< Visited in Aug 2018 & Jul 2017 >
Despite being named Nanhua Tourist Night Market 南华观光购物街, this destination is neither packed with tourists, nor opened only at night. I found this gem when putting up at Hotel dùa 住饭店 and (the now-closed) The Icon Hotel 艾卡设计旅店 - both of which are within a 10-minute stroll, in addition to proximity to MRT.
Related read:
[Kaohsiung 高雄] ◈Stay宿◈ Hotel dùa 住饭店
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Tainan continues to captivate me, with its uncountable gems, old and new. Eirakucho Drum Teahouse 永乐町鼓茶楼 was one of the new establishments, opened in mid 2018, and conceived by the same team behind Ten Drum Ren De Creative Park 十鼓仁糖文创园区 (which has been on my to-visit list).
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Madou 麻豆 is a Tainan district approximately 25km north of the city proper. Like Yujing 玉井 district in eastern Tainan is synonymous with mango (definitely on my to-visit list), Madou 麻豆 is known for its pomelo (文旦 - commonly referred to as 柚子, though it's more accurately a type of the latter). Admittedly, my day trip was not so much inspired by the fruit (which was not in season at my time of visit), but by my continual interest in off-city towns and from local blogs, sufficient attractions to make a day trip.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
To say that Taiwan has as many temples as convenience stores should be an understatement. Big and small, many built from donations from the local community, and some as opulent as they can get. I often include temples in my itinerary, for sightseeing from a cultural and historical perspective. Nonetheless, Madou Daitian Temple 麻豆代天府 (十八层地狱) is probably the first to attract me with the ticketed attraction onsite.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
< Visited in Aug 2018 | May 2017 | Dec 2016 | Aug 2016 >
*LONG POST! Photos are from different visits and tenants have changed over time*
Zheng Xing Street 正兴街, in the West Central district, collectively makes up a much larger and very vibrant zone with neighbouring Hai An Road 海安路, Guo Hua Street 国华街, You Ai Street 友爱街, Yong Le Market 永乐市场 and Shen Nong Street 神农街. Banding together residents, retailers, B&B and F&B establishments, the precinct was rejuvenated, making it a must-go district worthy of multiple visits, and a great location to stay at!
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Mention Pier 2 Art Center 驳二艺术特区 and many people should be aware of or have visited this cultural park. A 100-year old warehouse cluster located right beside it - the Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2 or KW2 栈贰库 and Banana Pier 香蕉码头 - may be lesser known and mentioned. Redeveloped and opened to the public only in 2018, this is the fourth warehouse zone, boosting the vibrancy of Pier 2 Art Center 驳二艺术特区 in entirety.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Taiwan is my favourite destination for exhibitions, considering the fact that my place of origin does not offer the same variety, volume and (wallet-friendly) admission rates. From global faves like Sanrio, Ghibli Studio, Disney characters, even Starbucks, to local creators, school graduation works and pop-up exhibits, I've been to no less than thirty of them in Taiwan, big and small, paid and free. This is an activity I highly recommend for free and easy travellers.
< Visited in Aug 2018 | Jan 2018 | Jul 2017 | Dec 2016 >
Da Yong Warehouse 大勇仓库 is my favourite and most visited among the three warehouse clusters at Pier 2 驳二- not forgetting it was also the first zone I checked out. Besides being the largest cluster with retail, dining, art and exhibition spaces, the tenancy mix is a definite crowd puller, and can keep slow and easy travellers like me occupied for an entire afternoon.
< Visited in Aug 2018 | Jan 2018 | Jul 2017 >
Pier 2 驳二's strategic location along Kaohsiung Port comes with another benefit - the abundance of space that has seen some old warehouses creatively converted into cultural, retail and dining zones. Peng Lai Warehouse 蓬莱仓库 is one of the three clusters, and nearest Sizihwan MRT Station 西子湾捷運站.
< Visited in Jan 2018 >
Da Yi Warehouse 大義仓库 at Pier 2 Art Center 驳二艺术特区 is the last cluster I visited among the three, and admittedly only after I had done my shopping and dining at Da Yong Warehouse 大勇仓库.
< Visited in Aug 2018 | Jan 2018 | Jul 2017 | Dec 2016 >
If you are a fan of cultural parks (文创园区) like Songyan 松烟 and Huashan 华山 in Taipei, Pier 2 Art Center 驳二艺术特区 and KW2 栈贰库 (henceforth collectively referred to as Pier 2 驳二 in this blog) would be a highly recommended destination.
