The much-anticipated "2010 Taichung City Free Bus Tours" were inaugurated over the Chinese New Year Holiday and will last to the end of October, offering 42 tours every Sunday and on some Saturdays. Therefore, those wanting to explore Taichung no longer need to worry about planning itineraries or spending too much money. Simply register for one of the four tours--"Ecology Tour", "Sweet Winery Tour", "Traditional Art & Cuisine Tour", and "Starry Night Tour"--and visit all the great scenic spots that Greater Taichung has to offer between spring and autumn.

Discovering Greater Taichung before the city-county consolidation

Previously, Taichung City Free Bus Tours were limited to within the city but, thanks to the impending merger of Taichung city and county, tours have been extended to Taichung county areas such as Fongyuan and Dali cities, and Wufeng, Dajia and Xinshe townships, exploring the beauty and charms of Greater Taichung.
Among the four bus routes offered with these in-depth Taichung tours, three day-time routes include stops at historical sites, traditional eateries, ecological experiences and a winery, while the single night-time route includes stops at various Taichung evening attractions. These four distinct routes are sure to offer you a chance to explore the history, culture, nightlife, ecological sites and delicious food of the Greater Taichung area.

If you're already thinking about taking advantage of these free tours, see the following four routes and itineraries.
Route 1 "Ecology Tour": National Chung Hsing University Farm--Dakeng Fruit--Dakeng Ecological Farming--meals at Dakeng's roundabout--Xinshe Township Gardens--Xinshe Township Mushroom Garden--WenXin Orchid Garden Tour.
Route 2 "Sweet Winery Tour": Stock 20 Art Gallery--Taichung Train Station--228 Memorial Park--Dali City International Bodhisattva Sangha--Dali City Old Street Cuisine--921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan--Wu-Feng Farmer's Association Winery.
Route 3 "Traditional Art & Cuisine Tour": Shihkang Dam--Fongyuan Lacquer Art Museum--Fongyuan Miao Dong Market--Houzhuang Old Street--Chen A-Liang Farm DIY Crafts--Ha Fishing Wharf--Maple Community.
Route 4 "Starry Night Tour": Dajia Jenn Lann Temple--Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Old Street--Qingshui Service Area Night View--Wang Gao Liao Lookout Point--Tunghai Art Street--Taichung Port Road Light Display--Taichung City Government Night Scene.

These free events are limited to one tour registration per person. The year-long tour schedule is divided into three periods, with registration for the first period already full. For those interested in participating, please register for the second and third periods: Registration for the second period (June-August) starts at 9 a.m. on May 10; registration for the third period (September-October) starts at 9 a.m. on June 10.

Download a registration form from the event website at http://59.120.88.199/travel, or visit Taichung City Hall. Registration steps: Fax completed registration form--phone confirmation--deposit (within one week after registration; there is a NT$100 deposit, returned after tours)--complete registration. Fax number: (04) 2380-6253, (04) 2380-4220. For more information, call (04) 2380-0592, (04) 2382-0259, (04) 2382-0259.