Melo Villareal
Best Tourist Attractions and Things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung is the second biggest city on the island, known as Isla Formosa, and it has created a reputation of being a port city over the past years. Kaohsiung is famous as an industrial city, but the City Government has done an excellent job transforming the City into a beautiful tourist destination. Here are some of the top things to do in Kaohsiung:
How to Get There
AirAsia offers affordable flights to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from Manila, Clark Airport, and Cebu. A flight from Clark to Kaohsiung takes an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes, while Cebu to Kaohsiung takes 2 hours and 25 minutes. A flight from Manila to Kaohsiung takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.
AirAsia operates 3 flights to Kaohsiung (KHH) from Manila (MNL), Clark (CRK), and Cebu (CEB) every week.
For the latest news, activities, and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter (AirAsia), Facebook (AirAsia), and Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).
Visit Dashu Old Railway Sky Bridge
Established by the Japanese engineer Toyoji Lida and constructed during the Meiji Reign era of the Japanese colonial period. The old railway bridge was initially built to transport passengers and freight to Kaohsiung Harbor.
With a total length of 1,526 meters, the bridge was claimed to be the longest in Asia; so far, it has remained the only railway bridge designated as a national historic monument in Taiwan.
Go sightseeing at the Love River.
Love river is one of the places to visit while in Kaohsiung City as it plays a significant role in economic and tourism development.
You can go on a boat cruise here, but if you prefer to stay on the land, you can explore Love River Park, where you can run, cycle, or take a relaxing stroll just before the sunset. You will love the night view of the Love River, and there are outdoor cafes and a night market that you also explore.
Watch the sunset at the Old British Consulate.
One of the top things to do in Kaohsiung is to watch the sunset. If you want to watch the sunset, you can take bus 99 and hike the hill overlooking the harbor. At the top, you will see an elegant red brick building that used to be the colonial mansion for the British Consul.
You can watch some exhibitions inside and have a drink or meal on the open terrace. You will have a great sea view, and you can also watch the sunset in the evening.
Visit Lotus Lake
This is an artificial lake and a tourist attraction located in Zuoying District. The flourishing lotus flowers surrounding the lake won it the name of “Lotus Lake.”
Lotus Lake is undoubtedly an auspicious attraction, with numerous temples on its west bank and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in the south. Entering a dragon’s throat and coming out of a tiger’s mouth symbolizes turning bad luck into good fortune.
It was built in 1951 and is well known for its numerous lotus plants and temples. The tour’s highlight is Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Confucian Temple, and Dragon Tiger Pagodas.
This is also a famous spot for sporting events like wakeboarding and dragon boats, you can also go and watch the sunrise here, and you will get to take Instagram-worthy pictures that your friends and family will love. Surrounded by temples, excellent restaurants, and shopping areas, this place is also perfect for those planning sightseeing in Kaohsiung.
Go meditate in the mountains.
One of the things to do in Kaohsiung is to meditate in the Yuan Heng Temple. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of the City by going to the temple. The Buddhist Monastery is located on a ridge at the southern edge of Shoushan hill.
The temple’s interior is quiet and vast, and you can sit in front of the three giant Buddhas for hours without being disturbed any time of the week.
Go hiking at Shoushan.
If you love adventure, you may want to go hiking at Shoushan. Shoushan is a mountain located in the Gushan District, and it is also known as Monkey Mountain because there are many monkeys around it. You can go people-watching here as it is a hotspot for locals and tourists because of the beautiful nature.
You can also visit the Shoushan zoo, Martyr’s Shrine Temple, the love Observatory, and at the foot of the mountain, you can also visit Sizihwan, the national Sun Yat-San University, and so on.
Visit Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica
Located on Wufu 3rd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, the Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica, was established as popularly known as Kaohsiung Rose Basilica Xianfeng Reign Period of the Qing Dynasty and is commonly called Qianjin Cathedral.
The church was established in the ninth year of the Xianfeng Reign of the Qing Dynasty (1859) when Spanish missionaries Rev. Terdirand and Rev. Angel Bofurull, o.p. came to Taiwan. It was reformed in 1860 and named Rose Basilica.
Reformed again in 1928 into a Renaissance-style architecture, it became Taiwan’s most representative church of decoration art with layers of decorative lines that display beautiful geometric patterns added to its arch ceilings. The shrine and holy table on the altar manifest the artistry of Chinese carving. The current Kaohsiung Rose Basilica was completed in 1931 and is an excellent place to visit.
Visit the busy Kaohsiung Harbor
This is a lively place, and if you are bored or lonely, this is the right place for you. You can try activities like cycling, sipping a drink by the bay, watching ships load and unload containers, and even go people-watching at the harbor.
Formosa Boulevard MRT Station
Popularly known for its “Dome of Light,” this beautiful artwork is the main reason why Formosa Boulevard Station was ranked as the second most beautiful metro station in the world.
