Discovery World

Discovery World is a large-scale theme park located in Taichung, Taiwan. It is a key part of the massive Lihpao Land Resort and is considered one of the best amusement parks in the country, attracting both locals and tourists. The park opened in 2001 and has since become one of the most popular spots for family vacations and thrill-seeking.

The park grounds cover approximately 200 hectares and offer visitors a huge variety of entertainment. There are attractions for every taste: from breath-taking roller coasters for adrenaline junkies to gentler carousels and themed zones for the youngest guests. Discovery World is famous for its well-designed rides and well-maintained grounds, making it an ideal place to spend an entire day.

One of the main stars of the park is Gravity Max—the world's first tilt roller coaster, where the train pauses at the edge before plummeting down at a 90-degree angle. In addition to extreme rides, the park features several themed zones, such as the "Magical Forest" and "Fairy Tale Village," which immerse visitors in an atmosphere of fantasy and adventure. Next to the park, you will also find a water park, an outlet mall, and Taiwan's tallest Ferris wheel, the "Sky Dream."

A visit to Discovery World is a great opportunity to dive into a world of fun and get an adrenaline rush. Thanks to the variety of rides, quality service, and many additional entertainment options within the Lihpao Land resort, this park is rightfully considered one of Taichung's main attractions and a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable holiday.

To get the most up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and special events at Discovery World, it is recommended to visit the official website or contact the administration directly. Having the contact details on hand will help you plan your visit and clarify any specific details.

At Discovery World, visitors can expect an incredible variety of entertainment to suit all tastes. The park is especially famous for its roller coasters, ranging from extreme thrills to gentler, family-oriented options. The main attraction for adrenaline enthusiasts is undoubtedly Gravity Max—a steel tilt coaster, the only one of its kind in the world, featuring a track section that tilts 90 degrees before dropping. For those who prefer less dizzying adventures, the Mine Express family coaster is an excellent choice.

Beyond the flagship attractions, the park offers many other coasters, each with its own unique twist. You'll find spinning coasters with unusual designs, SLC-style roller coasters with extra thematic elements, and several Vekoma Junior Coasters located indoors to enhance the experience. The Impulse coaster also deserves special attention, as its route includes a tunnel passage, adding an element of surprise to the ride.

However, Discovery World is not just about roller coasters. On a hot day, you can have a great time on the numerous water slides and attractions. Visitors note that the park has a special charm and a well-thought-out atmosphere, created by its division into several themed zones. Each zone offers unique decorations and entertainment, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and adventure just by strolling along the well-kept paths.

Getting to the Discovery World amusement park is quite simple, as it is located in the Houli District of Taichung, situated in central Taiwan. Thanks to the island's well-developed transport infrastructure, it is convenient to reach from the city itself as well as from other regions of the country.

For those traveling around Taiwan by public transport, the High-Speed Rail (HSR) is an excellent option. You can take the HSR to Taichung Station and then transfer to a bus heading directly to the Lihpao Land resort. For instance, bus No. 155 runs between the HSR station and the park. You can also take a regular train (TRA) to Houli Station, where local buses frequently run to the park.

If you are already in Taichung, the most convenient way to reach the park is by using city buses or a taxi. The city has an extensive bus network, and several routes go directly to Lihpao Land, where Discovery World is located. A taxi ride from the city center is a faster and more comfortable, albeit more expensive, alternative. For those traveling by car, there are exits from the main highways leading directly to the resort.

The history of Discovery World began relatively recently, making it one of the newest major theme parks in Taiwan. It was officially opened to the public in 2001 and immediately became part of the large-scale Lihpao Land Resort complex. Since its inception, the park was designed as a modern entertainment space capable of competing with the best theme parks in the world.

One of the most notable facts in the park's history is its origin. The land where the attractions stand today previously belonged to the state-owned Taiwan Sugar Company (Taisugar) and was known as the Yueh Mei site. In July 1998, large-scale construction began after the Ever Fortune Group won the development rights. Thus, one of the region's most vibrant tourist sites was created on former industrial land.

Over more than two decades of existence, Discovery World has firmly established itself as one of the key attractions in Taichung. The park is constantly evolving, introducing new rides and entertainment to remain a popular destination for both locals and tourists from around the world. Its history is a striking example of successful land transformation into a popular center for family leisure.

When planning a visit to Discovery World, you should expect to spend anywhere from half a day to a full day exploring it. On average, visitors spend about 4 hours here, but this is usually only enough time to try out the most popular rides. If you want to enjoy the park's atmosphere without rushing, see the shows, and visit different themed zones, it's better to allocate a full day for the trip.

The duration of your visit will depend on several factors. First is the queue for the rides, especially for exclusive ones like Gravity Max, which can be quite long on weekends and holidays. Second is your group's interests: thrill-seekers might focus on the roller coasters, while families with young children will likely spend more time in dedicated kids' zones like POPA Kingdom. Considering the park spans 25 hectares and is divided into several large sections, simply moving between them also takes time.

By dedicating a whole day to your visit, you can not only enjoy the rides but also catch the colorful parades and performances regularly held at the park. Additionally, remember that Discovery World is just one part of the vast Lihpao Land resort. If you also want to visit the adjacent water park, the outlet mall, or ride Taiwan's tallest Ferris wheel, "Sky Dream," one day might not be enough for everything.

The Discovery World amusement park is typically open to visitors year-round; however, operating hours can vary significantly depending on the season and the day of the week. Generally, the park operates on a shorter schedule during weekdays, while hours are extended on weekends, public holidays, and during school vacations. As the exact schedule is subject to change, it is highly recommended to check the latest information on the official Lihpao Land resort website before planning your trip.

To avoid queues at the ticket booths and ensure entry, especially during peak season, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. This will not only save you time but also allow you to see any current promotions or combo deals that include other areas of the resort, such as the water park or the Ferris wheel. Pre-booking is particularly relevant if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday when the park attracts the maximum number of guests.

A visit to Discovery World is a thrilling adventure in itself, but to make your trip to Taichung truly unforgettable, it’s worth exploring the surrounding area. The Houli District and its vicinity are rich with interesting spots that can complement your theme park experience. You'll find both natural and cultural sites here that offer a deeper look into the diversity of Taiwan.

By setting aside some time to explore nearby attractions, you can turn a simple day at the amusement park into a complete mini-journey. Below is a list of places near Discovery World that might interest you.