The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei (aka Moca Taipei) is a former Japanese colonial school building and also served as Taipei City Hall before it was converted into a modern art and exhibition space in Datong District Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Historical Background: The building where the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei is currently housed was originally built in 1921 by the Japanese Jian Cheng Elementary School (Kensei Shogakko). The building was made using red brick western style architecture with classical and baroque elements. In 1945 when the KMT took over rule of Taiwan, it was converted into Taipei City Hall and was used for that purpose until 1994. After that, the building and Jian Cheng Junior High School which sits behind it were both renovated. The museum opened to the public in 2001. Since then, the museum has hosted numerous international exhibitions from artists around the world. The museum is popular on weekends, especially for elementary students who have free admission. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. Ticket Price: 100 NT per person. You can book discount tickets on KKday here. Museum Website: https://www.moca.taipei/en/ Tours: You can book discount bundle tickets to multiple museums in Taipei on KKday here or Klook here. Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: The closest MRT station is Zhongshan Station and is about a five minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below:
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Shilin Official Residence (aka Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence 士林官邸 英文介紹) is a historic mansion surrounded by a beautiful park and other historical buildings. The building was the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Meiling and housed many prominent guests. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: The Shilin Official Residence was built in 1950 by the ROC for the president Chiang Kai-shek, as a two-story western style home. Before the ROC took Taiwan, the grounds where the residence was built was a Japanese Horticulture Experimental Station. While in use, the grounds were highly militarized and closed off to the public. After Chiang Kai-shek's death in 1976, Soong Meiling continued to use the residence until her last visit in 1991. In 1996, the grounds were opened to the public as a park and a museum. The grounds include the Chiang's old Cadillac limousine, the Victory Chapel which was the Chiang's personal chapel, and Xinlan Pavilion, among other structures. The park is now popular with the public, especially on weekends. Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM and closed Mondays Price: 100 NT per person Free entrance to the park and other buildings. Cherry Blossom Season: Cherry blossoms can be seen in the park from February to late March. Check our our full guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan here. Tours: You can book tickets to the Taipei Shilin Residence for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Where to Stay: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: The closest MRT station is Shilin Station, and is about a five minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 2 north to Shilin and continue right toward the National Palace Museum. There is plenty of paid parking near the park. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a former tobacco plant in Taipei that has now been converted into a park, exhibition space, museum, and more. In this multifunctional park, you can enjoy the history of the old tobacco plant buildings, as well as ongoing exhibitions, art shows, restaurants, bookstores, and cafés. It is a great tourist stop in the heart of Taipei for both geeks and hipsters.
History The buildings where the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park currently lies were constructed in 1937 as the Matsuyama Tobacco Plant of the Monopoly Bureau of the Taiwan Governor's Office during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. After WWII, the ROC government took control of the plant and renamed it the Songshan Tobacco Plant of the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Bureau. Due to declining demand for tobacco in Taiwan, the factory stopped producing cigarettes in 1998, and the area was converted into a park in 2001. In 2011, the old buildings here were renovated to accommodate exhibitions and performances on the site. The area includes old warehouses, inspection rooms, office buildings, a tobacco factory, an ecology pond, and more. In 2024 Eslite began 24-hour operations of their bookstore here. The park is usually busy especially on weekends, due to many ongoing art exhibitions. Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day Price: Free to visit Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT/Bus: The building is close to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. By Car/Scooter: The building is just a few blocks west of Taipei City Hall Station on Zhongxiao East Road. There is limited parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Erlun Story House (formerly Erlun Police Station) was the first police station built in Yunlin County in 1899. It acted as both a police station and a dormitory for police officers. Now it has been renovated and converted into a communal space to tell the stories of Yunlin's history. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Yunlin.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Erlun was inhabited by native peoples. During the Kingdom of Tungning after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, the first Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang. After the Japanese took control of Taiwan in 1895, Erlun Police Station was built in 1899 as the first police station in Yunlin and was officially called Douliu District Erlun Police Substation. The Erlun Police Station's jurisdiction included Erlun, Huilaicuo, Tianwei, and Sankuai Village. In 1926, it was rebuilt on the original site into its current form. The main office was made of brick and the left and right sides were wooden dormitories, making an "i" shape. After World War II, the original Erlun Police Station continued to be used as a police station until a new Erlun Branch Office was built right next door. It was recognized as a historical building in 2005. In 2014 it was renovated at a cost of roughly 8 million NTD and renamed the Erlun Story House. The building is now used for cultural promotion and performances. Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, closed Mondays and Tuesdays Saturday hours: 1 PM to 9 PM Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. Then continue along Highway 154 until you reach Erlun. The police station is in the center of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo Town. Then continue along Highway 154 until you reach Erlun. The police station is in the center of town. There is limited free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 7718 for about 20 minutes to Erlun Village. The Erlun Story House is near Erlun Station. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Taoyuan Shinto Shrine (also known as the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine, or Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine and Cultural Park 桃園忠烈暨神社文化園區) is a former Japanese Shinto Shrine that has recently been renovated and refurbished in Taoyuan. It is said to be the best-kept Shinto Shrine outside of Japan. It is like getting a taste of Japan without having to leave the country.
