Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis known for its bustling harbor, impressive skyscrapers, beautiful parks, and a rich blend of traditional and modern culture.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is from October to April when the weather is typically dry and warm, with temperatures averaging between 20-28°C (68-82°F), providing ideal conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's numerous outdoor attractions.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, depending on where you're traveling from:
By Air: The Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is the second-largest airport in Taiwan, serving both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or the MRT to get into the city.
By High-Speed Rail (HSR): If you're traveling from another city in Taiwan, like Taipei, you can take the High-Speed Rail (HSR). The journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The Zuoying station in Kaohsiung is the southern terminus of the HSR.
By Train: Regular train services connect Kaohsiung with other cities in Taiwan. The journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung by regular train takes about 4-5 hours.
By Bus: Long-distance bus services are also available from other cities in Taiwan.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and use Taiwan's well-maintained highway system.
By Ferry: If you're in the Penghu Islands, you can also take a ferry to Kaohsiung.
Top 16 Attractions in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a city rich with cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn't miss:
Love River: Known as the heart of Kaohsiung, the Love River is a great place to relax, take a river cruise, or enjoy the numerous cafes and restaurants along its banks. True Love Pier: A vibrant harborfront area with cafes, shops, and a romantic ambience. The pier is a popular spot for locals and tourists to take a relaxing walk.
Liuhe Night Market: This bustling night market is famous for its wide array of street food, clothing, and other goods, offering an authentic taste of local life.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: This massive complex is home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world, and its museum houses numerous Buddhist artifacts.
Pier-2 Art Center: Once a series of abandoned warehouses, this area has been transformed into a vibrant art district featuring galleries, exhibits, and street art.
Cijin Island: Accessible by a quick ferry ride, this island offers beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and historical attractions like the Cijin Lighthouse and Cijin Tianhou Temple.
Formosa Boulevard Station: Home to the "Dome of Light," the largest glasswork installation in the world, this subway station is a must-visit.
Lotus Pond: This artificial lake is famous for its unique temples and pagodas, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions.
85 Sky Tower: Standing 85 stories high, this skyscraper offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The building also hosts a hotel, shopping mall, and restaurants.
Sizihwan Bay: Known for its beautiful sunsets, Sizihwan Bay is also home to the historical British Consulate at Takao and the National Sun Yat-sen University.
Central Park: The city's largest urban park is a wonderful place for a leisurely walk or picnic, and it's especially lovely during the cherry blossom season.
E-DA World: A large shopping and amusement park complex, E-DA World offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, including a ferris wheel, roller coasters, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
National Science and Technology Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to promoting science and technology, it's a great place for families and anyone interested in learning more about the world of science.
Shoushan National Nature Park: Perfect for nature and hiking enthusiasts, this park is also known as Monkey Mountain due to the large population of macaque monkeys that call it home.
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts: This museum features a wide range of Taiwanese and international art, including contemporary and historical pieces.
Tuntex Sky Tower: Offering stunning panoramic views of the city, this tower is the tallest building in the city and one of the tallest in Taiwan.
Ruifeng Night Market: Another popular night market in Kaohsiung that offers a wide range of street food and shopping options.
Top 10 Activities
Kaohsiung is a city that offers a wide range of activities for all types of travelers. Here are some top activities you can enjoy:
River Cruising: Take a scenic river cruise along the Love River, especially enchanting in the evening when the city lights are reflected on the water.
Biking: Rent a bicycle and explore the city's numerous bike paths, including the path along the Love River or the Cijin Island Coastal Park.
Hiking: Venture to Shoushan National Nature Park for a hike amidst beautiful natural scenery and to spot the resident macaque monkeys.
Exploring Night Markets: Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring the city's night markets, such as Liuhe Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market. Try local delicacies, shop for trinkets, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Art Appreciation: Spend some time exploring the local art scene at the Pier-2 Art Center or the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts.
Ferry Ride to Cijin Island: Take a short ferry ride to Cijin Island where you can enjoy the beach, try fresh seafood, visit the lighthouse, and explore the quaint streets.
Visit Temples: Visit some of Kaohsiung's beautiful temples, such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, and the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.
Enjoy the View from 85 Sky Tower: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of the 85 Sky Tower.
Food Tasting: Sample the city's rich food culture at its many eateries and food stalls. Try local specialties like milkfish, sticky rice dumplings, and papaya milk.
Visit E-DA Theme Park: If you're traveling with kids, this amusement park is a must-visit with its variety of rides and attractions.
Best Shopping
Kaohsiung offers an exciting mix of traditional markets, contemporary malls, and boutique shops for the shopping enthusiasts. Here are some popular shopping spots:
Dream Mall: As the largest shopping mall in Taiwan and one of the largest in Asia, Dream Mall houses a multitude of international and local brands, a movie theater, and a food court. There's also a Ferris wheel on the rooftop offering panoramic views of the city.
Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza: This high-end shopping complex is home to numerous international fashion brands, beauty stores, and gourmet dining establishments.
Sanduo Shopping District: This busy shopping area is located near the Sanduo MRT Station and offers a wide range of shops selling electronics, clothing, and more.
Liuhe and Ruifeng Night Markets: Aside from delicious street food, these night markets also offer a variety of goods including clothing, accessories, and toys.
Pier-2 Art Center: Here you'll find boutique shops selling unique local artwork, handicrafts, and design products, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs.
Jingming 1st Street: Known as Coffee Street, this pedestrian-friendly zone is lined with cafes, boutiques, and shops selling crafts and fashion items.
