15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.

Kaohsiung is a major port city in southern Taiwan and the country's principal industrial and economic center. Its large harbor handles heavy shipping traffic, and the city has developed into a hub for steel, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and logistics. Visitors enjoy the Love River, a scenic waterway lined with walkways, cafes, and riverside art, and the nearby Lotus Pond, which features dragon and tiger pagodas. Kaohsiung is also famous for its lively night markets, where locals gather to sample grilled seafood, oyster omelets, and other regional snacks. The city enjoys a warmer climate than northern Taiwan, with sunny weather that suits outdoor exploration of parks, museums, and waterfront districts. As the gateway to southern Taiwan attractions, including the beaches of Kenting National Park, Kaohsiung makes an excellent starting point for travelers exploring the island's southern coast.
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From Taiwanese, possibly meaning 'high hero'. Second-largest city in Taiwan.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Want to explore where Kaohsiungers live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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