The Friendly South of Taiwan

Southern Taiwan includes two major cities, Tainan and Kaohsiung, and three counties, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. It is home to especially friendly people. Since it is one of the earliest developed areas of Taiwan, there are many places of historical interest, such as Confucius Temple, Eternal Fortress, and Fort Provintia, to name just a few.

Tainan is known as a historical and cultural highlight of Taiwan. It has Taiwan’s oldest Confucius Temple and many Buddhist and Taoist temples. In total there are over 70 places of cultural importance, most of them in close distance to each other. Besides, Tainan is famous for its wide variety of snacks.

Tainan County is situated in the center of Taiwan’s largest plain, the Jia-Nan Plain. Each year from September to April the mouth of Cengwen River is the preferred spot for the cute and rare black-faced spoonbill for spending the winter. Tainan is also home to the world’s largest butterfly orchid greenhouse. Each year butterfly orchid saplings are exported to the US, Europe, and Japan from here. At the end of each year’s Chinese New Year celebrations there is a fascinating event taking place in Tainan County -- the Yanshuei Beehive Rocket Festival -- which draws large crowds of revelers. Now, after the establishing of the Southern Taiwan Science Park, Tainan County has also become a center of high-tech industries.

The harbor city of Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second largest city. Love River, situated in the city center, is one of the most scenic attractions in town. The river is lined with many fashionable open-air cafes that invite you to sip a cup of coffee and take in the river scenery, which is especially attractive in the evening. You can also go on a harbor cruise or take the ferry across to Cijin Island to see the many faces of Kaohsiung during day or night. Once on the island, you can ride a bicycle, enjoy the sea views at the Windmill Park and sample fresh seafood.

Pingtung is the southernmost county of Taiwan. Kenting National Park, the first national park to be established in Taiwan, is situated here, as well as other tourist attractions such as Siao Liouciou, Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, and Saijia Aviation Sports Park, one of the best locations for flying sports on the island. When you come to southern Taiwan, be also sure to visit South Beach of Kending, a hotspot for water sports such as surfing, sailing, and diving.

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