Travel Guide for the 2009 New Year Holiday — Taiwan South

So far, almost all tourism—related businesses, such as transportation companies, hotels, recreational areas and scenic parks are already prepared to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Whether taking public transportation or driving a car or motorcycle, visitors will have to overcome the traffic issue before reaching their destination as traffic jams during this period of the year are inevitable.

Also, travelers must be sure to reconfirm their hotel rooms. Most major hotels are already fully booked. An alternative is to try and find a home stay near your desired destination.

Here are some recommended scenic areas around the island to go.

Tainan Area

■ Along Tainan's seashore in southern Taiwan much of the land was traditionally used for making seasalt. It used to be the most important salt-making area on the island. Jingzaijiao tile-paved salt field is the only field in this area where visitors can still gain an impression of how traditional salt was made many years ago.

■ Starting in September each year, black-faced spoonbills fly in groups from northern Asia to spend the long cold winter at the Black-faced Spoonbill Reserve, along the Zengwu River in Tainan County. The birds' name comes from their spoon-like black mouth. In March of the following year, they will return to the north for mating season.

■ Held during the Chinese New Year holiday, the Yuanshui Fongpao —Yuanshui firecracker ceremony — takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic that hit the area in the 19th century. Local businessmen thus called on the “Guan Holy Sovereign” to visit the town and bring the epidemic to an end through the use of firecrackers.

■ Built in 1662, Nankunshen Daitianfu is the oldest and biggest Wangye temple in Taiwan. The religious edifice, made of wood, bricks and Laojhensheh stones, is dedicated to the worship of Wufu Ciansuei, of the Li, Chih, Wu, Jhu, and Fan families. The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with artworks of mythological animals, gods, historic figures and renowned military officers.

■ The Jin-an temple, located on Sinyi Street in downtown Tainan, is the only temple in the island that hosts both statutes of Mastu — the goddess of the sea — and her parents. It is a religious building of tremendous importance for all Taiwan people.

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