9 Days Taiwan Tour - Discover Taiwan From North to Southernmost Point

Welcome to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Taipei was honored as the 2nd best global travel city by Lonely Planet in 2022. It's a city open to all. Its culture, style, and attitude come at you in the best way possible! Modern Taipei 101 stands hand-in-hand with traditional temples. Night markets dot city, satisfying both locals and travelers.

Upon arrival at Taipei, your driver will pick you up and head to your hotel. Enjoy your free time in Taipei. Feel free to ask us for advice.

Warm Tips：
1.Locals are very warm and friendly, so feel free to ask for directions.
2.Hotels do not provide disposable amenities such as razors, combs, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Please bring your own.
3.Excessive luggage will affect the comfort of passengers. Each person is limited to one 26-inch suitcase and one carry-on backpack. Any excess luggage will be informed in advance by the guide to be stored at the front desk of the Taipei hotel.
4.Contact us if you need pick-up & check-in service with a tour guide (self-pay).

Free Time Ideas:
1.Shilin Night Market (士林夜市): Taipei's top night market – the largest and most famous. First-time visitors to Taipei usually choose this one, with over 500 food stalls. MRT Red Line (Jiantan Station, Exit 1, about a 5-minute walk).
2.Linjiang Night Market (通化夜市): A night market located an 18-minute walk from Taipei 101.

Today, you will tour unique rocks, waterfall, romantic old street in a day.

After breakfast, drive 30-40 minutes from the hotel to Yehliu Geopark (野柳地质公园), a must-see in Taiwan. It’s the most iconic geological park in northern Taiwan, and was even praised by CNN as the most Mars-like place on Earth. The strange rocks are highlight of this 1,700-meter-long narrow cape. It could be a surprise if you facetime someone and say “Guess where I am!”

In scenic area, Queen’s head (女王头), Taiwan tourism's landmark and calling card, will amaze you. The 2 meters tall rock, with a slender neck, resembles a queen sitting majestically, facing sea with her wind-blown crown. Long way to admire other rocks! Let your imagination run wild. Nature has no fixed answers.

Yehliu is also an important stopover for migratory birds, so birding lovers would have a double gift in March, April, and October.

Next, we'll drive 30 minutes to Jiufen Old Street (九份老街), Taiwan's famous mountain town. It prospered in the 1940s due to gold mining. Boom to bust. Revive due to Hou Hsiao-Hsien's classic film A City of Sadness. Admire winding stair alleys, rows of vintage red lanterns, old Japanese-style buildings.

While exploring, sit down and enjoy some tea. A sweet tooth will be obsessed with Jiufen's traditional taro balls. Look out, mountains and sea appear together, perfect partners to relax your mind. As night falls, sunset dyes mountains red. And red lanterns illuminate early, their lights seemingly pouring into sea!

Then, drive 30 minutes to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布), famous as "Taiwan's Niagara Falls". Its powerful spray creates a magnificent sight. Up close, waterfall's impressive 20-meter height and 40-meter width, along with its stunning rainbows, become even more apparent.

Finally, arrive at Shifen Old Street (十分老街), one of the birthplaces of sky lanterns and a popular "train street." Here, trains pass through, lined with traditional house mixed with Chinese & Japanese style. Countless films have been shot here. You can choose to do the Sky Lantern Release (Optional; self-pay), writing your wishes on it, and feeling as if they're coming true as it ascends into the sky. Be your hero or heroine!

After the tour, drive back to hotel in Taipei.

Today, enjoy a day in Taipei’s bustling city center.

First, head to the National Palace Museum (故宫博物院). It's one of the best museums in the world. Finished in 1965 in the style of traditional Chinese palace, museum houses almost 700,000 items, showing Chinese art from 8,000 years ago all the way to today.

Most of the amazing items are on the main four-story floor. You’ll admire three national treasures: Meat-Shaped Stone (looks like real pork belly), Jadeite Cabbage with Insects (a beautiful jade carving that was part of a queen's dowry), and Mao Gong Ding (an ancient bronze pot from Western Zhou Dynasty with ancient offer” inside). Look into ancient times that have long passed.

