Taichung

The focus of central Taiwan is Taichung. Coincidentally, the name 'taichung' bears the meaning Central Taiwan. Taichung is a 'twin' of Taipei, with the exception of being a more quiet and peaceful metropolis. Being the third largest city in Taiwan, the population amounts to about 100,000 people. Taichung is situated about 20 kilometers from the coast and 100 kilometers south of Taipei, and enjoys the best year-round climate on the island.

Founded in 1721 by Chinese mainland immigrants, Taichung was initially called Tatun, or Big Mound. Only after the Japanese occupied Taiwan in 1895 did they finally change the name to what it is today. Taichung has its own harbor, which opened in 1975, and a World Trade Center that accommodates the manufacturing and business activities. The city of Taichung has much to offer to its myriad of tourists and visitors. Below are among some of the popular areas, which would be of interest to visitors.

Martyrs' Shrine

Taiwan has many different Martyrs' Shrine in various locations. The shrine in Taichung is located on Shuangshih Road and was established in 1970. Like many other temples, this shrine is designed in a harmonious manner that reflects classical Chinese architecture. Some claim that the shrine here is more prominent than those at Hualien or Taipei. Two bronze lions guard the shrine, which was built to commemorate 72 Chinese who were beheaded in 1911 by the Manchu court on the eve of the Republic's revolution.

Kong Miao

Like the Martyrs' Shrine, the Confucius temple or Kong Miao can be found in almost every major city in Taiwan. The temple, famed for the fettered design of its roof, was resurrected for the great savant. The eaves in this shrine curve gently downward to earth, emphasizing Confucius' concept of earth being more important than heaven.

A black-stone pillar stands on the altar of the shrine bearing the name of the Confucius engraved in gold. Annually on September 28, the temple plays host to an array of colorful ancient rituals, archaic costumes, and traditional music on traditional instruments.