Neighbourhood guides, shops and living in the city. 150 dispatches.
May 1, 2026
Discover Taiwan's homegrown cheese scene at this beloved Taichung creamery, where fresh local milk meets island-wide artisanal ingredients.
Mar 16, 2026
Souvenirs are not merely the endpoint of a journey but an extension of a city’s culture. The 2026 Taichung Top Ten Gifts showcase a mature and diverse range—from innovative reinterpretations of traditional pastries to distinctive products that blend design with everyday aesthetics—collectively painting a flavorful cultural landscape unique to Taichung. Within the pastry category, distinct…
Feb 1, 2026
Craft your own signature scent with a loved one in this Taichung studio's intimate 60–90 minute fragrance-blending experience.
Feb 1, 2026
A cropped shearing jacket, worn-in jeans, and pointed boots prove February dressing doesn't require sacrificing warmth for style.
Jan 1, 2026
Master layering and neutral tones to channel Bella's effortless elegance for Taichung's cool evenings.
Jan 1, 2026
A fashion-school dropout turned cheese connoisseur crafts artisanal charcuterie boards in Taichung's hidden Central District gem.
Sep 10, 2025
Touted as the most iconic industry exhibition of its kind in Asia, Taichung Bike Week will take place September 16 to 19. Recognized as the bicycle industry’s most important trade gathering, the event is designed specifically for mid-to high-end component OEM manufacturers, complete bicycle product managers, and traders, serving as a B2B trade show where…
Aug 8, 2023
Taiwanese are no strangers to vending machines and their mechanical cousins, the ubiquitous claw game machines. Introduced to Taiwan in 2020, Pop Mart Robo Shop takes this concept to an entirely new level and has been steadily growing in number and popularity across the nation, including Taichung, which currently has four of these intelligent machines…
Apr 18, 2023
By Steven Crook To catch glimpses of Taiwan as it used to be, few places are better than Lukang (鹿港). Between the first quarter of the 18th century and the middle of the 19th century, this coastal town—27 kilometers southwest of central Taichung as the crow flies—was second only to the former capital Tainan as…
Feb 9, 2023
Since opening on Feb. 4, the 2023 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival has been a popular success, attracting many visitors with its animated over-the-water lantern and light show. Due to the very positive public response, the Taichung City Government Construction Bureau has announced that extra events are being added to the festival. In addition to an…
Jan 9, 2023
Sponsored by the Taichung City Information Bureau If finding the right gift or souvenir has ever been on your mind, you’re in luck. The 14th annual Top 10 Taichung Gifts Festival will be taking place soon in 2023 at specially awarded businesses, helping to ensure that you’ll be able to find that unique Taichung item…
Nov 3, 2021
Words and photos provided by Industrial Development & Investment Promotion Committee of Taichung City (IDIPC) Translated by Anna Yang Taichung is famed as Taiwan’s “Pastry Hometown”. In order to help you discover the city’s best pastry gifts, the Industrial Development and Investment Promotion Committee (IDIPC) of Taichung City organizes annual “Top 10 Taichung Gifts” selection…
Feb 18, 2021
Words by 陳芷柔 Vivi Chen, Jasmin Nguyen 阮武慶芸, 陳德倫 Daniel Matero It can often feel like there aren’t that many activities or places to visit during the lunar new year in Taichung, as many businesses close and the downtown streets empty for a few days. However, with a bit a thought and planning, you will…
Feb 18, 2021
A woman will dress up for the person she likes! It’s a natural instinct to enjoy beauty and, besides skincare and makeup, nail care is becoming trendy. New nail care salons and studios offering manicures, nail polishing, gel nails and sculptured colored nails have continued to open. While such places provide similar services, finding the…
Feb 18, 2021
Established in the first year of the Republic of China, this bookstore has survived for over a century and was recently relaunched to continue its mission to younger generations in a high-tech era. Third-generation owner Xu Qin-zhong headed up a team that spent two years renovating the shop, which now features a book collection including…
Feb 11, 2021
When a young Edward Schwartz joined the Buddhist ashram Mind of Pure Enlightenment (MOPE), he unwittingly took on more than he bargained for. Originally MOPE focussed on standard Buddhist practices, but like some ashrams of the era eventually added sex and drugs into the mix, boosting its popularity and attracting famous devotees–but also like many…
Jan 9, 2021
Words and photos provided by Industrial Development & Investment Promotion Committee of Taichung City (IDIPC) How do you plan to spend the three-day vacation to welcome 2021? If you don’t have anything planned yet, we recommend that you consider a unique New Year holiday with little-known Taichung scenic attractions and its most popular souvenirs. Announced…
Jan 9, 2021
Words and photos provided by Industrial Development & Investment Promotion Committee of Taichung City (IDIPC) OKLAO Specialty Coffee Drip Coffee Bag Gift Box: 2019 World Coffee Roasting Championship Champion X Taichung Xinshe Coffee Established in 2009, OKLAO focuses on global estate grown coffee beans. This coffee shop chain also won the World Coffee Roasting Championship…
Dec 28, 2020
Sponsored by the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau Do you bring your own tableware when you dine out? Do you know such practices are environmentally-friendly and can save you money? Are there any paper tableware recycling bins at the cafeterias and box-meal shops you visit? Used paper tableware that is dumped in the trash without recycling…
Aug 12, 2020
