LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF TAIWAN, THE CITY OF KAOHSIUNG IS THE ISLAND’S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL CENTER.

IT IS A PLANNED CITY WITH WIDE STREETS AND LESS CONGESTED TRAFFIC THAN IN TAIPE. THE PORT OF KAOHSIUNG HAS BEEN WORKING AT MAKING THE CITY MORE ATTRACTIVE, AND SEVERAL NEW AREAS WITHIN THE CITY HAVE UNDERGONE MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.

IT IS ALSO A MARITIME CITY WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST PORTS. THE PORT OF KAOHSIUNG HAS A WONDERFULLY COMFORTABLE CLIMATE , WITH AVERAGE LOW OF 15 C IN JANUARY AND AVERAGE HIGHS OF 32 C IN JULY. THE RAINIEST MONTHS ARE MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER, AND IT IS NOT AS RAINY AS TAIPE.

TODAY THE CITY IS AN INDUSTRIAL HUB AND IN THE PROCESS OF MAJOR RESTORATION. MORE AND MORE CULTURAL EVENTS, ART PROJECTS, AND ATTRACTIONS ARE POPPING UP EVERY YEAR. IT IS A POWERHOUSE FOR BOTH INDUSTRY AND CULTURE AND HAS DEVELOPED A QUIRKY, COLORFUL STYLE ALL ITS OWN.

IT IS TAIWAN’S 2ND LARGEST CITY AND IS ONLY 1.5 HOURS FROM TAIPE BY HIGH SPEED RAIL. KAUHSIUNG HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HARBOR VIEW, AND IS FULL OF SURPRISE WITH ITS CITY CHARM AND ECOLOGICAL CULTURE.

IT OFFERS DIVERSE MUNICIPALITIES, RANGING FROM THE COASTAL URBAN CENTER TO RURAL AREAS WITH ABUNDANT NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS BEACHES, WATERFALLS, HOT SPRINGS, AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE!

THE FO GUANG SHAN BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN DASHU FURTHER ADD TO THE ETHNIC RICHNESS OF KAOHSIUNG. TAIWAN’S BIGGEST MALL AND WELL-KNOWN NIGHT MARKETS COMPLETE THE SCENE FOR A THOROUGHLY SATISFYING TRIP.

PORT NAME AND LOCATION

Port of Kaohsiung
Ship will DOCK at this port.

Kaohsiung Port, located on the southern extremity of Kaohsiung City, spans six administrative districts. Its large hinterland and natural bay have made it Taiwan's largest port, and also the thirteenth-largest port in the world. Up to 116 wharfs are in operation at any time, and as Taiwan's most important shipping hub, it could be called the economic heart and symbol of Kaohsiung. Under the deft management of the Kaohsiung City Government, not only is its business flourishing, and not only has the facilities in the port been upgraded to the best available, its variety of sights has made it into a panorama of Kaohsiung's beautiful present.

Upon arriving at the Kaohsiung cruise port, most passengers take the public transit system, the KMRT, to the center of town. Today, it’s a major commercial and cargo port in the process of a cultural renaissance and renovation from an industrial town to a trendy metropolis. The growth of the cruise port is all part of a plan to get more international travelers and visitors to explore this part of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s new Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is shaped like a whale and has become a new landmark for the southern port city.  The new boardwalk links the Kaohsiung Pop Music Center. It is the pride of the City and it fosters 24 hours shopping, dining and recreation.

PORT LOCATION MAP

Upon disembarking at the Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal, you’ll find taxi’s lined up in front of you. Don’t hesitate to bargain for the fare instead of using the meter.

Once you get into the city, Kaohsiung’s main sights are well within walking distance of one another. The city has an extensive bus and train network that makes navigating fairly straightforward, but few fellow passengers will likely speak English. Bus routes are mapped in English throughout the city. The MRT, or the public transit system here, also has signs in English.

TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISES TO KAOHSIUNG

LOTUS POND

Lianchihtan (Lotus Pond) Scenic Area is one of Kaohsiung’s most traditional scenic areas, and was listed as one of the “Eight Sights of Fongshan” in the Qing Dynasty. There are pavilions by the beach, massive statues of gods and the “old city”, surrounded by the city wall, living settlements such as historical sites, old houses, and military dependents’ villages and you can also sample Zuoying’s rich, diverse food in the old streets and traditional markets. The Longhu Tower (Dragon Tiger Tower) is the most famous scenic spot in Lianchihtan. Constructed in 1976, the tower is seven stories tall, and the dragon and tiger doors are its entrance and exit. Its walls are decorated with koji pottery, which represent proselytizing stories, from a variety of artists. The tower’s body is connected the Nine-Turn Bridge (Jiuqu Bridge)) and is set off by the lake. There is a rule when visiting the Longhu Tower: enter at the dragon’s mouth and exit from the tiger’s mouth; this will allow you to avoid bad fortune and enjoy good luck. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of Lianchihtan’s scenery.

Opening Hours: Sunday:00:00 – 23:59
Monday:00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday:00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday:00:00 – 23:59
Thursday:00:00 – 23:59
Friday:00:00 – 23:59
Saturday:00:00 – 23:59

TEL:+886-7-5883242

Address:Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City Taiwán, R.O.C

CONFUCIUS TEMPLE

Situated on the northern bank of Lianchihtan (Lotus Pond) and construction finished in 1976, the Confucius Temple is built in imitation of Song Dynasty architecture, in the mold of Qufu Temple in Shandong. It contains a bronze relief depicting the life of Confucius, there is a lesson on the four characters “Wan Ren Gong Qiang” Wall in praise of Confucius' height and depth of learning and virtue. This is the largest Confucius Temple in Taiwan, its exterior majestic, solemn, and venerable. The famous TV drama “Yi Dai Nu Huang”, about the Tang Empress Wu Zetian was filmed there.