< Stayed in Aug 2018 & Jul 2017 >
dùa is 'stay 住' in Minnanese. In Taiwan's fiercely competitive hospitality industry (and hotels sprouting way too fast for me to catch up), the since-2013 Hotel dùa 住饭店 is hardly a new name, but one that is top of (my) mind recall for Kaohsiung travels.
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
In southern Taiwan where it's perpetually hot throughout the year, beating the heat with shaved ice dessert must be a wildly popular activity. At least judging from how customers won't stop walking into kokoni kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice shop with just about 10 items on their menu.
< Visited in Aug 2018 | May 2017 | Dec 2016 | Aug 2016 >
Tainan is commonly considered as Taiwan's culinary capital, and any traveller who has been to the city will concur. The ancient capital's cuisine has a personality of its own, boasting a rich variety (comparable to what I feel is the other highlight here - accommodation) and a distinctive (some say sweet) flavour. From streetside stalls, humble eateries, traditional markets, to cafes and restaurants, you name it, they have it.
If you are into the colours and scents of traditional markets - a disappearing sight in many cities (definitely in mine) - you will not be disappointed here at Yong Le Market 永乐市场.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Situated near Tainan Park 台南公园, 321 Arts Village (321 巷艺术聚落) used to be dormitories (apparently, for high ranking officials) of the Japanese Army Infantry Second Regiment, back in the 1930s. Unoccupied and left to dilapidate from the mid 90s, the government took ownership, and declared it a city monument in 2003. Eventually refurbished to house artists and performance groups, the old settlement reborn in 2013 is now an IG-friendly attraction, one of the many historical, cultural and architectural relics in Taiwan.
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
A gem I found from Taiwanese blogs, this small eatery comes with a name that could be easily overlooked (or misunderstood) - Chinese Herbal Medicine Po-Jen Store 博仁堂中药铺. Currently managed by the fifth generation of a TCM family, the humble looking eatery whips up nourishing soups with rice or noodle sets, at very affordable prices.
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
Cafe Chamber 秘氏咖啡 has been quietly gaining a following among locals and gradually, travellers. With three locations in Taiwan - Taipei, Chiayi and Tainan - I had visited Taipei's Cafe Chamber in March 2017 and was smitten with its decor and coffee. It was only a matter of time I experience Tainan's outlet with its old-Hongkong theme and own style of brewing coffee.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Having passed by this vibrant Ximen Road many times when staying in the vicinity, Wonderful Theatre 真善美剧院 was a natural choice when I decided to catch a movie this hot afternoon. (The bliss of a slow and leisurely travel pace, particularly suitable in Tainan~)
< Stayed in Aug 2016 & Aug 2018 >
My earliest experience with the Adagio 缓慢 chain of accommodation went as far back as July 2014, over a two-night stay at Adagio Jinguashi 缓慢 金瓜石, followed by two nights in November 2015 at Lavender Cottage 香草 House. I enjoyed both stays very much, and to my delight, discovered another accommodation under the same brandname - Tainan Roots 台南古根. (Note: The hotel underwent management change and rebranding in 2019.)
< Stayed in Aug 2018 >
Every visit to Tainan warrants checking out an accommodation new to me, even though there could be no way I'll conquer them all given how rapid new accommodations sprout in Taiwan. My Way House 民宿x展演 was one such destination, after diligently combing homestays and B&Bs in the vicinity of Zheng Xing Street 正兴街. Arriving one hot afternoon, I checked in for a three-night stay.
< Visited in Mar 2018 & Oct 2017 >
Even after more than 50 trips to Taiwan, Taipei continues to amaze me with undiscovered and new gems. Zhongshan 18 (中山18) is one such place, brought to my attention by native bloggers. And how is it possible that a self-declared 文青 like me will miss this quaint little Japanese house, nestled in a quiet alley in the vicinity of Zhongshan MRT? (As I write this, months after my visit, there are already new tenants.)
< Visited in Jan 2018 >
Though the cafe's FB appears as 描Cafe X 屋Brunch, it is probably more accurate to call it 描X屋 - loosely translated as "sketch house", and 描 (sketch) playing on the same sound as 'meow' - CafeXBrunch.