Brief Historical Background: The Taoyuan Shinto Shrine was built on Hutou Mountain in 1938 during the Japanese era in Taiwan. The purpose of the shrine was to help promote the Shinto Religion within the Japanese Empire. The Shrine is mainly made from unpainted and unvarnished cypress and cedar wood. The shrine is comprised of three main sections: the main stairway at the base of the hill leads to the first section with green areas, stone lanterns, and a Torii gate. The second section includes the main entrance and surrounding walls. The third section includes the main worship hall which was used for Shinto worship but is now used to remember ROC military veterans. Taiwan was once home to hundreds of Shinto Shrines during the Japanese era. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, many of these shrines were either destroyed or converted into Martyr's Shrines, so it is rare for a Shinto Shrine such as this one to still stand so complete and undefiled. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, it was renamed the Taoyuan Martyr's Shrine in 1950. In the 1907's after the ROC and Japan broke off official relations, plans were made to remove monuments of Japan's past colonial rule. Like many other former Shinto Shrines in Taiwan, plans were made for the Taoyuan Martyr's Shrine to be converted into a modern Chinese-style building. However, many local prominent figures advocated for the preservation of the historical wood building, and eventually, the Taoyuan City Government agreed. In 1986, a restoration project began which was completed in 1987. Further improvements were made in 1995. The area is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Most of the visitors are local Taiwanese, but the site also attracts many Japanese tourists. For an in-depth look at the history of the site, check out this blog by Josh Ellis. I highly recommend checking out his two-part blog on the shrine before you try to write a blog or give a tour of the area so you don't sound like a doofus. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM Price: Free Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From central Taoyuan City, take Chenggong Road north up toward Hutou Mountain. The Shinto Shrine is on the side of the road before it goes up the mountain. There is a small paid parking lot next to the temple. If the parking lot is full, there is parking on the side of the road on Chenggong Road or at the hospital nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From central Taoyuan City, take Chenggong Road north up toward Hutou Mountain. The Shinto Shrine is on the side of the road before it goes up the mountain. There is a small paid parking lot next to the temple. If the parking lot is full, there is parking on the side of the road on Chenggong Road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Taoyuan TRA Station, you can take bus 213 to Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine bus station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Check out the map below: 
The Beigang Water Cultural Park is the last remaining intact Japanese architectural site in Beigang. Built in 1930, it included a 20 meter octagonal water tower, reservoirs, and employee dormitories that still stand today. It is a great place to dive into Taiwan's past and sits right next to Beigang Old Street.
Historical Background: During the Qing Dynasty, the waterways around the Beigang River were made deeper than other areas in central Taiwan, allowing for larger ships and more trade. Beigang soon became one of the most prosperous areas in central Taiwan. In 1700 Chen Lixun donated to build the "Penkan Tianfei Temple," now the "Beigang Chaotian Temple 北港朝天宮." The temple housed a statue of Mazu brought from Meizhou in Fujian. Soon, it became the most important temple in the area. The temple has undergone reconstruction in 1730, 1770, and 1884. Currently the temple sees more than a million visitors a year and is considered one of the most important Mazu temples in Taiwan, and is part of the annual Mazu pilgrimage. Traditionally, local farmers in the area drew drinking water from ponds or wells. As the population grew, so did the demand for fresh drinking water. In 1930 during the Japanese era, the Beigang Water Treatment was constructed, thanks to 240,000 yen financed by the nearby Chaotian Temple mentioned above. The water tower is 20 meters high and was built in an octagonal shape. The two bottom floors were used as office space while the third floor was used as a storage tank for fresh water. Nearby a red-brick engine room was built, as well as reservoirs, and employee dormitories. The water facility drew water from the Beigang River, desilted the water, and sanitized it. Once completed, the water facility helped produce clean drinking water for nearly 10,000 households. The plant continued operations until 1997, when a new water treatment plant replaced it. The area was declared a heritage site in 2006. It now stands as a landmark to the history of Beigang and is a popular park for both tourists and locals. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Chiayi, go east on Highway 164 until you reach Beigang. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the no. 257 Xingang / Minxiong Exit and keep going east on Highway 164 until you reach Beigang. There is paid parking near the riverside at the end of the old street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Chiayi HSR Station, you can take bus 7235 for about 40 minutes to Beigang Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Fugang Old Street in Yangmei District of Taoyuan was once a vibrant market in front of the newly built Fugang Train Station. Here you can enjoy well preserved historical residences and shops in the area, that have remained virtually unchanged for 100 years. It is definitely worth checking out if you are interested in the history of the area.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Fugang was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. The Fugang Old Street includes Zhongzheng Road, Xinyi Street, Fuyuan Road, Xinming Street, Zhonghua Street, and Chenggong Road, which are in front of the present Fugang Station. Formerly known as "Bogonggang 伯公岡" Fugang Station was established in 1929 during the Japanese colonial period, after the northward shift of the Western Trunk Line. After the train station was established, a local market street began to form in front of the station. The old street area began at Zhongzheng Road, expanding westward. Many of the buildings on Fugang Old Street still retain their original construction, with the Lu Family Mansion being the most distinctive. However, with the rerouting of major stops along the railway (now only local trains stop here), prosperity in the town began to stall, while leaving the beautiful baroque style buildings here as a testament to the area's former glory. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The train station where the old street starts is right in the middle of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 31 southwest to Taoyuan and turn right on Minfu Road. The train station where the old street starts is right in the middle of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By TRA: You can take the local train to Fugang TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Once you arrive at Yongan Harbor, there are many bike rental places available at the mouth of the harbor and along the bike path. Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
Taiping Old Street in Douliu is a well-preserved historic area with century-old baroque-style buildings dating back to the Japanese era of Taiwan. Here you can find many restaurants that serve local snacks and delicacies such as squid soup, taro ball soup, spring onion pancakes, and more. It is usually a popular and busy spot, especially on holidays and weekends.
