Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Southern Taiwan
Why Go?
Southern Taiwan is a land of timeless rituals and strong folk culture. The yearly calendar
is chock-full of some of Taiwan's most unforgettable festivals: when they're not burning
boats to honour their indomitable ancestors, southerners let off fierce fireworks to seek su-
pernatural protection for the future.
Tainan, the island's former capital, is the city most worth visiting outside Taipei. Expect
a feast of original street snacks, flamboyant temples and enduring relics available at every
turn. Outside the cities, the wonderful biking routes and beaches offer enough activities to
impress action travellers, and the wild landscape simply stirs the blood. From the jagged
mountains and beautiful coastal cliffs of Pingtung County to the geological oddity of mud
volcanoes outside Kaohsiung, this is Formosa at its most formidable. No wonder millions
of purple and yellow butterflies return yearly to overwinter in the verdant mountain val-
leys around Maolin and Meinong. They've chosen well.
When to Go
Feb
Yenshui fireworks festival.
Apr
The Spring Scream music festival takes over Kenting.
Sep-Oct
Raptor migration over Kenting National Park.
