Scenic Area sights in Taiwan
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Baguashan
Changhua is best known for the 22m-high Great Buddha Statue (八卦山大佛像; Bāguàshān Dàfóxiàng) that sits atop Baguashan (八卦山; Bāguàshān) looking down over the city. The statue and its surrounding parkland are noted for a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere. But it wasn't always so.
Baguashan slopes towards Changhua, affording views not only over the whole of the city, but far out to sea. Not surprisingly, it was for centuries an important military observation zone. After the Sino-Japanese War ceded Taiwan to Japan, a great battle was fought on these grounds between Taiwanese resistance fighters and imperial troops. The militarisation of Baguashan…
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Cijin Island
This thin island, almost a sandbar really, acts as a buffer to the harbour and extends down the city coastline. It's a popular day trip from the mainland, with its frenetic seafood street (Hǎichǎn Jiē), beach, lighthouse and biking routes being the main attractions. The oldest temple in the Kaohsiung area is Cijin's Matsu Temple (天后宮; Tiānhoù Gōng), the origins of which go back to the late 17th century when the area was the first commercial centre in Kaohsiung. Much of the excellent stone relief and pillar carvings go back to the 18th century.
As on the mainland, you can rent bikes on Cijin or take your bike over on the ferry (NT$15, 10 minutes), which runs…
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Di-re Valley
Throughout the Japanese occupation this geothermal valley was considered one of the country's great scenic wonders and a visit by the Japanese crown prince sealed Beitou's reputation as the hot-spring destination of Taiwan. A walk through the valley's 3500 sq metres of bubbling waters and sulphurous gases leaves no question as to the origins of its name. These pools are the source of many of the hot springs used by the resorts in town, but don't try to soak in any of them here. In some spots they reach 90°C, and we'd prefer not to have to use your tragic death by scalding as a warning for future travellers.
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Neidong Forest Recreation Area
About 4km past Wulai Waterfall is this recreation area (popularly known as Wawagu, which translates as 'Valley of the Frogs'). This place is wonderful enough to make it worth a dedicated trip. It's particularly enchanting on a chilly winter's day.
The main attractions are the broadleaf and cedar forests, the bird and insect life (and the occasional monkey), and the three-tiered Hsinhsian Waterfall (Xìnxián Pùbù), one of the most gorgeous in the north.
There's only one main trail through the reserve, so you can't miss it. It starts near the first tier of the falls and leads up a series of steps and switchbacks through a broadleaf forest. At the top it connects to a dirt…
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Sheng Shing Train Station
Built during the Japanese era and without the use of nails, this charming train station (勝興火車站; Shèngxīng Huǒchēzhàn) was once the highest stop (at 480m) along the Western Trunk Line. When it was closed in 1997, walkers soon discovered that the 13.5km line made for a fine stroll through the countryside (though increased traffic on adjacent side roads has spoiled this for some). A small tourist village soon popped up around the station, filling the old brick houses with all manner of teahouses, cafes and Hakka restaurants.
Four kilometres past the station stands the picturesque ruins of the Long Deng Viaduct (Lóngténg Duàn Qiáo), destroyed in a 7.3-magnitude…
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Love River
Some have compared Kaohsiung's Love River to Shanghai's Bund – only a whole lot cleaner! It's a bit of a stretch (except the clean part) but this once open sewer certainly has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. The waters flow clean, and the bank-side promenades with their benches, shady trees and outdoor cafes are popular hangouts for both locals and visitors.
You can cruise along the river day and night (20-minute boat rides are NT$80, and run from 4pm to 11pm). Boats leave often and are usually full on weekends.
Just back from the river is the wonderful Municipal Film Archives, where you can enjoy on-site private and public viewings of the archives'…
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Lotus Pond
The pond in the north of the city has been a popular destination since the Qing dynasty and is well known for the 20 or so temples dotting the shoreline and nearby alleys. In recent years much money and effort has gone into returning the lake and its cultural and natural heritage to something of their former glory. There's now a path right around the lake, and efforts are underway to restore the wetlands on the west side. At night coloured lights give the lake a very festive appearance.
Starting from the southern end and heading clockwise around the lake, you'll first encounter sections of the Old Wall of Fengshan (Fèngshān Jiùcháng), built in 1826. The intact north-gate…
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Dakeng
To the east of the city is a hilly area known as Dakeng. If you are going to spend any time in the city, Dakeng is worth exploring, as there are pleasant hiking trails and even a few hot springs.
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