E-DA Outlet Mall: Located a bit out of the city, this is Taiwan’s first boutique outlet mall, offering a large variety of discounted luxury brands.
Cijin Island Seafood Street: If you're looking to buy fresh seafood or dried seafood products to take home, this is the place to go.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Nightlife in Kaohsiung is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from lively night markets to tranquil riverside strolls, clubs, bars, and cultural performances. Here's a snapshot of what you can enjoy:
Night Markets: Kaohsiung's night markets, such as Liuhe and Ruifeng, are bustling centers of activity. Try local foods, shop for unique items, or just soak in the energetic atmosphere.
Bars and Clubs: For a more lively night, check out the bars and clubs in the Yancheng District or around the Love River. Popular spots include Lamp Disco, LAMP KTV and Lounge Bar, and Brickyard which often feature live DJs and music.
Love River: The Love River area is popular for its picturesque evening scenery, trendy bars, and cafes. A night river cruise or a leisurely stroll along the river is a great way to relax.
Live Performances: If you enjoy live music or theater, check out the Kaohsiung City Music Hall or the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts for concerts, operas, or drama performances.
Pier-2 Art District: This area comes alive at night with light installations and occasionally hosts evening events and performances. There are also several bars and restaurants in the area.
E-DA World: This large complex not only includes shopping and amusement parks but also features a movie theater and often hosts various evening performances.
Rooftop Bars: Enjoy a drink and the panoramic night view of the city at one of Kaohsiung's rooftop bars. The bar at 85 Sky Tower is a popular spot.
Cafes: Kaohsiung is full of unique and trendy cafes that are perfect for a relaxed night out. Many of these cafes, especially in the Yancheng District, are open late.
Local Cuisine
Kaohsiung offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects Taiwan's mix of Chinese, Japanese, and aboriginal influences. Here are some local specialties to try:
Milkfish: A local favorite, this fish is often served in a variety of ways, including as a savory soup, fried, or as congee.
Dan Zai Noodles: A typical Taiwanese dish, it consists of wheat noodles served in a savory broth with minced pork and a prawn on top.
Oyster Omelette: A popular street food dish, it's made with small oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter, often served with a savory-sweet sauce.
Stinky Tofu: A must-try for adventurous eaters, this fermented tofu dish has a pungent smell but is beloved by locals for its unique flavor.
Gua Bao: Often referred to as a Taiwanese hamburger, it's a fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, coriander, and ground peanuts.
Papaya Milk: A popular refreshing drink, it's a blend of fresh papaya and milk, often served over ice. You can find it at local juice stands.
Pineapple Cake: A popular souvenir, this sweet pastry is filled with candied pineapple.
Seafood: Given its coastal location, Kaohsiung is known for its fresh seafood. Try some at the seafood restaurants on Cijin Island.
Bubble Tea: Originating in Taiwan, this popular drink of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls is a must-try.
Taiwanese Breakfast: Traditional breakfast shops serve soy milk (sweet or salty), deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao), steamed buns (baozi), and rice rolls (fan tuan).
Accommodations
Kaohsiung is a large city with various districts that cater to different interests. Here are some of the best areas to stay in depending on what you're looking for:
Xinxing District: Home to Liuhe Night Market, one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan, Xinxing District is in the heart of Kaohsiung and has a wide variety of hotels and accommodations. It's a great choice if you want to be near food, shopping, and city hustle and bustle.
Yancheng District: Known as the old town of Kaohsiung, it's filled with historic charm. It's also close to the Pier-2 Art Center and Love River, making it a great area for those interested in culture and arts.
Gushan District: This area is a good choice if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities, as it's near Shoushan National Nature Park and the ferry to Cijin Island. It also hosts the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts.
Zuoying District: Here you'll find the Lotus Pond with its famous pagodas, and it's also where the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) Kaohsiung station is located, providing easy access for day trips out of the city.
Sanmin District: A residential area with local charm, Sanmin District has a quieter atmosphere. It's also home to the Dome of Light in Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, one of the city's top attractions.
Lingya District: A bustling commercial area, Lingya District hosts the Sanduo Shopping District and the 85 Sky Tower, with its spectacular city views.
Itinerary
48 Enchanting Hours in Kaohsiung: A Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Cultural Treasures and City Landmarks
Morning
Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery.
Visit the iconic 85 Sky Tower to get panoramic views of the city.
Explore the nearby Sanduo Shopping District for a bit of retail therapy.
Afternoon
Head to the Lotus Pond in Zuoying District. Marvel at the beautiful pagodas, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
Lunch at one of the local restaurants around the Lotus Pond, trying out some Kaohsiung specialties.
After lunch, visit the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in the Gushan District to appreciate Taiwanese and international art.
Evening
Explore the lively Liuhe Night Market in Xinxing District. Indulge in local delicacies like stinky tofu, dan zai noodles, and bubble tea.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Love River, enjoying the night lights and perhaps a river cruise.
Day 2: Artistic Encounters and Island Excursions
Morning
Have breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.
Visit the Pier-2 Art Center in Yancheng District, known for its contemporary art installations and creative atmosphere.
Afternoon
Take a short ferry ride to Cijin Island. Rent a bicycle to explore the island, visit the lighthouse, enjoy the beach, and savor fresh seafood for lunch.
Upon returning to the mainland, spend your afternoon at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, exploring its various sections dedicated to music, drama, dance, and opera.
Evening
Visit the Ruifeng Night Market for dinner, sampling more local street food and doing some souvenir shopping.
End your day with a visit to a rooftop bar, such as the one at 85 Sky Tower, enjoying a nightcap while taking in the beautiful cityscape.