“What? Are you crazy?” is what Canadian author John Groot’s wife asked when he announced his plan to walk the entire coastline of Taiwan. A good question to be sure, but his perseverance over eight years of walking has produced a remarkably enjoyable book that is a journey around Taiwan on three levels: The walk…
Jul 19, 2020
This advertisement is provided by the Agriculture Bureau, Taichung City Government. Every June and July, Taichung has an abundant harvest of lychees. In particular, lychees cultivated in Taiping, Dali, Wufeng, Shengang and Beitun districts are extra sweet and juicy with unique flavors, making them especially popular.Besides fruit, Taichung City Government is also promoting ‘cold chain’…
May 28, 2020
This advertisement is provided by the Tourism and Travel Bureau, Taichung City Government. In order to provide travelers with safe and healthy hotel stays, Taichung City Government has launched its Reassured Accommodation Plan in cooperation with city guest residences. To date, 255 city residences have passed related inspections. All participating businesses are required to follow…
May 24, 2020
This meticulously-designed two-floor hostel (whose name means “nest” in Japanese) fills the need for a true international standard hostel in Taichung. Rooms with each anywhere from two, three, four and up to 10 beds (bunk beds NT$450/night weekdays, NT$650/Sat. & holidays; add NT$200 for larger normal beds) are found on male and female floors; mixed-gender…
May 12, 2020
Now recruiting business participants! As long as their total purchases are NT$500 or more, customers are eligible to participate in the lucky-draw raffle event. For this event, the value of purchases made at any participating business will be tripled!We are recruiting businesses to sign up for this program until June 12. All Taichung businesses are…
May 12, 2020
臺中市政府觀光旅遊局 廣告 Sponsored by the Taichung Tourism and Travel Bureau In order to ensure that visitors enjoy safe, healthy stays in the city, Taichung City Government launched its “Accommodation Reassurance Plan” on March 24 in cooperation with local hotels and other residences. Taichung has a total of 512 hotels and homestays eligible for participation in…
Mar 17, 2020
Huoyan Mountain (Huoyanshan), located on the border of Miaoli County’s Sanyi and Yuanli townships, is included among Taiwan’s top “hundred small peaks” and was voted No. 1 on an online hiking-trails survey. Its attributes include unique scenery, featuring sharp bare hills, a convenient location, accessible trails that only take about three hours to hike, and…
Mar 17, 2020
This modern-looking shop sells daily-living products that are mostly from Japan and displayed on open shelves that make browsing here convenient. Items include many attractively-packaged Japanese cookies, candies, drinks, cosmetics and skin-care products, as well as Japanese sakes. There are also appliances like electronic cooking pots, ovens, heaters, and vacuum cleaners. This wide range of…
Feb 21, 2020
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy reasonably-priced vegetarian dining, art exhibitions and shopping for Buddhist texts and artsy gift items, this place has it all covered. Besides its mission of promoting Buddhist culture and thought, the shop is divided into three areas (on the right as you enter via the front door)–an art gallery…
Feb 20, 2020
臺中市風景區管理所 廣告 Sponsored by Taichung City Scenic Area Administration The Wuhan coronavirus situation has left many people feeling like they’d rather be staying at home. However, in order to ward off this disease you need to boost your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of rest time. To help with this…
Jan 26, 2020
There are a plethora of activities and clubs to be found in Taichung, but none with the classic appeal of pool and darts. From friendly games to serious competitions, for new players and veterans alike, these games are always easy to play but take a lifetime to master. You can play for two weeks and…
Jan 25, 2020
Words and photos provided by Industrial Development & Investment Promotion Committee of Taichung City (IDIPC) Taichung’s “Top 10 Gifts Festival” contest, now in its 11th year, always sees winning shops attracting large numbers of visitors and becoming popular destinations for gift and souvenir purchases. This year’s contest, hosted by the Industrial Development & Investment Promotion…
Jan 24, 2020
Tokushio is a good place to find material for fabric-related crafts, as the “DIY Crafts World” notation on this two-floor shop reminds shoppers. Its variety of products include yarn (NT$10), wool-knitting tools (NT$35-480), DIY bags (NT$60-160), beads (NT$30-450), accessories (NT$30-40), Chinese knots, all kinds of wires (NT$30-300, handle ribbons (NT$30-400), patchwork supplies (NT$30-40), plastic flowers…
Jan 4, 2020
At first glance this fishing port, adjacent to a No. 61 West Coast Expressway interchange, is a standard, no-frills destination for local fishermen to unload their catch as boats come and go. However, it is also home to a number of vendors selling fresh seafood on weekday afternoons and weekends, when even bigger crowds turn…
Jan 4, 2020
Taiwan and Hong Kong have enjoyed close connections for decades, thanks to their proximity, deep commercial ties, and some shared cultural similarities. However, a rapidly growing number of Hongkongers are now traveling to Taiwan to stay, uprooting themselves to establish new homes, jobs and lives for themselves and their families. The first seven months of…
Nov 26, 2019
This shop promotes fresh design styles and the concept of welcoming all colors and looks. You can upload any creative design and/or one-of-a-kind graphic work and this shop will create customized printed product for you. There are various cotton T-shirts to choose from and it only takes a short time to have it emblazoned with…
Nov 23, 2019
Tabletop role-playing games, or RPGs, are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re interested in seeing what the fuss is about, newly-opened Titan Round Table offers a great place to play, with spacious rooms for rent from NT$130/person (weekdays) for four hours to NT$200/person (weekend evenings) for three hours. Larger groups can pay a flat rate for…
