About Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a harbor city with soul in Taiwan. If you’re craving a destination that blends seaside vibes, cutting-edge design, a thriving arts scene and traditional Taiwanese hospitality, let us introduce you to Kaohsiung, a rising star on Asia’s travel map.
Located in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second-largest city and its biggest port. But don’t let the “industrial harbor” label fool you. This is a city that’s transforming fast. Once known mainly for its shipping yards and factories, Kaohsiung has reinvented itself into a city of green parks, bold architecture, creative spaces, and sunset-filled coastlines.
It’s sunny, spacious, laid-back, and full of surprises. It’s perfect for those who want a slower, sunnier, and more soulful side of Taiwan.
From Industrial Roots to Art-Loving City
Kaohsiung has undergone one of Taiwan’s most exciting urban makeovers.
At the heart of its transformation is the Pier-2 Art Center, a former warehouse district turned creative wonderland. Think massive murals, quirky installations, weekend markets, and live performances — all just steps from the harbor breeze.
Another architectural masterpiece is the Kaohsiung Music Center, a futuristic wave-shaped structure symbolizing the city’s love for the sea and sound. Add in the Wei Wu Ying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Asia’s largest performing arts center), and it’s clear: Kaohsiung isn’t just a port city. It’s a city that speaks in music, color, and movement.
Sunshine, Sea Breezes, and Nature
Southern Taiwan means better weather year-round, and Kaohsiung lives up to that promise. With more sunny days and blue skies than Taipei or Taichung, it’s ideal for outdoor exploration.
Take a ferry to Cijin Island, where you can bike along the beach, climb to the old lighthouse, or snack on fresh seafood by the sea. Or head to Lotus Pond, famous for its dragon-and-tiger pagodas and peaceful walking paths.
Looking for a nature escape? Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) offers jungle hikes, views over the city, and yes — plenty of cheeky monkeys along the way.
Night Markets and Local Flavors
Kaohsiung knows how to eat. The city is famous for its night markets, each with a slightly different flavor. Try:
Liuhe Night Market – tourist-friendly, lots of seafood
Ruifeng Night Market – local favorite, packed with variety
Don’t miss Kaohsiung specialties like:
Seafood rice soup
Papaya milk
Grilled squid
Braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan) with a southern twist
And thanks to Kaohsiung’s wide streets and open spaces, night markets here feel a bit more relaxed than their northern counterparts.
Getting Around Is a Breeze
Kaohsiung’s MRT system is clean, easy, and sceni, especially the Formosa Boulevard Station, home to the stunning “Dome of Light”, the largest glass artwork in the world.
It’s also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Taiwan, with riverside paths, harbor-side trails, and a public bike-share system called YouBike.
Why Kaohsiung Should Be on Your Taiwan Bucket List
Kaohsiung has heart. It’s not just about what to see. It’s about how it makes you feel. It’s a place where you can take a deep breath, walk along the harbor at golden hour, chat with friendly locals, and feel like you’ve found a secret side of Taiwan that most travelers miss.
It’s creative without being crowded. Urban, but not overwhelming. Modern, yet deeply tied to its roots.
Come for the sunshine. Stay for the soul. Fall in love with Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung Average Temperature by Month
Note: The monthly average data is the 30-year average value. Duration: 1991~2020
Data Source: Taiwan Central Weather Administration
| January | 19.7 |
| February | 20.7 |
| March | 23.0 |
| April | 25.7 |
| May | 27.8 |
| June | 28.9 |
| July | 29.4 |
| August | 28.9 |
| September | 28.5 |
| October | 26.9 |
| November | 24.5 |
| December | 21.2 |
Climate Statistics in Kaohsiung
(D>25) = (Number of Days with Average Temperature >= 25℃)
(avg. min.) = (Average Minimum Temperature)
(avg. max.) = (Average Maximum Temperature)
(day rain) = (Number of Days with Rain >=0.1mm)
| D>25 | avg. min. | avg. max. | day rain | |
| Jan. | 0.2 | 16.2 | 24.2 | 3.2 |
| Feb. | 1.4 | 17.2 | 25.0 | 3.2 |
| Mar. | 7.7 | 19.7 | 27.0 | 3.6 |
| Apr. | 20.7 | 22.8 | 29.3 | 5.4 |
| May | 29.7 | 25.2 | 31.0 | 9.2 |
| Jun. | 29.6 | 26.3 | 32.1 | 12.9 |
| Jul. | 31.0 | 26.7 | 32.7 | 13.2 |
| Aug. | 30.8 | 26.3 | 32.1 | 16.7 |
| Sep. | 29.8 | 25.9 | 31.8 | 10.1 |
| Oct. | 28.8 | 24.4 | 30.1 | 4.2 |
| Nov. | 13.1 | 21.6 | 28.1 | 2.8 |
| Dec. | 1.0 | 17.9 | 25.3 | 2.8 |
Monthly Average Temperature in Other Cities
▎Taipei Average Temperature by Month
▎Taichung Average Temperature by Month
▎Kaohsiung Average Temperature by Month
▎Alishan Average Temperature by Month
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle