Popular Destinations in Taiwan
Taipei
Capital of Taiwan, Taipei is the economic, cultural, and political hub of
the country. It is the largest city on the island and is a modern
metropolis. Taipei is lined with several shopping centers, contemporary
buildings, busy night markets, and world-class gourmet restaurants. The
city combines modern with the traditional with a number of Chinese temples
alongside its modern skyline. For sweeping views of the city, visitors
should head over to the observation deck at Taipei 101, a 509-meter
bamboo-shaped skyscraper. The old neighborhoods of Datong and Wanhua are
filled with landmarks, such as the 18th century Longshan Temple,
Taipei Confucius Temple, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, Old Ministry of Railways
Building, and Dadaocheng Xiahai-Chenghuang Temple. The city is home to
several museums, cultural institutions, parks, and performing art venues
such as National Theater and Concert Hall, Flora Expo Park, Botanical
Garden, Taipei Zoo, National Palace Museum, Discovery Center of Taipei,
Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
Kaohsiung
A port city in southern Taiwan, Kaohsing is a thriving metropolis. The city
is an ethnic melting pot where visitors will experience diverse traditions
and cultures and can feast on a wide variety of sumptuous cuisines.
Kaohsiung’s skyline is dominated by towering skyscrapers. Shopaholics here
will enjoy night markets as well as upscale malls. The chic cafes and
walking paths along the banks of the Love River make it the perfect spot to
enjoy a leisurely stroll. Other popular natural sites here include Mount
Shoushan, Xiziwan Bay, and Lotus Pond. The views of the river, mountains,
and ocean can be experienced via bicycling, hiking, camping, and other
similar activities. Major attractions in Kaohsiung are 85 Sky Tower, Former
British Consulate at Takao, Cihou Fort, Pier-2 Art Center, Fo Guang Shan
Buddha Museum, Shou Shan Zoo, National Science and Technology Museum, and
Spring and Autumn Pavilions.
Tainan
Located on Taiwan’s southwest coast, Tainan is the former imperial capital
of the Qing dynasty. The city is famous for its centuries-old temples and
fortresses. The 18th century Chihkan Tower is emblematic of the
city of Tainan. The beautiful city is a gateway to the Taijiang National
Park and scenic landscapes, including Qigu Salt Mountain, Qigu Lagoon, and
Siraya National Scenic Area. Notable attractions in Tainan are Eternal
Golden Castle, Confucian Temple, Fort Zeelandia, Fort Provincia, Tainan
Flower Night Market, Wanpi World Safari Zoo, Nanhua Reservoir, and Grand
Matsu Temple. The city is also home to state-of-the-art museums such as
Chimei Museum, National Museum of Taiwanese Literature, National Museum of
Taiwan History, Koxinga Museum, and Sio House