Kaohsiung
Introduction
You will find Kaohsiung City situated in southern Taiwan as a special municipality. The city's expansive administrative boundaries stretch from its coastal urban center across wide rural stretches and into the wilderness of the Yushan Range.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit to Kaohsiung by understanding its identity as a major port city with a deep connection to maritime transportation. While the area is known for heavy industry, it has transformed into a modern metropolis featuring wide streets and beautified areas along the banks of the Love River. You should be aware that tipping is not customary here, as excellent service is expected and charges are often already included in your bill.
Navigate the local culture by noting that while Mandarin is the lingua franca, you will encounter Taiwanese more frequently than in the capital. Most signage uses traditional Chinese characters without Latin transcriptions, so learning basic phrases or recognizing characters will be helpful for navigating beyond public transport and road signs. If you rely on taxis, have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.
- The city experiences a mild tropical climate that is drier than northern Taiwan, though it remains hot and sticky during the summer months.
- While some elderly residents or tourism workers may speak Japanese, English is generally limited to basic conversation among younger locals.
- Take standard precautions against theft, which is the most common crime encountered by foreigners in the area.
Getting there
You can reach the city center via several modes of transport, including air, rail, and sea. If you arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport, you can access the city center via the Red Metro (MRT) line, as well as by taxi, car, or scooter. While international flights from Asia land daily, domestic flight options are limited due to the popularity of the High Speed Rail.
Alternatively, you can travel by train to reach Kaohsiung Station in the city center or Zuoying Station on the outskirts. The high speed trains provide a fast connection from Taipei, while regular TRA trains serve the local area and the East Coast. For those traveling by bus, routes run across the island with reclining seats and luggage space. Because the city is a harbor, you can also arrive directly into the city by boat.
Getting around
You can navigate the city by foot, as many points of interest are located within short walking distances of one another. When walking, remain alert on sidewalks that double as scooter parking areas; it is safer to walk between storefronts and the parking rows rather than between parked scooters and the road. Exercise caution when crossing streets, as motorbikes and cars occasionally run red lights.
The city features a clean and convenient metro system consisting of the MRT and LRT. The Red Line runs north to south, while the Orange Line crosses the city from west to east; these two lines meet at an interchange station. For local travel, the Circular Light Rail loops through shopping districts and tourist hotspots. You can also utilize feeder buses to bridge gaps between metro lines. If you prefer cycling, the predominantly flat terrain makes it a great way to see the sights along marked paths, such as the route toward the Art Museum or the coastal side of Shoushan mountain. For more direct travel, taxis are common and can quickly transport you to specific locations if you provide the destination's name in Chinese characters.
Where to stay
Choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different travel styles throughout the city. For those seeking budget-friendly options, you can find clean hostels featuring amenities like shared kitchens and lounge areas with views. Some locations offer privacy features such as curtains on bunks and individual power outlets, while others are situated in vibrant areas near cultural sites like the Pier-2 Art Center.
If you prefer a mid-range experience, several hotels provide modern accommodations with helpful staff who can assist you in English. These options are often located near convenient transport links, such as the K-MRT, or within walking distance of local shopping centers and night markets. For a more luxurious stay, you can choose from stylish hotels featuring on-site gyms, restaurants, and lounges in well-maintained districts.
- Backpacker 41 Hostel
- Takaobay Hostel
- Trip GG Hostel
- Century Hotel
- Hotel Holiday Garden
- The Kingship Hotel Kaohsiung
- Moon Lake Shinkuchan Modern Hotel
- Nobel Hotel
- Venus Hotel
- Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung
- The Lees Hotel Kaohsiung
- Wen Pin Hotel
- Jòhō Hotel
Food & drink
Explore the coastal flavors of Cijin Island, where numerous seafood restaurants line the main street. You can enjoy fresh catches in a small group by ordering several dishes to share. For a different atmosphere, visit the local night markets to sample staples like barbecue squid and mochi. While some markets are popular with tourists, others offer a more authentic experience for those seeking local favorites like stinky tofu or red bean pancakes.
If you prefer a variety of dining styles, the city offers everything from quick lunchboxes and vegetarian buffets to Western-style steaks and Mediterranean dishes. For your refreshment, you can find local beers and a wide array of soft drinks throughout the area. Tea stands are common on nearly every corner, offering fruit and yogurt blends as well as specialty milk teas. The Sinle Street area is particularly known for its diverse milk tea outlets, where you can sample unique varieties such as lotus milk tea or winter melon tea.
What to see and do
Explore the coastal charm of Cijin, a slender island serving as a natural breakwater for the harbor. You can take a ferry from the Gushan pier to reach the island, where you can stroll toward a hill featuring a white Baroque-style lighthouse and a historic fort offering views of the city and ocean. From there, follow a coastal path through Cijin Coast Park or visit the TianHou Temple, a site dedicated to the Goddess of Sailors and recognized as one of the oldest in Kaohsiung. The island is also known for its seafood restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught offerings.
In the Zuoying district, you can explore the area surrounding Lotus Lake, which features several temples including the Dragon-Tiger Pavilion and the Spring & Autumn Pavilions. Nearby, you can visit the North Gate of the Old Wall of Fongshan or see vintage household items at the Military Dependents' Museum. Traveling to the western districts of Gushan and Yancheng offers a different atmosphere:
- Visit the red brick British Consulate for views over the harbor or explore the Takao Railway Museum, located in the city's first railway station.
- Experience the artistic atmosphere of the Pier-2 Art Center, where old warehouses have been converted into exhibition spaces and cafes.
- Hike through Shoushan to see scenic views of the sea and city, while keeping your belongings away from the local macaque monkeys.
- Relax at Sizihwan Beach, a curved coastline popular for watching the sunset or viewing the nearby university buildings.
When to go
You will experience a mild tropical climate when visiting Kaohsiung, which remains drier than regions in northern Taiwan. During the months outside of the summer monsoon, you can enjoy a noticeably milder environment characterized by cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
If you travel during the summer, prepare for the hottest and most humid season with the heaviest rainfall. While the air feels hot and sticky, the coastal location helps make the conditions more bearable than in inland areas at the same latitude.
Three days in Kaohsiung
Day one, you can begin your journey in Kaohsiung City by exploring the local area. You can navigate the city using the MRT or the Red Metro to reach various points of interest.
Day two, you can travel toward the coast or visit the Art Museum. You can also explore the surroundings of Shoushan to experience the local landscape.
Day three, you can take the High Speed Rail or the TRA to see more of Taiwan. Alternatively, you can use the LRT or the Circular Light Rail to move between different neighborhoods.