Kaohsiung is 394 kilometers (246 miles) south of Taipei. It's the second largest city with a population of 1.5 million (1993). It is also the home to Taiwan's largest seaport - the third largest in the world - and an international airport.

Kaohsiung was originally called "Dagou," the name of the local aborigines who use to reside in this area. In 1563, the tribe moved to PingDong City because of pirates in the area. In 1920 the city's name changed to Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung is a large industrial city paved with wide streets and lined by modern office towers. Cultural centers include the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural Science and Technology Museum and the Kaohsiung Historical and Cultural Museum.

Close to Kaohsiung is Shoushan (Longevity Mountain) covered with temples and pavilions. At the top of the hill is the Martyrs Shrine offering spectacular views. North of Kaohsiung is the Cheng Ching Lake area containing two aquariums where rare fish from all over the world can be seen.

Kaohsiung is more Taiwanese than the northern cities and its close proximity to the beaches of Kenting makes Kaohsiung a very appealing place to be based.

The cost of living is much less than that of Taipei. Winters are warmer and drier than in the north. Kaohsiung, like Taipei, has an active nightlife.

PingDong, known for its farmer's markets and temples, is on the road to the beaches of Kenting National Park and the mountains of central Taiwan. This small but modern town has few foreign residents, but makes up for its lack of excitement with an abundance of outdoor activities. Close by are the small authentic aboriginal village called Santimen, the market town of Suimen and the commercial Machia Aborigine Culture Park that has performances throughout the day.