Nov 21, 2019
History and background The current site for Taichung’s newest and largest park has a very interesting and varied background. During the Japanese colonial era, it was utilized as the then Taichu Prefecture’s only commercial airport and later became Taichung’s Shuinan Airport, used for both military and civilian flights. From 1946 it has also served as…
Nov 16, 2019
An amazing communion of architectural aesthetics, art and life If Taiwan is a treasure-filled museum, the National Taichung Theater (NTT) can be described as Joan Miro’s “Venus” at the Louvre, displaying a power and beauty that transcends space and time. Confirming this status is the fact that over five million people have visited this new…
Nov 14, 2019
This spacious orchid garden near Taichung’s Intercontinental Baseball Stadium is filled with all sorts of orchids but is specifically famed for its display and sale of elegant-looking moth orchids. A special product sold here is a big orchid basket consisting of at least 30 orchid blossoms, arranged with special professional techniques to open outwards. Among…
Oct 26, 2019
This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and manufacture of music boxes. Inside the entrance is an introduction to musical movement brands and a timeline for music box movement company Kyooh. The variety of music boxes displayed includes antique hundred-year-old European boxes, antimony alloy boxes, shaking-head cloth doll boxes, decorative egg-shaped…
Sep 21, 2019
Although the local popularity of board games has continued to grow, the fact that many games cost over NT$1,000 means that building a collection can be daunting. Fortunately, Game Farm can help you out. For only NT$100/person during the week and NT$150/person on weekends, you and your friends can stay as long as you like…
Sep 15, 2019
While it’s the players that everyone focuses on during the heated excitement of a professional baseball game, one must not forget that this wouldn’t be possible without nonstop efforts by a small army of support personnel. At Brothers Baseball Club, this behind-the-scenes support team includes a small group whose jobs are absolutely critical to success—the…
Aug 2, 2019
It’s difficult to top the exhilarating adrenaline rush, excitement and tribal bonding that comes from watching a large sporting event with thousands of fans rooting for their team. In Taichung, this experience can only be regularly enjoyed in one place—the Intercontinental Stadium—where fans gather on an almost weekly basis throughout the summer and fall to…
Aug 2, 2019
CP Queenstown offers a fun, relaxing venue where visitors can escape life’s pressures. This former plastics factory has been remodeled into a restaurant, market, exhibition hall and go-kart center. The ground floor market hosts a variety of private vendors each weekend as well as four go-karts and a track for children and adults. The restaurant…
Jul 2, 2019
This shop, near Fengjia Night Market, makes customized T-shirt designs. Even if you’re only ordering one T-shirt, or a bag or anything on cotton material, this shop can print your design on it. This means you can produce creative gifts for friends, family members and colleagues, whether it’s a parent-child T-shirt, company uniform or even…
Jun 1, 2019
Taichung saw a change of leadership on Dec. 25, 2018, when long-serving Legislator Lu Shiow-yen was elected to lead the city over the next four years. One of the new mayor’s tasks was selecting three deputy mayors, including veteran diplomat Bruce Linghu, who has represented Taiwan at various global postings, including Los Angeles, San Francisco…
Jun 1, 2019
Pushing the wooden dough-roller door handle here takes you into a high-ceiling space filled with baking aromas. The walls display baking connoisseur favorites such as American Nordic Ware baking molds, utensils by Japanese Cakeland and German Birkmann brands, and a wide variety of interesting biscuit mold styles. The setting resembles a small museum, with various…
Jun 1, 2019
With large grass areas, tall trees and a knee-deep pond, Love Farm is a fenced-in outdoor haven for children of all ages to play safely, learn, scream and run wild. With an actual tree house, ropes, rock-climbing wall and playground slides, there are ample opportunities for children to safely climb to their hearts’ content and…
Jun 1, 2019
Located in a quiet neighborhood along a green belt near ZhongMing South Road, this wine shop’s glass facade illuminates the interior, where attractive shelves filled with wines lure passers-by inside. Most of the wines offered here are from Italy’s 20 estates, including 86 fine wines from 14 wineries. The owner also picks wines from an…
May 1, 2019
Years ago, I had to order meals for my transoceanic flight and was given multiple choices when I merely wanted to have vegetarian food. Out of curiosity, I ticked “Vegan”. Honestly speaking, it was the blandest airplane meal I have ever had in my life. Having been a vegetarian for years, I had been confronted…
May 1, 2019
The owner of this quirky, vintage-products shop along YiZhong Shopping Street used to play in a band. The venue is filled with old clothing and items from around the world with interesting stories. Knickknacks include a wing-shaped guitar mounted on the wall, rarely-seen dolls, military and blue-collar workers’ uniforms, retro-style cowhide bags, gas masks and…
May 1, 2019
This shop’s Chinese name is pronounced “jiu-jin”, with “jin” (寯) also meaning “to accumulate”, “handsome” and “outstanding”; in Cantonese, it sounds like “walk-in”. The cozy, artsy-feeling shop, stocking myriad wine and champagne selections, welcomes everyone, including wine connoisseurs, to gather here, chat about wines and purchase their favorites. Hailing from Hong Kong, attractive owner Ms.
