Taichung, literally the centre of Taiwan, is often under the shadows of Taipei to its north and Kaohsiung to the south, but with the most enviable climate, better air quality, greener landscape and less crowded streets, it is now regarded as the island’s most attractive place to live. Like its name, Taichung is also at the centre and crossroads of major transport arteries to the inland countryside of mesmerising Sun Moon Lake and the lush plains of Puli. And did we mention Fengjia Night Market – the grand dame of all Taiwanese night markets? Pay a visit to central Taiwan with a customised Taichung or Taiwan tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and experience the reasons why Taichung is finally coming into its own.

The Taiwanese are a creative and environmentally friendly lot and there’s no better place to be acquainted with these desirable traits than Carton King, where paper and cardboard rule the day. Unleash your inner child at the amazing carton zoo featuring cardboard artwork of your favourite animals and choose your pick of creativity to pack home at the souvenir shop selling interesting cardboard novelties such as digital cameras, light fixtures, home decorations and furniture. There is also a theme restaurant in which every single thing in the space, including the chairs that you sit on, is made of corrugated paper. Well, except your food of course.

A sunrise to savour at Hehuanshan
Hehuanshan is surprisingly accessible, even at such a lofty height of over 3,400 metres, as proper highland roads lead visitors directly up the range to a height of over 3,200 metres above sea level. As sunrise lovers gently trek up to the main peak before the break of dawn, they are first rewarded with clouds of mist gathering on the ridges ahead. Upon reaching the viewing point, they pick a spot and rub their hands gleefully, as well to get some warmth back amidst the cool alpine temperature, the rising sun soon takes a sneak behind the peak. Then in a quick but smooth ascent, cameras and marvels appear unanimously as the sun showers its morning rays across the mountain range and illuminate the visions of all who is there. This is indeed a sunrise to savour, and worth waking up for.

Chase your dreams at Lavender Cottage
Lavender cottage has a wonderful and inspirational backstory in which two city girls decided to quit their mundane jobs and harboured plans to retreat to a simpler way of living. They bought a hill in nowhere where there is no sign of any urban distraction, grew lavender and started creating a different life for themselves. Lavender Cottage was soon born through many years of effort and going against the grind. Now, the estate houses not just sprawling fields of lavender, but also lovely gardens, cosy restaurants, novelty shops and accommodation. Upon achieving their dream, the two owners now wishes to offer the same kind of romanticism to all those who visit, hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

Searching for more relaxing Taiwan and East Asian destinations? Try:

• Busan tour package
• Hualien tour package
• Japan tour package
• Jeju Island tour package
• Kaohsiung tour package
• Seoul tour package

With Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, you can easily create your very own Taichung or Taiwan tour package. Whether you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or searching for nostalgic glimpses of olden Formosa, Taichung is the perfect place to start planning your customised tour to Taiwan. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.