Second, come to Taiwan’s oldest district - Dadaocheng (大稻埕) & Dihua Street (迪化街) for city walk. Daocheng, a prior top 1 trade port in 1851, is now a living museum of Taipei's urban culture. A one-stop shop sells tea, traditional Chinese medicine, food, and more. This area saves shopping memories for generations of old-school Taiwanese. Spend time, go to Dadaocheng!

Stroll along Dadaocheng Wharf to enjoy the breeze. And, wander through Dihua Street within Dadaocheng, browse its various shops, old-style architecture, and the City God Temple.

Third, visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正纪念堂), one of Taipei's iconic landmarks. Completed in 1980, it was built to commemorate the first president of the Republic of China. The memorial hall features white walls and a roof adorned with sapphire blue glazed tiles.

First floor displays Japan's instrument of surrender from World War II and life of this political powerhouse. Go ahead to outer plaza. You can get a good shot to visit the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour on the hour.

Then, head to the foot of Taipei 101 to admire its exterior (Optional for visit the 89 Floor to view Taipei City. Self-pay). At 508 meters high, Taipei 101 is the most iconic landmark in Taipei, holding the title of "world's tallest building" from 2004 to 2010. Its bamboo-stalk design blesses continuous growth and prosperity in Chinese culture. Overnight in Taipei.

After breakfast, drive 3.5h to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei. On the way near lake, DIY Pineapple Cakes (凤梨酥) first. This cake stand out as Taiwan's representative traditional pastry, filling with fresh pineapple or winter melon. It’s crisp, milky, and melt-in-your-mouth. This cake symbolizes good luck in Taiwan, and you'll get to make your own good fortune!

Then, head to Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) for half day, Taiwan's largest natural freshwater lake and one of its "Eight Great Sights," as well as a sacred site for Taiwan's Thao indigenous people. At 748 meters elevation, the 116 square-kilometer lake boasts emerald green waters. Lalu Island divides it into two halves: Sun Lake (north, round like the sun) and Moon Lake (south, crescent-shaped like the moon).

Look afar, lake is surrounded by mountains adorned with beautiful trees. Pagodas peek through the foliage, and sunlight dances on water's surface. That’s "jumping sunshine"! You can take a sightseeing yacht counter-clockwise to explore all the highlights (Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier → Shuishe Pier).

Departing from Shuishe Pier by sightseeing yacht, you'll pass Lalu Island (拉鲁岛), the legendary home of the Thao ancestral spirits, which partially submerged due to an earthquake. Arrive at Xuanguang Pier to disembark and try delicious tea eggs. Follow the trail to Xuanguang Temple (玄光寺) by the lake, then proceed to Xuanzang Temple (玄奘寺) to see the relics of Master Xuanzang, and finally ascend Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔) for a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake. Return to the pier to head to Ita Thao Pier, enjoy local delicacies ashore, and then return to Shuishe Pier.

Optional: If time permits, you can choose to cycle around the lake near Shuishe Pier, or take a cable car to explore the indigenous cultural theme park, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (九族文化村).

After the tour, stay at a hotel in Sun Moon Lake.

Wake up in Sun Moon Lake’s mist, you’ll head to Alishan this day (about 2.5h drive). On the way to Alishan, drink High-mountain Tea (高山茶). Taiwan is world-renowned tea hub for over 300 years. High-mountain teas, cultivated since the 1970s in Alishan, yield a crisp, sweet perfume. Take a sip, feel Alishan drifting out from tea! (Optional: Do a Cycling Tour around the Sun Moon Lake in the morning. Self-pay).

Then, head to Alishan, sung about by Asian superstar Teresa Teng as having "girls beautiful as water." Alishan stands alongside Sun Moon Lake as a major Taiwanese natural landmark.