< Visited in Mar 2018 | Mar 2015 | Nov 2014 | Jul 2014 >
From the late 1940s, Kuomintang, defeated by the communists, started relocating soldiers from Mainland China to the then-province of Taiwan. For higher-ranking officers or lucky ones, families were brought along. For the less privileged, what was imagined by these soldiers to be a temporary separation from families back home, harbouring hopes of returning, history unfortunately had them stuck in Taiwan for the rest of their lives. Many years later when tension eased and cross-border visit was finally permitted, some made it back home to see their long-separated kin. Tragically, many returned only to pay respects to deceased parents or spouses; some never made it back at all and yearned for their homeland till they passed on in Taiwan.
< Visited in Jan 2018 & May 2017 >
Opened in mid 2015, MLD 台铝生活商场, or MLD 台铝 in short, is a mall housing a cinema, bookstore, supermarket, eateries and weekend bazaars. The location is an old factory belonging to aluminium company 台湾铝业公司 (Metropolitan Living Development, or MLD in short), which expanded to this location as the business grew.
< Visited in Oct 2017 >
Dihua Street 迪化街 is a destination that pops up every now and then in my head, especially for my Taipei solo trips. Contrary to impression that it's a new year goodies street, its appeal stretches way beyond that. Housing old buildings each with its own history and old generation retailers, interspersed with new brands and shops making their presence in an old precinct, there is always reason to revisit.
<Visited in May 2017 & Aug 2016 >
Ranking high on any Tainan must-dos is Shen Nong Street 神农街, well within walking distance from Yong Le Market 永乐市场, making it a good next stop after a leisurely breakfast or brunch at said marketplace. Most of the shops at Shennong Street open from noon, but do check the official website or FB of your planned destination to avoid unforseen rest days. If you are here for a shutter-happy stroll, a couple of hours should suffice - slightly longer if you plan to chill out at some cafe.
< Visited in Sep 2017 & Aug 2016 >
My first visit to Starbucks Reserve (Bao An Store) 星巴克 (保安门市) was with two friends on a rainy morning. Many Starbucks Reserve outlets have sprouted all over Taiwan, some of them converted from historical or iconic buildings. This particular outlet, situated at the fringe of historically and culturally rich Da Dao Cheng 大稻埕 occupies a majestic Barouque-style building, completed in 1929, standing out among old shophouses and newer commercial buildings in the area.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Visiting Tainan for the third time within two years, and on a solo itinerary, this lengthier trip dedicated to the city permitted an even more leisurely pace and inclusion of this off-the-beaten track destination. My accomm's receptionist was surprised to hear that I had ventured as far as Houbi 后壁, as she perceived this to be a lesser known attraction, and visited by primarily locals.
And indeed, Houbi 后壁 is better suited if you are looking for a new zone to cover, don't mind some travelling to the far outskirts and basically enjoy vast landscape.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Fongyi Academy 凤仪书院 was constructed in 1814, during the Qing dynasty reign of Emperor Jiaqing (嘉庆). Declared a third-grade national monument back in 1985, management rights were obtained by the Kaohsiung county government in 2005, leading to a series of refurbishment and eventually opening to the public in end 2014. Accessible by MRT to Fongshan station 凤山站 followed by a leisurely stroll from exit 2, this makes an easy and favourable day excursion, including good food in the precinct - for me, lunch at picnic to go 有。野餐.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Tainan makes such a lovely destination for strolling (yes, despite the heat whole year round), that my trips have increasingly included such activities. Ever so often, some new place pops up in local blogs (and I do spend ALOT of time scanning them), speedier than I get to cover them. Snail Alley 蜗牛巷 was one such place for me - essentially a small residential neighbourhood, injected with street art and installations to the theme of snails. Furthermore, its proximity to my Zheng Xing Street accommodation meant easy access via a 10-minute stroll.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Traditional Taiwanese breakfast has won quite a following, and there is no lack of good places to fill your tummy every morning (and even through the day). One of the wildly popular names when you search for Taiwanese breakfast is Fu Hang Soybean Milk 阜杭豆漿, located at Huashan Market 华山市场, right next to Shandao Temple MRT 善导寺站, exit 5. I state a disclaimer here that I've always believed taste is subjective, and for me, I wasn't as wowed by Fu Hang Soybean Milk 阜杭豆漿, as I was by Miss Qin Soybean Milk 秦小姐豆浆店.
Nonetheless, check it out and decide for yourself.
