An often overlooked part of the greater Kaohsiung City, Meinong District is charming tourist town with a collection of historic sites and a pleasant local culture. It has several quirky features, with random monkey statues, surprising European buildings and a nationally beloved industry of iconic oil paper umbrellas.
Things to do in Meinong District
You can find some surprising natural beauty in Meinong District, distinguishing it from the urban sprawl of Kaohsiung City, where wide fields of yellow sunflowers and idyllic rustic landscapes earn its title as the “Land of Smiles”. These rural lands grow incredible, fresh produce, used to create rice dishes with vegetables and fruit and sold throughout town.
Hakka culture, an ancient community descending from Northern China, is prominent in the local life and Meinong District is celebrated as the most traditional Hakka destination in Taiwan. To learn more about this culture, visit the Meinong Hakka Culture Museum to see exhibitions that explain their spiritual relationship with the environment.
The Meinong Cultural and Creative Centre is an old police station transformed into a concrete and wooden piece of architecture, which is used for children’s education, art projects and a public space for local performances. Embrace the spiritual culture by touring Meinong District’s many temples or climb the nearby Mount Jian for beautiful panoramic views.
Getting around Meinong District
Meinong District itself is best travelled by foot or by bike. Meinong Station is the main bus station, with direct connections to Kaohsiung Station and Kaohsiung International Airport.