours such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” and “Pinocchio.” Through creative storytelling, the tours highlight the artistic and cultural features of each site visited. Each route also includes DIY art experiences and live art performances.
Each route of the Taichung Cultural Shuttle Bus includes hands-on DIY art activities for public participation. (Photo provided by Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)
The shuttle bus departs from four cultural centers in Taichung, including the Dacheng Cultural Center and the Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center. Along the way, it stops at local cultural venues, historic buildings, artists’ studios, and tourist factories, taking participants on a journey through Taichung’s mountain, sea, Tuen, and city districts. With professional guided tours, art experiences, and performances, the event enriches its overall appeal and depth, allowing participants to experience Taichung’s distinctive cultural charm.
This year’s Cultural Shuttle Bus event features eight routes inspired by fairy tales, taking visitors to cultural and artistic spots such as Folklore Park and Rainbow Village. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
Themed “Artistic Journey Through Taichung – Everyone’s Welcome,” this year’s event includes eight routes with 45 trips and a total of 1,800 spots. The first trip begins on January 28, with subsequent departures every Saturday until December 8. Registration for the first batch opens at 9 a.m. tomorrow (January 19), featuring four routes — “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” “Pinocchio,” and “Journey to the West” — with 880 available spots. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The remaining routes will be available in the second batch, with registration opening at 9 a.m. on June 18, and trips starting from 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 participant may register for only one route. Registration can be done online, by fax, or by phone. For inquiries, call 04-2535-2017 or 04-2534-4471.
2012 Taichung Cultural Shuttle Bus: longbus.35map.com
2011 Taichung Cultural Shuttle Bus Routes:
Route 1: The Wizard of Oz (City → Sea)
Taichung Municipal Dacheng Cultural Center → Wujhih Old Street → Dajia Iron Anvil Mountain Scenic Area → Acongshi Pastry Shop → Chenlan Temple → Jiutian Folk Performance Troupe → Taichung Municipal Dacheng Cultural Center
Route 2: Gulliver’s Travels (Tuen → Mountain)
Taichung Municipal Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Shekou Dafu Mansion → Chao Family Kiln → Taiwan Sugar Yuemei Sugar Refinery → Chang Lienchang Saxophone Memorial Hall → Taichung Municipal Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center
Route 3: Pinocchio (Mountain → Tuen)
Taichung Municipal Huludun Cultural Center → Chen Songshi Sculpture Studio → Wuqi Brewery → Dali gY Cultural Center → National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra → Taichung Municipal Huludun Cultural Center
Route 4: Journey to the West (Sea → City)
Taichung Municipal Harbor Arts Center → Rainbow Village → Ma? & Wanhe Temple Cultural Center → Huilai Historical Site → Yuanlv Garden Art Museum → Old Tree Root Magic Wood Workshop → Taichung Municipal Harbor Arts Center
Route 5: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (City → Tuen)
Taichung Municipal Dacheng Cultural Center → Taichung Children’s Art Museum → Lin Family Garden – Laigarden → Zero Two Sculpture Space (Xie Dongliang Studio) → Taichung Sheng Wuzhou Puppet Troupe + Taichung Municipal Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Taichung Municipal Dacheng Cultural Center
Route 6: Treasure Island (Tuen → Sea)
Taichung Municipal Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center → Gaomei Botanical Garden → Gaomei Lighthouse – Gaomei Wetlands → Jingxin Garden Art Museum → Dajia Craftsmen’s Hometown → Taichung Municipal Tuen District Arts and Cultural Center
Route 7: Alice in Wonderland (Mountain → City)
Taichung Municipal Huludun Cultural Center → Zhaixing Villa → Taichung Folklore Park → Lai Gaoshan Art Museum → Prison Martial Arts Field → Animation Flight Museum → Huayang Liuchuan Creative Tuen → Taichung Municipal Huludun Cultural Center
Route 8: The Little Prince (Sea → Mountain)
Taichung Municipal Harbor Arts Center → Tuniu Hakka Cultural Museum → Qifen Kiln → Bailing Canal Historical Park → Kiln Valley Workshop (Chen Jinwang Studio) → Taichung Municipal Harbor Arts Center