Opening Hours:THE.-SUN. 09:00-17:00
Closed on MON.

TEL:+886-7-5880023

Address:No.400, Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City Taiwán, R.O.C

DOME OF LIGHT

The world’s largest glass installation can be found in Kaohsiung. The Dome of Light holds trippy and colorful light shows each day. It’s part of the Formosa Boulevard MRT station, sure, but it’s a beautiful piece of art you shouldn’t miss.

Situated at the Kaohsiung MRT transfer station for the Red Line and Orange Line (Formosa Boulevard Station), the Dome of Light was created by renowned artist Narcissus Quagliata. The rim of the dome portrays different facets of humanity. Graceful blue-green dancers, shrouded in algae, represented Taiwan’s strong theatre tradition. A procession of figures in the Life quadrant includes silhouettes of fishermen, children and motorcyclists. The cross-legged figure of Meditation, in the Creation quadrant, was inspired by the groups of tai chi practitioners Quagliata saw in Kaohsiung’s parks.

FO GUANG SHAN BUDDHA MEMORIAL CENTER

Since its opening in 2011, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center (BMC) had received several accolades including recognition by International Council of Museums (ICOM), ISO 50001 certification, and the 2014 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor as the top ranking attraction in Kaohsiung.

BMC is a 100-ha complex built to enshrine the Buddha’s tooth relic, now housed in the Main Hall. The Fo Guang Big Buddha, which sits atop the Fo Guang Building behind the Main Hall, is the landmark of the BMC. Within the compound, there are art galleries, a theatrical auditorium, a children gallery, and souvenir stores. In addition, visitors can get to experience Tea Chan, sutra transcription, or join in festive celebrations at the Five Harmonies Pagoda.

Opening Hours: Sunday:09:00 – 19:00
Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00

TEL:+886-7-6563033

Address:No.1, Tongling Rd., Dashu Dist., Kaohsiung City Taiwán, R.O.C

SHOUSHAN LOVER’S VIEWING PLATFORM

Beside Shoushan Martyr Shrine, there are 32 kinds of love declaration plaque on the platform, symbolizing the fact that love transcends national borders. There is also a piece of love-themed installation art, “Love megaphone” and three statues of macaques, which symbolize the three different stages of love: pursuit, passion and union. Look down and you will see breathtaking mountain and sea scenery and enchanting night scenery. The Lovers' Viewing Platform has become one of Kaohsiung's most iconic scenic spots.

HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL MINOR BASILICA

This is Taiwan's largest Catholic Church. Founded in 1859, it is the first cathedral to be reopened by the Catholic Church, and is also the fountainhead of Catholicism in modern Taiwan. As the present Minor Basilica for the Diocese of Kaohsiung, it is one of Asia's three cathedrals. The Basilica is built in the style of European Gothic churches, adding a Roman style in places, while the interior is laid out in octagons. It was voted number one in the Taiwanese 100 Scenic Spot items of Architecture in 2001.  

TASTE TRADITIONAL DELICACIES AND FUSION DISHES

All night markets in Kaohsiung, be it developed from the markets or formed by roadside stalls, still have traditional delicacies such as Taiwanese churros and Taiwanese meatballs. In addition, there are many creative fusion dishes, and these have become part of the Taiwanese night market culture.

During your travels to Taiwan, you have to experience authentic Taiwanese cuisine. After all, the food here is comprised of an incredible mix of inspiration from China, Japan, and even American influence. While strolling through the local night markets, don’t miss the chance to participate in the “small eats” trend in Taiwanese culture, where you can load up on multiple small plates to enjoy several different dishes in one meal.

Of course, Taiwan is famous for dishes like beef noodle soup, slowly braised and bathed in soft noodles. The hotpot is a staple in the home of nearly everyone in Taiwan. Try gua bo, the Taiwanese equivalent of a juicy pork belly burger. Green onion (also called scallion) pancakes are a fixture on almost every menu in the city. Savory to comforting, sweet pineapple cake to stinky tofu, three’s something for every palate here.

EXPERIENCE THE BOISTEROUS LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE

The night markets in Kaohsiung are mainly located in easily accessible locations. The main difference with the night markets in northern Taiwan is that there are still traditional games such as ring toss and shoot the balloon. This allows visitors to have fun in addition to tasting delicacies. Come to enjoy the passion of southern Taiwan!

Delicacies are one of the highlights of travel. Multi-ethnic Kaohsiung incorporates food culture of various places, establishing the characteristics of eastern Kaohsiung. On the mountain city route, enjoy Meinong’s Hakka culture and tea ceremony, while in the indigenous people route, venture into the mountain forest to experience the indigenous heritage.

CURRENCY AND SHOPPING

The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar, or NTD. ATMs are commonly used for currency exchange and easily found throughout the city. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t usually anticipated in Taiwan. Restaurants will just add a service fee if they expect a tip, so you don’t have to provide any additional tip.

New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD) ATMs are widely available. Bargaining is common in small stores.

The circulating currency in the Republic of China (Taiwan) is New Taiwan dollar (NT$).

Types of NT$ bills：2000NT$, 1000NT$, 500NT$, 200NT$, and 100NT$.

Types of NT$ coins：50NT$, 20NT$, 10NT$, 5NT$, and 1NT$.

SHOPPING NEAR THE KAOHSIUNG CRUISE PORT

Kaohsiung’s shopping mostly centers around the bustling and extensive night market scene, of which there are more than a dozen scattered throughout the city. Ruifeng Night Market offers various delights, from clothing to a variety of snacks and small dishes from hundreds of available stalls.