Taichung｜National Opera House "Sky Garden"—Between white hills and blue sky, slow down the city 🏛️🌤️🌿

#September2025 Walking up the National Taichung Opera House's Sky Garden feels like stepping into a park suspended mid-city—white undulations resemble rolling hills, flowers and winding paths tucked away at your feet, and the clear, luminous Taichung sky above your head. Background and Development | "Pillarless Cave Theater": Transforming a Rooftop into a Park Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the Opera House opened in 2014 and officially opened in 2016. It is renowned for its continuous curved surfaces and "cave-like" spaces. Located in the heart of the Seventh Redevelopment Zone, the building boasts a total floor area of ​​over 57,000 square meters, housing the Grand Theater, the Medium Theater, and the Small Theater. The rooftop is designed as a walkable sky garden, allowing residents to make "rooftop walks" a daily experience. My love for this rooftop is simple: **Architecture isn't just for viewing; it invites you to walk, sit, and breathe. **The white hills shield the city noise from view below, leaving the garden with only the sound of the wind, the distant hammering of construction, and the occasional laughter of children running. My Real Route | Turn Your Photos into a Stroll Up to the Rooftop: Follow the museum's internal circulation path or the elevator up, and open the door to the Sky Garden. A soft, undulating white wall greets you, like waves frozen in time. Walking the Path: The pink flower strips and green grass you captured will divide the path into sections of "mini-theaters." I'll first photograph the "white wall against the skyscraper skyline" in direct light, then switch to backlight to capture the plants and the reflections on the wall. A Quiet Spot: Sit down on a ledge with a good view and watch the cloud shadows glide across the curved wall. Occasionally, a remote-controlled crane works in the distance—the city rehearsing backstage. Downstairs: Back inside, stroll through the public area in front of the performance hall. If your time is right, you might even catch the "Light Curtain" light performance in the lobby. 8 Reasons You'll Love It (Highlights) Free and Easy to Access: A city rooftop park with no entrance fee and no barriers to entry. V妞旅行 Classic Architecture Study Site: One of Toyo Ito's masterpieces, the curved walls and cavernous flow are truly inspiring. Blue Sky + White Walls = Beautiful in Any Photo: Taichung's sunlight maximizes the sense of volume, allowing you to capture stunning photos even with your phone. Safe and Friendly: Well-designed perimeters and gently sloping trails make it a safe and enjoyable walk for families. Seasonal Scenic Spots: Cloud waterfalls in spring and summer, high visibility in autumn and winter; flower belts change with the seasons. Shows and Coffee Downstairs: After enjoying the view, head to the theater or cafe to continue your itinerary. Unbeatable Location: Surrounded by seven scenic high-rise buildings, the night view is also stunning. Clear Management: The venue is cleared 15 minutes before closing time, and the flow is clear and organized. Photo Tips (Continue to zoom in based on your composition) 📸 Skyline View: Push the horizon to the bottom third of the frame, leaving the other two-thirds open to blue sky. Use a white wall as the foreground, and the city buildings as the natural background. Curved Wall Details: Closely following the white wall, angled at a 45° angle to bring out the sandy reflections and creeper texture. Flower Belt Portrait: Stand next to the pink flower belt, turning 45° to face the sidelight; the white wall will provide the cleanest fill light. Evening View: The setting sun paints the curved surface a creamy color; switch to a "low-angle upward view with skyscraper silhouettes" for a dramatic effect. Food Review (with address!) — Located right inside the theater, a seat is just a short walk away. Both restaurants are located within the opera house and share the same address: No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City. Perfect for transitioning a rooftop stroll into afternoon tea or dinner. VVG Theater Café (1F) | Handmade Desserts and Coffee Address: 1F, No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City (Inside National Taichung Opera House) Essentials: Latte + Lemon Tart. Refreshing acidity with a subtle sweetness. Sit by the window and watch the crowds and the light in the hall, like waiting for the show to begin. Recommendation: Convenient location and a great sense of space. After exploring the rooftop, return to the first floor for some photo ops. Café Crotchet (6F) | Light Meals from a Rooftop Perspective Address: 6F, No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City (Inside National Taichung Opera House) Essentials: Vanilla Ice Drop + Salty Pie. Enjoy a refreshing drink followed by a stroll in the garden – a completely effortless experience. Recommendation: Closest to the Sky Garden, perfect for a "walk, sit, walk again" rhythm on a good day. Half-Day Walking Route (Copyright) Breakfast/Lunch: Arrive at the Opera House → Stop at the 6th-floor Junxia Café → Walk up to the Sky Garden to take photos of "White Walls + Blue Sky" Afternoon: Go downstairs to see a performance of "A Musical Curtain of Light" or a small exhibition (depending on the day's schedule) → Enjoy afternoon tea and coffee at the 1st-floor Haoyang Theater Evening: Conclude your walk by walking to Qiuhong Valley or the Municipal North Phase 7 neighborhood (both within walking distance) Friendly Reminders (Safety/Traffic Routes/Weather) 💡 Avoid Peak Times: Weekends are busiest from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM; it's recommended to visit the rooftop shortly after opening at 11:30 AM or after 7:00 PM for a more relaxed experience. Sun and Wind Protection: The rooftop offers limited shade, so bring a hat and water in summer; in winter, the high winds can be strong, so a light jacket is essential. Clearance Time: Remember that the Sky Garden clears 15 minutes before closing time to avoid missing the last rays of light. Family-friendly: The trail is smooth, but please keep children on hand on the slopes. Avoid climbing the white walls to avoid danger. Transfer: For performances, it's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Afterward, you can take a taxi or walk to the Shizhu Road intersection. National Taichung Opera House Sky Garden | VVG Theater Café | Junxia Coffee | Phase 7 Redevelopment Area | Maple Valley #NationalTaichungOperaHouse #SkyGarden #ToyoIto #TaichungAttractions #Phase 7 #ArchitectureTravel #BlueSkyWhiteWalls #TaiwanNoonTea #Taichung ✨ Summary The rooftop breeze is always refreshing. Sitting by the white hills, watching the clouds slowly glide by, I forget I'm in the bustling Phase 7—it's like being gently held aloft by the city. If you're looking for a place to reset your mind, spend an hour in the Opera House Sky Garden. Go upstairs, take a few steps, take a deep breath, and you'll return feeling brighter.