Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Back on the mainland, another train ride - across Taiwan's fertile southern tip - takes
you to
Kaohsiung
, Taiwan's buzzing second-largest city. For beaches or scootering
along beautiful coastline, head down to
Kenting National Park
. In winter take a two-
day side trip to
Maolin Recreation Area
, home of Rukai aborigines and where millions
of purple butterflies await spring.
Continue by train up the coast to the old capital of
Tainan
for a couple of days of
temple touring and snacking on local delicacies. Rent a car or scooter for the drive up the
winding
Dongshan Coffee Road
then spend the evening in rare mud hot springs in
Guanziling
. The following day continue up into the wild expanse of mountain ranges in
the
Alishan National Scenic Area
. Check out sunset and sunrise, then hike around
Tatajia
in the shadow of Yushan, Taiwan's highest mountain.
The drive from Yushan to
Sun Moon Lake
the following morning passes some sub-
lime high-mountain scenery and should be taken slowly. At the lake, stop to sample oo-
long tea and maybe catch a boat tour. Heading north, fans of traditional arts and crafts
will enjoy the following day's stops in
Lukang
, home to master lantern, fan and tin
craftsmen;
Sanyi
, Taiwan's woodcarving capital; and
Yingge
, a town devoted to ceram-
ics.
