Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city and one of its busiest ports, made for a great entry point to explore the historical richness of nearby Tainan. I cruised in twice, first in the winter of 2024 and again in the spring of 2025, each time taking part in a ship-sponsored excursion that highlighted Tainan’s deep roots and its blend of history, culture, and spiritual landmarks.

My journey began at Chihkan Culture Park, home to Chikan Tower. Both visits started here, and I didn’t mind at all. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the architecture is just so photogenic. The red temples and stone bridges add to the peaceful charm of the place, with a pond and fountains reflecting the serenity of the setting. I could have wandered here longer but there was more to see.

Next up was the Tainan Confucius Temple, one of the oldest Confucian temples in Taiwan. The layout is spacious with traditional red walls, courtyards, and prayer boards full of wishes. I walked through open pavilions and admired the intricate lanterns and inscriptions that echo the spirit of learning and reflection Confucius promoted.

In 2024, I had a few quick stops afterward. First was Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple, where the vibrant roofline packed with dragons and phoenixes almost stole the show. Then came the Zeelandia City Museum, followed by a quick stroll through the Anping Tree House. This place was wild, literal tree roots overtaking the old warehouse ruins. It felt like nature was reclaiming the space one vine at a time.

When I returned in 2025, the itinerary changed up slightly. After the Confucius Temple, we made a brief visit to Koxinga’s Shrine, a memorial dedicated to the Ming Dynasty loyalist who played a major role in Taiwan’s early history. The shrine grounds were calm, with gardens and a statue of Koxinga on horseback.

We wrapped up the day at Kaohsiung’s Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, a real highlight. Visitors enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s to reverse bad fortune. The colors, the detailing, the lakeside views, it was a lively and fun way to end the day.

Both visits gave me different slices of Tainan and Kaohsiung. It’s a region packed with layers—from temples to colonial ruins to modern city life, and worth spending more than a day if you ever find yourself sailing into southern Taiwan.