You'll visit the core Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (阿里山森林游乐区), over 2,000 meters above sea level. This is Taiwan's most popular forest recreation area, famous for its forest railway, giant trees, evening glow, sunrise, and sea of clouds. The Alishan Forest Railway, one of only three high-mountain railways left globally. You’ll love red trains cut through mist, gliding past trees as they climb the mountain. Take ride and step into forest world! Choose Nature (A) route or Culture (B) route:

A Route (Zhaoping Station, Sisters Ponds, Three Brothers & Four Sisters, Golden Pig Auspice, Forever Love, Magnolia Garden, Shouzhen Temple)

Ride forest train or shuttle to Zhaoping Station. Then walk to Sisters Ponds where two sisters, loving same man but unwilling to harm each other, ended their lives. Then visit Three Brothers & Four Sisters (trees from shared roots), reach Golden Pig Auspice, a pig-typed tree stump shimmering under sun. Pass heart-shaped Forever Love tree to Magnolia Garden, and Shouzhen Temple (Alishan's largest temple dedicated to its guardian deity). Return by shuttle.

B Route (Shouzhen Temple, Three Generations of Wood, Alishan Museum, Xianglin Elementary School, Ciyun Temple, Alishan Sacred Tree Remains)

Take shuttle to start at Shouzhen Temple, visit Three Generations of Wood (three trees stubbornly growing from a single root). Explore Alishan Museum (tree specimens, indigenous culture), pass Xianglin Elementary (Taiwan's highest-altitude school), then reach cultural landmark of Alishan - Ciyun Temple (high Buddhist temple, Japanese Zen style). See Alishan Sacred Tree Remains, including the 2,300-year-old Xianglin Sacred Tree (香林神木). After gazing up at king of forest, take train back to the entrance.

Note: Train tickets and shuttle bus fees are at your own expense.

After the tour, drive back to hotel in Chiayi.

Tips:
1.Alishan Forest Railway tickets are popular. Consult us to purchase in advance.
2.Temperatures are low, even in summer, staying around 15∘C (59∘F). Bring a light down jacket.
3.Pack high-calorie snacks like chocolate.

Today, you will depart Chiayi to Kaohsiung (100 km; 1.5 hours’ drive) after visiting Hinoki Village. When reach Kaohsiung, the third largest city & the largest port city in Taiwan, enjoy your time by visiting Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and Cijin Old Street (Cijin District).

Chiayi is acclaimed as the "Forestry Capital", with the Alishan Forest Railway (fully opened in 1912) bearing witness to the rise and fall of its forestry industry. When visiting Chiayi, you must explore Hinoki Village (桧意森活村) - Taiwan’s earliest forestry settlement and a Japanese-era (1895–1945) dormitory area known as the "Little Kyoto of Taiwan".

Comprising 29 Japanese-style wooden historic buildings, this complex is Taiwan’s largest cluster of Japanese architecture. Built primarily with Alishan cypress, the structures include single-family houses for senior staff, duplexes for managers and families, four-unit residences for dependents, and row houses for single employees, along with a public bathhouse and guesthouse.

Entering Hinoki Village, the scent of cypress transports you into a century of Alishan forestry history. Here, you can learn about timber heritage, admire traditional craftsmanship, browse artisan shops for souvenirs, enjoy coffee, and sample Japanese sweets. It’s perfect for strolls or taking photos in a kimono!

After that, head to Kaohsiung for Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Closed on Tuesdays). Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館) is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, and its Big Buddha of Fo Guang is a famous landmark in Kaohsiung. The museum was founded in 1967 by Master Hsing Yun (星云大师; 1927-2023) and his disciples. Master Hsing Yun is the founding abbot of Fo Guang Shan, the 48th generation heir of the Linji Chan School, who was ordained at Qixia Temple in Nanjing and later propagated Buddhism in Taiwan at the age of 23. He introduced and advocated the "Three Acts of Goodness三好运动" in 1998 (Have Good Intentions, Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words存好心、做好事、说好话), which gained widespread popularity in schools and society.

