Arriving in Taiwan after spending a month on the small island of Panglao was a bit of a shock. We arrived in Tapei late at night. It was raining and much cooler than the Philippines. We spent one night in a hotel near an MRT station and then took the train the next day to Kaohsiung. We took the slow train to Kaohsiung, which took 4 hours. On the way back to Tapei we took the bullet train. It goes 185 miles per hour, cutting the journey between the cities in half.
Kaohsiung is a beautiful city. We spent four days exploring the city on foot and by public transportation. On our first night, we visited the Sanfong Temple, and we walked through the Liouhe night market. Visiting temples is still not Lucas and Henry’s favorite thing to do. They did enjoy the night market.
Lucas and Henry’s favorite part of the evening was going into the claw machine grocery stores. These claw machines are everywhere in Taiwan. The machines started getting popular in 2014. Their popularity caused the government to increase the production of $10 NT coins (which are used in the machines). These machines became so popular because they are a type of investment. Landlords turn storefronts into arcades, but individuals can own claw machines. People rent the machines each month from the landlord and anything above the rent is profit. It seems like a great investment because Lucas and Henry can’t get enough. They are drawn to the machines, and they are so confident they can figure out how to win a prize. It is not easy.
We got our steps in, in Kaohsiung. We walked through Central Park and saw the Dome of Light along the way. It is a light installation in the Formosa Boulevard train station. Narcissus Quagliata created the Dome of Light. It is the world’s largest public art installation made from individual pieces of colored glass. We also ate our fill of dumplings. We ate fancy dumplings at Shanghainese Dumpling and not-fancy dumplings at Old Chuan’s Pot Stickers and Steamed Dumpling House. Lucas said the not-fancy dumplings are better.
We visited the Kaohsiung 228 Peace Memorial on February 28. We did not know about it before stumbling upon it. The 228 Peace Memorial Park is a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in Taiwan’s history. The park commemorates the tragic events of February 28, 1947, known as the 228 Incident, which marked the beginning of the White Terror era in Taiwan.
The 228 Incident was sparked by a confrontation between government officials and a cigarette vendor in Taipei, resulting in the shooting of the vendor. The incident ignited widespread protests against the corrupt and oppressive Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek, which had recently taken control of Taiwan from Japan.
In response to the protests, the government launched a brutal crackdown, arresting and executing thousands of suspected dissidents. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but it is estimated that tens of thousands of people lost their lives during this period of political persecution.
The memorial hall houses exhibitions that document the events leading up to the 228 Incident, the crackdown that followed, and the impact on Taiwan’s society and political landscape. Visitors can learn about the stories of the victims and the struggles of their families through photographs, documents, and personal accounts.
Visiting the 228 Peace Memorial Park is a moving experience that offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s tumultuous past and the resilience of its people. it serves as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 228 Incident and the subsequent years of martial law.
We spent a day wandering around the Dream Mall and the arts district. The dream mall is a sprawling complex with shopping, dining, and entertainment. The best part of the Dream Mall was meeting a woman and her pet duck outside of Toys R Us.
The arts district is a vibrant hub of creativity and expression. The streets are lined with galleries, studios, and street art that tell stories of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Pier2 Art Center houses many artists and shops. Michael found a swing and thought he was in heaven.
We ended the day at Love Lookout, a scenic spot that offered panoramic views of the city skyline. It was the perfect vantage point to witness the sunset, casting a warm glow over the city and painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
On our last day in Kaohsiung, we found ourselves at the serene Lotus Pond, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. The reflective waters mirrored the beauty of the surrounding temples and pavilions, creating a picturesque scene that felt almost surreal. We visited the Zuoying Yuandi Temple and the Spring and Autumn Pavillions. We visited the Center of Old Fongshan City History. It is a small interactive museum that does a great job of explaining Taiwan’s turbulent history.
Our four days in Kaohsiung were a whirlwind of experiences. From the bustling night market to the tranquil Lotus Pond, the vibrant arts district to the panoramic views of Love Lookout, the endless rows of shops at the Dream Mall, and the sobering experience at the 228 Peace Memorial Park, Kaohsiung made a memorable impression.
