Old towns in Taiwan are once again in the spotlight, replacing previous popular destinations in the tourism scene.
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In a surprising turn of events, Taiwan's most popular tourist destinations have seen a significant reshuffle in the first half of 2024, according to recent statistics released by the Transportation Ministry’s Tourism Administration.
Anping, a historic district in Tainan, has emerged as the top attraction, drawing over 10.49 million visitors between January and June. This 400-year-old town, with its old fort and vibrant old street, has captivated tourists with its rich history and local delicacies. The area's combination of historical sites and modern facilities has proven irresistible to both domestic and international visitors.
Following closely is Beigang in Yunlin County, home to the famous Chaotian Temple. The temple, established in 1694, attracted 8.51 million visitors in the first half of the year, many drawn by the fervent Mazu pilgrimage festivities in May. Lukang Old Street in Changhua County secured the third spot with 8.33 million visitors in the past six months, marking its rise as a must-visit destination on many travelers' lists.
Rounding out the top five are Chiayi's Wenhua Road Night Market and Yunlin's Beigang Wude Temple. This year's rankings are notably different from last year's, with old towns taking the top three spots. Analysts attribute Anping's success partly to the additional draw of a lantern festival, while Beigang benefited from the popularity of religious tourism centered around the Mazu pilgrimage.