🚆 Getting Around Taichung and Xinshe: A Practical Travel Guide with Tips and Local Insights

If you’re planning to explore central Taiwan — especially Taichung and the scenic mountain town of Xinshe — transportation can be a little tricky, but it’s definitely manageable with some planning! Whether you’re chasing lavender blooms, fairytale castles, or colorful flower festivals, here’s a guide to help you move around smoothly (plus a few personal tips from my own experience).

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🏙️ Getting to Taichung City

Taichung is easily accessible from major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan. The fastest way to get there is via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR).

🚅 Option 1: HSR (High-Speed Rail)

• From Taipei Main Station → Taichung HSR Station
• Travel time: 1 hour
• Fare: NT$700 (approx. ₱1,050)
• Bonus: Comfortable seats, air-conditioned, and punctual!

💡 Travel Tip:
Once you arrive at Taichung HSR Station, you can transfer to the city center via taxi (NT$250–300) or take a local bus (NT$20–25).

🚌 Option 2: By Bus
If you’re on a budget, several bus companies operate between Taipei and Taichung — including UBus and Kuo-Kuang.

• Fare: NT$250–350
• Travel time: 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic

✈️ From Taoyuan Airport:
You can take the shuttle bus to Taichung directly. It’s convenient if you’re coming straight from your flight.

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🌸 Getting to Xinshe District from Taichung City

Xinshe is a rural mountain district known for attractions like Lavender Cottage, Xinshe Castle, and the Sea of Flowers Festival. Public transportation exists, but expect transfers and long waits — so plan accordingly!

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🚉 Option 1: Train + Bus Combination

1. Take a train from Taichung Station to Tanzih Station.
2. From Tanzih, transfer to a local bus bound for Zhongxingling (中興嶺) stop — the main access point to Xinshe.

🕑 Estimated Travel Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
💰 Estimated Fare: NT$80–100 (₱120–₱150)

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🚌 Option 2: By Bus from Taichung City

There are 10 bus routes going to Zhongxingling (中興嶺) — including routes 31, 91, 264, 265, 270, 271, 272, 275, 276, and 277.

The most common way is to take the Fongyuan Bus (豐原客運) or Renyou Bus (仁友客運) 31, showing “台中車站─中興嶺” in front of Taichung Railway Station.

💡 Bus Fare: NT$40 (₱60)
⏱️ Travel Time: Around 1 hour
🌐 Bus Info: Fongyuan Bus Timetable

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🚕 Option 3: Private Taxi or Hired Driver (Recommended)

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in a day — like Lavender Cottage, Summit Resort, and Sea of Flowers — hiring a taxi or private driver will save you time and energy.

💰 Average Rate: NT$1,300–1,500 for a half-day trip
🕓 Travel Time: Around 45 minutes from Taichung City
🌄 Bonus: Flexible stops, less waiting time, and scenic views along the way.

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💬 Personal Note

When we were planning our Cingjing and Xinshe itinerary, we initially decided to take the bus because it’s affordable and lets you experience more of the local life along the way. The countryside scenery as you approach Xinshe is absolutely stunning — a great prelude to what’s waiting at the Flower Carpet Festival and Lavender Cottage!

However, since we were offered a private taxi service that day, we decided to go for it instead. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions! The ride was comfortable, and we had more time to explore without worrying about bus schedules. 🚗✨

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📍 Getting Around Xinshe Attractions

Most attractions in Xinshe are not walkable from one another. The roads are steep, winding, and spaced out, so plan your route wisely.

🪻 Suggested Order of Visit:

1. Lavender Cottage (Lavender Forest)
2. Xinshe Castle (Summit Resort)
3. Xinshe Sea of Flowers (seasonal, November–December)

💡 Pro Tip:
Hire a driver for the day or book a local day tour (price starts at NT$250 per person). You can arrange this through your hotel or tourist center in Taichung.

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💰 Sample Transportation Budget (per person)

Route	Type	Cost (NT$)	Cost (₱)	Notes
Taichung → Xinshe	Private Taxi	1300	1950	45–60 mins travel
Xinshe Shuttle (per attraction)	Shared Tour	250	375	Flexible drop points
Xinshe → Taichung	Private Taxi	800	1200	Night return trip

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🧭 Travel Tips
✔️ Bring cash (NT$) — small towns rarely accept credit cards.
✔️ Keep your EasyCard topped up for public buses.
✔️ Download the “Taiwan Bus Tracker” app — real-time bus schedules!
✔️ Start early — some buses stop running after 6:00 PM.
✔️ Hire a local driver if visiting multiple Xinshe spots in a day.

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📣Getting around Taichung and Xinshe might seem intimidating at first, but with a little planning, it’s one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll have in Taiwan. Whether it’s watching mist roll over mountain farms or wandering through lavender fields, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. 🌸🚗

If you’re chasing scenic views, charming countryside stops, and hidden gems, Taichung and Xinshe are must-visit spots on your Taiwan itinerary.

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💜 Have you tried exploring Taichung or Xinshe on your own? Share your best route or transportation tip in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my next post — Taiwandering Four: Day 2 – From Cingjing to Xinshe and Ximending!

📖 Read Next: Exploring Xinshe Castle and Lavender Cottage – A Fairytale Escape in Taiwan 🌿

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