Cruising into Culture: My Twin Visits to Kaohsiung and Tainan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city and a major gateway to the island’s south, served as my landing point for two unforgettable journeys into the cultural heart of Tainan. I cruised in during the winter of 2024 and again in the spring of 2025, each time joining a ship-sponsored excursion that offered different slices of Taiwan’s rich history, architecture, and spiritual landmarks.

Each trip began at Chihkan Culture Park, home to the striking Chikan Tower. I didn’t mind returning here, the site is that beautiful. The red buildings, koi-filled ponds, and intricate stone bridges give the space a timeless feel. Fountains shimmer in the sunlight, and the carefully maintained gardens make it a place you could linger in for hours.

Next was the Tainan Confucius Temple, one of the oldest and most serene in Taiwan. The sprawling complex features bold red walls, shaded courtyards, and wooden prayer boards lined with handwritten wishes. Walking through its elegant pavilions and under the hanging lanterns, it was easy to feel the philosophical spirit of Confucian teachings still echoing here.

My 2024 visit included a few short stops after that. We visited Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple with its vibrant roofline covered in dragons and phoenixes, followed by the Zeelandia City Museum for a glimpse into Taiwan’s Dutch colonial past. We also walked through the Anping Tree House, where massive banyan roots have swallowed the walls of an old warehouse, nature literally reclaiming the space in the most dramatic way.

In 2025, the afternoon stops were a bit different. After visiting the Confucius Temple again, we headed to Koxinga’s Shrine. Dedicated to the Ming Dynasty loyalist who helped drive out the Dutch, the shrine features landscaped grounds and a large statue of Koxinga on horseback that anchors the memorial.

The day wrapped up at Kaohsiung’s colorful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. You enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s… meant to turn bad luck into good fortune. The towers themselves are bold and bright, and the view over Lotus Pond from the top is well worth the climb.

Each visit revealed new sides of southern Taiwan’s cultural heritage. With ancient temples, poetic ruins, and striking modern sights, Kaohsiung and Tainan make for a rewarding day trip, or better yet, a longer stay.