< Visited in May 2017 >
One of the cafes that popped up in my research through Taiwanese blogs is Cafe WUDAO 熨斗目花珈琲珈哩 - a play on the Minnan-ese name of iron 熨斗. While looking for interesting and accessible eateries, I was attracted to the ambience, its proximity to my accommodation at Zheng Xing Street 正兴街 and their special curry menu.
*The Icon Hotel ceased operations in Apr 2020 and now operates as Hotel Papa Whale-Formosa Boulevard*
< Stayed in May 2017 >
Being one of the two cities in Taiwan with an MRT system, staying near a station and at a central location are natural criteria when visiting Kaohsiung. The Icon Hotel 艾卡设计旅店 is located within walking distance to not one, but two rather centralised and popular MRT stations - Central Park 中央公园 (R09 on the red line) and Formosa Boulevard 美丽岛 (R10 on the red line and O05 on the orange line).
***The establishment has ceased operations in May 2019***
< Visited in Dec 2016 & stayed in May 2017 >
A very hot afternoon in December 2016 (the southern part of Taiwan knows no real winter) brought me to Zheng Xing Cafe 正兴咖啡馆 for the first time, in search of air-conditioning, good coffee and cake. Having read much about them from Taiwan blogs, it is impossible to miss this place located at the heart of a bustling Zheng Xing Street 正兴街. I found out later by chance that the cafe has an attached B&B, and wasted no time to book a room for two nights in May 2017.
***The establishment has ceased operations in Jul 2018***
< Stayed in May 2017 & Dec 2016 >
With three recent trips to Tainan, the variety of accommodation proves to be the first mission to overcome. From regular hotels, boutique ones, to old houses converted to cosy B&Bs, visitors are spoilt for choice. I am a fan of boutique hotels, and in line with the laidback charm of Tainan, old buildings put to new use are also my preference.
Over two visits in Dec 2016 and May 2017, I made JJ-W 佳佳西市场旅店 my choice of accomm, the former with elders, and the latter, a solo trip. The seven-storey tall hotel is so named because of its location beside Jia Jia West Market (to its right in the photo above). Marrying accommodation, art and culture, the building was a former hotel built in the 1970s, by Taiwan's first female architect. Under a new management team, JJ-W Hotel breathes new life into the building. (Read about JJ-W here.)
< Stayed in Mar 2017 >
One of the things to love about Taiwan, is how easy it is to find respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, by travelling mere minutes to the outskirts (or hours if you want to head farther up to the mountains). In the spring of 2017, my gal pal and I headed to Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort 大板根温泉酒店, a haven located in the outskirts of Taipei City, at Sanxia 三峡 district (known for Sanxia Old Street 三峡老街).
< Stayed in Mar 2017 | Sep 2015 | Jul 2015 >
Ximending and Taipei Main Station are possibly the two most common and popular accomm locations for tourists. After initial years favouring Ximending (when I used to shop here), I have grown to appreciate the latter as a base for travel to other parts of Taiwan. One accommodation I have experienced here, for generous space for self, one or two travelmates, or family members in tow, is iTaipei Service Apartment 京站酒店式公寓.
< Visited from 2015-2017 >
Huashan 1914 Creative Park 华山1914文化创意产业园区, or Huashan 华山 in short, must be The Other cultural park that pulls its own weight against Songshan Cultural & Creative Park 松山文创园区 (Songyan 松烟 in short). If your schedule permits, both parks are highly recommended as they are vastly different.
< Visited in Mar 2017 >
Having acquired a taste for ground roasted beans and slow drip coffee, I found Cafe Chamber 秘氏咖啡 quite by chance from Taiwanese blogs for some serious coffee experience. There are three of them in Taiwan, each with a distinctive theme and coffee brew method - I've been to Tainan's Cafe Chamber 台南秘氏 and hope to make it to the one in Chiayi.
Sunnydale House 日光青境 in the beautiful mountains of Nantou, Qingjing 南投, 清境 is one accommodation that I had visited sufficient times to become friends with the owners. While I only have photos dating from Apr 2011 (to the last trip in Dec 2016), my first visit was actually a couple of years before that. Just that it would be challenging to locate my 4R photo printouts from those days. (Also, to excuse the poor quality of early photos.)
