Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s Southern Star of Culture, Coastlines, and Creativity
If Taipei is Taiwan’s fast-paced heart, Kaohsiung (高雄) is its soulful, sun-soaked counterpart in the south. Once known primarily as a major industrial port, Kaohsiung has transformed in recent decades into one of Taiwan’s most dynamic cities—a place where sea breezes meet street art, where temples share space with design hubs, and where friendly locals make the city feel like home the moment you arrive.
With its laid-back vibe, tropical climate, and mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, Kaohsiung is a destination that rewards both fast-paced explorers and slow travelers. Whether you’re cruising through its artistic neighborhoods, hopping on a ferry to a beach island, or sampling southern Taiwanese cuisine at a buzzing night market, Kaohsiung welcomes you with warmth, color, and a creative spirit that’s uniquely its own.
🧭 Where Is Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung is located on the southwestern coast of Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait. It’s Taiwan’s second-largest city, and a major transportation hub for southern Taiwan.
Getting there is easy:
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) – 90 minutes from Taipei to Zuoying Station
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – Connected to major Asian cities
Taiwan Railways (TRA) and extensive MRT, light rail, and bus systems
🌟 Why Visit Kaohsiung?
🌊 Coastal Attractions – Beaches, islands, and harbor views
🎨 Modern Art & Architecture – Street art, museums, and design centers
🍜 Southern Taiwanese Cuisine – Rich flavors and local favorites
🛕 Spiritual Sites – Ancient temples and vibrant religious festivals
🚲 Laid-back Living – Bike-friendly paths and relaxed city energy
Kaohsiung is where tradition and innovation live side by side.
🖼️ Highlights of Kaohsiung
1. Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區)
A former industrial warehouse area reborn as Kaohsiung’s creative heartbeat. Murals, installations, design shops, and pop-up events fill the vibrant space near the harbor.
Don’t Miss:
Quirky outdoor art
Local craft shops
Weekend markets and concerts
2. Dome of Light (光之穹頂) – Formosa Boulevard MRT
This is no ordinary metro station. The Dome of Light, the world’s largest glass installation, transforms your commute into a stained-glass wonder.
Tip: Catch a short light and music show every hour.
3. Liuhe and Ruifeng Night Markets (六合、瑞豐夜市)
Kaohsiung’s food scene is bold and flavorful. Liuhe Night Market is centrally located and famous among tourists, while Ruifeng is loved by locals for its massive variety and weekend vibe.
Try:
Papaya milk
Grilled squid
Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice
Deep-fried milk!
4. Lotus Pond (蓮池潭) and Its Dragon & Tiger Pagodas
One of the city’s iconic religious sites. Enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit the tiger’s for good luck. Surrounding the pond are multiple temples, pagodas, and photo spots.
5. Cijin Island (旗津) – A Ferry Ride Away
Just a quick ferry from Gushan Harbor, Cijin is Kaohsiung’s beachy escape. Rent a bike and explore Cijin Beach, the seafood street, and Cihou Lighthouse.
Best for:
Sunset views
Fresh seafood
Coastal cycling
🧘♀️ Temples & Tradition
Despite its modern growth, Kaohsiung retains deep spiritual roots.
Notable Temples:
Fo Guang Shan Monastery (佛光山) – Taiwan’s largest Buddhist complex; peaceful and massive
Zuoying Yuandi Temple – Known for its gigantic statue of the Taoist god Yuandi
Tianhou Temple in Cijin – A historic Mazu temple dating back over 300 years
Kaohsiung’s religious festivals—especially the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage and Dragon Boat Festival—are immersive and colorful.
🚴♂️ Outdoor Fun & Nature
6. Sizihwan Bay (西子灣) – Sunset Hotspot
Just next to National Sun Yat-sen University, this beach and harbor area is a student favorite for sunsets, seafood, and hiking trails.
7. Shoushan (Monkey Mountain)
A short hike rewards you with views of the harbor—and if you’re lucky, some monkey encounters.
8. Weiwuying (衛武營國家藝術文化中心)
Asia’s largest performing arts center sits within a massive park and hosts concerts, plays, and cultural events. The building’s flowing architecture is inspired by banyan trees.
🍜 What to Eat in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung’s food is slightly sweeter, heartier, and spicier than northern Taiwan. It’s also a great city to explore Hakka, indigenous, and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Local Must-Eats:
Kaohsiung-style beef noodle soup
Seafood hot pot
Milkfish congee (虱目魚粥)
Ba-wan (肉圓) – Savory gelatinous dumpling
Hakka mochi (麻糬)
Kaohsiung’s café scene is also booming, especially in Yancheng and Aozihdi areas.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Autumn (Oct–Dec) – Cooler, dry, and best for outdoor activities
Winter (Jan–Feb) – Mild and ideal for hiking, city walks
Spring (Mar–May) – Lush and warm, perfect for beach days
Summer (Jun–Sept) – Hot and humid, but alive with festivals and water sports
Kaohsiung gets more sunshine and less rain than northern Taiwan year-round.
