2026年5月31日 星期日

Tainan in the News 台南的新聞 (North 北) 10


As per my "rule of 10" this will be the last news entry for this area until I work my way through another city/county.


1. In Xinying District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a COVID screening, the opening of an "elderly welfare activity center," the opening of a village activity center, the renovation of a temple, a land survey, a stench from a fertilizer factory, the convening of a parent-child event, a body discovered in a burning car, the making of oyster omelets, a hit-and-run under a bridge, brooms made out of millet and a lantern festival activity.


2. In Yanshui District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a woman who contracted COVID, prayers for the success of a road improvement project, local history tours, a probable suicide along the roadway, a seminar for those wishing to own and/or operate a homestay, an increase in the price of pig's head rice, a "fireworks swarm," a lottery winner and a display of lanterns.


3. In Liouying District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a tree planting activity, earthquake safety drills, a nature walk, a vote to name a dairy farming area, a blossoming of golden trumpet trees, concern over the expansion of a nearby science and technology park, the promotion of a new fruit drink, plans for a new YouBike station, help repairing a house, a traffic accident involving a scooter and a car, a van which crashed into a utility pole, an air filtration system installed in an elementary school and a performance of Taiwanese folk songs.


4. In Houbi District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a smell from nearby livestock farms, a field transformed into a mosaic, work on storm drains, a review of an urban development plan, a market for locally-grown melons, a press conference to announce the start of cantaloupe season, a blood drive, expanded tap water service, work to improve the parking situation around the train station, elections for the position of Director General of the local farmer's association, a disputed election, a vehicle that crashed and then caught fire, work and school cancelled ahead of heavy rains and eggs which tested positive for the H5N1 virus.


5. In Baihe District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...two cases of COVID, a police crackdown on speeding, a cultural exchange activity, a blooming of cotton trees, the donation of shoes to elementary school students, a missing mother, a Mother's Day banquet, a coming of age ceremony for 16 year olds, a reduced lotus crop, Chinese honey orange season, free admission to a historic park, a crackdown on traffic infractions, residents who felt "forgotten" and lunar new year activities at the Taiwan Great Wall Park.


6. In Dongshan District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a visit by two COVID-positive individuals to a corn maze, students delivering baked goods to the elderly, an activity on International Coffee Day, an invitation to travel "the coffee highway," a coffee competition, a raid on a place making "Meow Meow," a mayor dismissed from office, three rescued from a ravine after a motorcycle accident, a mayor recalled from office, kilns damaged by earthquakes and the development of an "agricultural tourism corridor."


7. In Jiali District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a class suspended over suspected COVID, an open air market, cash awards for residents over the age of 100, special traffic control measures during the Ching Ming holiday, a press conference to emphasize the necessity for fire prevention during the same holiday, a fire in a plastic storage yard, chickens culled over avian influenza, a fire in an empty house, a fire in a storage shed, improved sidewalks and new representatives elected to the local farmer's association.


8. In Shuejia District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a postponed "flower culture festival," the creation of "players villages" for local volleyball competitions, a milkfish festival, the construction of a water pumping station, a "hollyhock flower art party," the construction of a multi-purpose sports facility, a drum performance, the illegal dumping of waste, residents dissatisfied with water quality, a lantern taken to Taoyuan, homes repaired after a typhoon and the rezoning of land. 


9. In Beimen District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...local elections complicated by COVID, another milkfish festival, a seminar on the dangers of drug use, home visits to discuss disaster prevention measures, a new kitchen built at Beimen Elementary, a corpse found floating in a recreation area, representatives from a temple bearing gifts, a fire in a house, an employee who absconded with 2 million NT, police called in to oversee a contentious re-election and a red envelope for a century-old man.


10. In Jiangjun District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a 7-year high on asparagus prices, a man crushed by a bulldozer, a carrot picking activity, work to spread awareness of fire safety, a new type of asparagus made available, a carrot picking activity, sightings of a rare type of pheasant, talk of renovating the Mashagou Trail, a damaged carrot crop, a music festival, a dance performance and a spring couplet activity.


