Best of Kaohsiung & Tainan
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Port
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Easy Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Board a coach for the approximately one-hour drive to Tainan.
Your first destination is the Chikan Towers -- among the most important historic sites in Taiwan. They are built atop the ruins of Fort Provintia -- one of two forts built by the Dutch during their 38-year rule of Taiwan. Today, the two ornate stone towers are surrounded by elegant gardens and koi ponds. Tainan's Confucius Temple was consecrated in 1666, four years after the Dutch were driven from the island. As the center of Confucian learning, the temple symbolized the establishment of Chinese control over Taiwan. The current shrine dates from 1917, when it was rebuilt during the Japanese occupation.
The Koxinga Shrine commemorates the general who vanquished the Dutch. Koxinga died just four years after conquering Taiwan, and the island was eventually annexed by the Qing Manchu Dynasty at the end of the 17th century.
After lunch, continue to Lotus Lake for a closer look at Taiwan's gift for synthesizing old and new. The pagodas, pavilions and temples all boast classical architecture, yet the oldest dates back only to 1951. Explore the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, dedicated to the God of War.
Completed in the 1970s, the Chi Ming Tang Temple of Enlightenment is a magnificent four-story Taoist shrine. The interior is filled with phantasmagorical depictions of the pantheon of Taoist deities, including gods, major historic figures, and Confucius himself.
Your final destination is the Kaohsiung National Stadium. Built as the main site of the 2009 World Games, the stadium features extensive use of recycled materials and is powered by solar energy. The sinuous, dragon-shaped stadium was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito.
Please note: Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Wear comfortable walking shoes.