The Daxi Tea Factory is based on the Darjeeling Tea Factory in India. Its interior is a combination of Taiwanese and Japanese design. Blue is the color theme throughout the building, whether it is window lattices and beams, shelves and walls, or even the art. The aged venue features a man-made pond, reading room, and a Pu-er tea wall made with hundreds of tea bricks.

Daxi Old Street was built during Japanese rule and its facades feature a distinctive blend of western Baroque and Chinese folk architectural styles. Look out for shops selling tasty taro balls and Daxi’s specialty, dried seasoned tofu, while in the vicinity.

Taoyuan factories offer behind-the-scenes tours to explore the history and innovation behind some of Taiwan’s most popular products. These include manufacturers of pastries, textiles, and beverages, many offering hands-on experiences that result in participant-made souvenirs.

Thrill-seekers looking for their next adrenaline rush will be glad to know that popular scenic spots like Baling Bridge and Dahan Bridge are bungee jumping sites registered with the government, so participants can be assured of a safe experience.

Taichung not only has the appearance of a modern international city, it also manages to retain unique ancient cultural sites such as the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung Prefectural Hall, and many others.

Home to over 120 species of birds, the Gaomei Wetlands on the western coast of Taichung is a scenic spot for bird watching, learning about intertidal habitats, or simply enjoying the sunset—with rows of wind turbines forming iconic silhouettes along the shore.

Explore the northern fringe of Taichung on two wheels with a tour along the 4.5 km HouFeng Bikeway, which was converted from a railroad track. This easy ride features a section of old railway tunnel as well as a crossing over a steel bridge, where cyclists are treated to sweeping views of the Dajia River valley.

For groups into architecture, construction, or creative industries, the National Taichung Theater is a masterpiece to be studied and is very suitable for performance events. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito, the building is famed for its specially molded curved walls and organically flowing interiors.

There is no set procedure to visiting a temple, and no tickets are ever required. If one happens to see a temple while walking in Tainan, as long as you have appreciation and respect, you are welcome to go in and take a look. In order to dedicate the best to the gods, almost every part of a temple is filled with gorgeous craftsmanship.

Anping Fort, built by the Dutch in 1634, and Anping Old Street, where local street food and souvenirs abound, are popular historical sites. Anping Tree House, a former warehouse engulfed by banyan trees, often serves as an event venue. The Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Field is the oldest salt field in Taiwan, where visitors can experience traditional salt harvesting and drying, followed by a visit to the Taiwan Salt Museum to learn about the history of salt production in Taiwan and around the world.

Take a bamboo raft ride through the wetlands of Taijiang National Park and learn about its ecosystem that supports numerous fish, mammal and bird species, including the endangered blackfaced spoonbill. Particularly enchanting is the Sicao Green Tunnel, where trees stretch overhead and are reflected in the still waters.

While fine dining options are available, there are many local and traditional Taiwanese dishes that originated in Tainan, from Danzai noodles to shrimp rolls and savory “wa kueh” rice cake.

The Pier-2 Art Zone, composed of retired port-side warehouses, is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists in Kaohsiung. Weiwuying National Art and Culture Center, Dadong Culture and Art Center, Kaohsiung City Cultural Center, Kaohsiung City Museum of Art, Neiwei Art Center, Kaohsiung General Library, and Kaohsiung Film Museum offer art, music, drama, performing arts and many library collections.

Kaohsiung is surrounded by mountains and sea, formerly relying on the port for its livelihood. Nowadays, more seaside space has been opened up, with the Gushan-Cijin Ferry Station, Xizi Bay, and Qijin Beach providing access to Kaohsiung's waters, plus yacht rides that offer cultural history tours and solar-powered boat rides on the Love River that demonstrate smart driving technology. Hongmaogang Cultural Park has depictions of early fishermen lifestyles, and there one can also watch the magnificent scenery of big ships leaving the port.

Once a military relay station, the Golden Horse Hotel's Contemporary Art Museum is an elegant green building that blends with nature and houses permanent and well-known exhibitions. The Kaohsiung Lighthouse (formerly known as the Qihou Lighthouse) overlooks the city and seascape and has served as a guiding light and protector of seafarers for a century.

SKM Park Outlets Kaohsiung Caoya, Uni-President Dream Mall, E-Da World Shopping Plaza, E-Sharing Fashion Plaza, Tesco Plaza, Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza, Hanshin Department Store, Kaohsiung Far East Department Store, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Sanduo Store, Zuoying Far East SOGO Kaohsiung Store, Tali Department Store, and many shopping districts, bazaars, and night markets form a shopping paradise.