Author Julien Huang
Photo iStock, Taiwan Scene
Editor Levarcy Chen
In today’s evolving business landscape, “bleisure travel”—blending business obligations with leisure experiences—has become increasingly popular among professionals seeking to maximize their time abroad. For business visitors attending conferences in southern Taiwan, both Tainan and Kaohsiung offer exceptional opportunities to transform standard business trips into memorable cultural journeys that reveal the island’s diverse character.
Route #4: A Journey Through Sacred History (ICC Tainan)
For business travelers in Tainan, Taiwan’s cultural capital, this walking itinerary offers an extraordinary journey through the city’s spiritual landscape and historical identity. This route traces life cycle beliefs through temple worship while exploring the political heart of Qing Dynasty Taiwan, revealing the city’s collective memory through leisurely urban exploration.
It takes about half an hour to reach Tainan city from the International Convention & Exhibition Center (ICC Tainan) by taxi or public train. Upon arriving in Tainan, visitors immediately notice temples standing closely side by side, hinting at the city’s historical splendor and its embrace of diverse faiths. Thus, let’s start the journey from Koxinga Shrine (延平郡王祠), the earliest official memorial to Zheng Chenggong (鄭成功) during the Qing Dynasty! This foundational site bridges secular history and spiritual veneration, offering insight into how historical figures become deified in Taiwanese folk religion.
Besides the Koxinga Shrine, the Sacred Heart Cathedral presents a fascinating cultural synthesis with its magnificent Chinese-style architecture. Built during Japanese colonial rule, this Catholic cathedral features traditional Chinese architectural elements, demonstrating how Christianity adapted to local aesthetic preferences and created a uniquely Taiwanese expression of faith.
Not far from the Cathedral, The East Market (台南東市場), established in 1908 and now 111 years old, remains a vital center of daily life. Walking through its narrow aisles surrounded by vendors’ calls and fresh ingredients provides authentic immersion in Tainan’s culinary culture and demonstrates Taiwan’s ability to preserve traditional commercial patterns.
The route arrives at Tainan City God Temple, Taiwan’s earliest officially-constructed city god temple. In the traditional Chinese religious hierarchy, city gods serve as spiritual administrators. The temple’s grand scale reflects how the Qing Dynasty government integrated religious institutions into administrative systems.
Tainan offers historical depth and spiritual richness, inviting contemplative engagement with centuries of cultural tradition. Understanding Tainan through its religious landscape helps travelers gain deep insight into the city’s soul.
Route #5: Harbor Views and Urban Nightlife (Kaohsiung Exhibition Center)
For business visitors to Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, this evening itinerary offers a completely different experience—one focused on the city’s maritime identity, contemporary culture, and vibrant nightlife, promising an evening “you won’t want to end.”
Pier-2 Art Center’s Warehouse, a repurposed industrial space, epitomizes Kaohsiung’s urban renewal. The transformed harbor warehouses now house galleries, performance spaces, and restaurants. Dining here means experiencing the city’s artistic renaissance, with exposed brick and industrial fixtures reflecting Kaohsiung’s reimagined relationship with its harbor heritage.
Boarding a Love River cruise for an evening tour is also recommended. The river, transformed from a polluted industrial waterway into a romantic urban amenity, offers unique perspectives on the illuminated skyline. Bridges, riverside developments, and public art create constantly changing views while narration shares stories of environmental rehabilitation and urban transformation.
Kaohsiung Music Center is a striking architectural landmark featuring venues, exhibitions, and a bar serving craft beers created in collaboration with famous bands. These band-branded beers represent an innovative fusion of Taiwan’s craft beer culture with its vibrant music scene. The center’s contemporary architecture and creative atmosphere provide perfect spaces for unwinding after conference sessions.
Taiwanese-style gastropub hidden within a traditional market, Yancheng First Public Retail Market (鹽埕第一公有市場). This venue serves elevated Taiwanese cuisine alongside craft cocktails, transforming the market space into sophisticated evening entertainment. The late finish reflects southern Taiwan’s relaxed lifestyle—dinner starts later, nightlife extends deeper, and the pace feels unhurried.
Kaohsiung provides contemporary dynamism and creative energy, showcasing urban reinvention while honoring industrial heritage. For business travelers, these experiences transform work trips into opportunities for cultural education and personal enrichment, creating memories that extend far beyond conference halls.
