OUR journey aboard the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) continues, and this time we zip down to the vibrant south! As we leave behind the bustling northern cities, the scenery begins to shift. The THSR glides smoothly through lush landscapes, coastal towns and stretches of countryside that showcase Taiwan's diverse beauty. Heading towards the south, we anticipate discovering a more laid-back atmosphere, with cultural gems, mouth-watering street food, and the lively energy of places like Tainan and Kaohsiung.
ANCIENT SOUTHERN DELIGHT: TAINAN!
Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city, is rich in 300 years of history and cultural influences. Dutch traders had built forts here in the 1600s, followed by the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, Japanese rule left a blend of European-style shophouses and Art Deco buildings. In under two hours via THSR, we found ourselves exploring Anping Old Fort, the remnants of the Dutch Zeelandia fortress, and the Qing-era Confucius Temple, a national historic landmark that contain important historical artefacts and ceremonial instruments.
Don't miss the market kitchens, where locals and visitors queue for shrimp-topped danzai noodles and milkfish ball soup. In Tainan, history and tradition come alive!
To the right of the Anping Fort entrance, we found ourselves wandering through some of Taiwan's oldest streets, feeling like we'd stepped into a time machine.
Along the way, we spotted stone lion masks (jiànshī) with swords across their mouths, ancient protective symbols now hanging on for dear life in only a few dozen homes.
As we strolled down Siaozhong Street, we discovered charming back alleys lined with beautifully restored brick buildings, perfect for an impromptu photo op. Then there's Yenping Street, where Taiwan's first-ever market still buzzes with life, crammed with shops and stalls selling traditional Tainan delicacies.
"It's haunted!" someone whispered, and honestly, after seeing the Anping Tree House, we wouldn't be surprised if a few spectres were hanging out behind those tangled banyan branches. This former trading warehouse has been completely swallowed by nature, with roots and branches weaving through the walls.
It's a bit like Taiwan's version of Angkor Wat's Ta Prohm — where nature decided, "I'll take it from here," and turned the whole place into a stunning blend of architecture and jungle vibes. Creepy? Maybe. Impressive? Absolutely!
No exploration of Tainan is complete without a temple stop, of course! We found ourselves at the Medicine God Temple, tucked away near the bustling Shennong Street. This Taoist gem is one of three dedicated to Paosheng Tati, Taiwan's "divine doctor".
Alongside the usual divination sticks, this temple offers medicinal chits to treat everything from headaches to heartache, sorted by men, women and children. Some even come with prescriptions you can take to a pharmacy. After miles of walking in the hot sun, we were seriously eyeing a chit for our aching legs!
KAOHSIUNG: SOUTHERN GEM
In just two hours via THSR, you can travel 352.6km from Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan's largest port and third-largest city. This vibrant coastal metropolis is known for its open-air cafes, wide streets, scenic waterside parks and dedicated cycling lanes.
Kaohsiung also boasts excellent museums, renowned arts venues, lively jazz bars and two swimming beaches. The city is further enhanced by nearly 1,000 hectares of pristine forest, offering a refreshing natural escape right at its doorstep.
Kenting National Park, which gained fame as the stunning backdrop for Wei Te-sheng's Cape No. 7 and Ang Lee's Life of Pi, is a breathtaking natural wonder. This park at Taiwan's southern tip boasts sandy beaches, quirky rock formations, and stalagmite-filled grottos shaped by centuries of erosion. It also offers lush forests, scenic hikes and Taiwan's only tropical botanical garden.
The Kaohsiung Lighthouse, a historic landmark, stands out with its distinctive white octagonal brick structure topped by a black dome.
Standing 15.2m tall, it offers panoramic views of Kaohsiung City and its harbour. Playing a vital role in guiding ships, the lighthouse is a preserved municipal heritage site, highlighting its significance in Taiwan's maritime history.
There's so much to see in Taiwan, and taking the train gave us a taste of its magic — but trust me, we've only scratched the surface. From Taipei's buzz to Tainan's history and Kaohsiung's natural beauty, each city has its own tale, leaving us wanting more.
With every new stop, we realised Taiwan has got layers like a never-ending storybook. So while we've checked off a good chunk of our travel bucket list, we're leaving knowing there's always another chapter (and a boba tea) waiting for us next time!