You can explore the Path to Buddhahood (成佛大道), a 1.5-kilometer path lined with Bodhi trees symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom. Along the way, you can visit highlights such as the Eight Pagodas, the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People, the main museum, and the Big Buddha of Fo Guang. To reach the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People (万人照相台), you need to climb 37 steps, symbolizing the Thirty-Seven Practices leading to enlightenment. From the Pavilion for Ten Thousand People, you can take a photo with the Big Buddha by facing east and with the Eight Pagodas (八塔) by facing west. The Main Museum (本馆; only available on weekends) is one of the key structures of the Buddha Museum, which enshrines the true relics of Buddha. Finally, you will have a close-up view of the Giant Buddha of Fo Guang (佛光大佛), made of over 1,800 tons of bronze and iron, standing approximately 108 meters tall, making it one of the tallest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world.

Approximately 20% of the population in Taiwan are Buddhist believers, and the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a popular destination for locals to pray, meditate, and contemplate life's philosophy. The museum hosts an annual Lantern Festival during the Chinese New Year, featuring blessing lantern displays, floral parades, markets, and other activities. Additionally, the vegetarian meals here are also quite popular.

Finally, transfer to Kaohsiung’s Cijin Old Street (50 km, 1hour drive) by Taiwan's only Undersea Tunnel - Kaohsiung Cross-Harbor Tunnel (高雄过港隧道; 1,670 m).

Cijin Old Street is located on Cijin Peninsula, the earliest port in Kaohsiung, which was once primarily centered around fishing. Later, due to the construction of Kaohsiung Port, Cijin became an outlying island. As a must-visit tourist spot in Kaohsiung, Cijin Old Street, adjacent to the Cijin Ferry Terminal, is renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional snacks. Here, you can savor grilled squid, swordfish fried cakes, pork soup, oyster omelets, peanut coriander ice cream rolls, sweet potato cakes, pig blood cake, 50 Lan milk tea, and more. The street is lined with traditional old shops and unique vendors, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere.

Near Cijin Old Street, you can find Cijin Mazu Temple (Kaohsiung's first Mazu temple; Since 1673) for Mazu culture and Minnan architecture, or stroll on Cijin Beach for its black sands and sea view, perfect for experiencing the fishing village charm and harbor allure of the port of Kaohsiung!

After the food tour in Cijin Old Street, go back to your hotel in Kaohsiung.

Optional: (Self-pay; Double-check the route & time with your guide; Ferry+Taxi back to Hotel in Kaohsiung on your own):
Hike to Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Cihou Lighthouse) for Sunset: If time permits, you can quickly hike to the white lighthouse on Mount Cihou (Since 1883; 1 km one way), catching a glimpse of the colorful houses of Gushan Fishing Port nearby, Kaohsiung Harbor, and the landmarks of Kaohsiung City (85 Building) in the distance. It is a favorite spot for locals to take wedding photos, enjoy coffee, and watch the sunset. Here, you'll understand why Cijin Peninsula is known as the "Little Jeju Island."

Free Time Ideas:
1.Love River Night Boat (The Love Boat; Self-pay): Enjoy a romantic boat trip on the Love River, the mother river of Kaohsiung, for the landmarks of Kaohsiung, such as Kaohsiung Music Center (junction between Love River & Kaohsiung Port) & Great Harbor Bridge (longest cross-port rotating bridge in Asia; next to the Pier-2 Art Center).
2.Taiwan Food Tour in Kaohsiung Night Markets: Explore Ruifeng Night Market (瑞丰夜市; More Local; Closed on Mondays & Wednesday) or Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市; Opened Daily) for local food. Double-check with locals for the opening date & time.

This morning, head to explore Donggang Donglong Temple (40 km; 1hour) by a quick photo stop at Maritime Building Café. At lunch time, visit Huaqiao Fish Market for seafood. In the afternoon head to Kenting and explore Hengchun Ancient City, Kenting Baishawan Beach. Overnight in Kenting.

