Kaohsiung, fun outdoor markets

It might be slightly sensitive (seeing as I live and work in Beijing) but I had my first visit to Taiwan last week. My friend Baylene got married, and I also had my first experience as a bridesmaid.
I liked Kaohsiung, the southern city of Taiwan where the wedding was held. Industrial, but by the coast (Taiwan is an island) so a kind of mild sea breeze,...hot (after freezing Beijing) and even in Taiwan winter a kind of summery enjoy the sunshine atmosphere. And some gorgeaus asia-euro style cafes and restaurants, as well as a great Lantern festival by the (unfortunately pollutedly smelly) river.
A different atmosphere to China. Very relaxed, less rushing about. I guess a mix of politics and geography (warmer places often more laid back).
Reading the paper was interesting....there are some politics going on at the moment.
And I look forward to going back for the shopping. I hope Beijing improves to that level of fun shopping in coming years....Kaohsiung hasn't lost the outdoor markets that Beijing lost with destruction of Shiushuijie (silk market) and the old Sunlitun outdoor market. Instead of pulling them down they just did them up. Maybe Beijing could do some fun markets like these. Crazy foreigners like me might spend more money here then rather than saving some clothes shopping for trips abroad!