Kaohsiung is a charming, artsy, and serene metropolis. It’s the busiest port and one of the largest cities in Taiwan. Here are some top attractions in Kaohsiung not to be missed!
1. Lotus Pond
Lotus Pond is a beautiful man-made lake filled with lotus plants and is home to over 20 temples.
Wander Tip: This area is gorgeous during sunset!
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are the most popular attraction on Lotus Pond. It’s the postcard image of Kaohsiung. Come and enter the dragon’s mouth literally!
2. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Fo Guang Shan is a grand Buddhist complex located atop the mountain with a large bronze Buddha statue at its center. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the culture.
3. Pier 2 Art Center
Pier 2 Art Center is an open art space. What used to be a site of abandoned warehouses is now a cultural hub full of colorful art pieces.
4. Shoushan Love Lookout
At Shoushan Love Lookout there is a gigantic “LOVE” sculpture with a sweeping backdrop of Kaohsiung city.
Wander Tip: The night view is spectacular here but I recommend seeing it both day and night if you have the time.
5. Dome of Light
The Dome of Light is a remarkable glass art installation at the Formosa Boulevard MRT station.
6. Night Markets
Night markets are a huge part of Taiwanese culture. Here are two popular ones I was able to visit during my trip:
Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng is one of the biggest night markets in Kaohsiung lined with lanes of street-food vendors. It’s a haven for foodies like myself.
Liuhe Night Market
Another lively outdoor night market is Liuhe. It is centrally located and lined with vendor stalls on both sides selling delicious local snacks.
7. Urban Spotlight Arcade
Urban Spotlight Arcade is a section of Central Park with cool light displays.
8. Love River
Love River runs through the heart of Kaohsiung and is a great spot for taking a leisure stroll especially in the evening.
9. Cijin Island
Cijin Island can be reached via ferry and is a popular day trip for both locals and tourists alike. The small island is a nice getaway for an even more laid-back atmosphere.
Here are a few popular attractions in Cijin Island:
Cijin Seaside Park
Cijin Seaside Park consists of a stretch of palm trees, art installations, and the beach.
Kaohsiung Lighthouse
Kaohsiung Lighthouse is a charming landmark located on top of Cihou mountain.
Cihou Fort
Cihou Fort is a historic fort which once guarded the Kaohsiung harbor. It offers amazing panoramic views of Cijin Beach and the city.
My #1 Pick
My favorite attraction was Lotus Pond. It’s very picturesque and I enjoyed exploring all its surrounding temples.
So there you have it, 9 top attractions in Kaohsiung that you won’t want to miss during your Taiwan visit!
Learn more about my Kaohsiung experiences in my other post. Read about Taipei my first time in Taiwan.
What is your favorite Kaohsiung attraction? Is there anything you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
