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Baci Observation Tower
This mandatory stop along Highway 11 has a mesmerising cliff-side view over the blue waters of Jici Beach. For cyclists, this is the summit of the longest climb on Highway 11.
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Tuntex Sky Tower
This was the tallest building in Taiwan before Taipei 101, with a look inspired by the character 高 (gāo), meaning tall. Take the lift (NT$100) to 75th floor for sunset views.
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Saint Cross Church
The unmissable Saint Cross Church, a Roman Catholic church designed by German architect Gottfried Boehm in the 1950s, is the highlight of a walk around atmospheric Jingliao Village.
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Pier
This is an old warehouse area that was renovated into art studios. Exhibitions and concerts are frequently held indoors and out. Check at the visitor centre for the events schedule.
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Yutzu Lake
Not a lake but a sheltered cove, Yutzu Lake is the site of the first village on the island. Some old stone houses still remain and nearby is a sea-eroded cave worth a look.
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Koji Ceramic Museum
A museum dedicated to cochin (koji) a low-fired, brightly coloured glaze style of ceramic traditionally used for temple decoration. It’s in the basement of the Chiayi Cultural Centre .
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Huakuang Tati Temple
In the Ming dynasty, a villager dreamt that the god of fire told him an incense burner was buried in Fuao. The man later discovered it and Huakuang Tati Temple was built in the gods honour.
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Museum of Drinking Water
Located within a water park (open in summer only), this museum covers the history of water treatment in Taipei and is set in a rather beautiful former pump station built in baroque style in 1908.
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Mofan Street
Built in 1924, the buildings on this charming little street have brick exteriors and arched door fronts modelled after both the Japanese and Western architecture that was in fashion back in the day.
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Kaohsiung Harbour
Down by Pier 12 (the Love Pier), Gushan Ferry Pier and Fishermans Wharf youll find walkways, bike paths, cafes and beer gardens. Check at the train station visitor centre about harbour cruises.
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Dakeng
To the east of the city is a hilly area known as Dakeng. If youre 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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Hualien Railway Cultural Museum
This museum covers the grounds of the restored eastern railway depo, built in 1932. Further toward the harbour lies the old machine yard, which was part of a large restoration project at the time of writing.
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Alishan Forest Railway Chiayi Garage
The tree-lined garage is actually a park with an extragavanza of old steam locomotives. Train buffs and kids alike will certainly love it. Look for the SL13 (built in 1910), the oldest in the collection.
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Endemic Species Research Institute
This research centre-cum-natural history museum for plant and animal species endemic to Taiwan boasts highly informative displays and features full English text. It’s about 1km east of the train station on the bike path.
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Wuntai Pagoda
Built in 1387, and considered one of the oldest constructions in Taiwan, the five-level hexagonal Wuntai Pagoda was originally built for the Ming emperor Hungwu as a place to honour the stars and celestial deities.
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Fushan Illuminated Wall
Overlooking Fuao Harbour is the Fushan Illuminated Wall, a concrete billboard that faces mainland China and warns communist forces to sleep on spears. Translation: Chiang Kai-shek is coming to get you (one day).
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Gaomei Wetlands
The prime spot for a bird-and-sunset-watching combo in the greater Taichung area. Take a local train to Qingshui (清水), then board bus 178 (NT$20, 30 minutes). There are only five buses a day, so consider taking a taxi (NT$250).
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Chungshan Hall
Built in 1965 to commemorate the centennial birthday of Sun Yat-sen, this hall is just a minutes walk back down the road from the main bus station. Entrance is on a Chinese language tour only at 8.30am, 10am, 1.30pm and 3pm.
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Lake Tai
Just south of Shanwai is Lake Tai, a 5m-deep body of water that was dug entirely by hand in the 1960s. The views from the south side take in Mt Taiwu, which from this angle looks far more imposing than its 262m height would suggest.
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Changhua Arts Museum & Hongmao Well
The museum sits in a lovely heritage building, and on the grounds of the museum is the 300-year-old Hongmao Well (紅毛井, Hóngmáo Jǐng), the last of the original Dutch-built wells (hence the name Hongmao, meaning red hair) in central Taiwan.
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