Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team
● Breathtaking Southern Taiwan: A Journey to Untouched Natural Wonders
In terms of natural landscapes, Southern Taiwan boasts six national scenic areas including Alishan, Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Coastal, Siraya, Maolin, Dapeng Bay, and Penghu, as well as five national parks such as Yushan, Kenting, Taijiang, Ocean, and Shoushan, along with two forest district offices managed by the Forestry Bureau in Chiayi and Pingtung. The region offers breathtaking ecological wonders, abundant natural resources, and culturally rich sites such as the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park and the Six Villages Hakka Cultural Park. With its stunning blend of mountains, seas, and indigenous culture, traveling through Southern Taiwan is filled with mystery and surprises at every turn.
Four Herbaceous Green Tunnel
● Classic Southern Taiwan: A Stroll Through Charming Corners
Divided by administrative regions, Southern Taiwan includes seven major counties and cities—Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Penghu—each showcasing unique attractions, local characteristics, culinary specialties, and cultural flavors. From majestic mountain and coastal secrets, to folk festivals that combine local customs and historical heritage, to the diverse cultures of indigenous peoples, Hakka, Hoklo, military dependents’ villages, and outlying islands, not to mention century-old local snacks, this region attracts travelers all year round.
Cotton Tree Avenue in Baihe
● Savoring the Deep South: Authentic Local Flavors
Yunlin, which has the largest farmland area in Taiwan, is not only an agricultural powerhouse but also known as the “Kitchen of Taiwan.” Its natural ecology, historical culture, and cultural heritage sites are equally fascinating. Chiayi County is the only county in Taiwan that is home to three major national scenic areas—Alishan, Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Coastal, and Siraya—boasting magnificent mountain and sea views. Chiayi City features historic landmarks, delicious food, renowned bakeries, temples, and crafts, with an enduring artistic charm. The Greater Tainan area boasts a profound cultural foundation, abundant natural resources, some of the most authentic and flavorful cuisine, and a leisurely pace of life, making it perfect for a deep, wellness-focused journey in any season.
Dapeng Bay Cross-Sea Bridge
● When Sunshine Meets the Sea: A Sensory Feast
The romantic waterfronts of Love River and Sizihwan, the charming fishing harbor of Qijin, the ancient city of Fengshan, and the traditional charm of Meinong Hakka villages—along with trendy shopping malls and the most delicious harbor-town snacks—are all found in the sun-drenched coastal city of Greater Kaohsiung. Pingtung County lies entirely south of the Tropic of Cancer, and its spring-like climate all year round has made this fertile land a kingdom of abundant agricultural, fishing, and livestock production. It not only leads Asia in blackfin tuna catches every year, but also thrives in diversity in terms of local environment, ecology, and ethnic groups. Then there’s the Penghu Archipelago, composed of a chain of islands and basalt formations. In addition to delicious seafood, century-old bakeries, and specialty snacks, the archipelago is dotted with charming old temples, traditional houses, and homestays full of local warmth.
Breathing in the mountain mist and sea breeze under Southern Taiwan’s radiant sun, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these little joys of life in the Deep South. This guidebook, "Stunning Southern Taiwan: A Leisurely Mini Adventure," 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 exclusive discounts from local Southern Taiwan shops. Now is the perfect time to travel to Southern Taiwan.
To get your copy of "Stunning Southern Taiwan: A Leisurely Mini Adventure," visit any freeway service station, train station, high-speed rail station, MRT station, post office, or tourism service center across Taiwan. The e-book and app are also available for free download.
