Taichung: Seriously, What a Split Personality of a Surreal City!
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Oh, let me tell you, your first impression of the city of Taichung really depends on how you arrive!
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If you are coming to Taichung by high-speed rail (HSR) (i.e., extremely fast train):
- As you approach, you'll see rows and rows of ultra-modern high-rise buildings that give off an urban vibe. The streets will be spotlessly clean, making it feel like a bustling metropolis!
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But if you arrive in Taichung by the local Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train:
- Once you step out of the station, you may feel a bit taken aback!
- The surrounding houses look old and run-down.
- On the street, you might encounter some homeless people.
- At night, some places can appear quite dark, and walking around might involve bumping into older "eccentric" aunties who behave rather unusually.
- Along the streets, signs with vibrant colors and text in Southeast Asian languages (like Thai or Vietnamese) can be spotted all over. You might wonder, "Am I in Jakarta or Manila?!" It's quite a visual shock!
- (Fun fact: this is because there are a lot of Southeast Asian expats living and working in Taichung, resulting in ethnic shops and restaurants that reflect their hometown).
- Once you step out of the station, you may feel a bit taken aback!
Truth be told, no other city in Taiwan is quite like Taichung when it comes to the contrast between its new and old district.
- Those high-end blocks of modern architecture can be found almost everywhere, so they won't seem too special.
- But the old town areas each have their own unique charm.
I'm hard-pressed to think of another place in Taiwan that can match Taichung's Zhong District (i.e., the historic center of the city):
- So old that it feels somewhat untamed (meaning that you never know what kinds of people or activities you might encounter).
- Yet still quite bohemian, with young people opening a bunch of creative and stylish shops.
- Also incredibly international, with a wealth of culinary treats from all over the world available.
It is precisely this mix of otherwise unrelated elements that make Taichung's Zhong District so magical, so surreal. If you ask me where in Taiwan offers the best urban exploration/city walk experience, I would absolutely recommend Taichung's Zhong District as my top choice!
- Travel tip/traveller interest points:
- Walking around here, you might stumble upon highly dramatic scenes or experiences—almost like playing a real-life Grand Theft Auto (GTA), but in a good way!
- From many perspectives, it's undoubtedly one of a kind in all of Taiwan, teeming with a certain city charm.
#Taichung #TaiwanLife
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In many Taiwanese cities, the areas around train stations are older districts, and they often have a similar feel. We even joke that the area in front of our Zhongli train station feels like we've stepped into Southeast Asia.
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But the area in front of Zhongli train station isn't artsy at all.
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Which city doesn't have homeless people or dilapidated buildings? Name one, I'd like to hear it.
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I haven't seen any homeless people in Chengdu for 10 years. Over a decade ago, you'd still see people sleeping under overpasses, near public toilets, or in parks. Later, for a social practice project, I tracked where the homeless in my local area went. Able-bodied young people were assigned jobs to earn their own money, often in large factories on the city outskirts that provided food and accommodation. When I interviewed them, some had already started families and were preparing to move out. As for some of the homeless elderly and solitary individuals, most now live in community nursing homes near their former roaming areas, supported by the state. Their living conditions are quite good, and they feel they can integrate into the nursing home environment.
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The comic art in this alley is really well done.
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Excuse me, where is this alley?
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Taichung's natural scenery is exceptionally beautiful.