11. In Qigu District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a partnership between the district office and local shallot farmers, a celebration for centenarians, a dispute over floating solar panels, awards handed out for being a model student, improvements to roads near fish ponds and canals, a donation to elderly residents, plans to develop an industrial zone, a seafood festival, parcels of land auctioned, newfound concern for aquatic birds, purchases of land in a soon-to-be science park and a renovated fishing port.


12. In Xigang District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a blooming of trees in Jinsha Village, a local market, an elderly man who fell off his bicycle, a blooming of cassia trees, a blooming of tropical cherry trees, a closing of elementary schools, a fire in a house and a fire at a food processing facility.


13. In Madou District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a huge fire at a shipping company, a buyback of local pomelos, a flood, the creation of pomelo-related products, the beginning of pomelo season, a promotional event centered around poultry, a new Starbucks with a unique design, an earthquake, construction of a sports facility, police manning speed checkpoints, a reduced pomelo crop and the transformation of an old warehouse into a fitness center.


14. In Guantian District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a complaint over a lack of public toilets in an ecological park, a water chestnut festival, survey work, the opening of a new dormitory at Longtian Elementary, a fire in an old house, help drying mangoes, a serious motorcycle accident, road work along a river, a water chestnut picking activity, a new bus line and a misreported fire.


15. In Lioujia District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a worker with a fractured arm, a temple festival honoring Nezha, a fire in a house, the launching of a new taxi service, a bidding on spaces in a public market, a running activity for charity, the growing of flamingo flowers, an exhibition to showcase local farmers' achievements, the beginning of bald cypress season and a temple giving away silver bracelets.


16. In Danei District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...the strengthening of a mask-wearing policy, a music festival, local elections, a farmer's market, a survey of district residents, free admission for kids to a local "farm," work toward becoming a "green community," a Siraya tribal religious festival, red envelopes for a local weightlifting team and a plan to develop low carbon tourism.


17. In Xiaying District, during the past 4+ years, there was/were...

...a kiln roasting activity, the hiring of two long-term care workers to assist the elderly, the establishment of a food bank, an exchange of seedlings and receipts, the catching of a very big fish, a tree planting activity, a marriage proposal from one senior to another, the wrapping of rice tamales, an earthquake and a repurposed parking lot.

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2026年5月24日 星期日

East District, Tainan City 台南市東區


East District is east of South District, north of Rende and southwest of Yongkang.  It's on the other side of the train tracks from the rest of downtown Tainan, and thus less accessible for most tourists. 東區位於南區東部 、 仁德北部跟永康西南部 ,  與台南市區中間隔著鐵路 , 對於遊客來說,沒有那麼方便到達東區。

Despite its proximity to so many historic sites, East District was sparsely populated up until the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in the late 1800s, and for this reason there aren't as many historic sites in East District as there are in nearby West Central and Anping districts.  Much of East District's residential character is a byproduct of the Jungshan (#1) Freeway, which was completed in the 1970s.  Prior to that East District was more a combination of military barracks, farms and factories. 直到日據時期,這裡的人口都偏於稀少,儘管東區附近有很多歷史遺址 ,  但這裡發現的遺址比中西區和安平區少 。形成東區現在的景觀特色的最大的原因是1970年代中山高速公路的完成 。  高速公路完成前的東區是軍人宿舍 、 農場和工廠比較多 。

According to the last census, 180,118 people live in East District. 上次的人口統計顯示東區的人口是180,118人 。


The first stop for many people visiting East District (or Tainan in general) is the Tainan Train Station.  This train station is a very old building constantly under construction.  Oh, and it's surrounded by legions of sketchy individuals, so be careful around here at night.  I run into weirdies every time I pass through this place. 人們到南東區的第一站通常是台南車站 。  這棟非常舊的車站一直在施工 , 而且附近很多的怪人 , 所以晚上在這附近要小心 ,  我每次經過都會碰到 。