May 1, 2019
Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) is located in the northeastern corner of Italy, near the borders with Slovenia and Austria. The region, home to 10 DOC and four DOCG appellations, is blessed with a mild climate, rolling hills, ample sunshine, regular cool breezes and a mineral-rich soil called Ponca. This combination of climate and soil produces…
Apr 1, 2019
The earliest accessories and decorations can be traced back to the Stone Age, when bones, mineral objects and shells are used. Modern-day Taiwan has been home to countless traditional shops–which mostly opened during the economic boom days in the 1980s–selling gold, silver and jewelry, mostly for gifts to celebrate weddings, newborn babies and senior citizens’…
Apr 1, 2019
Fitzone is an all-new World Gym concept targeted at everyone from regular gym-goers to beginners. Smaller than standard World Gyms, it hosts five daily one-hour sessions (starting 8:40 a.m. to 9:40 p.m.) with two 10-person teams swapping between a 30-minute treadmill run and 30-minute session with two coaches on a High Interval Intense Training (HIIT)…
Apr 1, 2019
Located in a new office tower in Taichung’s 7th Redevelopment Zone, this 1,984-square meter, single-floor, upscale private club makes “healthy living” its goal. Its member services include professional consultations, evaluations and customized courses integrating sports science, physiotherapy, nutrition and other cross-disciplinary sports science specialties, all designed to help participants achieve their health goals. Classes include…
Feb 1, 2019
Anyone with kids knows that dining out radically changes once a child comes into the picture. Gone are the days of enjoying a quiet atmosphere alone, a leisurely dinner, slowly enjoying every last morsel of food and sip of wine. This is replaced with trying to keep a little one entertained at the table, as…
Feb 1, 2019
For any special occasions related to wedding, birthday, graduation or house-warming celebrations, a floral arrangement can be a fragrant, elegant gift. Although the lifespans of such items are usually short-lived, Deja vu offers real flowers specially treated to remain beautiful and colorful for years. In September, 2016, Judy and Amber opened their “eternal flowers” business…
Feb 1, 2019
In a basement on the corner of Taiwan Boulevard and YingCai Road, this attractive gym is an excellent place for a private workout. Members take a photo to create an ID for changing rooms, equipped with personal lockers with convenient facial-recognition access (a first for any Asian training center). The training center focuses on strength…
Jan 1, 2019
The sea covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and humans explore its often mysterious depths in a variety of ways. If you love surfing, snorkeling, diving, canoeing and other water activities, this is a good place to check out and sells reasonably-priced, professional diving equipment, apparel and certification, plus other watersports clothing and gear, offering…
Jan 1, 2019
By contrast with its more general chain bookstore cousins, this independent book shop is closely integrated with local residents’ lives and often involved with non-profit community activities. The books here also often lean towards the non-mainstream market. Since its establishment in 1995, the shop has been quite popular in Taichung and its unique style includes…
Nov 30, 2018
UltiLife is central Taiwan’s largest, best-equipped crossfit gym, with 925 square meters of air-conditioned space filled with US-imported fitness equipment by reputable brands like Rogue, plus full shower/dressing room facilities. Four very experienced trainers lead one-hour group sessions (max. 10-12 people), which are held seven times per day weekdays (five on Sat.; Sun. off) between…
Oct 31, 2018
Founded in Australia and boasting over 1,500 centers globally, F45 (Functional 45) is a unique entry into Taichung’s growing fitness market and the first of this brand in Taiwan. Coaches interview new members to evaluate their fitness and exercise levels and habits before getting them into the F45 system, backed by an app that all…
Jul 31, 2018
Words and photos provided by Information Bureau of Taichung City Government Translated by Anna Yang Taichung City Government has been motivated to continue its efforts to create an aesthetically-pleasing flora city. In order to provide outdoor leisure and recreational spots for everyone, government plans are underway to develop a total of 41 parks, green pathways…
Jul 31, 2018
The restaurant-like name of this toy shop, hidden on an YiZhong Street alleyway, is a a bit misleading as it focuses on solely on knickknacks, toys, accessories and clothing. The variety means that a visit here is not just a shopping trip and more like a toy treasure hunt. Even from the outside, passers-by can…
Jun 30, 2018
Taichung has regularly hosted a variety of excellent art exhibitions in recent years that have attracted many visitors to art-related venues along or near West District’s Calligraphy Greenway and North District. This success and popularity has also helped boost art galleries, studios and exhibitions in this general area, including the following examples. –By Taylor Melton…
Jun 4, 2018
This modern, spacious Japanese chain store is probably one of the most attractive bookshops you’ll find anywhere. In addition to Japanese books and magazines, as well as Chinese and English adults’ and children’s books, it also sells daily-living necessities. In addition, customers can enjoy some relaxing dining and drinking with Wired Tokyo cafe’s famous Okinawa…
Jun 4, 2018
This store’s opulent decor and cheese-wine pairings highlight the pleasurable experience of wine tasting. The business periodically organizes wine tasting sessions and opens its second-floor VIP rooms for rental by outside companies for educational and meeting purposes. During opening period, the shop is focusing on introducing the wines of Austria and Australia, whose different terroirs…