< Visited in Dec 2016 >
On this trip to Tainan with four elders, I included a morning of ecological sightseeing at Si Cao (literally translated as "Four Grass") Green Tunnel 四草绿色隧道, located in the outskirts of An Nan 安南 district. From Taiwanese blogs, the key attraction is a boat ride through what the locals have termed a mini Amazon river. That is not all, as there is a second boat ride option, bringing you on a narrated tour of how the rivers here used to serve as key trade routes. (Just in case you are wondering, the two boat rides' timing do not clash, so you can try mini Amazon first.)
< Visited in Dec 2016 >
< Visited in Aug & Dec 2016 >
According to one online article, the look and feel of Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park (BCP) 蓝晒图文创园区 was inspired by street graffati. Transformed from a cluster of old government dormitories, the cultural zone showcases an iconic, trick-art 3D blue and white house right at its entrance, as well as beautiful graffiti walls in various spots. It is no wonder BCP has become a must-go in Tainan for both the young and old.
< Visited in Aug & Dec 2016 >
If you are going to be exploring Tainan, it will be impossible to miss this iconic building, less than 10 minutes drive from the old train station. Hayashi Department Store 林百货 was founded by Japanese businessman Hayashi Houichi in 1932, becoming the largest department store in southern Taiwan. Termed locally as the "Five Stories House", the building survived WWII and was restored by the local government by as recent as 2013. Eventually, a private company took over and re-opened as an avenue to showcase local designers and products, at the same time preserving much of the architecture and interior. Read about its history here.
< Visited in Dec 2016 & Sep 2015 >
Qingjing 清境 in the Nantou 南投 county has increasingly gained popularity among overseas travellers for its breathtaking mountain view, as well as its fringe attractions and activities including those within two hours drive to neighbouring mountains (such as He Huan Shan 合欢山, Aowanda 奥万大, Wu Ling Farm 武陵农场, etc.).
▲ View from Sunnydale 日光青境
In this post, I will focus on an accommodation cum attraction - The Old England Manor 老英格兰庄园. I have not stayed here before, in consideration of its price point and perceived value, visiting instead for leisurely sightseeing and affordable dining.
< Visited in Sep 2016 >
Constructed in 1937, the 台中刑務所演武场 was originally used as martial arts training grounds (演武场) and dormitories for Taichung Prison (台中刑務所, later renamed 台中监狱) officers and police. Following the prison's relocation, the premises turned dorms for families of military personnel. In 2004, the city government declared it a historical site, only to experience a fire in 2006 which caused severe damage. Restored based on original design, the venue finally reopened in 2010 and in 2011, renamed Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Centre 道禾六艺文化馆 - inspired by six arts 六艺, the ancient concept of education adopted by Confucius.
< Visited in Mar & Sep 2016 >
Mention Huaxi Street Night Market 华西街夜市 and Longshan Temple 龙山寺, and most tourists should not find them foreign. Particularly the latter, a centuries-old landmark, with construction dated as early as 1740 during Qianlong's reign and subsequently undergoing multiple reconstructions. It would have bore witness to the heydays of Mongka 艋舺 district - synonymous with Tainan 台南 and Lugang 鹿港, and collectively referred to as "一府二鹿三艋舺" as the top three trading hubs - giving rise to the development of the area. Explore the now-named Wanhua 万华 district on foot to find remnants of its old-time charm.
Using Longshan Temple MRT Station 龙山寺站 to look for where the locals go and what they do in the vicinity, I found new gems to explore at Xinfu Market 新富市场, Zhouji Porridge 周记肉粥 and Bopiliao Historic Block 剝皮寮历史街区.
< Stayed in Aug 2016 | Jul 2014 | May 2013 >
In my initial years of visiting Taipei, and when I still frequented Ximending 西门町 for shopping and dining, the district was a preferred location of stay. Via Ximending 丰居西門町 was 1 of my 2 favourites - the other being amba Ximending 西门町意舍.
< Visited in Aug 2016 | Nov 2014 | Jul 2014 >
This quiet little place emerged among the many lovely memories of Taiwan. A combination of several elements I love - old house preserved for new use, interesting tale of history, IG-friendly, and great for a good couple of hours to sightsee and dine. QingTian 76 (aka Geo 76) 青田76 , near popular district Yongkang Street 永康街, was a gem discovered when I researched guided heritage tours for a July 2014 solo trip. I eventually signed up for their 60-minute guided tour plus made a reservation for their lunch menu, before I departed Taipei later in the day. Loved the place so much that I revisited in November 2014 for afternoon tea, and again in August 2016 for dinner.
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