Taichung Adventure in Taiwan

Over a bowl of steaming soup in Taichung, Taiwan, I am tempted to ask my sister about its ingredients. The beef-broth soup was a delicious blend of tofu, chicken, noodles, mushrooms and a few ingredients I could not identify. However, one lesson I had learned during my trip to Taiwan was that nothing ruins a great bowl of soup like finding out the brown chunks I had been eating were actually cow stomach.

Located in west-central Taiwan, “Taichung” is aptly translated “Central Taiwan.” The city has just over a million residents, including my sister. The city’s central location makes it a hub for culture, education and grants it the good fortune of the best climate in Taiwan. Though the average high of 73 is accompanied by a hefty dose of humidity, the climate fosters floral delights like poinsettia trees, orchids and the plum blossom.

Nearing the bottom of my soup bowl, my curiosity got the best of me. I looked up from my lunch and asked my sister what the brown strips floating in my soup were.
“Pig’s blood,” she answered frankly. As the curiosity on my face melted into disgust, she quickly added, “Oh, don’t worry, it’s good for you.”

Eating is a thrice-daily adventure in Taiwan. Food from street carts and restaurants is inexpensive, and perhaps the quickest way to immerse in Taiwanese culture. Finding meals that appeal to the western palate isn’t hard (steaming dumplings, succulent scallops, heaps of fried rice and noodles), other things might take a little more time to get used to (like red bean desserts – beans made with sugar rather than spices), and some options are easy to pass on (stinky tofu, chicken feet, pig ears). In between meals, I began to learn more about Taichung, and what I enjoyed about it.

The streets of Taichung are constantly bustling with students, scooters and very few foreign tourists. Our American faces attracted pointing, curious stares and even a few brave souls hoping to practice their English. Taichung’s pace slows down on Art Street, located in the foothills of Da Du Mountain. The cobblestone street is pedestrian-friendly and lined with vibrant flower boxes. Art Street is truly a local jewel. Its stores vary from restaurants and coffee shops to a children’s toyshop and clothing boutiques. The colorful street is just a few blocks long, but the variety of stores is so rich that they somehow manage to encompass nearly every shopping need and price point. I stayed near Art Street and walked to one of its shops every day for fresh bread, wine or a cup of lemon-ginger tea. Art Street quickly became my favorite meandering site for souvenirs and to feel less like a tourist and more like a local.

Another favorite in Taichung are the temples. The colorful buildings are show pieces of craftsmanship. Temples are all built in traditional Chinese architecture, and inside every inch of wall space is adorned with carvings. Dragons drip from the eaves, horses march along the walls and the faint smell of incense wafts among temple visitors. The temples in Taichung are mostly Taoist, and are free to visitors. Temples are also numerous enough that they make a perfect impromptu stop when wandering through the city.

Taichung is also home to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural attractions, Sun Moon Lake. The tranquil scenery of Sun Moon Lake makes it a popular site for weddings, hiking and tourism of all kinds. The lake is named for its shape; the Eastern portion is round like the sun while the Western edge mirrors the shape of a crescent moon. The true beauty of the lake comes from surroundings, not the lake itself. Starting on the banks and eventually fading into the horizon, the lake is circled by tiers of magnificent mountains. In the morning the mountains are draped in delicate layers of mist, and by the evening the sunset is reflected in the crystal waters. It’s no wonder nearly 3 million tourists visit the lake every year.

Travelers looking for an authentic Asian experience will be delighted by Taichung. Tourists are so rare that they become celebrities to passersby and the city’s attractions have not been marred by commercialism. The variety of attractions and authentic culture make Taichung a rare destination for the adventurous traveler, and of course, be sure to try the soup.

Written by Amanda Southall

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