May 27, 2018
Those who are looking to relax, perhaps relieve some work-related stress, and happen to be in the Fengjia Night Market area can stop by this new business for a foot massage. This shop, affiliated with Chiu Hong Gu Company, features an interior that is divided into private rooms, decorated with elegant blue lights that match…
May 26, 2018
This flagship Gamix VR arcade offers up to 12 types of virtual reality games. From Project Cars (F1 racing) and Halo Motorcycle Racing to kid-friendly VR games, there is something fun for gamers of all ages and both genders to enjoy. The imported game equipment is completely new, using expensive HTC Vive headsets (about NT$20,000…
May 4, 2018
Words and photos provided by Information Bureau of Taichung City Government Translated by Anna Yang Designing the Flora Expo venue and mascot around the protected leopard cat It is a well-known fact that Taichung City is hosting the World Flora Exposition from November this year. A few years ago, as the city government conducted a…
May 4, 2018
French culinary and baking techniques are at the heart of most modern-day western food and dining traditions and countries with their own rich and varied baking backgrounds–including Italy, Denmark, Austria and Germany–owe a great deal to the innovative French bakers who came before them. Over the past decade, multiple French bakeries (or patisseries) have sprung…
May 3, 2018
Flamenco originates in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia. Its original elements of singing, dancing and guitar were later joined by clapping and stamping. Flamenco’s artistic and cultural influences can be traced back to a variety of sources thanks to Andalucia’s geography, people, history and religions, with roots branching out to Gypsy, Islamic, Jewish, Central…
May 3, 2018
Near a tranquil street corner, a tree-shaded, half-century-old building is bathed in sunshine. This old house, owned by a lovely young couple, displays all kinds of knickknacks collected from Taiwan, Japan and other countries–all part of memories from their life journey. This daily necessities shop was opened by the owners as a reminder to enjoy…
Apr 30, 2018
Recent years in Taiwan have seen the transformation of dogs and cats from household pets into full-fledged “furry children” and members of the family. Owners can be frequently seen walking their “furkids” in parks during weekends, or pushing them around in pet strollers on shopping trips to malls and other venues. At the same time…
Apr 20, 2018
This organization’s focus and efforts are directed toward needy families and children as it provides them with opportunities to learn essential life skills. TSWA’s sisterhood workshop, established in 2015, mainly offers middle-aged women, including single mothers, classes in making chewy, handmade steamed buns with naturally-fermented flour and no unhealthy additive ingredients. These buns (NT$10-25) are…
Oct 19, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 This attractive little book store is owned by the Cite Publishing Group and is the second on the island after a first store in Taipei. Located opposite and just down the road from T.G.I. Friday’s, it is attached to an equally nice-looking Dante Cafe branch, which opens earlier…
Oct 19, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 One of the biggest global names in music retailing has finally arrived in Taichung, with a large, 150-ping store on the 10th floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store. Living up to its slogan, “No Music, No Life”, Tower a excellent selection of CDs across the musical…
Sep 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: This attractive four-floor glass structure, located next to The Landis Hotel, has been drawing attention for some time and is now open for business with a full range of health club facilities that are open to members and hotel guests. Indoor facilities include dozens of exercise and weight…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Ann Tai Translated by Vanessa Wu Ilustrated by Linda Cheng Recently, as the temperature continues to soar rapidly and the sun seems to be blazing down on us harder than ever, it is crucial that everyone own a pair of comfortable and ,preferably, stylish sunglasses. Sometimes we…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: Translated by Cheryl Robbins After the end of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the world seems to have suddenly become quiet. Friends no longer meet up in pubs to watch the games and office chatter has returned to the topic of best way to lose weight. Although Brazil’s…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Douglas Habecker After several weeks of renovation, Chung Yo Department Store’s B3-level food court has re-opened with an all-new, improved look and 32 new dining outlets and restaurants. The new lay-out is bright, attractive and much more spacious with long, open table and seating areas (about 750…
Jun 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Douglas Habecker With 150 pings of brightly-lit space, this place claims to be the largest pet store in the country. Pet owners will like the wide variety of imported and local pet products for dogs, cats and smaller creatures like birds, rabbits and gerbils. This includes all…
Jun 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Douglas Habecker Located in the heart of the Wu Chuan Parkway cafe and restaurant district, this pleasant-feeling, two-floor store sells a big selection of imported household decorative items, plus beauty products. There are lamps, clocks (including various cuckoo clocks), furniture, signs, figurines, vases and other interesting wares.