From the front entrance you can get an idea of how old the train station is.  It dates back to the Japanese Colonial Administration, and around the time of its (initial) construction it was a very modern facility. 從前站可以看出車站的年紀 , 它是日據時期建蓋的 ,當時的台南車站是很現代的 。

I've heard they plan on digging a tunnel and moving the train tracks underground.  Great idea IF they can finish this project quickly.  Unfortunately very few things in Tainan seem to get built quickly, or within their budgets, or with the efficiency seen in other parts of Taiwan. 我聽說他們要挖隧道把鐵路地下化,  這個計畫很好 , 可是還要很久才能完工 。  台南大部分的公共設施都很慢才能完成, 甚至都超過預算。


A little way up Beimen Road is the Tainan Culture and Creative Park.  This building also dates back to Japanese times.  There's a Starbucks inside, and a nice garden in the back. 北門路再上去一點是台南文化創意產業園區 ,  這棟建築也是日據時候蓋的 ,裡面有一家星巴克 , 它的後院是個漂亮的花園。


This is the other half of the Culture and Creative Park.  Didn't seem to be open when we were there. 園區的另外一邊 ,  我們在的時候看起來沒開。


This is the view of the train tracks from behind the Culture and Creative Park.  That's Chenggong University on the other side.  This university is one of Taiwan's most famous institutions. 創意園區後方有鐵路 , 鐵路另外一邊是成功大學 ,  成功大學是台灣最有名的大學的其中之一。


Still further up Beimen Road is Big King Supermarket, an importer of goods from the Philippines, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.  I highly recommend giving it a look. 北門路繼續走會經過Big King超市 。  這家超市賣的是來自菲律賓越南跟其他東南亞國家的商品 ,  您在附近的時候可以來逛逛 。


This was the first time I actually walked into Chenggong University.  For whatever reason the thought never occurred to me before. 這一次是我第一次進去成功大學的校園 , 我不知道為甚麼之前沒想過來這裡。

It seems like a nice place to study.  It's most famous feature is probably its collection of banyan trees, of which the school has many. 在這個大學念書不錯 ! 最有名的特色應該是校園的榕樹 。


"Cheng Keng Lake" (more like "Cheng Keng Pond") is inside the school campus. 校園裡面的成功湖 (比較像成功池)  。


There's also the Little East Gate, complete with remnants of the old city wall and a couple cannons.  This gate dates back to the Qing (Ching) Dynasty. 還有代古城的小東門 , 旁邊也有大砲 。


To the south of the university are hundreds of small restaurants along dozens of small streets.  We bought Vietnamese sandwiches around here and they were very good. 大學以南有好幾條巷子 , 巷子裡好幾家餐廳 ,  我們在附近吃的越南三明治很不錯 。


The Xizhuwei Hills Cultural and Creative Park is south of the university and southeast of the train station, on the other side of the train tracks.  There isn't much here for tourists. 西竹圍之丘文創園區位於大學南部 、 火車站的東南部 ,鐵路的另外一邊,  這個景點應該沒有很多觀光客吧 !


Nearby is the Magistrate Residence Living Center.  The Japanese royal family would stay here during their visits to Taiwan, and the building has been lovingly restored. 附近有台南故事館邸 。  日據時代日本王室來時住這裡 , 整個建築被整修過了 。


The interior is more of shop however.  In their zeal to display every possible type of cup, plate and pot for sale, the proprietors of this establishment seem to have lost sight of its historical significance.  There are a few placards explaining its history, but it's hard to get a sense of this history from a table burdened with tableware that doesn't match. 故事館邸裡面比較像禮品店 , 我覺得店家擺出的杯子 、 盤子 、 茶壺過多, 歷史感被商品沖淡了 。  有幾個展牌介紹建築的歷史 , 只是每個房間都擺滿商品 , 像逛誠品書店的感覺 。


I believe this is Minzu Road. 這是民族路吧 ?