First, you will have a quick stop at Dapeng Bay for a photo of the famous Maritime Building Café (Exterior View). It is the first "church cafe" in Taiwan, located on the sea, making it extremely unique. Its bright, goose-yellow color scheme inevitably brings to mind the architecture of churches in Spain. To reach this church cafe, one must first walk across a 304.5-meter-long seawall. Since its opening, it has become a popular photo spot on Instagram.

Then, explore Donggang Donglong Temple, which is dedicated to the deity Marquis Wen. Originally, Marquis Wen was a scholar of the Tang Dynasty who met with misfortune while traveling on imperial orders. After becoming a god, he frequently patrolled the coastal areas of Fujian and Zhejiang, protecting ships that traveled there. In 1706, a large number of sacred logs washed ashore at Donggang Beach overnight, inscribed with the words "Donggang Wen Family." Following this divine sign, devotees built a temple to honor Marquis Wen. Its most distinctive feature is a paifang (decorative archway) adorned with layers of bright gold leaf, which has a history of over 300 years.

PS: The Donglong Temple holds a welcoming ceremony for Marquis Wen (peace festival; 迎王/平安祭典) every three years, lasting eight days and seven nights. The highlight of the entire festival is the burning of the Marquis' ship on the last day. The main purpose of the "Welcoming Marquis Wen/Peace Festival" is to invoke the divine power of the great deity and other gods to dispel local evils, plagues, and diseases. Locals place greater importance on the ceremony than on the New Year, as everyone returns home to participate in the event, contributing money or effort to ensure a successful celebration. Try your luck to witness the festival.

At lunchtime, it is great to pay a visit to Donggang Huaqiao Seafood Market, which is located near the Donggang Fishery Port, one of Taiwan's major fishing ports. The Huaqiao Fish Market, the budget seafood paradise, is the most representative seafood market in the area. The market houses nearly 400 vendors offering a wide variety of freshly caught seafood, including the "Three Treasures of Donggang," such as black skipjack tuna, sakura shrimp, and saury roe, all delivered straight from the fishing port docks. Here, you can select your favorite seafood and choose to have it cooked on-site by the market's restaurants (additional processing fee required), or enjoy ready-to-eat seafood dishes, as well as other local snacks.

After lunch, time to head to Kenting (70 km, 1.5h) and visit Hengchun Old Town.This town was completed in 1879 and is the southernmost county town in Taiwan. Due to its pleasant climate and year-round spring-like weather, it was named "Hengchun"(恒春; In Chinese, it means Eternal Spring). It is not only the only remaining ancient town in Taiwan with all its city gates preserved, but also the filming location for the movie Cape No. 7 (《海角七号》). Surrounded by mountains, the town is flanked by Santai Mountain ( Tortoise/玄武) to the north, Longluan Mountain (Blue Dragon/青龙) to the east, Huxi Mountain (White Tiger/白虎) to the west, and Xiping Mountain (Rosefinch/朱雀) to the south, aligning with traditional feng shui principles.

The Hengchun Ancient Town preserves its four gates: east, west, south, and north. You can start the tour from the west gate, walking to Tianhou Temple and Monkey Cave Mountain, then to the well-preserved south gate, and finally to the east gate (where remnants of the battery, gunholes, and city wall paths can be found) to enjoy panoramic views of Hengchun Old Town. Additionally, you can savor local delicacies such as winter melon duck, Mung Bean Delicacy (绿豆馔), and mochi.

At last, reach Kenting’s Baushanwan Beach. Baishawan Beach (White Sand Beach) is a shell beach composed of marine organisms' shells, named for its fine, white sand. This beach stretches 500 meters long and 40 meters wide, making it not only the most beautiful beach in Kenting but also a famous filming location for renowned director Ang Lee's movie Life of Pi (the scene where the thin tiger departs was filmed here), making it a must-visit spot for tourists in Kenting.

