Originally Posted by
uanj
I'll share some thoughts. You are unfortunately a little early for decorations. In Taiwan, a lot of the more visual lunar new year decorations are for lantern festival and the displays start on or after the first day of the new year. The only somewhat significant display going up early I am aware of is at Baguashan. The theme is 3D light-up emojis on the grounds of a very large, traditional Buddhist temple, unusual and maybe not what you are looking for.
HSR, if you cannot get a reserved seat you can grab a seat or stand in a non-reserved car. During peak times expect to stand. If the cars are full you wait until the next train. People carefully queue in line and there is no cutting. Taichung's HSR station, like most outside of the Taipei area, is not close to anything. If you really want to go to a night market in Taichung consider Daqing, it is on a Taiwan rail line running from the Taichung HSR station so you can easily transfer. Maybe 3-4 stops. Fengjia night market is huge and more famous, but not as easy to get to.
Many people who go to Jiufen also go to Shifen. Jiufen and Taichung sounds ambitious, doable in a long day but not for most people. I am not sure taking a train to Taichung for a night market is going to be worth it but it all depends on what you want to do. Some people enjoy riding trains! Please feel free to PM me if you want.
Yes I realize I'm early for Taiwan. But I'll be going to Malaysia and Singapore. KL seems to have interest decorations in the malls. Singapore also has alot of decorations outside. So I think it is good enough for this trip.
I realize Jiufen + Taichung doesn't really make that much sense. However, for me night markets are #1 for a visit to taiwan. I've visited the ones in Taipei several times and want something new. And I've never been outside of Taipei. I mention the CNY decorations because I happen to be there around CNY. I do have a very long day. My flight arrives at 6am and I don't depart til midnight.
Yes I see that the HSR station is not close to the market. Google is recommending bus #160 over the subway. Is that correct?
If there's another place with something interesting on 1/23 then maybe it's worth revamping my plans. Otherwise, I think I've got a plan.
Originally Posted by
Skyman65
Yeah, but it's not THAT hard to get to. Just grab an Uber or taxi.
Fengjia is THE market most people think of when you mention Taichung Night Market. If you're looking for the full experience, I wouldn't settle for less. Just my two cents.
Yes, worst case, I can take a uber/taxi.
BTW, I'll arrive T2 but looks like my departure is at T1. So after arriving, I'll have to head over to T1 to store my bag. If I recall, there's a train I can take to T1 from landside. Then I recall there are lockers at T1.