by Douglas Habecker
One of the most distinctive destinations in Taichung for residents and visitors, this West District green belt is an attractive place to stroll, dine and linger at day or night. The top (north) end of the parkway is the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Taichung Cultural Center and surrounding park area. Both of these cultural spots are excellent places to spend the afternoon, and the green spaces surrounding them among the most beautiful in urban Taiwan, with plenty of trees, sculptures, water, paths, hills and plenty of things for the children to play on. Both of the museums are introduced elsewhere on this site (see links below).

The parkway starts directly across from the Art Museum's entrance plaza and is bordered by WuQuan West 3rd and WuQuan West 4th streets.

Although it is wonderful for strolling, the Art Museum Parkway's main draw is the wide variety of excellent restaurants, cafes and shops lining it on both sides. These establishments are all housed in old homes that have been redesigned and redecorated in an eclectic variety of styles and themes, giving the area a picturesque, quaint feeling. Cuisine, mostly in the mid-to-high price bracket, ranges from Thai, Turkish and Italian to traditional Chinese. Well-known restaurants here include Little Italy, Santorini, La Bretagne, Fleur de Sel, Leelavadee, Moment in Peking, Pumpkin House, Le Jardin de Giverny, Istanbul, and Shanghai 1924.

Off to the western side of Art Museum, starting from MeiCun Road is the quieter CunZhong Street green belt, bordered by more restaurants. The cuisine here is equally varied and includes Indian, Italian and French cuisine, served at restaurants like Le Mout, Country Goose Kitchen, Cacti, and Papa Mio.
A free map of this area is available in the monthly Compass Magazine and Compass Taichung Map.

Useful Links:
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (LINKTO: Entertainment & Leisure > Culture > National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts)
Taichung Municipal Cultural Center (LINKTO: Entertainment & Leisure > Culture > Taichung Municipal Cultural Center)