Here, you can participate in a variety of water activities such as swimming, diving, sailing, and jet skiing (at your own expense). On land, you can enjoy barbecuing and camping or biking and hiking along the bicycle paths (Self-pay). Especially during sunset, when the evening glow spreads across the sea, lying on the beach and leisurely enjoying the ocean view is truly a great pleasure in life.

Overnight in Kenting. "Kenting", in Chinese means "the robust young men for cultivation," as it was named due to the Qing Dynasty's recruitment of citizens to develop the area.

Free Time Ideas:
Kenting Night Market: There is a wide variety of snacks available, such as grilled squid, banana pancakes, roasted wild boar meat, QQ egg milk, fried Oreos, cocktails, ice cream, pizza, and more.

This morning, head to explore Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. In the afternoon, visit Sail Rock (Fanchuangshi), Eluanbi Lighthouse, Longpan Park Grassland. Then, head back to Kaohsiung (120 km, 2.5h) for overnight.

Taiwan's forest coverage rate reaches 61%, and Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is an excellent place to learn about the local forest ecology. This park features natural sea erosion cave trails with unique geological evolution: it was originally an ocean garden populated by stony corals, calcareous algae, foraminifera, and shells. Due to tectonic plate movements 500,000 years ago, it formed a distinctive forest ecosystem - a high coral reef forest - combining rich ecology, monsoon rainforest characteristics, and limestone topography.

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area was Taiwan's first tropical botanical garden and has a history of over a century. The park is divided into two visitor areas and 17 sightseeing points, showcasing over 1,200 species of tropical plants. The park offers two themed routes: "Botanical Stroll" (1.5-2 hours) and "Geological Adventure" (2.5-3 hours), allowing you to choose based on your physical ability and interests.

Along the way, you may see underground caves, stalactites, coral reef formations, and rare plants with exposed roots, as well as have the chance to encounter wildlife such as Formosan sika deer and Taiwanese macaques. This area is also a favorite bird-watching spot for locals. Climbing the Observation Tower provides a view of the magnificent forest canopy, Frog Rock, and the stunning Pacific Ocean, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of nature fully.

In the afternoon, transfer to Eluanbi Lighthouse via a photo stop at Sail Rock. The Sail Rock, standing at about 18 meters high, is an early coral reef rock that rolled down from above to the seashore. When viewed from a distance, the Sail Rock resembles a sailboat entering the harbor with its sail raised. The surface of the rock is covered with lush wildflowers, creating a picturesque contrast with the deep blue sea. Moreover, the Sail Rock is famous for its side profile, which bears a striking resemblance to a human face in profile. Locals playfully refer to it as the "Nixon Head," adding to its renown and uniqueness.

Then, head to Eluanbi Park for Eluanbi Lighthouse & Southernmost Point of Taiwan. The Eluanbi Lighthouse, built in 1881, is Taiwan's southernmost lighthouse and a must-visit attraction in Kenting. Facing southwest with mountains at its back and overlooking the sea, the lighthouse is constructed in the form of a fortress, with gun ports in the walls and surrounded by a moat, making it the only armed lighthouse in the country.

Located on the left side of the lighthouse is the Pacific Ocean, directly facing the Bashi Channel and overlooking the island of Luzon in the Philippines across the sea. Here, the waves meet the sky, creating a magnificent natural scenery that has long been recognized as one of Taiwan's Eight Views. The park not only features a variety of tropical coastal plants but also preserves coral reef formations. Walking along the coastal trail, you can fully appreciate the unique landscapes this area has to offer. Sure you can visit the Southernmost Point of Taiwan and take pictures there.

At last, pay a visit to Longpan Park Grassland, the most beautiful seaside grassland in Taiwan. The area belongs to an uplifted limestone plateau, where the limestone, being susceptible to water erosion, has created unique geological landscapes such as cliffs, seepage holes, limestone caves, and red soil.