The Dome of Light is the largest glass artwork designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. It is 30 meters in diameter and covers 2,180 square meters, comprising 4,500 glass panels.
Visit The Night Markets of Kaohsiung
Just like Taipei, Kaohsiung has its own share of vibrant night markets. Unlike other popular cities in Asia, Nightlife in Kaohsiung means a food trip. It’s a perfect place to explore stalls selling souvenir items and the best place to sample the best street foods.
Liuhe and Ruifeng are the two most popular night markets in Kaohsiung. Still, there’s a lot more to explore, and each of them will satisfy your craving for local and international street food.
Ten-Drum Ciatou Refinery Cultural Creative Park
After the restoration of the Ten-Drum Cultural Creative Group, the hundred-year Ciatou Refinery Park has rejuvenated itself and launched the “Waterfall Power Chimney Theater.”
Like Ten Drum Culture Village In Tainan City, this village also offers impressive drum shows, museums, and souvenir shops.
Go sightseeing at the Fine Art Museum
This is among the best things to do in Kaohsiung, as you will find tranquility from the City’s hectic pace at this museum.
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is located in the middle of a quiet and vast park, and the museum displays both foreign and local artwork. This is one of the best places to spend an afternoon on a rainy day.
Learn history at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center
This is a famous tourist attraction that combines recreation with a learning experience. If you want to learn about history, this is the perfect place for your expertise and to learn about the Buddhist culture while enjoying the stunning architecture and landscapes.
Walking along Buddha avenue, one can see eightfold pagodas towering on both sides while Jade Buddha Shrine, Gold Buddha Shrine, and Avalokitesvara Shrine manifest stunning craft aesthetics. The 108-meter-high Fo Guang Buddha performs the spiritual symbol of the center and is the tallest bronze sitting Buddha in the world.
This is also the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, and it was built in 1967. Fo Guang Shan covers 30 hectares, including university buildings, shrines, and a cemetery.
Visit Kaohsiung Confucius Temple
The Kaohsiung Confucius Temple is a temple dedicated to the memory of Confucius near Lotus Pond, Zuoying District, in Kaohsiung Taiwanese City. It is Taiwan’s largest Confucian temple complex, with 167 square meters (1,800 square feet).
The temple was initially constructed in 1684, during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor. However, the temple was disused and in disrepair during the Japanese colonial period. Only the Chongsheng shrine remains intact, seen on the Old City Elementary School’s west side.
A new temple was constructed in 1976 on the northwest corner of Lotus Pond. The new design was based on Song dynasty architecture and the Temple of Confucius, Qufu.
Explore TianLiao Moon World Landscape Park
This is among the famous badlands and mud volcano sites in Taiwan. It is called Moon World because of its unique landscape that resembles the moon’s surface, and it is a badland as it is almost impossible for crops to grow around the site.
As the tourist site became popular, the government constructed many observatory decks along the hiking paths. This is one of the best places to visit in Kaohsiung, as it offers many hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Go sightseeing at the Museum of History.
If you don’t really love history, this place is not for you. The building exterior looks stunning, but the interior will not catch your fancy as the exhibitions are not presented very well, and there is not much to see here.
As a history lover, you will enjoy the section that explains the 2-28 incidents and the sepia pictures on the second floor.
Go sightseeing at Ciaotou Flower Farm
This farm should definitely be on your itinerary if you visit Kaohsiung in mid-November. You will surely love the scenic view of the Ciaotou Flower Farm.
You can also try out traditional Taiwanese cuisines like the Stinky Tofu at the food stands while you enjoy the view of the colorful flowers.
Have fun at Pier 2 Art Center
This is a favorite hotspot of the locals in Kaohsiung City, and this is a place where friends, families, and couples come to have fun. The art center is located in the Yancheng District, and it was formerly used as a warehouse site when it was built in 1973.
You can watch most art at Pier 2 Art Center for free, but some seasonal exhibitions reward an entrance ticket.
It is the second connecting pier of Kaohsiung in the past, which has turned Kaohsiung City into a new capital of culture and creativity. Abandoned spaces have been revitalized by transforming them into open art spaces with new uses.
How to get there: The center is accessible within walking distance of South West from Yanchengpu Station of Kaohsiung MRT. Since 2017, Dayi Pier-2 Station and Penglai Pier-2 Station of Kaohsiung LRT have passed through the Pier-2 Art Center.
Experience Hamasen Pier 2 line railway ride
One of the most exciting activities in Pier 2 is their railway ride using a miniature steam locomotive. The railway ride runs between the Hamasen Railroad Historical Park and Penglai Warehouses, which possess historical and cultural significance.
From a “micro perspective,” this train takes riders on a journey through the City’s history, in which the Kaohsiung harbor line once provided momentum for the City’s industrial development. Kaohsiung Harbor station was the hub for Taiwan’s rail freight transport.
