Best of Kaohsiung & Tainan
-
Haven
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
-
Inspanningsniveau
Moderate
-
Excursietype
All
-
Rolstoeltoegankelijk
No
-
Vanaf
$149
-
Minimum leeftijd
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duur
Approximately 8 Hours
-
Maaltijden inbegrepen
Meals included
Board a coach for the approximately one-hour drive to Tainan.
Your first destination is the Chikan Towers — among the most important historical sites in Taiwan. The two ornate stone towers are built atop the ruins of Dutch Fort Provintia and are surrounded by elegant gardens and koi ponds. Tainan's Confucius Temple was consecrated in 1666 and symbolized the establishment of Chinese control over Taiwan. The current shrine dates from 1917 and commemorates the general who vanquished the Dutch.
After lunch, continue to Lotus Lake to look closely at Taiwan's knack for synthesizing old and new. The pagodas, pavilions and temples here all boast classical architecture, yet the oldest dates back only to 1951. Explore the Spring and Autumn Pavilions dedicated to the God of War. The graceful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas feature interiors decorated with paintings depicting China's 24 Obedient Sons.
The Tzu-Chi Temple is a magnificent Taoist shrine — its interior is filled with phantasmagorical depictions of the pantheon of Taoist deities.
En route back to the ship, you'll stop to photograph the Great Harbor Bridge (the Dagang Bridge). It is the longest cross-port revolving bridge in Asia. With its cable stays and stunning, eclectic eyelid design incorporating shells and dolphins, it is daringly avant-garde and eminently discussable. Admire the nearby public art piece, Echo Across the Harbor, by Dutch bell manufacturer Royal Eijsbouts.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Chikan Tower is undergoing restoration; scaffolding may obscure some view of its façade.