Historical Background: Before Chinese settlers came to the area, Yunlin was inhabited by the Hoanya (洪雅族) native tribespeople, who named the area Tawrag. During the Dutch era in Taiwan in the 1600s, Chinese farmers first began to move here. The native people named the area and translated Tawrag into Taiwanese as Táu-la̍k-mn̂g (Douliumen 斗六門 in Mandarin). The area was also under Dutch control during the Dutch colonization of Taiwan. By the Qing Dynasty, Douliumen had become a sizable community mostly comprised of Hoanya Aborigines, but more and more Chinese merchants began to set up shops in the city. During the Douliumen Battle in 1862, the settlement was taken over by rebels led by Dai Chaichun but was retaken by the Qing Army in 1863. After the Japanese took control of Taiwan in 1895, anti-Japanese forces fought the Japanese in Douliu as part of the Yiwei War. During the ROC era, Yunlin County was established in 1950 and Douliu was made the County Seat. With over 100,000 people, Douliu is the most populous administrative region in Yunlin. Taiping Old Street is located on Taiping Road in Douliu City and is about 600 meters long. Historically, Taiping Road has always been Douliu's main commercial street and serves as a connecting road to rural areas around the city. The buildings on the old street are primarily designed in the Baroque style and many are over 90 years old dating back to the Japanese Era. The old street is full of many restaurants that serve local snacks and delicacies such as squid soup, taro ball soup, spring onion pancakes, and more. It is usually a popular spot, especially on holidays and weekends. However, it is a busy street and is not a blocked-off pedestrian area. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities and Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go west to Douliu. Taiping Street is right in the center of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 3, get off at the Douliu Exit and keep going west until you reach Douliu City. Taiping Street is right in the center of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Train: The Old Street is within walking distance of Douliu TRA Station. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. By HSR: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 201 for about 40 minutes to Douliu TRA Station. The Train Station is within walking distance of the old street. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Huwei Iron Bridge, also known as Huwei Sugar Factory Bridge, is an old railway bridge dating back to the Japanese rule of Taiwan in 1907. The bridge is nearly half a kilometer long and is now part of the Huwei Sugar Factory Riverside Park. Popular activities here include cycling, jogging, and taking selfies. It is a great place to enjoy the history and beauty of the local area.
Historical Background: Huwei Sugar Factory was built in 1906 before Huwei Town existed. The town began to develop on the outskirts of the sugar factory as employees began to settle nearby. The sugar factory is still operating and processing sugar. There is also a Taisugar ice cream shop that operates nearby. The Huwei Sugar Factory Bridge was originally a wooden bridge built during the Japanese era to facilitate the transportation of sugarcane to the Huwei Sugar Factory and was constructed in 1907. Besides transporting sugarcane, it also acted as a passenger train. In 1931, the new iron bridge was constructed downstream from the original wooden bridge with a length of about 300.6 meters. In 1960, the Huwei Iron Bridge was extended to 437 meters. The bridge's northernmost steel truss is actually a 200-foot steel beam recycled from the Qing Dynasty railway in the Hsinchu area, dating back to the late 1800s. The bridge has a total of 21 piers, 22 bridge spans. The structure of this bridge consists of four different sections erected according to different span requirements due to changes in river terrain, forming step-like structure. The manufacturers of the bridge trusses or girders are known to include Westwood Baillie & Co. from England (2nd bridge span) and the Osaka Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. from Japan (7th bridge span, manufactured in 1913). Huwei Sugar Factory was established in 1906, after which the local economy gradually developed and prospered, and the population increased. To solve transportation problems, the sugar company and the Railway Department of the Taiwan Governor's Office jointly operated a passenger railway between Dounan and Huwei in 1910, and the train also connected with the Western Main Line. In 1942, the bridge was damaged in a storm but was later repaired. During the ROC era in 1954, a wooden pedestrian bridge was built on the right side of the iron bridge, creating a safe passage for pedestrians. In 1959, the 87 Flood occurred, and the south bank of the river was breached, causing the bridge to be destroyed. Afterward, the riverbed was widened and the riverbanks were reinforced to prevent erosion. In June 1960 the bridge was extended by about 185 meters solving local flooding problems. In 1982, the construction of the Xingnan Bridge gradually replaced the function of the wooden plank bridge beside the iron bridge. After that, it remained idle for a long time and was not well maintained. The reconstruction project of the Huwei Iron Bridge was completed in 1999, and it was named the Sweet Potato Village Plank Bridge. Subsequently, both sides of the bridge were converted into a "riverside park," combining the nearby Huwei Sugar Factory and Tongxin Park, to provide an ideal place for sightseeing and leisure for the public. In 2012, during Typhoon Saola, about 50 meters of the bridge deck was washed away by floodwaters. The restoration of the Huwei Bridge was completed on September 9, 2015. Currently, the bridge is a popular place for local residents especially on weekends. Hours: Huwei Iron Bridge: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go east to Dounan and then take Highway 158 to Huwei. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Huwei Exit and keep going east until you reach Huwei Town. The bridge is on the south side of town along Highway 73-3 and is hard to miss. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 7112 for about 30 minutes to Huwei Puppet Museum. The bridge is then about a 10 minute walk south. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Beigang Iron Bridge is the longest bridge ever built by the Taiwan Sugar Company, that used to connect sugar fields in Chiayi to the Beigang Sugar Factory. Unfortunately, the bridge was washed away in floodwaters during Typhoon Sinlaku in 2008.
