Southern Taiwan Travel Guide

Complete guide to Southern Taiwan including top attractions, food and drink scene, transport options, safety information, and local customs.


Introduction to Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is a paradise for travelers who are looking for adventures, exotic culture, and plenty of sunshine. This region of Taiwan is famous for its dramatic landscapes, from sea cliffs and beaches to lush mountains and serene lakes. It is also known for its historic landmarks, lively night markets, and delicious cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Taiwan

If you are looking for amazing places to visit in Southern Taiwan, here are some top-rated options:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. National Museum of Taiwan History - This museum is the best place to learn about the rich history of Taiwan, from prehistoric times to the present day.

  2. Chimei Museum - It is a comprehensive museum that offers an impressive collection of art, historical artifacts, and natural history exhibits.

  3. Anping Fort - It is a unique historical site that gives visitors a glimpse of Taiwan’s life in the early 17th century.

Natural Attractions of Southern Taiwan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kenting National Park - This national park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan, and for a good reason. It offers a wide range of adventures, including hiking, snorkeling, diving, and surfing.

  2. Taroko Gorge - This magnificent gorge is carved out of marble cliffs and is known for its towering waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and scenic trails.

  3. Sun Moon Lake - This stunning lake is the largest in Taiwan and is surrounded by lush forests, temples, and hot springs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and these are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  1. Maolin National Scenic Area - It offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Taiwan, including towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine waterfalls.

  2. The East Rift Valley - This is a hidden gem of Taiwan, located between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range.

  3. Gaoping River Trail - This 5.5 km trail offers a scenic and relaxing walk across the Gaoping River.

Best Things to Do in Southern Taiwan: Activities and Tours

  1. Night Markets - Southern Taiwan has a vibrant night market scene, where you can taste mouth-watering street food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

  2. Hot Springs - Taiwan is famous for its natural hot springs that are dotted throughout the country. Some of the best ones in Southern Taiwan include Jiaoxi Hot Springs and Guanziling Hot Springs.

  3. Island Hopping - The islands off the coast of Southern Taiwan offer some of the most stunning scenery and water activities. Some of the most popular islands include Penghu Islands, Green Island, and Orchid Island.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Taiwan

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Southern Taiwan:

Day 1 - Explore the historical sites of Tainan, including Anping Fort and Fort Zeelandia.

Day 2 - Visit the beautiful Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung and take a walk in the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.

Day 3 - Explore Kenting National Park, and take part in some water activities like snorkeling or surfing.

Day 4 - Visit Taroko Gorge and hike the beautiful trails.

Day 5 - Take a relaxing boat ride in Sun Moon Lake and visit the temples nearby.

Day 6 - Visit the hot springs of Guanziling and experience some of the traditional Hakka culture in Meinong.

Day 7 - Explore the bustling city of Tainan and its vibrant night market scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is famous for its distinctive cuisine, which blends Chinese and indigenous flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) - This is a savory omelette made with eggs, fresh oysters, and a crispy batter.

  2. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) - This is a hearty soup made with tender beef, chewy noodles, and savory broth.

  3. Salt and Pepper Chicken (鹽酥雞) - This is a popular street food made with crispy fried chicken that is seasoned with salt and pepper.

Local Beverages

  1. Bubble Tea - This sweet and creamy tea-based drink is a Taiwanese specialty and can be found in every corner of Taiwan.

  2. Taiwan Beer - This is the most popular beer in Taiwan, and it is known for its smooth and refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Southern Taiwan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Taiwan has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. These are some of the top-rated options:

  1. Silks Place Taroko - This hotel is located inside the Taroko National Park and offers stunning views of the gorge and the mountains.

  2. Chateau de Chine Hotel Kaohsiung - This hotel is located in the heart of Kaohsiung city and offers luxurious amenities and excellent service.

  3. Tainan SE-EDU Hotel - This hotel is located in Tainan’s historic district and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Southern Taiwan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southern Taiwan is famous for its handicrafts, ceramics, and indigenous products. Here are some souvenirs you can buy to bring home:

  1. Traditional Hakka Tea - Taiwan is famous for its tea, and you can find some of the best varieties in Southern Taiwan.

  2. Handmade Ceramics - Taiwan has a rich tradition in ceramics, and you can find some beautiful and unique pieces in Southern Taiwan.

  3. Indigenous Crafts - Taiwan’s indigenous tribes are known for their exquisite weaving, woodcarving, and basketry, and you can find some beautiful and authentic pieces in the markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its festivals, food, and local customs. Some important cultural events include the Tainan International Chihsi Culture Festival and the Penghu International Fireworks Festival.

Best Time to Visit Southern Taiwan

The best time to visit Southern Taiwan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Avoid visiting during the summer months (June to August) when the weather can be hot and humid and typhoons can occur.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Taiwan

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes and temple etiquette.

  2. Be polite and friendly to the locals, and try to learn some basic Mandarin phrases.

  3. Sample as much street food as possible

Don’t:

  1. Make excessive noise or litter in public places.

  2. Touch artifacts or religious objects in temples or museums without permission.

  3. Criticize or insult Taiwanese culture or customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is a relatively safe destination, with low crime rates and good medical facilities. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards like typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides.

Health in Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is generally a healthy destination, with clean drinking water and good hygiene standards. Visitors should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including Hepatitis A and B, and consider a typhoid vaccine.

Getting to Southern Taiwan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Taiwan is well connected to the rest of Taiwan by a range of transport options. Some popular options include:

Airports Near Southern Taiwan

  1. Kaohsiung International Airport - This is the main airport in Southern Taiwan, and it serves many domestic and international destinations.

  2. Tainan Airport - This airport is located in the suburbs of Tainan city and serves domestic destinations.

Bus Stations Near Southern Taiwan

  1. Kaohsiung Bus Station - This is the main bus station in Kaohsiung city, and it serves many destinations around Taiwan.

  2. Tainan Bus Station - This is the main bus station in Tainan city, and it serves many destinations around Taiwan.

Other Options

  1. Train - Taiwan has a well-developed railway network, which connects major cities in Taiwan, including Southern Taiwan.

  2. Car Rental - Visitors can rent cars from major airports or cities in Taiwan and explore Southern Taiwan at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan has a well-developed transport network, and visitors have several options to get around, including:

  1. MRT - Kaohsiung has a modern metro system that connects the city’s major attractions.

  2. Bus - Taiwan has a comprehensive bus network that connects cities and towns in Southern Taiwan.

  3. Scooter Rental - Visitors can rent scooters in most cities and towns in Southern Taiwan and explore the surroundings at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Southern Taiwan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to spend in Taiwan, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Taipei - Taiwan’s capital city is located in the north of Taiwan and is known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and cuisine.

  2. Penghu Islands - This archipelago is located off the west coast of Taiwan and offers stunning beaches, coral reefs, and traditional fishing villages.

Conclusion

Southern Taiwan is a unique and exciting travel destination, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, a culture vulture, or a beach bum, Southern Taiwan has something to offer for everyone.



    Alishan
    Chiayi
    Pingtung
    Yunlin County