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Foreigners are fond of saying
that, for Chinese, the lunar new year is like having Thanksgiving,
Christmas and the new year wrapped up into one holiday.
Indeed, it is hard to beat the festive spirit that descends
on a place like Taiwan each year. Stores and markets
are packed with shoppers, many wearing bright new clothing,
and the transportation system bulges at the seams as everyone
rushes home to be with families, or heads overseas for the
big annual vacation.
Given all the hectic build-up to the lunar new year,
however, the first several days of the holiday can seem almost
anticlimactic for those looking for something to do.
Largely because many, if not most residents, are stuck on
a freeway or train somewhere heading for their maternal or
paternal side of the family, a significant percentage of stores,
restaurants and other establishments are shuttered for days,
leaving large parts of island cities almost deserted.
Local and foreign residents alike who have experienced
a lunar new year holiday at home will probably testify to
the torpid feeling that can come after a day or two of sitting
at home, sleeping in, puttering around the house and watching
TV. Nevertheless, there are options for those who want
to get out of the house and around the city, staying away
from the gridlocked highways leading to other parts of the
island.
COMPASS has provided some general and specific suggestions.
Also take note of our separate listing of restaurant closed
dates, to help you with your dining-out options.
1) See a Movie: Okay, not exactly the most creative
cure for boredom but Taichung's movie theaters are one category
of entertainment that remain open through the holidays.
Theaters and distributors usually try to release a good variety
of new films over the lunar new year in order to capitalize
on the big audiences. Be sure and double-check times
(for English readers, try the Taiwan News), which change frequently
during the holidays, and if possible buy tickets well in advance
(a few hours, perhaps).
2) Visit a Traditional Market: In the hypermarket
age, many residents have forgotten the sheer liveliness and
exotic appeal of a traditional market. These places,
which can be found in all sizes across the city, are particularly
colorful and popular at the lunar new year and frequently
are open all night in the lead-up to new year's day.
First-time foreigners may want to bring a camera--there's
plenty of great spectacles. In Taichung, the mother
of all traditional markets is still Chienkuo Market, located
on Shuangshih Road within about 200 meters of the train station.
3) Take a Walk in the Park: Taichung's usually-good
weather and diversity of parks makes this an excellent option
for passing a holiday morning or afternoon and the holiday
provides plenty of variety for people-watching. This
might be a good time to take in the island's biggest city
park, Taichung Metropolitan Park, which is actually located
on the city/county line on the ridge (Tatu Mt.) between the
city and the coast. With 88 hectares (open daily 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m.), there is plenty of territory to cover. The
easiest way to get there is by taking Hsitun Road to the very
top of the hill and turning right on the broad Tu Hui Yuan
Road (Metro Park Rd.). Other downtown parks to check
out including the landmark Taichung Park, which has been getting
a facelift, on Kungyuan Road; and Feng Le Sculpture Park,
at the intersection of Yung Tsu East and Wenhsin South 3rd
roads. Take Wenhsin Road south and look for the big
brown direction sign, pointing to the right.
4) Shop 'Till You Drop: One popular new year
pastime is to follow the crowds and spend all that bonus and
red-envelope cash. While many smaller stores will be
closed, Taichung's mega-department stores will all be very
happy to take your money on any day of the holiday.
The only deviation from normal schedules will be early 6 p.m.
new year's eve closings on January 23. Be prepared for
very big crowds and the accompanying parking difficulties.
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