Things You Might Want to Know: Taiwan High-Speed Rail - Klook Blog

During Japan's colonial period and later in the early stages of the Nationalist government, Taichung emerged as the hub of Taiwan's light industry. In its heyday during the 1970s, Taichung thrived on the production of cheap toys, footwear, and various electrical goods, laying the groundwork for the global consumer economy. However, with China's economic rise in the 1980s, the city's manufacturing sector lost its prominence, leading to a gradual decline.

Similar to Kaohsiung in the south, the 'obsession' in Taichung was short-lived, and a cultural revival swiftly returned the city to its golden age. Today, when one thinks of Taichung, images of beautiful weather, wide boulevards, and grand restaurants serving the finest Taiwanese cuisine come to mind. Taichung residents embrace a slower pace and appreciate the finer things in life, a natural inclination in a city brimming with comfort.

Situated geographically in the lower half of the island on the coastal plain to the west, Taichung not only serves as a stopping point for journeys further afield such as Sun Moon Lake and Dajia (site of the annual Matsu pilgrimage), but it is also a destination in its own right. Moreover, Taichung boasts Taiwan's premier museum, the National Museum of Natural Science, and it is the birthplace of the legendary bubble milk tea craze of the 1980s.

Further south from Taichung lies Chiayi, one of the rural towns on the western coast. This city has a long history, dating back to the brief Eastern Ninh Dynasty, where Ming loyalist Trịnh Thành Công declared Chiayi – later known as Kagee – as part of his kingdom with the aim of expelling the Dutch from Taiwan and even restoring the Ming dynasty in China. During Japanese colonial rule, Chiayi was the fourth-largest city in Taiwan and became a significant center for the timber industry, shipping valuable hardwoods from the region to Japan.

Nowadays, Chiayi is a tranquil rural city, devoid of the hustle and bustle of major urban centers like Taichung or Taipei. While there are some notable sights in and around Chiayi, tourists often overlook them all to visit one of Taiwan's most beautiful national parks – Alishan National Scenic Area (阿里山國家風景區). Serving as an ideal destination for day trips or serious mountain climbing endeavors, Alishan is not just a single mountain but a range averaging 2,500 meters in height, with the highest peak being Datashan (大 塔山) at 2,663 meters. From Alishan, you can easily admire Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak (3,952m).

Travel time from Taipei: 2 hours.

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, where you can discover incredibly enticing cuisines, remnants of the Dutch colonial era, ancient temples, and hospitable indigenous people who embody the essence of Taiwan. Tainan holds several unique charms that often compel visitors to return repeatedly. If you mention to any Taiwanese friend that you're planning a trip to Tainan, you'll immediately spark their envy. Moreover, with abundant sunshine year-round and less rainfall than Taipei, Tainan is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore Taiwan's cultural heritage.

Taiwanese people aren't exaggerating when they boast about their cuisine. The food here is not only meticulously crafted but also budget-friendly, with affordability being one of the highlights of regional specialties renowned throughout the city. Famous Taiwanese beef soup is typically served in the morning when the beef is fresh, while other specialties like shrimp fried rice, coffin bread (deep-fried bread with savory fillings), and spare rib rice will only set you back around NT$60 (less than USD 2).

The oldest site in the city is Anping (安平), where the ancient Zeelandia fortress of the Dutch once stood. Here, you can find the oldest Han settlements in Taiwan, as well as traces of Dutch influence in the area. The Dutch used Tainan as a base for their operations along important transportation routes from China to the Philippines. Although not many original architectural structures like Zeelandia Fortress remain, you can still enjoy a delightful afternoon strolling through the old streets and ancient houses.

Travel time from Taipei: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Kaohsiung, a major scenic city with over 2.7 million inhabitants, has undergone a transformation in recent years from a gloomy industrial city to a modern metropolis with hip cafes, spacious streets, parks, bike lanes, and vibrant cultural and artistic venues that echo the city's past as Taiwan's second-largest manufacturing hub. There are several beaches around the city, including a picturesque one nestled within the campus of Sun Yat-Sen University. Additionally, Cijin Island, just a 5-minute ferry ride from the city, boasts another beautiful beach with numerous seafood restaurants lining the main street.

While not as extensive as Taipei's MRT, Kaohsiung also has an underground network of trains known as the KMRT. Visitors to Kaohsiung can use the KMRT to travel to/from the HSR station located in the suburban area near Zuoying. If you're tired of the urban hustle and bustle, you can head to Little Liuqiu Island near Kaohsiung. It's a fantastic place for diving and camping during the summer months. You can make a day trip to the small island, as ferry services between the island and the mainland are frequent throughout the day.

You have the convenience of booking two different types of tickets from Klook to suit your travel needs. One-way tickets are a cost-effective choice for one-way trips within the high-speed rail network. If you prefer continuous travel, the 3-day pass, a perfect flexible option for travelers with no fixed itinerary, allows unlimited train rides for 3 days within a week-long period.

These tickets are available to travelers with tourist visas valid for 6 months or less, and must be redeemed within 90 days of purchase. After redemption, your ticket will be valid for 28 days. Please redeem your ticket at the Taiwan High Speed Rail Station.