Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung gets strong sunshine in summer and early autumn, so use sun protection and stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

City life and port scenery come together in Kaohsiung. A relaxed 3-day, 2-night trip with plenty of walking lets you explore the city, coast, and cultural sights. The following guide covers attractions, an itinerary, food, and transport.

• Cijin Island: The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes. Explore the colorful fishing village, Cihou Lighthouse, Starry Sky Tunnel, and Cihou Fort, then stay by the sea to watch the sunset.

• Pier-2 Art Center: Former port warehouses have been transformed into creative spaces, with large art installations, craft markets, and cafés throughout the grounds. You can also see the rotating Great Harbor Bridge.

• Sizihwan Scenic Area: This coastal area in Kaohsiung is known for its sunsets, when the sky turns pink and orange. The coast also has historic Qing-dynasty forts and is home to National Sun Yat-sen University.

• Lotus Pond: Several brightly colored temples stand around this natural lake. At the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, follow the custom of entering through the dragon's throat and leaving through the tiger's mouth for good fortune. You can also rent a bicycle to ride around the lake.

• National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying): This vast building has a shape reminiscent of a spaceship. Both its interior spaces and outdoor lawns offer photo opportunities. In the early evening, head indoors to cool off or take a walk around the lawns.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City Art Spaces and Night Markets
  • Afternoon: After arriving in Kaohsiung and checking into your hotel, head to Pier-2 Art Center to browse creative shops and art installations, then walk to the waterfront to enjoy the harbor sunset.

• Early evening: Walk or take the light rail to Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, where old railway tracks and modern art form part of the park landscape.
  • Evening: Visit Formosa Boulevard Station to see the “Dome of Light,” then walk to Liuhe Night Market to try snacks such as papaya milk, grilled squid, and Dongshan-style braised duck heads.

• Day 2: Cijin Coast and Sunset
  • Morning: Take a boat from Gushan Ferry Station to Cijin Island. Start with a stroll along Cijin Old Street and sample its street food.

• Afternoon: Walk along the coast to the Starry Sky Tunnel. After passing through it, you can see sea-eroded rock formations. Then follow the uphill path to Cihou Fort and Cihou Lighthouse for views over Kaohsiung Harbor and the colorful houses.
  • Early evening: Watch the sunset over the sea from Cijin Beach or near the fort, then take the ferry back to the city.

• Evening: If you still have energy, head to Ruifeng Night Market to explore a night market popular with local residents.

• Day 3: Lakeside Historic Sites and Art Venues
  • Morning: Head to Lotus Pond in Zuoying District and rent a bicycle to ride along the lake. Stop at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to explore the area's religious and cultural sights.

• Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), where you can take photos beneath its huge, treehouse-like structure. Alternatively, visit an exhibition at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Early evening: Finish your trip with a walk around Love River Bay, admiring the wave-shaped buildings of the Kaohsiung Music Center along the way.

Local Food to Try in Kaohsiung

• Ya Rou Zhen: This restaurant specializes in Kaohsiung-style duck rice, with duck meat at the bottom of the bowl topped with rich, sticky braised pork. Pair it with a bowl of offal soup with a naturally sweet, savory broth.

• Nan Feng Braised Pork Rice: This restaurant often has a queue and serves southern-style braised pork rice, known for its large pieces of meat and soft, tender pork skin. The flavor is slightly sweet; a little chili sauce adds extra aroma.

• Gang Yuan Beef Noodles: A noodle shop frequented by locals, serving large chunks of beef with a firm, chewy texture. Try the dry noodles with crushed garlic for a richer flavor.

• Bu Er Zhi Guo: A good option for edible gifts. Its taro cake and taro-paste “bombs” have a dense, smooth texture, a pronounced taro flavor, and relatively restrained sweetness.

• Hai Zhi Bing: This long-established shaved-ice shop on Cijin Island serves generous portions of fruit and milk shaved ice. Condensed milk adds a distinctly creamy, sweet flavor.

Where to Stay

• Near Formosa Boulevard Station / Kaohsiung Railway Station: With access to the interchange between two metro lines, this area offers convenient connections to attractions. Liuhe Night Market is within walking distance, and there are plenty of dining options nearby, making it a suitable base for most travelers.

• Near Yanchengpu Station: This area offers easy access to Pier-2 Art Center and the Love River. Its artsy atmosphere and convenient evening dining and strolling options suit travelers who prefer a slower pace and nighttime scenery.

• Around Qianjin District: Accommodation offers good value, with convenient access to metro stations. Many small shops and breakfast places cater to local residents, making this area a good choice for budget-conscious backpackers.

Transport and Travel Tips

• City transport and ferries: Most major attractions are connected by the Kaohsiung MRT and light rail. You can buy or link an EasyCard (or iPASS) to pay for rides. For Cijin Island, take a ferry from Gushan Pier. The fare is about NT$30, payable by EasyCard, and ferries run every 10 minutes.
• Sun protection: Be especially mindful of strong sunshine in summer and early autumn. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and carry enough drinking water when heading out during the day.
• Carry cash: Night markets and many local snack shops accept cash only, so exchange enough money into New Taiwan dollars at convenience stores or metro stations in advance.
• Venue opening information: Before visiting an art museum or a particular exhibition venue, check its official website for notices about closures between exhibitions.
• Xiaoliuqiu side trip: If you have time, set aside an extra day to take a boat from Kaohsiung to Xiaoliuqiu for sea turtles and clear waters. This trip requires an early start, and the boat journey takes about 1.5 hours. Check the weather and sailing schedule before departure.