Jun 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Douglas Habecker If there seems to be fewer sidewalk vendors around the popular Ching Ming 1st Street “tea street” area recently, it is because they’ve gone underground, quite literally. This new underground shopping area has 1,500 pings of space and over 100 stores, stalls, snack bars and…
Jun 1, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Selena Huang /Photos and Information provided by Crystal Records /Translated by Lisa Chiu Most people’s first impression of this group is their white zombie-like make up and flamboyant stage presence. Freddy, one of the band members, says that their outrageous clothing and makeup are representative of their…
May 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: Translated by Cheryl Robbins She had shoulder-length hair and a medium build. To be honest, she wasn’t someone who would stand out in a crowd. If we both hadn’t written the same wrong class time down, we might never have had the chance to talk, and I might…
May 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: By David Greenberg and Stephan Larose/Photos by David Greenberg/Translated by Sharon Yang Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay awhile, there are plenty of options for budget accommodations in Taichung. For a quiet and convenient place to crash in that won’t bankrupt your wallet, you might…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: By Tammy Huang Translated by Cheryl Robbins Looking for an exotic experience, but don’t have the time or money to travel? Fortunately, Taichung has a variety of exotic dining options to enjoy. Below is a sampling of city restaurants that feature dishes from a number of countries and…
Apr 12, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Translated by Rachel Chiou Uwe Mertsch is one of Taichung’s few professional foreign artists. He specializes in abstract painting, but is also an accomplished woodworker. Since 1995, he and his wife have traveled to and lived in many countries around the world, lending real meaning to the term…
Apr 12, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Cornerstone specializes in sports apparel and currently has branches in Taipei and west-coast America. Inside, the store is decorated with avant garde posters. Among its items are skateboarding, cycling, rollerblading and other sports apparel, including such name brands as First Senate, UGP, Dada, Vexel and Writers Bench. Cornerstone…
Apr 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: By Chen Ni-ang Translated by Matt Godsey and Annie Chen When it comes to learning English, every student in Taiwan has experienced frustration at some point. Three years in junior high school plus three years in high school adds up to six years of study and, if you…
Apr 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Translated by Sharon Yang Nobel prize winner – dr. eric cornell Dr. Eric Cornell, senior scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, garnered world attention recently when he won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics, together with two collaborators, for the achievement of…
Apr 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: By Tammy Huang Translated by Cheryl Robbins The weather has warmed up and, with the two-day weekend, there is much more time to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy nature. The Taichung area has many clubs, organizations and businesses that specialize in outdoor recreation. Below is a very small…
Apr 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: By Tammy Huang Translated by Patricia Li and Cheryl Robbins Even a few years ago, specially themed restaurants were relatively rare in Taichung. That, however, appears to be rapidly changing as a sometimes-bizarre variety of theme eateries has continued to spring up. Below is just a sampling of…
Apr 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Given its name, it is appropriate that this fledgling community center is committed to “opening doors to Taichung”. The brainchild of Ingrid Ploeme (who has given part of her house to the center) and a small group of fellow organizers, the new center aims to help foreigners and…
Apr 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Sunny Fitness Center is no newcomer to Taichung, having built up a good reputation over the past year. However, it recently went through a major move and renovation, relocating to a new area of the same building. Head up the elevator and straight past the guard and you’ll…
Apr 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: This is an extremely cute store, run by a cute couple and filled with cute things. Recently relocating to La Cite fashion outlet mall, Mini Bear House is a cozy establishment that, from the outside, looks like something out of a children’s story book. Inside, it is packed…
Mar 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: By Douglas Habecker Translated by Rachel Chiou Although Tiger City has been getting the lion’s–or, rather, tiger’s–share of attention over the past month or two, there’s no forgetting the city’s other shopping mall, Taichung Central, which is continuing to draw its own crowds. Located in south Taichung behind…
Mar 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: By Douglas Habecker Translated by Rachel Chiou If you’re a North American, or have lived anywhere on that continent, there’s a good chance that you’ve spent more than your fair share of time in shopping centers and malls. An all-American invention, the shopping center has today revolutionized the…
Mar 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: Like the Chao Ping store in the basement, U2 is a very large computer/information products store featuring one of the city’s best selections of items. U2 is divided between first and second floors, the first floor having more computer hardware (notebook and desk-top computers, printers, scanners, etc.) and…
Mar 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: The opening of this very big store and the U2 3C outlet (see listing below) is making the E Power Center (ex-Top Mall) a significant competitor for the NOVA information/computer mall next door. With 1,600 pings of space, Chao Ping claims to be the “country’s largest American-style computer…
Feb 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 Translated by Sharon Yang With Taiwan’s focus on internationalization, including its recent entry into the WTO, foreigners are arriving and staying on the island in larger numbers. In addition, an increasing percentage of the local population has spent some time abroad for work and study, and has been…
Feb 11, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 1.Where is the best place to meet people of the opposite sex? On an airplane or while traveling.-Sophie Jow (female, no age or occupation given) At a language school, because I think it is the best and safest place to meet men.-Marguerite Chen (female, age 18, student) In…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 J-lin Dental Clinic is working hard to change people’s image of a dental office. The examination chairs are made of soft leather. In front of each station is a large photograph of a scenic, natural spot, meant to put the patient at ease. The waiting area features a…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 Making the biggest splash that Taichung has seen in a while, this swanky-looking shopping and entertainment mall is an attractive addition to the city’s booming seventh redevelopment zone and is already a massive hit with residents. Tiger City takes more of American approach to shopping centers, with independent…
Jan 3, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002 By Tammy Huang and Cheryl RobbinsTranslated by John Johnson and Sharon Yang Rose Records The non-stop music played at this store makes you feel as if you are on a dance floor. The store stocks a variety of Western music, including as hip-hop, techno, metal and rock. It…
Jan 2, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002 This boutique is filled with unique items mostly imported from Europe, such as European antique-style furniture, cabinets, kitchenware and eating utensils. Tian Lai Hsing Yang Hang also sells aromatherapy candles and herbal teas, all made with natural ingredients. The manager says that this store is not just about…
