Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Gāoxióng Shìlì Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn;
http://khm.gov.tw
;
272 Jhongjheng-4th Rd; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun)
This lovely museum is housed in what was the city government building during
Japanese times. Tucked into neat rooms down the blond-wood and marble hallways are
that change quarterly.
National Science & Technology Museum
MUSEUM
(Kēxué Gōngyì Bówùguǎn;
www.nstm.gov.tw
; 720 Jiou Ru Rd; admission NT$100)
Features an
hourly IMAX show and high-quality, hands-on science exhibits designed for children.
The exhibit on the industrial history of Taiwan, one of the few in English, is so informat-
ive that it alone is worth the price of admission. Take bus 60 to the museum from the
main train station.
Formosa Boulevard KMRT Station
NOTABLE BUILDING
MAP
Stop to see the resplendent
Dome of Light
(Guāng Zhī Qióng Dǐng), by Italian glass
artist Narcissus Quagliata. Formosa Blvd is south of the main train station.
Tuntex Sky Tower
LOOKOUT
(Gāoxióng 85 Dàlóu, 85)
This was the tallest building in Taiwan before Taipei 101, with a
look inspired by the character (gāo), meaning 'tall'. Take the elevator (NT$100) to 75th
floor for sunset views.
YENSHUI FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
There may be nothing stranger in this land than the annual
Yenshui Fireworks
Festival
(Yénshǔi Fēngpào)
- or battle, or blow-out - in which thousands of people
place themselves willingly in a melee of exploding fireworks. Officially, the festival
re-enacts the Yenshui people's supplication to Guandi (the God of War and Right-
eousness) to save them from a terrible epidemic.
It was 1875, and cholera was killing off the town; nothing known to man was help-
ing. In desperation, people began to parade their gods through the town and set off
noisy and smoky firecrackers to scare away evil disease-spreading spirits.
For the older generation, the current Yenshui festival still honours the old event,
but for the younger crowd it's an opportunity to live life on the edge. Crowds of
100,000 or more can gather. It's hot, smoky, and tense, very tense. When a nearby
