We’ve always been very fond of Tainan (Táinán), and always impressed with its array of temples and historical relics. But we often wondered if we simply needed to get out more. So one day we travelled to Beijing and saw some of the greatest architectural wonders of the Chinese world. And then we returned to [...]
In the south, people’s ties to rural folk culture are strongest. Local gods are more fervently worshipped, traditions more respected, and a clannish regard for kith and kin more obvious. And in a land of hospitable people, southerners shine as the most hospitable of all.
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A friend once said that the South Cross-Island Hwy (Nánbù Héngguà n GÅnglù) perfectly illustrates the principle that ‘sometimes the journey matters more than the destination’. With all due respect, we think he needs to get out of his car more often.
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Northeast of Foguangshan, rural Meinong (Méinóng), once the centre of a thriving tobacco industry, has now refashioned itself as a rural retreat. Fortunately, its popularity hasn’t yet ruined the very reasons people want to come here. The countryside is still covered with fields of bananas, tobacco and rice, people still smile at strangers from their [...]
The recreation area (Mà olÃn Yóuqì QÅ«), part of the much larger Maolin National Scenic Area, covers a protected region from Maolin (estimated population 200) to Dona (estimated population 200) Village. Here you’ll find pristine mountain landscapes, vertiginously high suspension bridges, waterfalls, natural swimming pools and even free outdoor hot springs. Rukai aboriginal culture is strong [...]
This pretty coral island (Xiǎo Liúqiú Yǔ), no more than 5km long, offers more than enough sea vistas, convoluted caves, sandy beaches and odd rock formations to keep you happy for a long, long day. Best of all, it’s simple to get to and around.
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It’s the end of the road down here, but there’s nothing remote or isolated at all about Kenting National Park (KÄ›ndÄ«ng GuójiÄ GÅngyuán). Over 5 million visitors a year flock here to swim, surf, snorkel, dive, visit museums, hike, visit hot springs, eat good food and enjoy a little nightlife. And they do so all [...]
We here at Lonely Planet may once have called Kaohsiung not a must-see, but a city to keep your eye on. Well, no-one is more surprised than we are at how quickly the change has come.
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This small hot-spring village (GuÄnzÇlÇng) in northern Tainan County is famous for an old temple (now finally repaired and open to the public) and two geological oddities. The first oddity concerns the hot-spring water itself, which is a light grey ‘mud’ colour owing to the heavy mineral content. The second oddity is a cave where [...]