Southern Taiwan - Taiwan - page 492

'beehive' is set off, thousands of bottle rockets fly at you and over you (though
hopefully not through you). The noise deafens, the smoke blinds and the rockets
sting.
Some people travel from overseas every year to be part of the excitement. Tens
of thousands more come in from all parts of Taiwan. Accidents, burns and lost eyes
are all common, though most people try to mitigate damage by wearing protective
clothing. A motorcycle helmet is considered mandatory, as is thick, nonflammable
clothing and earplugs. Many people also wrap a towel around their neck to prevent
fireworks from flying up under their helmet.
If you're injured you should be able to find medical help nearby, but don't expect
to receive any sympathy. And certainly don't expect any compensation. You parti-
cipate at your own risk.
Yenshui is in the north of Tainan County. You can reach the town by taking an ex-
press train to nearby Sinying and then a taxi. Be prepared to be out all night, and
take care of your valuables. The festival takes place every year during the Lantern
Festival, two weeks after Chinese New Year.
Activities
Hiking
The 1000-hectare Chaishan Nature Reserve (Cháishān Zìrán Gōngyuán), which was
started by the Japanese, is famous for its macaque population, which has been getting in-
creasingly aggressive with visitors and locals alike. Don't carry food into the area and
watch out that the monkeys don't steal your camera!
To reach the start of the trails into the reserve take Red Bus 32 from Aozihdi KMRT
station (outside Exit 1) to Longcyuan Temple MAP , where the trails begin (access via
Lane 25, Gushan 3rd Rd). The reserve is northwest of the city centre.
Cycling
Kaohsiung has 100km (and growing) of bike paths around the city. The cheap and effect-
ive C-bike ( www.c-bike.com.tw ; per hour NT$30) program has 119 stations around the city -
you can rent a bike with a credit card at one location and drop it off at any other location
when you have finished. There are obvious-looking stands for the green bikes outside
every KMRT and also at major tourist sights.
You can pick up a map of the bike routes at the visitor centre. The most interesting
route runs along the Love River and through the old warehouse district at the harbour.