Jan 2, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002 Translated by Vicky Huang and Sharon Yang Over the past decade, Jason Hu has become a well-known and widely-respected public figure in Taiwan as he has served his country in a variety of positions, including foreign minister, ROC representative to the United States, and director of the Government…
Dec 28, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: By Rachel Chiou When most of us think about Christmas, we remember that it is not only a time of receiving presents, but of giving them as well. In Central Taiwan, there is no shortage of charitable organizations which are working hard to provide for those with variety…
Dec 28, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: Biung, a member of the Bunun aboriginal tribe and up-and-coming musician/singer/songwriter, grew up in a small village in the mountains of Taitung, where music played an important part in everyday life. These roots were reflected on his first album, “The Hunter”, which he produced during his last year…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: This new store–the fifth and latest Taichung outlet in a Japanese chain–bears an uncanny resemblance to a TJ Maxx store in America. Inside is a good variety of decent-looking clothing for women, men and children, plus some toys, towels and other home items, sold at very reasonable prices…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: Eslite Book Store’s Central District branch, located in the Eslite Lungshing shopping complex near the train station, has moved downstairs from the seventh and eighth floors into a new, 300-ping location. Filled with the store’s usual selection of Chinese and English books, magazines, stationery, CDs and other items…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: This medium-size, 120-ping DIY store provides a pleasant option for those looking for DIY/home-care supplies without wandering through one of Taichung’s mega-stores. There is a good variety of goods, from Bosch power drills to shaving mirrors, from garbage cans to hammers. The store, right next to the Chienhsing/Chungching…
Nov 24, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Tammy Huang Translated by Cheryl Robbins Following the success of the Taipei Hsimenting area redevelopment project, the Taichung City government decided to spend NT$30 million to revamp Chi Kuang Street into a 1,000-meter-long, pedestrian-only area. As the longest pedestrian-only street in the city, this project is expected…
Nov 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 Undoubtedly one of the most attractive large stores in the city, this establishment is housed in a striking, 700-ping, four-level glass structure and sells only the finest in modern, imported European furniture, fixtures, decorations, dining and table ware and similar products. Pricey brand names include Arzberg, Vitra Design…
Nov 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 Taichung’s first real shopping center has opened its doors just behind the railroad station and is quite an imposing presence, with 118,500 square meters of space, 17 levels and about 300 shops, boutiques, cafes and other establishments. The US-designed mall includes large anchor businesses World Gym Fitness Center…
Nov 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 Touted as “Taiwan’s largest antique furniture flagship store”, Blue Field’s new, two-floor location is a big improvement over its old one (formerly on Chungming S. Rd.) with about 800 pings of brightly-lit space, over twice the size of the old Chung Ming South Road store. This is nicely…
Nov 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 The biggest DIY and home products store on the island, Taichung’s second B&Q center is truly massive, with 3,000 pings of space–so big that a floor map is handed out to keep customers from getting lost. This giant British chain store is a handyman’s heaven, with over 30,000…
Oct 30, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001 Douglas Habecker Like most cities around the world, Taichung is full of pleasant secrets–perhaps a wonderful restaurant or quaint little shop–waiting to be discovered on some back alley. However, it is also home to at least one very large hidden gem that has remained invisible to many residents…
Oct 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Chen Yi-ru Bookstores are places to gain information, stimulate the imagination and escape from the pressures of life. Taichung possesses a variety of bookstores, from the general to the specific. Below is a small sampling of bookstores waiting to be explored. ESLITE BOOKS (CHUNG YO BRANCH) Eslite…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: Located in the Top Mall building opposite Peoples’ Square, Power Center takes the place of former occupant Homart, which went out of business several months ago. Joining the likes of NOVA and eTower computer shopping centers, Power Center features about a dozen shops selling computers and related products…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: From the outside, The Way of Health does not look like an ordinary health food store. It has a small garden area in front and bamboo running along the side. Inside is dark-wood decor and subdued lighting. The Way of Health was founded on the concepts of four…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: The American Hush Puppies shoe company has opened its first stand-alone store in Taichung, conveniently located opposite the Tatun Road Carrefour in what used to be San Francisco Best Coffee. Unmistakable with its adorable bassett hound mascot/trademark, Hush Puppies offers a variety of high-quality leather men’s and women’s…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: This wonderfully exotic and attractive store features a very wide range of great imported household decorations, furniture and other items from all over the world, particulary Southeast Asia. On two floors of space, there are plenty of neat-looking clothes, candles, exotic decorations, furniture, incense, table settings, containers and…
Oct 14, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001 By Douglas Habecker Like most cities around the world, Taichung is full of pleasant secrets–perhaps a wonderful restaurant or quaint little shop–waiting to be discovered on some back alley. However, it is also home to at least one very large hidden gem that has remained invisible to many…
Jul 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jul. 2001 Tammy Huang and Annie Huang Many people live very busy, hectic lives. The stress level can seem almost unbearable. So, what is one of the best ways to get rid of stress? Exercise. Taichung’s health clubs offer a variety of ways to do just that, from exercise equipment…
Jun 16, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jun. 2001 Douglas Habecker If there’s anything uniquely-appealing about Taichung, it is the fact that there are constantly new, fascinating and attractive corners of the city that are developing and waiting to be discovered. No where is that more true than Nantun district which has grown so fast that the…
Feb 24, 2001
by Cheryl Robins Photo: Henry Westheim © 2001 Matthew Lien is a well-known environmental activist, composer, musician and vocalist from the Yukon, Canada. Gaining acclaim for albums like “Bleeding Wolves”, “Caribou Commons”, “Voyage to Paradise” and “Touching the Earth”, his musical compositions often include sounds recorded in nature or songs from the Aborigine tribes of…
Feb 24, 2001
The word ‘spa’ comes from the Latin phrase,’Solus Par Aqua’, which means “healing by water”. Spa also originates from Spau, a small town in the southern part of Belgium, famous in the 16th century for its natural, healing hot springs. Today, spas are making a comeback, providing water therapy facilities. Water therapy does not only…
Feb 9, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2001 Douglas Habecker Where should I take her (or him) for Valentine’s Day? That is a question that many people will no doubt be asking themselves as they try to come up with a good date idea for that romantic occasion. Taichung has no shortage of pleasant restaurants so…
Aug 26, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2000 Courtney Donovan Smith When the woman who, only minutes before, was brandishing a huge dildo and cracking a whip tells me that she has ‘performed for children all over Canada and America’; should I have been alarmed? When the performer in question is Shannon McNab, of course not.