Xizhuwei again.  We walked by it twice.  This part is more a set of artists' studios, all of which seem to be open at different times. 我們經過西竹圍之丘文創園區二次 ,  這個部分比較像藝術家工作室 ,它們好像營業的時間不一。


On the way back to the train station we passed by the FE21.  I almost never visit this department store due to its location.  Either of the two Shin Kong Mitsukoshis?  Sure, many times. 我們走回去火車站的時候經過大遠百 ,  我很少逛這個百貨公司,因為它的位置不方便 。  對我來說,新光三越比較順路 。

And that's it for East District, or at least the northern third or so.  I didn't venture any further south than that.  There's not much for tourists south of Qingnian Road. 介紹東區就到這裡結束,  這一次討論的地點都在東區北部的三分之一 , 因為青年路往南的景點很少 。

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2026年5月16日 星期六

Central Dawu 大武鄉 (Taitung 台東)


Central Dawu (or the town of Dawu) is in Dawu Township, about an hour south of Taitung City.  It's on the Southern Cross-Island Highway, and is one of the last stops on the way to the tunnel which passes between Taitung and Pingtung counties. 大武鄉大武市區離台東市開車約一小時。  大武位在南迴公路上 , 靠近台東屏東中間的隧道 。

A lot of people drive through it, but few bother to stop.  It doesn't figure big in terms of Taitung's top tourist sites, though it does have some redeeming features. 很多人開車經過大武,卻不一定會在這裡停留。  這裡沒有台東最熱鬧的景點 , 但卻有著自己的特色 。


We parked in front of Dawu Junior High School, and walked from Highway 9 into town.  Across from Dawu Elementary there's a car graveyard where we found this jeep. 我們把車停在大武國中前, 從台9線走路進大武市區 。  這是大武國小對面的汽車墳場裡的吉普車 。


Further up the same road is a better view of the hills around town. 同一條路再進去一點的山景更好 。


There wasn't much going on at the Dawu Train Station.  I'm thinking most of the cars in the background were parked there by local people on their way to work.  There isn't much work in Dawu, but it's close enough to both the west coast and Taitung City for a commute like that to be feasible. 大武車站附近很安靜 ,  留在停車場的車應該是大武居民為了通勤停放在那裏的 。  大武的工作機會少 , 從這裡坐火車去台東市或西部上下班應該可以 。


This wood was probably washed onto local beaches by typhoons.  Dawu has been on the wrong end of many typhoons, and often sets records for high temperatures. 這堆木頭大概是被之前的颱風沖到附近沙灘的 ,  有時候颱風對大武造成很大的影響, 大武也常有創紀錄的高溫。


If it's not too hot a walk along the Dawu River is nice.  In July or August I'd probably avoid this place. 天氣比較涼快的時候在大武溪散步不錯 , 但是七、八月的時候我不會去 。


A look back at the north half of Dawu from the river trail.  Up in those hills/mountains is the village of Xinhua.  I highly recommend a visit to Xinhua if you're driving a reliable car or scooter. 從大武溪岸的河堤便道看北大武村 。  新化部落在山丘上 ,  新化部落很有趣 , 但是去之前一定要先確認機車或汽車的狀況良好才安全 。

The road to Xinhua, by the way, loops all the way back to Tuban and Daxi to the north.  It's a beautiful drive, but not for the faint of heart. 順帶一提, 往新化的路繞了一個大圈 , 途中會經過北邊的土坂大溪 ,  風景很美 , 可是路況不佳 。


This is the Dawu River.  Most of the year it's very calm, though I've seen it terrifyingly full after typhoons. 這是大武溪 ,大部分的時間它溪床上的水不高,  但颱風經過的時候,水位會高到嚇人 。

