Based on what I’ve read, Taiwanese Iron Man is a fixture at Gaomei Wetlands. Dressed from neck to toe in an acid trip of bright colors, you’ll often find him serenading tourists with his guitar against a backdrop of slowly spinning turbines. It’s an unconventional but oddly soothing sight, and one I’ve come to associate with the city of Taichung.

According to this CNN article, Taichung was found by locals to be Taiwan’s most livable city. Many Taiwanese prefer it to Taipei for its milder weather and laid back vibe. It’s regarded as an arts and cultural hub of Taiwan with its many interesting museums, art installations, and design boutiques. I’m not an expert on architecture but even I noticed the surprising number of Art Deco buildings in downtown Taichung. I read that an outdoor jazz festival is held here in October of every year, which is more than likely when our next visit to Taichung will be.

Outside of Taipei, Taichung is the most art-centric city we’ve visited thus far in Taiwan, and perhaps a big reason why I’ve come to associate Taiwanese Iron Man with this city. For me, his kooky, colorful, kawaii style perfectly captures what this creatively vibrant city is all about.