Currently a new "Daughter Bridge" has been completed to connect the two sides, and further construction is expected to connect the two sides of the river via pedestrian walkways by 2025. Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Yunlin was inhabited by native peoples. During the Dutch era in Taiwan in the 1600s, Chinese farmers first began to move here. One notable Chinese pioneer was Yan Siqi (also known as Pedro Chino, or the Pioneer King of Taiwan). He created a settlement in Ponkan or Bengang in Mandarin (modern day Beigang) and recruited over 3000 farmers from Fujian and nearby regions in China to come farm in Taiwan. He also had 13 ships and a merchant trade and formed an alliance with the local indigenous population. Dutch and Chinese farmers introduced mango, sweet potato, pineapple, and many other crops to Taiwan at this time. When Koxinga invaded Taiwan, many local Chinese farmers such as Chen Lixun supported him and were rewarded with lands once the Dutch were conquered. During the Qing Dynasty, Beigang was known as Bengang (笨港), and its waterways were made deeper than other areas in Taiwan, allowing for larger ships and more trade. Beigang soon became one of the most prosperous areas in central Taiwan. After many Typhoons and floods, the Beigang River became silted and shallow, and also due to silting Beigang was moved further and further from the seashore. Up to the Japanese colonial period, the port lost its function as a maritime trading location, but it remained a center for agricultural commerce. The establishment of sugar mills during the Japanese colonial period also brought significant economic benefits to Beigang for nearly a hundred years. However, since the Japanese colonial period, due to the silting of the port, the lack of a main railway line passing through, and the absence of a major highway, its economic influence has diminished significantly. Beigang Creek Iron Bridge The Beigang River Iron Bridge, also known as the Fuxing Bridge or Fuxing Iron Bridge, was built during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan and later rebuilt and extended during the ROC era. It is located over the Beigang River at the border of Beigang Town in Yunlin County and Xingang Township. Currently, it is abandoned and partially destroyed due to flooding. During the Japanese Era, the Beigang River Bridge was originally a wooden structure built to facilitate the transportation of sugarcane to the Beigang Sugar Factory during the Japanese colonial period. Construction began in 1909 by the Beigang Sugar Manufacturing Society for the Beigang Line of the sugar industry railway between Beigang and Chiayi, which was completed and opened on August 30, 1911, along with the wooden Beigang River Bridge, spanning a length of 220 meters. In 1917, passenger services started operating. In 1943, the wooden Beigang Creek Bridge between Beigang and Wan Zai Nei was washed away by flooding, causing a train passing at that time to derail into the creek, resulting in dozens of casualties, making it the deadliest accident in the history of sugar railway passenger services. During the ROC Era after World War II in 1945, due to strong public demand, the Beigang River Bridge was repaired in 1951 and named the "Fuxing Iron Bridge." The Beigang Creek Iron Bridge had a total of 76 bridge piers, including 74 reinforced concrete girder piers. The upper structure of the bridge consisted of 74 composite steel beams and 2 lower-bearing steel plate girder beams. Train services resumed to Beigang. In 1967, the Beigang River was dredged, and embankments were built on the east bank of the iron bridge. Because of this, in 1968, the Taiwan Sugar Company raised and extended the Beigang Creek Iron Bridge by about 600 meters. The project was completed in June 1969, extending the total length of the bridge to 878 meters, making it the longest bridge used by the Taiwan Sugar Railway. On August 17, 1982, passenger services on the Beigang Line ceased, and the Beigang River Iron Bridge remained only for transporting raw materials. In 1998, Taiwan Sugar Factory completely ceased railway transportation in the area and the Beigang Line was discontinued. After the Beigang River Iron Bridge was decommissioned, Taiwan Sugar planned to demolish it in May 2000. Fortunately, it was saved due to the efforts of local activists. The bridge was made a historical site in 2001. Unfortunately, on September 12, 2002, several bridge piers at the north end of the bridge's water area were washed away by flooding, leading to its closure. Although efforts were made to repair it, the bridge suffered damage from flooding again during Typhoon Sinlaku in 2008. In 2021, The "Daughter Bridge" was finished alongside the old Fuxing Bridge to connect the two sides via pedestrian walkways. However, the Daughter Bridge was not finished and connected at the time of writing. In 2022, the central government approved a budget of 180 million yuan to support the reconstruction and repair project of the Beigang Iron Bridge on the Xingang, Chiayi side. Construction started on May 9, 2023, and is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025 to complete the connection between the two sides. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Scooter: From Chiayi, go east on Highway 164 until you reach Beigang. The bridge is on the east side of town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the no. 257 Xingang / Minxiong Exit and keep going east on Highway 164 until you Reach Beigang. The bridge is on the east side of town. There is paid parking near the riverside at the end of the old street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Chiayi HSR Station, you can take bus 7235 for about 40 minutes to Beigang Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Baishajia Lighthouse located in Guanyin District of Taoyuan is a prominent historical monument in the area. Built in 1901 during the Japanese era, it survived allied bombings and still operates for nearby ships to this day. The area around the lighthouse is also open for the public to enjoy.
Historical Background: Taoyuan's coastline has been a major fishing area for centuries. To aid with local boats as well as military operations, the Japanese chose the coastal area in Guanyin as a suitable location for a lighthouse. Construction for the lighthouse was planned in 196, shortly after the Japanese took control of Taiwan. Typhoons and local thieves hindered the construction. The lighthouse was finally completed in 1901. The Baishajia Lighthouse uses a rotating lens electric lamp, which is the largest of all lighthouses in Taiwan. The rotation of the lens is facilitated by a mercury trough. Every 20 seconds, there it emits a flash of white light followed by a flash of red light (each shining for 0.23 seconds with 9.77 seconds of darkness). The nominal range of the white light is 25.7 nautical miles, and 22.6 nautical miles for the red light. During the early days of the Japanese colonial period, the lighthouse used a third-order rotating lens kerosene lamp manufactured in France, and the copper plate with the inscription "Babbier & Benard Constructeurs, Paris, 1897" which is still in use today. During WWII, an Allied aircraft shot down by anti-aircraft guns crashed near the lighthouse, damaging its upper half. Repairs to the lighthouse were completed in 1946, and the height was reduced slightly to 27.7 meters. Price: Free Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Mondays Where to stay: Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taoyuan: Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car: Take Expressway 61 to Taoyuan and take the 44 Taoke (桃科) exit. The lighthouse is right next to the expressway near the exit on the northeast side. There is limited free parking near the harbor, and also paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. By Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 15 south from Taipei and then turn right onto highway 38 at Xucuo. The lighthouse is right next to the expressway near the exit on the northeast side. Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. By Bus: From Zhongli TRA Station, you can take bus 5033 west to the harbor. You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
Yanping Old Street (aka Xiluo Old Street) is a well-preserved historical part of Xiluo Township of Yunlin County dating back to the Kingdom of Tungning, the Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese era of Taiwan. Here you can find historical landmarks as well as good food and cultural attractions. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Yunlin.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native Taiwanese plains tribal peoples. During the Dutch colonial period, Han Chinese settlers began to migrate and cultivate the land, gradually increasing in number. During the Kingdom of Tungning after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, an even larger number of Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang, making it an important transportation hub from northern to southern Taiwan. There also was a ferry along the Zhuoshui River, further connecting the town to the rest of the world. The Zhuoshui River also made irrigation easy, and the area is often known as the granary of Taiwan. The original name for Xiluo was Luoyang (螺陽), named by early settlers to commemorate their hometown Luoyang Town in Huian County, Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province. Yanping Old Street is also named after Prince Yanping (延平王) which was the honorific name of Koxinga, the ruler of the founders of the town. After the completion of the Xiluo Great Bridge in 1952, the town continued as a transportation hub linking north and south Taiwan. However after the completion of National Freeway 1 in 1978, the bulk of traffic moved onto the new highway and Xiluo turned into a rural backwater, with most of its economy based on agriculture. Currently, the population of the town is about 44,000 and is falling every year. Although usually not especially busy, the old street usually has tourists and shoppers and is full of interesting historical buildings. Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Xiluo Bridge (aka Xiluo Great Bridge) was once the second-longest bridge in the world and connects Yunlin County to Changhua County across the Zhuoshui River. Here you can also find a large public square and grassy park which is free for everyone to enjoy. It is one of Taiwan's historical landmarks that you should not miss.
