The first marine life exhibition venue in Central Taiwan, the Taichung Aquarium, officially opened on August 21. As the opening coincides with the summer vacation, many visitors are eager to explore the rich and diverse marine ecology on display. To accommodate the influx of tourists, the Transportation Bureau has planned a convenient transportation network. Beginning on the opening day, a total of five direct bus routes (178, 179, 309, 679, and 688) will be available, in addition to two routes (123 and 307) serving the nearby Wuqi Fishing Harbor. In total, seven bus routes will operate, offering 178 trips on weekdays and increasing to 192 trips on holidays. After visiting the aquarium, the public may also take buses to nearby attractions such as Wuqi Old Street, Mitsui Outlet Park, Gaomei Wetlands, and Dajia District, enjoying both the natural landscapes and cultural charm along Taichung’s coastal area.
Director Yeh Chao-fu of the Transportation Bureau noted that, in light of the opening of the Taichung Aquarium, the Transportation Bureau initiated transportation planning as early as May this year. The first phase of bus services, including Routes 309, 679, and 688, was launched to connect surrounding tourist attractions and provide access to the aquarium, located on Haiyang Road in Qingshui District. To further strengthen the connection between Qingshui Station of Taiwan Railway and the Taichung Port Redevelopment Zone, the Transportation Bureau worked with bus operators to review and adjust routes, while also coordinating with relevant agencies to secure suitable bus layover spaces. These efforts led to the second phase of route adjustments, thereby expanding public transportation services to the Taichung Aquarium.
The Transportation Bureau noted that the opening of the Taichung Aquarium is a major milestone for tourism along the coastal area. Routes 178 and 179 have been extended from the Gaomei Wetlands Visitor Center to the aquarium, thereby linking the Gaomei Wetlands, Qingshui District, and Qingshui Station. In addition, Routes 309 and 688 have been introduced into the Taichung Port Redevelopment Zone, enhancing connectivity between Xinxing Community and tourist attractions, and allowing local residents easier access to leisure destinations. All routes are equipped with accessible vehicles, ensuring convenience for families, the elderly, and other groups, while providing Wuqi and Qingshui districts with a convenient transportation network.
“Seven bus routes, direct to your destination!” explained Director Yeh. Visitors from across the country who wish to experience close encounters with sharks, rays, and jellyfish at the Taichung Aquarium need not drive long distances. Beginning on the opening day, a total of five routes—178, 179, 309, 679 (including its branch service), and 688 (including its branch service)—will serve the Taichung Aquarium stop on Haiyang Road, offering 72 trips on weekdays and 102 trips on holidays. In addition, Routes 123 and 307 stop near the Wuqi Fishing Harbor, just a 300-meter walk from the aquarium, providing 106 trips on weekdays and 90 trips on holidays. Altogether, the seven routes will operate 178 trips on weekdays and 192 trips on holidays.
How can visitors reach the Taichung Aquarium by public transportation? Director Yeh explained that Taichung City provides shuttle and transfer services covering both urban and coastal areas, with routes connecting major transportation hubs such as Dajia, Qingshui, Taichung, and Tanzi Stations of Taiwan Railway, as well as Chaoma Bus Station and Taichung International Airport. By taking any of these seven bus routes, visitors can not only reach the Taichung Aquarium but also continue on to nearby attractions, including Wuqi Old Street, Mitsui Outlet Park, Dajia District, Gaomei Wetlands, Aofeng Mountain in Qingshui, and the Taichung City Seaport Art Center. With this comprehensive public transportation network, travelers can easily enjoy a coastal tour filled with natural and cultural highlights.
The Transportation Bureau noted that following the initial launch of Routes 309, 679, and 688, Routes 178 and 179 were extended on August 21, with adjustments also made to the routes of 309 and 688. Together, these routes establish a comprehensive tourist bus network linking the Taichung Aquarium, Qingshui Station of Taiwan Railway, and the Taichung Port Redevelopment Zone. In addition, Taichung residents visiting the aquarium by bus may enjoy the “Double Ten Bus Discount,” which offers the first 10 kilometers free of charge, and for trips exceeding 10 kilometers, a maximum fare of NT$10.
The Transportation Bureau reminds the public that Taichung City’s bus system fully supports EasyCard, iPASS, and iCash mobile payment QR codes for boarding. In addition, tailored programs are offered: Taichung citizens may bind their cards, while visitors may take advantage of the “Taichung Go” Time-based QR Combo Tickets. By purchasing a combo ticket or linking a bank account or credit card to an electronic payment platform, passengers can avoid issues such as insufficient balance on physical or electronic cards. The Transportation Bureau encourages the public to make full use of these services. For further information, please visit the Taichung Go website (https://www.taichung-go.tw/)