It's not easy to get to, but if you travel up this river valley you'll find the eastern end of the Jinshuiying Historic Trail, which stretches between Pingtung and Taitung.  I walked that trail with several elementary school students years ago, and the trip took around six hours.  Some of the scenery near the middle of the trail is stunning. 這裡不好找 , 如果你沿著這個溪谷往上,你會來到連接東和台東浸水營古道的東端 。  我幾年前跟一群國小生走過這個古道,我們走了六個小時 ,  古道上沿途看到的風景美不勝收。


Across the Dawu Bridge lies this coffee shop/restaurant.  It's new.  The latte I had here was very good, though I didn't try the food.  Be warned: it's not cheap. 大武橋上的這家咖啡館 ( 餐廳 )是新的 ,  他們的拿鐵好喝 , 但我沒吃過他們的料理 。  注意 : 這家不便宜 。


The southern half of Dawu, separated from the northern half by the Dawu River, is much quieter.  To the left is the Dawu Homestay, which I believe is also new. 大武溪大武市區隔成兩半 , 南邊的一半更是寧靜 。  左邊比較新的建築是大武民宿

Dawu has its own development association, and they're working hard to create more tourist spots in the area. 大武有自己的發展協會,他們很努力地推薦新的景點和發掘觀光亮點。


The temple to the left is in the center of town.  The buses into and out of Dawu make a surprising number of stops, visiting many of the mountain villages between Taitung City and Shangwu, further south. 左邊的廟宇在大武市區中心,  經過大武的公車會停靠很多地方, 這些停靠站是台東市尚武中間的村落。


This is just off Highway 9.  Much of the coastline around Dawu is undeveloped.  I hope it stays that way. 在台9線旁邊 。  大武的海岸大部分沒有當地人的商業行為 , 我希望它一直保持這個樣子就好 。


Tourists sometimes stop at the Dawu Seashore Park ("Dawu Coast Park"), north of the fire station.  It's oppressively hot here in the summer (zero shade), but in the fall and spring it's not bad. 遊客會停靠大武消防局北邊的海濱公園 ,  但是這裡夏天的時候超熱 , 春天和秋天的時候才比較涼一點。


This lego bridge in front of the Seashore Park.  It's the most recognizable thing in town.  There's a rainbow building across from it which predates the bridge's paint job. 樂高橋位於海濱公園前面 , 是容易被記住的景點 。  橋對面還有彩虹的建築 , 以前那座建築是大武最有名的景點 。

I should add that the Dawu Seaview Trail lies on the ridge in the background.  I skipped that trail this time, but there are pictures of it in The New Da Niao Bridge to "Downtown" Dawu 新大鳥橋到大武市區 entry.  The trail is a short and the scenery isn't particularly good. 補充一下, 大武觀海步道在背景的山嶺上 。  我這一次沒有走步道 , 可是新大鳥橋到大武市區的文章裡有照片 ,  步道很短 , 風景沒有特別好 。


The view south from the lego bridge.  To the right is the rainbow building mentioned above, and to the left, across the road, is the fire station. 在樂高橋上往南邊看的風景 , 前面是提到的彩虹建築 , 在左邊的是消防局 。


We had lunch at the Jiajiajiou Book House.  This place offers indigenous-Taiwanese fusion cuisine.  Their menu is as exotic as you're likely to find in Dawu.  The proprietors are very hospitable, and they do a lot for their local community. 我們在家家酒書房吃午餐 , 他們的料理是原住民 - 台式的 , 這應該是大武最特別的菜單。  老闆很親切 , 也努力的為社區做好的事。

This place doubles as an after school center for local students.  The first and second floors are full of books.  They also run a store on Dawu Street which sells locally made goods. 這個地方也是社區的課後學習中心 , 一 、 二樓都充滿書本 ,  他們在大武街上也開了一家地區特產店 。


Lastly there's this aborted attempt at a temple, which has looked like this for as long as I can remember.  Not sure why anyone thought this was a good spot for a temple, but at least it's weird? 最後有這間還沒完工的廟宇 , 它已經20多年來都沒變吧 !  在這場地蓋廟不是很奇怪嗎 ?

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