Taipei and Taichung Lose Out! Foreign Media Names 'Taiwan's Strongest Tourism City' – And the Winner Is: Unique Scenery, Comfortable Climate, a Must-Visit for Global Travelers

The UK's internationally renowned newspaper The Times has recently released its list of the '20 Best Places to Visit in November,' and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has proudly made the cut. Not only is Kaohsiung listed alongside world-class tourist destinations such as New York, Florence, Athens, Kyoto, and Chiang Mai, but it is also the only city in Taiwan to be included.

The report highlights that Kaohsiung in November has moved past the rainy season, offering cool and comfortable weather. Whether cycling along the Love River, strolling around Lotus Pond, taking a ferry trip to Cijin, or ending the day with night market delicacies, the city exudes a uniquely charming port-town atmosphere. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai expressed gratitude for the international recognition, noting that the city government has been actively promoting urban marketing and concert-driven economic growth. With high cost-performance and diverse tourism resources, he warmly welcomes travelers from around the world to experience the vibrant charm of southern Taiwan.

The Times identifies November as a 'golden period for off-peak travel,' falling between the October holiday season and the busy December year-end period, when tourist crowds are thinner and prices are more favorable globally. The publication specifically praises Kaohsiung as 'ideal for temperate sightseeing and cycling,' noting that while Taiwan's third-largest city was once often overlooked by international travelers, it has now captured global attention with its unique appeal. Compared to the hot and humid summer, November in Kaohsiung sees daytime temperatures comfortably in the low 20s Celsius, with significantly lower humidity—perfect for outdoor walking or cycling.

For itinerary planning, The Times strongly recommends renting bicycles and leisurely riding along the recently revitalized riverside corridor of the Love River to soak in the harbor city's lifestyle. Culturally, the report spotlights 'Lotus Pond,' surrounded by multiple temples. In addition to visiting the iconic 'Dragon and Tiger Towers,' visitors can deeply experience the beauty of traditional religious architecture at the nearby Taoist temple 'Qiming Tang.'

Even after dark, Kaohsiung remains pleasantly cool, making it ideal to stroll through local night markets in short sleeves, enjoying freshly made mochi, salt-and-pepper chicken, rice-based snacks, and classic milk tea—offering a firsthand taste of Taiwan's vibrant street food culture.

Beyond the city center, the report recommends taking a 15-minute ferry ride to 'Cijin.' The island features a unique black sand beach, a coastal bike path, and a famous seafood street, offering the dual pleasures of seaside cycling and fresh seafood dining. For those with more time, the Buddhist holy site 'Fo Guang Shan,' located about an hour's drive from the city, is a must-visit immersive destination. Its grand architecture and serene atmosphere provide travelers with a profound spiritual cleanse.

On accommodations, The Times focuses on 'THE AMNIS, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kaohsiung,' located in Qianzhen District. As Taiwan's first five-star hotel to join Marriott International's top-tier luxury brand 'The Luxury Collection,' THE AMNIS is known for its understated luxury, tranquility, and high privacy.

The hotel collaborates deeply with the 'ALIEN Art Centre Jinma Guesthouse Contemporary Art Museum,' displaying works by numerous domestic and international artists. It offers guided art tours, painting workshops, and dedicated shuttle services. The 147 guest rooms start from 18 ping (approx. 59.4 sqm), with only 6 to 10 rooms per floor. Features like 27cm-thick soundproof walls and a policy of accepting guests aged 10 and above reflect its focus on high-end clientele seeking quality experiences.

Dining options include 'Ukai-tei Kaohsiung,' a Michelin-recommended teppanyaki restaurant, and 'Dassai Bar,' which specializes in Japanese Dassai sake and seasonal cuisine—delivering a fully immersive stay that connects local landscapes with contemporary aesthetics.

The Times' '20 Best Places to Visit in November' includes:

- Florence, Italy: Fewer crowds allow relaxed exploration of art masterpieces and historical sites - New York, USA: Metropolitan charm and cultural performances in late autumn to early winter - Lyon, France: Cozy restaurants and gourmet culture as Christmas season approaches - Athens, Greece: Cooler climate ideal for walking among ancient ruins - Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: A warm-weather escape with sunshine and Red Sea diving - Curaçao: Caribbean beauty with stunning beaches and tropical vibes - Muscat, Oman: Pleasant Middle Eastern climate with exotic culture and desert landscapes - Lanzarote, Spain: Volcanic terrain and winter sunshine in the Canary Islands - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Dry season perfect for exploring historic districts - Kaohsiung, Taiwan: The only Taiwanese city on the list! Comfortable climate, Love River cycling, night market food, and harbor views - Chiang Mai, Thailand: Post-rainy season coolness ideal for hiking and cultural tourism - Oaxaca, Mexico: Rich local traditions and authentic Mexican cuisine - York, UK: Charming historic streets and cozy pubs before winter - Chilean Patagonia, Chile: Prime season for hiking and experiencing breathtaking natural scenery - Antigua, Guatemala: Dry and pleasant climate to admire Spanish colonial architecture - Sydney, Australia: Early summer warmth and outdoor activities in the Southern Hemisphere - Buenos Aires, Argentina: Late spring to early summer urban charm and artistic atmosphere - Iceland: Experience winter auroras and volcanic hot springs - Kyoto, Japan: Stroll through ancient temples amid autumn foliage - Douro Valley, Portugal: Scenic terraced vineyards and wine-tasting tours