Wei Wu Ying Center for the Arts
Wei Wu Ying Center for the Arts is designed by the Dutch architectural firm Mecanoo. The center was built on 9.9 hectares of land, covering 3.3 hectares of floor area. The center’s design was inspired by the banyan trees around the area.
The center has four indoor venues: the Lyric Theater, Concert Hall, Playhouse, and Recital Hall. The pipe organ in the concert hall is manufactured by Johannes Klais Orgelbau. It is now the largest art avenue in the world.
How to get there: The art center is accessible from Weiwuying Station of Kaohsiung MRT.
Visit Fongyi Academy
The building was built by Jhang Ting-cing in 1814 during the Jiaqing Emperor’s rule. It was the venue for candidates to take the imperial examination. On 13 November 1985, the building was designated as a level 3 historical monument.
In 2007, the Kaohsiung City Government acquired the academy’s land title, and restoration of the building commenced with a total budget of NT$ 100 million.
The building was built using the traditional Chinese style, with wooden carvings and tablets inscribed with phrases describing good manners. It consists of 37 rooms, with the center altar dedicated to Wenchang Buddha, Kuichang Buddha, and Changsheng Buddha.
There are stone drums on both sides of the screen wall. The garden consists of many animated statues.
How to get there: The building is accessible within walking distance east of Fongshan Station of Kaohsiung MRT.
Explore Zizhu Village
The Zizhu was built in the 1940s to the late 1950s to provide accommodation for national soldiers and their families. Still, the villages were poorly managed and were demolished and replaced with other buildings.
Many students and artists come together to decorate the houses so that the Zizhu village buildings are demolished, and you will love the colorful buildings in this village.
You can relax, take pictures, and appreciate all the art made in the village for free. (Zhizhu Village, unfortunately, has been closed permanently by the local government.)
Have fun on Cijin Island
This small island is considered among the districts in Kaohsiung, and you will take a ferry from Gushan to get here.
You can visit many sites, like the Cihou Fort, Tianhou Temple, Cihou Lighthouse, Cijin Wind Turbine Park, etc. You can also go to Cijin Beach to soak your feet and relax.
Walk around Kaohsiung City
Although Kaohsiung City does not have many attractions for tourists. You can walk around the City, and you will surely love the City, the vibe, and the people in the City. There are many hidden beautiful gems that you will enjoy while exploring the City.
Although Kaohsiung is still developing into a premier tourist destination, there’s no shortage of attractions that you can visit and enjoy in this City.
E-Da Theme Park
E-Da Theme Park is the largest indoor recreation center in Taiwan. Integration of a Greek-style environment consisting of world-class hotels, shopping malls accommodating over 150 international luxury brands, a National entertainment theater, and the tallest Ferris wheel in Southern Taiwan.
The combination of fashion, lifestyle, entertainment, gourmet, and relaxation makes the outlet mall a paradise for all those who love shopping.
Discover Kaohsiung like no other via i-Ride
Located in Kaohsiung Software Park, The “i-Ride Experience Center” is a state-of-art attraction where you can see a bird’s view of Kaohsiung’s best tourist destination. Combining a simulator, surround audio-video system, and immersive 5D effect makes riders feel like they are flying in the sky. i-Ride is more than an attraction; it’s a cultural and educational experience.
Get a chance to experience an incredible adventure. When flying through the Liuhe Night Market, the fragrance of salty chicken floats in the air. You can fly through the wind and experience the fun of flying between the clouds.
When leaping across the ocean, you may even touch the splashing waves and feel full on the spot. What are you waiting for?
Drive like a pro at Suzuka Circuit Park
In 2016, Suzuka Circuit Park was Taiwan’s first driving Theme Park. It is located inside a sports-themed amusement park and a huge shopping mall. The full-scale kart course replicates the layout of the famous Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
The park features loads of fun turns, which both rookies and experienced drivers will enjoy. In addition to the kart circuit, the park features two major themes, a carousel and a trolley ride — so you definitely won’t be short of things to do. Choose between two pass options: a day passes valid for weekdays and weekends or a weekday night pass allowing you to visit the park after 5pm.
With all the needed facilities available on-site, a day at Suzuka Circuit Park is full of fun for the whole family.
Book Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket
Our Top Hotel Picks for Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung Travel and Tour Packages
Zuoying Lotus Pond
Zuoying District has a lot to offer its many visitors, with one of the most sought-after sites being the Lotus Pond.
Do you have other recommended fun and exciting things to do in Kaohsiung? Read our Kaohsiung Travel Guide, and please feel free to share by posting a comment below.
Disclosure: This was an updated version of our recommended Things to do Kaohsiung Blog post. We added new attractions and activities from our recent familiarization trip, made possible by AirAsia and Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau. We hope this will help you create your Kaohsiung Itinerary for your next visit.
Find the Best Hotels in Kaohsiung according to your budget via Agoda.
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