Standing on the grassy plains of Longpan, you can overlook the winding coastline from a high vantage point, witnessing the Pacific Ocean showcasing its wilder side. This location is also a sacred site for viewing sunrises and starry night skies—as the first place on the island of Taiwan to greet the sunrise, it attracts numerous visitors every New Year's Eve to welcome the first light of the new year. Overnight in Kaohsiung.

Today, pay a visit to Lotus Lake, Kaohsiung Museum of History (Closed on Mondays), and Pier-2 Art Center. Then, depart Kaohsiung in the evening.

In the morning, head to Lotus Lake (Lianchitan), one of the must-visit spots in Kaohsiung. Every summer, lotus flowers bloom, filling the air with a delightful fragrance, hence the name Lotus Pond. It is not only a great place to admire lotus flowers but also a destination for experiencing Eastern religious culture due to its pavilions, giant statues, and surrounding city walls. When you visit Lotus Lake, you cannot miss the iconic "Dragon and Tiger Pagodas" by its shores. This pagoda was recommended by CNN, making it one of Kaohsiung's most traditional religious scenic areas.

Built in 1976, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand at seven stories tall and are connected to the Nine-Turn Bridge, reflecting on the lake's surface to create a picturesque scene. It's said that there's a tradition when visiting the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – you should enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, which brings good luck and wards off evil. The pagoda's interior walls are adorned with exquisite ceramic artwork depicting moral stories, crafted by renowned artists. Additionally, along the shores of Lotus Lake, there are many temples and attractions like the Spring and Autumn Pavilion and the Beiji Xuantian Shangdi Temple. It is a popular spot for locals to stroll, cycle, and relax by the lake.

After that, head to Kaohsiung Museum of History. It was founded in 1939 as the Kaohsiung City Office by the Japanese. The main building is designed in a hybrid Japanese and Western style, offering a glimpse into the architectural style of the peak of Japanese imperialism. After WWII in 1945, the Kaohsiung City Office was taken over by the Nationalist government and renamed the Kaohsiung City Hall. Then in 1998, it became Kaohsiung Museum of History, Taiwan’s first history museum ever run by a local government.

The building of this museum itself is a landmark in Kaohsiung's history, which was one of the important historical sites of the 2-28 Incident. Tucked into neat rooms down the blonde-wood and marble hallways are photographic displays, a semipermanent 2-28 memorial, and exhibits that change quarterly. The museum often showcases the development history of Kaohsiung from "Takau" to "Kaohsiung" through exhibits focusing on water systems, maritime affairs, and railways.

After that, pay a visit to the Pier-2 Art Center, a must-visit "urban memory container" in Kaohsiung. Located at the junction where Love River meets Kaohsiung Harbor, adjacent to the city landmark Great Harbor Bridge, its predecessor was the Kaohsiung Harbor warehouses built in 1973, which once stored fish meal and sugar. With industrial transformation, the old warehouses fell silent and idle until 2000, when, by chance of a fireworks display, they were transformed into a paradise for artists.

Named "Pier-2" for its location at Kaohsiung Harbor's second pier, the district is now divided into three major warehouse groups: Dayong, Penglai, and Dayi. It integrates exhibitions, music, design, and railway culture, interconnected by a waterside light rail, creating a vibrant artistic space.

Take your time to explore giant Transformers, sculptures symbolizing industry and fishing, oversized suitcases, and container blocks. Railway enthusiasts can also encounter surprises: trains occasionally pass on the tracks, the Hamaxing Pier-2 Miniature Train, Taiwan Railway Museum, Banana Train (Kaohsiung produces bananas), and other distinctive experiences allow you to relive the transport memories of the port. If you visit on weekends, the handcrafted jewelry and design brand booths at the cultural and creative market will allow you to bring back this unique local culture.

At last, it is time to end your Taiwan Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Asia Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
1.You can extend your Taiwan Tour to other cities in Taiwan, such as Taitung,Tainan, Taichung, Hualien, etc. We can customize your itinerary.