📍 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: City Culture & Art
Start at Formosa Boulevard (Dome of Light)
Explore Pier-2 Art Center
Visit Kaohsiung Harbor and Love River
End with dinner at Ruifeng Night Market
Day 2: History & Coastline
Ferry to Cijin Island for biking, beach, and seafood
Visit Dragon & Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond
Walk through Zuoying Old Town
Day 3: Nature & Relaxation
Morning hike up Shoushan
Explore Weiwuying Cultural Center
Chill at a café in the Yancheng district
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung isn’t just a city—it’s a mood. It’s laid-back but energized, culturally rich yet open-minded, and full of sights, sounds, and flavors that invite exploration without the hustle. Whether you’re after beach days, street food feasts, temple trails, or artistic inspiration, Kaohsiung delivers—all with sunshine and a smile.
If you’re traveling through Taiwan, don’t just pass through Kaohsiung—stay a while. You might just find yourself falling in love with its slower pace and endless surprises.
Top Tips for Visiting Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s Southern Star
Often overshadowed by Taipei, the southern city of Kaohsiung is a laid-back, sun-soaked destination bursting with culture, creativity, and coastal charm. As Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung offers a unique blend of modern art, historical landmarks, delicious street food, and tropical weather — all with fewer crowds. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more, here are the top tips to make your Kaohsiung trip unforgettable.
🚄 1. Getting There: Ride the High-Speed Rail
From Taipei or Taichung, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is the fastest way to reach Kaohsiung, arriving at Zuoying Station in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, the Kaohsiung MRT can take you almost anywhere in the city.
✅ Pro Tip: Book your THSR tickets in advance online for discounts, especially during holidays.
🏨 2. Stay Near the MRT
Kaohsiung’s MRT system is efficient and affordable. Staying near stations like Formosa Boulevard, Sanduo Shopping District, or Central Park gives you easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and night markets.
✅ Bonus: The Formosa Boulevard Station is home to the Dome of Light, the largest glass artwork in the world — a must-see!
🌞 3. Embrace the Southern Vibe
Kaohsiung is warmer and sunnier than northern Taiwan — perfect for shorts, sunglasses, and outdoor exploring year-round. It also moves at a slower, more relaxed pace than Taipei.
✅ Pack: Sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing — especially in spring and summer.
🎨 4. Discover the Art and Culture Scene
Kaohsiung has transformed into a creative powerhouse. Don’t miss:
Pier-2 Art Center: A former warehouse district turned cultural hub with art installations, cafés, and quirky shops
Kaohsiung Music Center: A futuristic waterfront venue for music and events
Weiwuying (National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts): One of Asia’s largest performance venues
✅ Pro Tip: Visit Pier-2 around sunset for cool photo ops and a great sea breeze.
🐉 5. Visit the Iconic Lotus Pond
Home to the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond is a scenic spot full of temples and traditional architecture. Enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit the tiger’s to symbolically turn bad luck into good fortune.
✅ Go early or at golden hour for the best light and fewer crowds.
🌊 6. Take the Ferry to Cijin Island
A short ferry ride from Gushan Ferry Pier takes you to Cijin Island, a favorite for beach walks, seafood, and lighthouse views. You can rent a bike or scooter to explore the island in under two hours.
✅ Don’t miss: Cijin Windmill Park and fresh grilled seafood at the street market.
🌃 7. Explore Kaohsiung’s Night Markets
Kaohsiung’s night markets are less touristy but just as tasty:
Liuhe Night Market – tourist-friendly, central, great for beginners
Ruifeng Night Market – local favorite with a huge variety of food and games
Kaisyuan Night Market – large and lively, but only open a few days a week
✅ Try: Papaya milk, grilled squid, and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.
⛴️ 8. Enjoy the Harbor and Rivers
Kaohsiung’s identity as a port city shines through in its riverside and harbor areas. Take a Love River cruise, visit the Kaohsiung Harbor Rail Museum, or stroll along the Great Harbor Bridge, Taiwan’s first rotating bridge.
✅ Romantic Tip: The Love River is especially beautiful at night when the lights reflect on the water.
🧳 9. Use Public Transport + Walk
Kaohsiung’s MRT, light rail (LRT), and buses make it easy to get around. You can also rent YouBikes (shared bikes) or enjoy walking through arts districts, waterfronts, and temple areas.
✅ EasyCard works here — top it up and ride freely on most systems.
📱 10. Stay Connected and Go with the Flow
Kaohsiung locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. While English may not be as common as in Taipei, people are helpful and friendly. A little patience — and maybe Google Translate — will go a long way.
✅ Download: Google Maps, Kaohsiung MRT app, and Pleco (Mandarin dictionary).
Final Thoughts
Kaohsiung is a refreshing escape filled with creative energy, seaside serenity, and southern Taiwanese charm. Whether you’re exploring temple-lined streets, sipping bubble tea near the harbor, or catching a sunset on a rooftop, this underrated gem promises an experience that’s both laid-back and unforgettable.
So pack light, smile wide, and let Kaohsiung show you its colorful soul.