Kaohsiung - the second largest city in Taiwan - is situated in southern Taiwan. The population is 1.5 million with a total of 4 million in the environs. The city has made great efforts to green itself, a noble effort given that it has the highest concentration of motorcycles - 1.15 million - of any city on the island.

The first-class port - it ranks eighth in the world - accommodates vessels up to 100,000 tons. The True Love Port, located where the Love River and ocean meet, has two landmarks: two sailing boats - one facing the ocean, the other the city. Tour boats, which run daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm (head to Jhongjheng Bridge on Jhongjheng Fifth Rd.), offer a lovely experience of the beautiful parks, and riverfront cafés and restaurants.

The Kaoshiung Museum of History, built in 1938, served as a police station during the Japanese occupation (1895-1945). Besides showcasing the history of the port city, it also has on display items from other museums, including Taipei's famed National Palace Museum.

Finally, head to the city's largest wholesale market - located in an old shopping area on Sanfonszon St. near Jianguo Third Rd. - for a truly Taiwanese experience. There, among the hustle and bustle of determined shoppers, take a gander at the fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and seafood and much much more.