Jul 19, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, July 2000 Courtney Donovan Smith In Makung I was fortunate to meet one of the most interesting and exciting sculptors in Taiwan, Penghu native Chen Fu Chi. Visiting his workshop is a startling experience. His work has extreme range both technically and emotionally. Some of his more famous works are…
Mar 12, 2000
by Nancy Miller From our archives, Compass Magazine, March 2000. According to Tom and Susan Bailey, it is the people of Taichung that make this city such a great place to live. Perhaps that is why the two have called this city their home for 13 years now. “There is a genuine warmth in the…
Mar 12, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, MARCH 2000. Night after the night, they can be seen walking in one direction or another, up and down Taichung Harbor Road. Foreigners, Chinese, residents and visitors, all strolling among the swanky hotels, garish neon signs, department stores, shops, restaurants and pubs of the city’s busiest stretch of commercial activity…
Mar 12, 2000
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, MARCH 2000. From the street it looked civilized and clean. Brand new furniture decorated the waiting room, well groomed staff greeted patients. But, upon arrival at the dentist’s chair, some finer details came into focus. Rusting utensils, cob webs swaying from the light, and a dentist who…
Jan 8, 2000
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, January 2000. Not many people in this world dare to defy the boundaries of physics the way Narinder Singh does. Singh, a native of India, holds the Guinness World Record for pulling the heaviest vehicle — with his teeth. It all began when Singh — now a…
Jan 8, 2000
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, JANUARY 2000. It doesn’t take Indiana Jones or any other seasoned sleuth to discover one of Taichung’s most intriguing, unburied treasures. Shoppers usually get clues to this destination by word of mouth. It’s pretty easy to find from there as it’s hidden only by the multitude of…
Nov 8, 1999
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, November 1999. Brian Lahan, the new Director for Taichung’s Lincoln American School, is leading a life that most would admire and even be envious of. With a genuine care about the education of children and a curiosity and respect for various cultures of the world, Lahan has…
Nov 8, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, November 1999. For decades, Taichung has been a center Chinese-language training in Taiwan. With a variety of excellent programs, each with unique characteristics, students have plenty of options. In this month’s About Town, Aaron Bleasdale examines the latest addition to the city’s offerings. Between the rigors of hectic teaching schedules…
Aug 8, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, August 1999. Taichung is a long, long way from Belgrade, as Boris Djordjevic discovered when he first arrived on the island about four years ago. Little could he know that he would end up not only running his own Internet business solutions consultancy but also becoming one of the island’s…
May 8, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, MAY 1999. A fragrant essence of ginseng rises above the other distinct smells in the local market near Taichung’s train station, leading devoted customers and curious newcomers alike to the shop of Mr. Lin Hsing-gang. Upon entering Lin’s tidy, well-stocked and meticulously organized herbal medicine shop, a customer can’t help…
May 8, 1999
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, MAY. 1999. With a known history of over 2500 years, Chinese herbal medicine is an organized system of medical knowledge containing more than 7000 remedies proven through centuries of use, pharmacological research, and modern clinical experimentation. In both written and unwritten form, this holistic practice has evolved…
May 8, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, MAY 1999 Anyone who remembers the student protests at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the subsequent massacre probably also recalls a young student leader named Wu’er Kaixi. During its monthly dinner meeting on March 30, the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce was honored to host Wu’er as its guest…
May 7, 1999
By Barbara Healy From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 1999: What does a mother of two active school age kids and wife of a development director of a leading shoe company do with her spare time? For Patti Garrido, newly appointed president of International Women’s Association of Taichung (IWAT), the answer is get involved and…
Dec 10, 1998
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 1998: By Barbara Healy Don Soloma looks just as comfortable in Taiwan as he would on a patch of his suburban homeland in Melbourne. That comfort hasn’t come without some hard work and lots of vision. Nearly five and a half years ago, he and his Taiwanese wife, Mia…
Mika Abdalla embodies her character Allie Hayes with a seamless fusion of contemporary edge and nostalgic 1970s inspired styling.
Actor Camila Morrone's effortless summer style in a soft ivory sleeveless dress proves that minimalism and silhouette are the keys to refined seasonal dressing.