Overshadowed for most of its history by Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung’s recent growth spurt has caused it to overtake both Taiwan’s capital and the southern harbor city in terms of population. People are moving to this municipality of 2.9 million people in pursuit of business and employment opportunities and to enjoy a sophisticated urban lifestyle…

Fires and ghost stories haven’t prevented the proliferation of Southeast Asian restaurants surrounding a historic shopping center from creating a novel blend of cultures and cuisines. When a fire broke out on Chenggong Road in Taichung’s Central District in mid-November, it brought back vivid memories of a mid-1990s spate of blazes that destroyed property in…