These cities less travelled in Taiwan prove that Taipei doesn’t have the monopoly on cool and photogenic hangout spots
Photos & text by Pamela Chow
Think of Taiwan and many will launch into daydreams about Taipei’s buzzing night markets and colourful ever-changing city corners. But while the capital city is a familiar haunt for Singaporeans young and old, hipster habitats are blossoming in Taiwan’s smaller urban enclaves.
Jetting to Kaohsiung on Scoot’s swanky new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, we uncovered six unexpected gems that could give Taipei a run for its money.
4. Pier-2 Art Centre, Kaohsiung
In the heart of Kaohsiung City, an entire stretch of old warehouses by the pier is undergoing a major overhaul – and its colourful results are already breaking through. The Pier-2 Art Centre, which stretches across three blocks, is a hotspot for Y-generation photographers and adventurers with its vivid murals, installations, cafes and quirky handicraft shops.
Start off at Penglai Warehouse, where an old steam-train depot has been transformed into a giant field that stretches out before a little hill. Old iron and steel has been recast and remoulded into interactive installations, such as a charming little swing, and a mini-train (which we gladly took a ride on) zips through the old warehouse grounds. One is reminded of Cockatoo Island in Sydney, Australia.
The trail streaks through Dayong Warehouse – an amplification of Taipei’s South Village #44 – and ends at Dayi Warehouse, where the pier drops off into the harbour.
Pier-2 Art Centre, No 1, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, 803 Taiwan.
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