Historical Background: Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native Taiwanese plains tribal peoples. During the Dutch colonial period, Han Chinese settlers began to migrate and cultivate the land, gradually increasing in number. During the Kingdom of Tungming after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, an even larger number of Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang, making it an important transportation hub from northern to southern Taiwan. There also was a ferry along the Zhuoshui River, further connecting the town to the rest of the world. The Zhushui River also made irrigation easy, and the area is often known as the granary of Taiwan. The Zhuoshui River which the Xiluo River crosses is the longest river in Taiwan and is often considered the boundary between north and south Taiwan. Due to the Zhuoshui River's wide river surface, some early European maps of Taiwan mistakenly divided Taiwan into two islands. During the Japanese era, there were only railway bridges spanning the Zhuoshui River, but no bridges for cars or pedestrians to cross. At that time, people had to cross via ferry or the railway. Starting from the 1920s, the Japanese continued to improve Taiwan's road systems and by the end of 1935, only the Zhuoshui River and the Gaoping River remained impassable by car. In September 1934 the construction of a bridge over the Zhuoshui River was first proposed by local residents. Construction of the bridge began in 1938, with completion scheduled for March 1942. Subsequent construction was halted due to the diversion of steel materials for wartime use, leaving the road incomplete. After WWII, in 1946, the Provincial Assembly proposed to allocate American aid to complete the Xiluo Bridge, with support from local residents. In May 1952, after the steel trusses manufactured with US aid arrived in Taiwan (manufactured by the United States Steel Export Company, which was a front for the US government that could not sell steel directly to Allies), construction resumed. The Xiluo Bridge was completed on December 25, 1952, and officially opened on January 28, 1953. Xiluo Bridge is 1,939 meters long and 7.3 meters wide. It has 31 spans, 32 piers, and a foundation 20 meters deep. It is made from Warren truss steel girders, painted gray-green when opened to traffic in 1952, then repainted gray in January 1962, and changed to red in August 1986. When completed in 1952, the Xiluo Bridge was the world's second-largest bridge after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA. It was also the longest bridge in Taiwan at the time, earning the title of the "largest bridge in the Far East." After the completion of the Xiluo Great Bridge in 1952, the town continued as a transportation hub linking north and south Taiwan. However after the completion of National Freeway 1 in 1978, the bulk of traffic moved onto the new highway and Xiluo turned into somewhat of a rural backwater, with most of its economy based on agriculture. Currently, the population of the town is about 44,000 and is falling every year. Although usually not especially busy, the old street usually has tourists and shoppers and is full of interesting historical buildings. Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Tours in Yunlin: Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo Town. There is free parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Shimen Ancient Battlefield (aka Shimen Historic Battlefield Macacukes 石門古戰場) in Mudan Township of Pingtung is where local Paiwan indigenous people fought a Japanese invading force in the aftermath of the Mudan Incident. Here the Paiwan people were able to stall the Japanese advance but were ultimately defeated and agreed to stop attacking shipwrecked ships. This spot along the river played an important part in Taiwan's history and is also important for the local Paiwan people who still live there. Now you can enjoy the natural scenery, historical markers, and hiking trails nearby.
Background: In 1871, a ship from the Ryukyuan Kingdom was shipwrecked near Mudan Village, and 54 Ryukyu men were massacred by the local Paiwan aboriginals. Even though the Ryukyuan kingdom was independent, it asked for help from the Qing Dynasty, its main trading partner, to pacify the Taiwanese aboriginals. Later in 1872, Japan dethroned the King of the Ryukyuan Kingdom and asked that the Qing Dynasty be held responsible for the massacre. The Qing denied having control over that region of Taiwan, so Japan sent soldiers to avenge those massacred as part of the 1874 invasion of Taiwan. A war ensued, and Japan entered Taiwan at Sheliao (near Guishan) on the Hengchun Peninsula and was stopped for a while at Shimen. Shimen literally means stone gate, referring to the narrow canyon that the Sichong River runs through here. The Japanese army was eventually successful at moving past Shimen and burned all nearby Paiwan Villages. The villagers promised to stop attacking shipwrecked sailors and began flying the Japanese flag which they saw as a sign of peace, and which the Japanese saw as a claim of jurisdiction. In the end, 561 Japanese soldiers died from disease while only 12 were killed in battle. 89 Paiwan aboriginals were killed in battle. Japan then negotiated with China with the help of American and British advisors, and China recognized Japanese control of the Ryukyu Islands and made payment to Japan for peacekeeping in the area. The Japanese finally withdrew from Taiwan in December 1875. In the end, the battle helped Japan solidify its influence on Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands, emboldening it later to take over Taiwan. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. Accommodation: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Kenting, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it Checheng. Then travel east toward Mudan Township until you reach the Shimen Historic Battlefield memorial marker. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: You can reach Mudan from Pingtung Bus 1773 or 302, but it will take over three hours. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Yuanshan Villa (aka MAISON ACME, Taipei Story House, or Yuanshan Mansion 圓山別莊) is a historic mansion right next to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum that has opened to the public as an art exhibition space and museum as part of Taipei Expo Park. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: The Yuanshan Mansion was built in 1913 by a wealthy Taiwanese tea merchant Tan Tiau-chun (陳朝駿) who had a large business in Dadaocheng. Originally it was meant to act as a guest house for dignitaries. The first floor was built using red brick and the second floor was built using English Tudor-style wooden beams. After the owner's death in 1923, the house went through many different hands. The house was bought by the Taipei City Government in 1979 and was used as an office and storage space. In 1987 it was handed over to the Taipei Fine Arts Center and acted as part of the museum. It was declared a historic monument in 1998. From 2003 until 2015 it was open the the public as the Taipei Story House and acted as an activity area and exposition space. From 2015 to 2021 the Taipei Story House, another charity, took control of the building and used it as an art and entertainment space. From 2021 until the present the house came under the ACME group and it is used now as an exposition and performance space. There is also a coffee shop made from a shipping container next door. Usually there are not many people there even on weekends. Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM and closed Mondays Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: The closest MRT station is Yuanshan Station, and is about a one minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy, however bikes are no allowed in the park. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
SPOT Taipei Film House (aka former Embassy of the United States, Taipei) is a former diplomatic building for the United States in Taiwan that has now been converted into a film house and café. Here you can enjoy the history of the building, as well as a cinema, art show, art shop, restaurant, and café. It is a great tourist stop in the heart of Taipei.
