A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers

Known as a harbor city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung has the biggest port on the island. With year-round fine weather, cheap costs, convenient public transport, and gorgeous beaches, it’s no wonder this city is well-loved by many people.

 As Taiwan’s second largest city after Taipei, Kaohsiung is the lesser known travel destination most people overlook in favor of the capital. But beneath the cover of this sleepy seaside city lies a treasure trove of undiscovered gems.

Experience the local nightlife in Taiwan's famous night market

No trip to Kaohsiung is complete without paying the city’s night markets a visit. The heart of Kaohsiung beats in its night markets where food, shopping, and people come together on one long stretch of road. Prepare yourself for aroma bombs, long queues, awesome shopping, and unbelievable steals. Liuhe night market is the must-visit market in Kaohsiung.

Make a stop at Formosa dome of light

Right by the Liu He Night Market is Kaohsiung’s Formosa station. At first, it may seem like any old station in the world, but there is a secret beautiful gem waiting to be discovered. The station is home to the “Dome of Light”, an impressive glass work display that is the largest in the world. Designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the colorful glasses tell the story of four elements: Water, Earth, Light, and Fire.

Explore Cijin Island

Cijin or Qijin Island is a small, narrow strip of an island just a short ferry ride away from Kaohsiung harbor. It’s a popular day trip destination known for its black sand beach, a few historical and religious structures, and the best seafood in Kaohsiung.

Take selfies at Pier-2 Art Center

Pier-2 Art Center is the most notable of which was a giant 20-foot robot. The creative park is spread out over several buildings and warehouses by the wharf, making for a good 1-2 hours of mural hunting and selfie-taking. You’ll find a few interesting shops and cafes here as well.

Visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. It covers an area of over 30 hectares and is comprised of university buildings, shrines, a cemetery, and a 36-meter tall statue of Amitabha Buddha. Tucked away on the top of a hill overlooking the Gaoping River Basin, this 100-hectare religious palace is the gathering ground for all who seek spiritual respite, fortune, and surprisingly, even fun-filled festivities during certain auspicious months.

Reverse your fortune at the Lotus Lake

Some people believe that luck is something you’re born with; others use all sorts of charms and talismans in efforts to change their luck. Even if you’re not one to be taken in by such superstitions, this one ritual is a must-try for all first-time visitors to Kaohsiung. Run into the dragon’s mouth, said no one ever - save for the locals in Kaohsiung. This auspicious custom has got locals and tourists running straight into the mouth of the dragon and out from the tiger’s mouth is said to reverse one’s fortune from bad to good.

Read more: 24 hour culinary experience in Taiwan

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A day to explore Cijin Island, Taiwan

Cijin Island is a small island in Kaohsiung, just 15-minutes ferry ride outside the famous Kaohsiung Harbour. Although it is very small, this island has become a favorite destination for those visiting the city. The island is famous not only for historical and cultural sites, but also for the fresh seafood. Let’s explore it!

Qijin Town

Once off the ferry, you will find yourself pretty much in the centre of Qijin Town. The look and feel of the town immediately seems different from that of Kaohsiung. In fact, Qijin Town is actually the oldest part of Kaohsiung, having been founded by fisherman in the 17th century. One of the oldest sights in Cijin and all of Kaohsiung is the Cihou Tianhou Temple at the heart of the town. Dedicated to Mazu, a sea goddess quite popular in Taiwan, the humble temple was built in 1673.

Tianhou Temple

The culture and belief of the local people is clearly shown in the Tianhou Temple of Cijin Island. The temple can be traced back to 1673 and is known as Kaohsiung’s oldest temple. Long ago, a fisherman from Mainland China drifted to the island during a typhoon.

Since the island was discovered to be a lovely place, he invited others to crossover. Hence, the temple was built as a reminder of blessing given by Matsu, the sea goddess. The temple is beautiful with many ornaments and colorful carvings, and it is definitely worth visiting during the time in Cijin Island.

Sea Shell Museum

Much further down the beachfront is one of Cijin’s most popular attractions, the Sea Shell Museum. While the museum home to all sorts of sea shells is free to visit, that is not why people come here. Instead it is the various art installations scattered around the museum and park that draw people in. This is the kind of place where everyone wants to get their photo taken.

Qihou Fort

Head west out of town and you will find yourself at the foot of a hill of nature and at a fork in the road. There is no wrong path here, but if you head left you will arrive at the entrance to Qihou Fort.
This hilltop battery from the 18th century once protected the harbour entrance of Kaohsiung. The interior of the fort is quite bare and nothing special, but climb up onto its walls and be rewarded with stellar views to everywhere. From different sides you can see down along Cijin Island, along the coast to the north and best of all the full cityscape of Kaohsiung.

Rainbow Church

Instagrammers will love these next few attractions. Rainbow Church is not actually a place of worship but a colorful architectural feature located at Cijin Seaside Park. It consists of two structures standing next to each other where people can pose for photos with the ocean in the background. It is popular so be prepared to wait your turn.

See more: Top attractions you cannot miss in Kaohsiung, China

Source Internet