The consensus: Yes, you can experience Taiwan without Taipei—but you'll miss some iconic experiences. The capital offers the National Palace Museum (housing world-class Chinese artifacts), Taipei 101, and arguably the most famous night markets. The question is whether those experiences outweigh the benefits of slower, deeper regional travel.

For this particular traveler, the decision makes sense. After two months in Japanese cities covering "big city, volunteering in rural valleys, living with a local in even more rural parts, edo period towns," another major capital might feel redundant. Southern Taiwan offers something different: local culture without the international tourist infrastructure.

The approach also aligns with sustainable travel principles. Spending a full week in one region rather than rushing between destinations reduces transportation emissions, supports local economies outside tourist centers, and allows genuine cultural immersion.

However, skipping Taipei does come with trade-offs. The city serves as Taiwan's cultural and political heart, offering perspectives on the island's complex identity that might not be as apparent in the south. For first-time visitors to Taiwan with limited time, most travel experts still recommend including the capital.

But for travelers with specific interests—beach culture, southern Taiwanese cuisine, less-crowded temples, tropical weather—the southern route offers compelling alternatives. And for those who've already saturated on big Asian cities, Kaohsiung and Kenting provide authentic Taiwan experiences without another capital city.

The broader lesson: traditional "must-see" itineraries aren't one-size-fits-all. Thoughtful travelers should design routes based on their actual interests, previous experiences, and travel style—even if that means skipping the capital. Sometimes the best way to experience a country is to avoid where everyone else goes.