Taiwan is much more than Taipei. The west coast of Taiwan is the most populous coast with a long history, having been colonized by Spain, the Netherlands, the Chinese, and the Japanese successively. All four of these cultures have left something behind on this island nation.
The major cities on the west coast are Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Here you can find the major cities that the island used to be before Japan made Taipei its capital.
From temples to Confucius, Taiwan’s largest port, to ancient culinary traditions, you’ll find plenty on your journey along Taiwan’s west coast.
Taichung
Taichung, the second most populous city in Taiwan, is a sprawling city located in the Taichung Basin in the center of the western coastline. Taichung, with a population of 2.82 million, was built and planned by the Qing Dynasty during the occupation to become the island’s new capital. These plans would not materialize, as the Qing Dynasty confiscated the island to Japan, which turned its attention to Taipei.
Taichung was known as the “Kyoto of Formosa” during the Japanese occupation and was known for its warm sunshine and relaxed atmosphere. Taichung is Taiwan’s major industrial center and home to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the National Taichung Theater, bringing art and culture to the city.
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is the only national-level art museum in Taiwan, and it has a collection of Taiwanese modern and contemporary art. For travelers who appreciate art, this is a great place to learn about the creations of local artists on the island.
- address – when.No. 403, Section 1, Wuquan West Road, West District, Taichung City
- Hour – Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm
Taichung National Opera House
Taichung National Opera House is located in Taichung Seventh Reconstruction District, Situn District, Taichung City. It is an opera house covering an area of 57,685 square meters. Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito with the help of Cecil Balmond, this opera house is a great place to see a show.
- address – when.101,000, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City
- Events Calendar
Chun Shui Tang Siwei Original Store
Bubble milk tea has become an international staple in Taiwan, and the store may only have one of two legitimate claims to have invented it.
- address – when.No. 403, Siwei Street, West District, Taichung City
- Hour – 8 am – 10 pm
I think
The food capital of Taiwan, and the ancient capital of Taiwan, Tainan is one of the few destinations in Taiwan where you can find fresh beef and many small, well-known shops. Tainan still represents the ancient Taiwanese tradition of adding sugar to almost everything. Sugar used to be a symbol of wealth in Taiwan because it’s hard earned, so adding sugar to your food is a way to show off your earnings. The result is that Taiwan, especially Tainan, has an abundance of sweets.
Tainan is one of the few places in Taiwan where pastures raise beef and not just dairy. This has led to Tainan being almost the only place in Taiwan where you can enjoy beef that has never been shipped across the ocean. Simple beef soup, thin slices of beef topped with broth, is a common breakfast in Tainan.
Kazuno
Famous for serving Taiwanese-style tempura known as tian-bu-la, they have a variety of varieties as well as delicious beef rice to accompany the meal. They are best known for their tempura-coated poached eggs.
- address – when. No. 29, Wanchang Street, Central and Western District, Tainan City, 700
- touch – 0979759295
- cost – $
- must try – Eggs
First Confucian Temple
The temple was built in 1665 along with the National Academy as a fortress of education. It was built to be a gathering place for teachers, lecturers and intellectuals. To this day, the students are still regulars at the temple, paying their respects and wishing to be guided by the “great teacher”.
- address – when. 700 Store No. 2, Nanmen Road, Central and Western District, Tainan City
- Hour – 8:30 am – 5:50 pm
Anping Castle
The Dutch East India Company built the fort from 1624 to 1634 in the town of Anping (now the county seat). The Dutch controlled the western part of the island of Taiwan for 38 years. The reason the fort was built in a strategic location was to help support and defend the Dutch trade interests. It has since changed hands several times, but now it’s an amazing tourist destination, perfect for spending time exploring and taking pictures.
- address – No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, 708
- Hour – Friday-Sunday 8:30am-8pm, Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:30pm
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is the southernmost of major cities in Taiwan and is the third most populous city in Taiwan, after Taipei and Taichung. However, Kaohsiung is a wider city, occupying a lot of land on the southwest coast and less surrounded by mountains than the northern city.
Kaohsiung, the port capital of Taiwan, has a huge port that brings trade and goods to Taiwan. The city is also known for its seafood and sunny weather, with sunny days almost all year round. Residents of northern cities often flee south to Kaohsiung during rainy winters to enjoy the sun and its beaches, and ferry along the narrow island to places like Cijin District.
Qijing District
For travelers who like to spend time by the sea, this small area of Kaohsiung is located on a small island, and the rest is in Kaohsiung’s harbor. With coastal attractions and some separation from the main part of the city, it’s a great place to be.
Lianchi (Lotus) Lake
With a Confucian temple on the north side of the lake and two towers on the south end, Lianchi Lake is a great way to spend most of your day. Small food stalls line the perimeter of the lake, keeping visitors refreshed while exploring.
Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng Night Market, located between Yucheng and Nanping Road, is one of the must-see places in Kaohsiung. It’s the city’s largest and most popular night market and a great place to grab a bite after dark.
- address – 804, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District, Yucheng Rd, Nanping Road
- Hour – Open after 5pm