History The current building where the Taipei Film House currently lies was constructed in 1926 as the American Consulate in Taihoku during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. The consulate closed in 1941 due to WWII. After WWII, the US took the building back and renamed it the Consulate of the United States, Taipei. The building also served as the US Ambassador's residence. In 1953, the building was upgraded to an embassy. In 1957, a riot broke out and Taiwanese people stormed the embassy due to the alleged murder of an ROC national by an American. For more on this story, check out this podcast by Formosa Files. After The US switched recognition to the PRC in 1979, the building was left abandoned. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1997 and was renovated in 2000. The building now houses a cinema, coffee shop, restaurant, and gift shop. It is usually not very crowded. Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Price: Free to visit Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT/Bus: The building is close Zhongshan MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. By Car/Scooter: The building is just a few blocks north of Taipei Main Station on Zhongshan Road. There is limited parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Academia Historica is a public history museum focusing on the political history of Taiwan's presidents and vice presidents, as well as other cultural and ecological exhibitions, located in Taipei. One of the many historical buildings in Taipei, is a beautiful Japanese-era marble-faced building, the former communications bureau, which has been converted into a museum for Taiwan's former presidents. It is open for tours to the public on weekdays and is definitely worth a visit.
History The current building where Academia Historica Taipei currently lies was constructed in 1914 during the Japanese rule of Taiwan for the Communications Bureau, Transportation Department of the Japanese Colonial Government. It now hosts exhibits for Taiwan's presidents and vice presidents. Academia Historica is also an institution that was established in 1947 by the ROC government in Nanking. In 1957 it reopened in Taiwan. It moved to the current building, and also has other departments in Xindian and Nantou. The Nantou Building has since changed its name to Taiwan Historica (there is a much bigger museum now in Nantou). The Taipei building, which this blog covers, holds artifacts from the president and vice president of Taiwan (R.O.C.). Hours: The office is open for visitors from Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT/Bus: The building is close to the NTU hospital MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. By Car/Scooter: There is limited parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Map: Please see below: 
The Pingtung Martial Arts Hall has been recently restored and opened to the public. This building provides a unique glimpse into Taiwan's former Japanese colonial history. In addition, it also has space for art exhibitions. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung.
Background: The Pingtung Martial Arts Hall was completed in 1929 mainly for the use of local police to practice martial arts. After the KMT took control of Taiwan, this building was used as a military service station. In 2018 the building began restoration work which was completed in 2019. For an overview of Martial Arts History and significance in Taiwan, check out this blog by Josh Ellis. Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday to Sunday Price: Free Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Pingtung on Klook here or KKday here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Pingtung City. The Pingtung Martial Arts Hall is on Zhongzheng Road in the middle of the city. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Train: The Martial Arts Hall is about a 10 minute walk from Pingtung TRA Station. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Pingtung Confucius Temple is a former Tutorial Academy dating back to 1815 that was nearly destroyed during the Japanese era but was moved to another location. The temple has also recently been refurbished and is one of the most beautiful historic Confucius Temples in Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung.
Background: For millennia Pingtung had been inhabited by plains aboriginal groups. Their biggest settlement was called Ahou, on the current site of Pingtung City. The first Chinese settlers came to the area in the late 1600s during the Kingdom of Tungming and Qing Dynasty. Before that time, the area was known as a place of exile for Chinese criminals. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was part of Fengshan County. The Pingtung Tutorial Academy was completed in 1815, and its purpose was to provide a place of study for scholars. During the Japanese Era, The City of Pingtung underwent urban planning and the Tutorial Academy was nearly destroyed. The building was originally located near Pingtung Park roughly on the spot of land where Pingtung County Stadium now stands, however under the advice of Gaijiro Fujishima, the building was preserved and moved a few blocks north in 1937. After the start of the Japanese Era, the building was used as a Confucius Temple. Normally there are not many people near the gate and the area is not very busy. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Pingtung City. The Confucius Temple is on Shengli Road in the middle of the city. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Train: Pingtung Confucius Temple is about a 10 minute walk from Pingtung TRA Station. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Ahou City Gate (aka Aho City Gate, Aho Gate, East Gate, or Chaoyang Gate) is the last remaining gate from the old walled city of Ahou, which is now Pingtung City. It is one of the last remnants of the walls of the city built nearly 200 years ago during the Qing Dynasty. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung.
