Taichung Taiwan China
Taiwan
10
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Frequently Asked Questions
In the middle of the port installations, the island’s second freight hub, well away from residential areas. A service centre at the foot of the gangway handles customs formalities, an information desk and a few basic amenities.
No. Walking is not possible inside the freight zone: taxis and cruise line shuttles handle all movement. Plan your day before leaving the ship, since the attractions are spread along the coast and inland.
About an hour by road. Distances look short on the map, but regional traffic decides otherwise and thickens in the late afternoon. Leave slack for the return.
The wetlands north of the harbour basins, the most striking landscape nearby: a wooden boardwalk runs out over mudflats where crabs and wading birds work at low tide. The tall white wind turbines lined along the dyke give the place an almost unreal look.
Late afternoon, when the light softens and the walkers’ silhouettes reflect in the thin water. The site is freely accessible, and the wind blows everyone about — worth factoring into what you wear.
A former major trading port further south. Its old street winds between red brick houses, incense-filled temples and workshops where artisans still make lanterns and fans. Taiwanese families come here on pilgrimage as much as for a walk.
Pick one objective: Gaomei, Lukang or the city. Travel eats a large share of the day and trying to combine two means rushing. Those who prefer to stay near the ship will find an art centre in converted warehouses and a large outlet mall.
A lively university city: bold contemporary architecture, carefully run cafés and night markets sizzling with skewers and fried dumplings. It justifies a long call, provided you accept two hours of driving there and back.
Cruise line excursions are the simplest option for Gaomei, Lukang or the city. If taking a taxi at the terminal, agree on the fare and the return time before setting off. Regional buses exist, but the connections eat up valuable time.
Yes, provided you know what to expect. Arriving among the container cranes is disconcerting, but the coast holds the golden mudflats of Gaomei and the brick lanes of Lukang. Few passengers come back with photographs of monuments — more often with the memory of a working coast where beauty has to be earned.
