The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has assured visitors that Taiwan remains a safe and welcoming destination days after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern side of the island.
On various social media platforms, it said that all major airports, ports, and railways outside of the Hualien area are operating as normal and are ready to welcome international travelers. The agency also expressed gratitude as the world showed concern for Taiwan, saying that recovery and relief efforts continue in the island's east coast.
That said, if you're planning to visit Taiwan, you may want to go beyond the capital of Taipei and check out lesser known spots such as Kaohsiung. Located in the southern part of the island, it exudes a more laidback vibe compared to bustling Taipei despite it being Taiwan's largest industrial center.
There are direct flights from Manila to Kaohsiung via carriers such as China Airlines and AirAsia. But if you have already booked a trip to Taipei and are planning to add Kaohsiung to your itinerary, you can travel by bus or train to this southern city.
Here are some must-visit spots in Kaohsiung, as recommended by the TTA during a recent media familiarization tour:
Dome of Light
Our first stop was the Dome of Light, a beautiful installation right at the heart of Formosa Boulevard Station. Pieces of colored glass were assembled by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata to form a dome that covers an area of 660 square meters and tells stories of human life and love. While it is beautiful as is, make sure to check out the dome's light and sound shows happening throughout the day.
Love River and Glory Pier
We spent a relaxing afternoon at Love River -- which has become popular among couples for its romantic ambience and stunning views -- and Glory Pier right next to it. This area is lined with restaurants, cafes, and parks, and is also a hotspot for music and the arts. During our visit to Love River, giant ducks created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman were set afloat as part of Kaohsiung's Wonderland Festival.
Liouhe Night Market
Of course, any trip wouldn't be complete without food. Kaohsiung has plenty of night food markets but one of the most popular is Liouhe, which is just a short walk from Formosa Boulevard Station (where the Dome of Light is). It has a total of 138 stalls serving snacks such as sweet and savory sausages, pig's blood cake, and meat rolls, among others. You can also take part in mini-games and shop for clothes and souvenirs in this bustling market.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
If you can only have one day trip destination in Kaohsiung, make sure it's Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. Covering an area of more than 100 hectares, this religious and cultural attraction is guaranteed to impress with its towering pagodas, perfectly manicured gardens, and a massive sitting bronze Buddha statue that is 108 meters high, making it the tallest of its kind in Asia. It also has an exhibition space, a main hall housing holy relics, and an auditorium that holds performances and seminars.
Over 300 lantern art pieces are now on display at a festival in Taiwan