Background: For millennia Pingtung had been inhabited by plains aboriginal groups. Their biggest settlement was called Ahou, on the current site of Pingtung City. The first Chinese settlers came to the area in the late 1600s during the Kingdom of Tungming and Qing Dynasty. Before that time, the area was known as a place of exile for Chinese criminals. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was part of Fengshan County. The city walls began construction in 1836 to defend against robbers, revolts, and infighting between groups of local settlers. Originally there were four city gates built. During the Japanese Era, The City of Pingtung underwent urban planning and most of the walls and gates were destroyed as a result. The last remaining gate is the East Gate, officially called the Chaoyang Gate (朝陽門 Gate facing the sun). It now stands near the Pingtung County Stadium. After an earthquake in 2006, the gate began to sag, after which it underwent restoration work. Normally there are not many people near the gate and the area is not very busy. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Pingtung City. Ahou Gate is on Zhonghua Road in the middle of the city. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Train: Ahou Gate is about a 10 minute walk from Pingtung TRA Station. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
The Nanhai Academy is a collection of buildings built on a former Shinto shrine in traditional Chinese architecture not long after the KMT nationalists took control of Taiwan. The area consists of the National Art Education Center, National Music Education Center, Taipei Botanical Garden, and the National Museum of History. Located in downtown Taipei, it is easily accessible, and you can spend an entire afternoon here. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: The buildings that make up the Nanhai Academy were originally built during the Japanese era (around 1900), and was known as Kenkou Shrine which was a Shinto shrine. Later the shrine was renovated to resemble Chinese classic style architecture not long after the KMT nationalists took control of Taiwan (around 1955) under order of Chiang Kai-shek. The area was used to establish the National Taiwan Science Education Center, National Taiwan Arts Education Center, National Taiwan Music Education Center, and Center for Educational Resources and Publishing. The area includes a theater, a performance hall, an auditorium, and a broadcasting building. Hours: 9:00 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Looking for Chinese lessons? You can get a 10% discount on Chinese lessons from Tutor ABC, the best Chinese language learning program out there by using the promo code FOREIGNERS10. How to get there: By MRT: The closest MRT station is Xiaonanmen Station, and is about a 10 minute walk from the museum. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
The Changhua Roundhouse is perhaps the last of its kind in Asia. It was originally made to turn steam locomotives around that could not reverse and repair/service them in the fan-shaped building. It is still in operation and is open to the public to visit for free.
Background: The Changhua Roundhouse was completed in 1922, built by the Japanese after the completion of Taiwan's coastal railway line from Zhunan to Changhua, in order to provide a place to repair and maintain locomotives. Originally the building only had 6 stalls, but later up to 12 stalls were built by 1933. The building was also bombed during American air raids during World War II. There were originally six roundhouses in Taiwan, but the others have all been demolished. The Changhua Roundhouse was also going to be demolished, but the voices of local people saved it from being destroyed. Later the building received historical monument status. Currently, the roundhouse has two steam locomotives ( CK124 and CK120) and two types of diesel locomotives (DT668, and DT650). The roundhouse is a popular spot for tourists on weekends. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1 PM to 4 PM (open from 10 AM on weekends) Price: Free! Accommodation: We have stayed at and recommend Guide Hotel Changhua Jhongjheng, which is one of our favorite hotels in all of Taiwan, with great quality and service right in downtown Changhua. (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Trip.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. Tours: Tours and activities in Changhua include Magical Mushrooms Leisure Farm, Cheng Mei Cultural Park, Changhua Love Farm, Gushengwu Paleontology Park, Taiwan You Good School of Cookie, Baiguoshan Amusement Park, Yunhe Starry Sky View Restaruant , Tianzhong, Yakuta Experience , Qingshui Hot Spring Glamping, Fruit Picking , Tonight Star Leisure Farm, Tianweiwang Scenic Spot, and more. You can find more tours of Changhua on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Changhua TRA station, travel north and turn left on Zhangmei Road Section 1. The roundhouse is on the left right next to the train tracks. There is limited parking on the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Looking for scooter rental in Changhua? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Train: The roundhouse is within five minute walking distance from Changhua TRA Station. You can book tickets to travel to Changhua via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Changhua via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
The Anti Aircraft towers in Fanpo/Waipu Villages of Fuxing Township, Changhua County have stood the test of time to tell a tale of an earlier era when the Japanese were trying to ward off American air raid attacks in Taiwan. Quite a few towers still exist in what is now farmland in rural Changhua county, free for all passersby to see.
Historical Background: In about 1943 the Japanese decided to build a temporary airstrip that covered parts of Fanpo Village (番婆村古砲台) and Waipu Village (外埔村古砲台) of Fuxing Township, Changhua County. In order to build the airstrip, many local villagers were required to work night and day for many weeks. At the same time, anti-aircraft gun towers were built to protect the local people from bombs as well as provide firepower. The Americans did drop bombs in the area. After the war, the airstrip became pasture for cattle and became covered with weeds. Later it was converted into farmland. The villagers decided to keep the towers standing, probably because it would be hard to tear them down, because they provide a reminder of past times, and that the villagers were lucky to survive the many bombing raids near the village. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 Accommodation: We have stayed at and recommend Guide Hotel Changhua Jhongjheng, which is one of our favorite hotels in all of Taiwan, with great quality and service right in downtown Changhua. (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Trip.com here) Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. Tours: Tours and activities in Changhua include Magical Mushrooms Leisure Farm, Cheng Mei Cultural Park, Changhua Love Farm, Gushengwu Paleontology Park, Taiwan You Good School of Cookie, Baiguoshan Amusement Park, Yunhe Starry Sky View Restaruant , Tianzhong, Yakuta Experience , Qingshui Hot Spring Glamping, Fruit Picking , Tonight Star Leisure Farm, Tianweiwang Scenic Spot, and more. You can find more tours of Changhua on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By car/scooter: Just south of highway 142 before you get to Lukang. The tower is easy to see next to the side of the road. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Looking for scooter rental in Changhua? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By bus: From Changhua Station, you can take Changhua bus 6933A to Yingfa Company Bus Stop. The tower is then only a short walk away. You can book tickets to travel to Changhua via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Changhua via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Hinoki Village (aka Cypress Forest Life Village 檜意森活村 Guìyì sēnhuó cūn) is the largest group of Japaneses era buildings in Taiwan, with over 30 restored era wooden structures. Located in Chiayi City, it is a remnant of the logging industry that existed in Chiayi during the Japanese era. As one of the best preserved historical sites in Taiwan, it is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Chiayi.
