“Did you know that Yijhu is not only known for its corn but also for producing PhDs?”
“PhDs? What kind of PhDs?”
This was part of a casual conversation I had with a local resident upon arriving at Yijhu Station. At first, I was baffled, unable to process what he meant. All I could gather was the proud look on his face, clearly brimming with pride for his hometown.
Located in the northeastern part of Kaohsiung, Neimen is renowned for its religious culture and traditional folk arts. It is the birthplace of the famous Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual and a top destination for experiencing the culinary artistry of master chefs. As I traveled along Provincial Highway 3 toward Neimen, I noticed numerous temples along the way. It’s easy to see just how deeply religious faith is woven into the lives of the local residents.
Houbi, known as the hometown of Taiwan's champion rice, is also one of the venues for the International Orchid Show. The idyllic landscapes, painted by rice fields, and the tranquil, laid-back rural culture have attracted many film crews to shoot here. The 2004 documentary Let It Be propelled Houbi to fame, establishing it as one of Taiwan's most iconic small towns. The drama The Making of an Ordinary Woman further introduced audiences to the enduring charm of Jingliao Old Street, sparking yet another wave of enthusiastic visitors. Both the countryside and the old streets, when infused with culture and art, take on a fresh perspective and evoke a renewed appreciation.
On a chilly night, nothing comforts me more than a bowl of sesame egg noodles. As I check the seasonings in my kitchen, I notice that I still have half a bottle of sesame oil brought back from Kanding. The mere thought of its rich aroma enveloping me during the winter brings a sense of warmth. Kanding, a region primarily focused on agriculture, cultivates sesame, wax apples, rice, and sugarcane. Due to the locals' dedication to traditional methods, sesame oil has become Kanding’s most iconic specialty.
As we entered the vibrant area of Lucao Township, we were surrounded by art installations featuring deer. My friend and I couldn't help but exclaim in unison, "Lucao is just too adorable!"
Longci, situated southeast of Tainan, is nestled in the hilly region at the southern end of the Alishan Mountain Range, with elevations ranging from 80 to 350 meters. This varied terrain has fostered a diverse array of natural landscapes. The prevalence of mudstone in the area has led to significant erosion from rainwater and streams, resulting in a distinctive badland terrain known as the barren "Moon World." As a result, many residents have moved away, leaving only around 3,000 people, making it the least populated administrative district in Tainan.
Adjacent to Tainan, Cieding is a coastal town renowned for its exceptional offshore fishing grounds and a well-developed harbor constructed from a lagoon. Many residents depend on nearshore fishing for their livelihoods. The highest recorded mullet catch in Taiwan was achieved at Xingda Harbor in Cieding. During the winter mullet season, the streets are often lined with golden mullet roe being sun-dried, signifying the "golden season" for local fishermen.
The first impression Linluo gave me was how warm and united the people of this town are! Since the singer Julia Peng hails from Linluo, when she released her first Hakka album, the locals celebrated by hanging red cloth strips with creative Hakka text in their shops and homes. Even though I don't understand Hakka, I could feel how proud the residents are of this Golden Melody Award-winning singer!
Beimen, located in the northwestern coastal region of Tainan, is the most developed township for the salt production industry in Taiwan. In the past, nearly every household relied on salt production for their livelihood. Today, it has further developed into a major festival that uses salt as a medium.
Located on the Chianan Plain, Guantian in Tainan has a hot and humid climate that is ideal for growing water caltrops, rice, sugarcane, and mangoes. Guantian has the largest area and highest production of water caltrops in the country, earning it the title "The Land of Water Caltrops."