Where to go during the Mid-Autumn holiday? 20 best moon-viewing spots in Tainan

Reported by You t
Ru / Taipei

Have you decided where to go for the three-day Mid-Autumn holiday? The Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau has compiled the “Tainan Mid-Autumn Holiday Travel Guide”, recommending multiple moon-viewing spots and, in conjunction with the unique “2014 Masago Music Festival” in southern Taiwan, has launched a variety of package tours and accommodation discounts to let the public enjoy Mid-Autumn in the historic ancient capital.

The Masago Music Festival is the top recommendation for the Mid-Autumn holiday. On the day, performances will be given by A-Lin the “Born Singer”, healing artist Show Lo, and renowned music creator Chao Chih-Pi, among others. The event will also feature a food market with nearly 30 stalls, including authentic Tainan delicacies, traditional snacks, and nostalgic treats.


▲ Where should you go to view the moon during Mid-Autumn? Pictured is a moon illustration. ? (Photo / from io9)

To allow the public to enjoy the wonderful Mid-Autumn atmosphere, the Tourism Bureau recommends two categories: “Moon Reflected on Water” and “Romantic Moon Invitation”, featuring a total of 20 best moon-viewing spots. These include the Tiger Pond Moonlit Night scenic area (renowned as “Tiger Pond Moon Viewing”), the Gourd Pond Natural Ecological Leisure Park, and the Jian Shan Pi Jiangnan Resort, where the lake surface is like a mirror creating double reflections, full of an elegant ambiance that helps one relax effortlessly. Other spots include the Guanziling Hot Spring Scenic Area, the 175 Dongshan Coffee Plantation, as well as cultural spots ideal for a literary stroll such as the Tainan Metropolitan Park and the Tainan National University of the Arts.

To enable those who haven’t planned their itinerary or find it inconvenient to drive to enjoy high-end travel services at low prices, the Tourism Bureau has collaborated with operators to launch several “shuttle bus” package tours. Yingchang Travel Agency offers six Masago Music Festival package itineraries, including two 88.99 Tainan strolling routes and four museum-based educational trips suitable for families, all featuring shuttle bus transportation to explore Tainan’s historic sites or museums, followed by attendance at the music festival in the afternoon, priced between NT$499 and NT$699 per person. Xianglin Travel Agency offers the “Mini Group White Art Season”, featuring shuttle bus service, guided tours, and a visit to coastal attractions to learn about coastal ecology and salt industry cultural heritage, at a special price of NT$1,700.

In addition, the Tourism Bureau’s “Tainan Michelin Three-Star Journey” series of free guided tours not only includes originally scheduled tour times but also adds eight extra free guided tour sessions during the holiday period. Those planning to travel to Tainan can visit the Tainan Tourism (official website) (http://tour.tainan.gov.tw/) to check the travel itinerary / Tainan Michelin Three-Star Journey section and use the online reservation system to sign up.

Recommended moon-viewing spots:

Moon Reflected on Water
Tiger Head Pond Scenic Area, Deyuan Pond Dutch Village, Gourd Pond Natural Ecological Leisure Park, Jian Shan Pi Jiangnan Resort, Yanshui Yuejin Harbor, Nantech Yinxih Lake, Daoye Lake, Xinying Swan Lake, Wushantou Reservoir, Lin Mo Niang Park, Golden Coast, Guanxi Platform, and more.

Romantic Moon Invitation
Tainan National University of the Arts, Tainan Metropolitan Park, 175 Dongshan Coffee Plantation, Guanziling Hot Spring Scenic Area, Zoumalai Farm, Xuankong Temple, Yongxing Suspension Bridge, and Tiger Shape Mountain Park.

Suggested itineraries for the Masago Music Festival:

One-day itinerary
Qigu Salt Mountain → Taiwan Salt Museum → Qigu Seafood Flavor Meal → Heming Textile Culture Museum (sightseeing factory) → Masago Music Festival.

Two-day itinerary
Day1
NanKun? Dai Tian Temple → Beimen Visitor Center (Taiwan Blackfoot Disease Medical Memorial Hall, Qianlaiye Grocery Store) → Jingzijiao Tile-field Salt Pan → Koncel Non-woven Creative Kingdom (sightseeing factory) → Masago Music Festival → overnight stay in downtown / West Coast.
Day2
Sicao Green Tunnel → Sonispa Resonance Sound Experience Museum (sightseeing factory) → Anping Fort (Anping Old Street, Dongshing Foreign Firm → Xiyouchu Office → Anping Tree House) → Lin Department Store → Ying Restaurant → Shennong Street tour.

Suggested three-day itinerary for moon viewing in Tainan:

Day1
Houbi Jingliao Old Street → Yanshui Yuejin Harbor Old Street Tour → 175 Dongshan Coffee Plantation → overnight stay at Guanziling Hot Spring Scenic Area.
Day2
Deyuan Pond Dutch Village → Zoumalai Farm → Shanhua Hucuoliao Mural Village → Tiger Head Pond Scenic Area
/ overnight stay in downtown (Haian Road Art Street, Garden Night Market).
Day3
Stroll through downtown Tainan → Sicao Green Tunnel → Qigu Salt Mountain.