Historical Background: Hinoki Village dates back to 1914 when the Japanese built the Alishan Forest Railway for exploitation of lumber in the mountains of Chiayi. The village acted as a residential area for loggers, lumber industry management, and dependents. The village included a building for top management, two buildings for management dependents, another four dormitories for dependents, a dormitory for single workers, a public bath house, and a hostel. After WWII, it became a residential area for the ROC's forestry bureau and their dependents. In 2005, many buildings were listed as historical buildings under protection. In 2009, the area was planned as one of Taiwan's six major city renovation projects. It took NT 400 million dollars and 4 years to complete. The renovation of the village was completed in 2013 and is now operated by the public. The village now contains 21 bookstores, restaurants, coffee and tea shops, and a farmers market. Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Closed Mondays Price: Free Tours and Activities: You can purchase tours and tickets for many activities in Chiayi such as glamping, Three Pigs Farm, Janfusun Fancy World, Taiping Suspension Bridge, Chateau de Jourdeness , Kumquat Tourist Factory, Taisugar Siantou Cultural Park, Meteor Garden, Veoveoana Tribe Tour, Danayi Valley, Batongguan Historic Trail, Xianghe Leisure Farm, Foot massage and many others through Klook here or KKday here. Accommodation: We have stayed at and recommend Chiayi Crown Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), Shin Kao Hotel (you can book on Agoda here or Trip.com here), and YesHotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), which are all quality hotels for a reasonable price near Chiayi Station. We also recommend Shianghu Botique Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), with excellent quality for the money just our of Chiayi City center. Finally we have stayed at and recommend Fenchihu Street Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), which is within walking distance of Fenqihu Old Street, Fenqihu Station, and many amazing hikes in the area. Find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. How to get there: By Train/Bus: The village is a short walk across the street from Chiayi Beimen (North Gate) Station. You can purchase tours and tickets of the Alishan Railway through Klook here or KKday here. By Car/Scooter: From Chiayi Station, turn north on County road 159 until you reach Beimen Station. The village is across the street from Beimen Station. There is free and paid parking on the street nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Chiayi? You can check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options.You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Klook here or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Qishan Old Street is a large a popular historical street in Qishan District of Kaohsiung City. Originally a major industrial hub for sugar cane during the Japanese era, now it is a quite agricultural town in rural Kaohsiung. It is one of the best old streets in Taiwan for its many agricultural products and snacks, as well as the many well preserved historical buildings in the area.
Background: The original name of Qishan was Taburian, a name given by the Makatao Siraya Aboriginal Tribe that had inhabited the area for thousands of years. During the Qing Dynasty, the local Han farmers who began to cultivate the area first planted sweet potatoes (Fanshu 蕃薯) so the area was named Fanshu Village. During the Japanese Era in 1920, the name was changed again to Qishan. They re-planned the city streets, making them look like a chess board. Also they created what is now Zhongshan Road, or Qishan Old Street, and many western baroque style houses were built along the street at the time. Qishan station was completed in 1910 for the Taiwan sugar company, to ship sugar cane from Qishan to Jiuqutang Station in Dashu. The railway line included many stations in between. After World War 2, the railway line was still in use and began accepting passengers in 1973, as the sugar cane industry died down. By 1979, passengers were banned on the line and the line was dismantled. Qishan is still mostly a rural area, with the main agricultural products being bananas, rice, beans, gourds, and other fruits and vegetables. On the old street some popular local delicacies are Rouyuan, Mantou Buns, Tangyuan, and Zongzi. Now Qishan station and many of the western style houses has been registered as historical monuments. Qishan Old street is also a popular spot for tourists on weekends, and is usually closed to vehicle traffic during the day on weekends and holidays. Delicacies: Qishan is still mostly a rural area, with the main agricultural products being bananas, rice, beans, gourds, and other fruits and vegetables. On the old street some popular local delicacies are Rouyuan, Mantou Buns, Tangyuan, and Zongzi. Hours: Every Day from about 9 AM to 10 PM, with more shops opening later in the day. Price: Qishan Old Street: Free Qishan Station: 30 NT When to go: If you go during weekends or holidays, it can get really crowded but that is also the time when most all of the shops and stalls are open. If you want to avoid the crowds you can try going early in the afternoon when it is not as busy, How to get there: By Scooter/Car: From central Kaohsiung, take provincial highway 29 north (scooters) or national freeway 10 (cars) until you reach Zhongshan Road in downtown Qishan. This is the old street. Looking for scooter rental in Kaohsiung? You can check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can check also out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can search Qeeq here, KKday here, or Klook here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: From Zuoying HSR station or Kaohsiung main station there are many intercity busses that can take you to Qishan Station in about an hour. You can book tickets to travel to Kaohsiung via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can also book a Kaohsiung Travel pass here. Accommodation We have stayed at and recommend Chao She Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here) IHI Sanduo Travel Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), and Mingli Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Hotels.com here) which are three inexpensive and high quality choices in downtown Kaohsiung. I also have stayed at and recommend Kaohsiung Meinong Rabbit Paul Homestay B&B (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here), a quiet B&B in rural Meinong, and Chengching Lakeside Resort (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com or Trip.com here)and the Grand Hotel Kaohsiung (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here) which both offer breakfast buffet and free entrance into Chenqing Lake Park. I have also stayed at the 85 sky tower which offers great views of the city; you can search for rooms in the 85 sky tower on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Trip.com here). Find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. Tours: You can find more tours and activities in Kaohsiung such as Pier 2, Meinong Hakka Museum, Hamasen Railway Museum, Suzuka Circuit Park, i-Ride Kaohsiung Visual 5D Flying Theater, National Science and Technology Museum , Senya Village Restaruant, Austin Land, Ski School Indoor Ski Slope, and many more on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: Please see below: |
Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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