Exciting Mini Trips to Southern Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team
 
● Breathtaking Southern Taiwan: Journey Through Pristine Natural Wonders

From the perspective of natural geographical landscapes, Southern Taiwan includes six national scenic areas—Alishan, Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Coastal, Siraya, Maolin, Dapeng Bay, and Penghu—as well as five national parks: Yushan, Kenting, Taijiang, Ocean, and Shoushan, plus two forest district management offices run by the Forestry Bureau in Chiayi and Pingtung. The region offers an abundance of ecological wonders and rich natural resources, not to mention cultural attractions like the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park and the Six Villages Hakka Cultural Park. With its stunning mountains and seas intertwined with deep cultural heritage, Southern Taiwan travel is full of mystery and surprises at every turn.

● Classic Southern Taiwan: Strolling Through Charming Corners

Divided by administrative regions, Southern Taiwan encompasses seven major counties and cities: Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Penghu. Each area showcases unique attractions, local characteristics, cuisine, and cultural features—from majestic mountain and sea landscapes to folk festivals that blend local customs and history. There’s also a rich tapestry of indigenous, Hakka, Hoklo, military dependents’ village, and outlying island cultures, along with timeless local delicacies. It’s no wonder travelers are drawn here all year round.

● Savoring the Very South: Authentic Local Flavors
With the largest amount of farmland in Taiwan, Yunlin is not only a hub of agricultural abundance but is also known as the “Kitchen of Taiwan.” Its natural ecology, historical culture, and heritage sites are equally captivating. Chiayi County is the only county in Taiwan that houses three major national scenic areas—Alishan, Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Coastal, and Siraya—boasting magnificent mountain and sea views. Chiayi City, meanwhile, features historic monuments, delicious food, renowned bakeries, temples, and crafts, all exuding lasting cultural charm. The Greater Tainan area boasts a profound cultural foundation, abundant natural resources, the most authentic and flavorful cuisine, and a leisurely pace of life—making it perfect for immersive slow travel any time of the year.

● When Sunshine Meets the Sea: A Sensory Feast
Love River and Sizihwan waterfront, romantic Qijin Fishing Harbor, the ancient city of Fengshan and the rustic charm of Meinong Hakka villages—the trendiest shopping malls and tastiest harbor snacks are all found in sunny, oceanic Greater Kaohsiung. Pingtung County lies entirely south of the Tropic of Cancer, where spring-like weather all year round turns this fertile land into a kingdom of abundant agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry. It not only leads Asia in annual blackfin tuna catches, but also offers rich diversity in local environment, ecology, and communities. Then there’s the Penghu Archipelago, composed of islands and basalt formations, which features not only delicious seafood, century-old bakeries, and local snacks, but also charming old temples, traditional houses, and homestays full of warmth.
 
Breathing in the mountain mist and sea breeze under Southern Taiwan’s blazing sun, it’s hard not to fall for the little joys of life in this southern corner of the country. This guidebook, “Exciting Southern Taiwan: Mini Trips,” not only covers the aforementioned natural wonders and introductions to Southern Taiwan’s counties and cities, but also includes practical accommodation recommendations, travel information, and over 170 special discounts from local Southern Taiwanese businesses. Now is the perfect time to explore Southern Taiwan.
 
To get a copy of “Exciting Southern Taiwan: Mini Trips,” visit any freeway service area, train station, high-speed rail station, MRT station, post office, or Tourism Bureau visitor center across the country. You can also download the free ebook and app.