Southern Taiwan

Chiayi

Serving primarily as the gateway to Alishan, Chiayi City offers little beyond a pleasant glimpse of southern Taiwanese life and the excellent Hinoki Village, which showcases Japanese cypress architecture. The city’s main appeal lies in its convenient location - close enough to Alishan for early-morning departures - and its signature dish, Chiayi turkey rice.

Tainan

Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital preserves the island’s densest concentration of temples, forts, and historic buildings, making it essential for history enthusiasts. Tainan’s culinary reputation rivals Taipei’s, with many dishes considered better in their original southern versions: the city rewards slow exploration of neighbourhood eateries over famous restaurants. The pace feels noticeably more relaxed than northern cities. However, Tainan’s attractions are more intellectually than visually spectacular: understanding what you’re seeing requires some historical context.

Kaohsiung

Taiwan’s major southern city offers a maritime character distinct from northern Taiwan, with its harbour, islands, and tropical climate creating a different atmosphere from Taipei’s mountain-backed setting. Kaohsiung’s aggressive urban renewal means striking public art installations and waterfront developments alongside traditional markets and temples: the Pier-2 Art Center exemplifies this blend. The city serves equally well as a destination or a base for exploring Kenting and southern attractions, with its MRT system and port connections simplifying logistics. However, industrial areas and summer heat require strategic planning about when and where to explore.

Pingtung

Taiwan’s southernmost county draws visitors primarily to Kenting National Park’s beaches, coral reefs, and tropical landscapes, though the county’s indigenous villages and agricultural plains reward deeper exploration. Pingtung’s climate - typhoon-prone, intensely hot, and tropical - differs markedly from northern Taiwan, requiring different packing and timing considerations. The county works best for travellers seeking beach relaxation or nature activities rather than cultural sites, though transport beyond Kenting proves challenging without private vehicles.