Kaohsiung.
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Kaohsiung sits 90 minutes south of Taipei by high-speed rail arriving at Zuoying Station. Taiwan's historic industrial port is known for its wide subtropical boulevards, working shipyard docks, and open-air night markets that run late along the southern coast. It moves at a calmer, warmer pace than the capital. Kaohsiung is worth visiting if you want to eat charcoal-grilled squid at the harbour, ride ferries across the shipping channel, and wander vast warehouse art spaces. Look elsewhere if you want a compact walkable city centre, pristine swimming beaches, or the late-night club scene and polished fine dining of Taipei.
Last updated 10 Sept 2026
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What to do in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Kaohsiung is a sun-drenched port city where wide shipping lanes meet leafy riverside boulevards. Life here runs outdoors: mornings begin with steaming bowls of fish soup in Yancheng, afternoons drift through renovated dock warehouses at Pier-2, and evenings belong to buzzing street stalls. It suits travellers who appreciate unpretentious maritime culture, flat cycling, and serious southern Taiwanese cooking without metropolitan stress.
24 hours in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Start early with duck rice in Yancheng, then catch the ten-minute ferry to Cijin Island for charcoal-grilled squid along the beach. Head back to browse the breezy waterfront sheds of Pier-2 before taking the light rail to Ruifeng Night Market for fried cutlets and papaya milk. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Day two takes you north on the Red Line to Lotus Pond to inspect the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas before the midday heat. Spend your afternoon ascending Shoushan for harbour views, followed by dinner at a bustling stir-fry seafood joint along the Love River. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
A third day allows a quiet detour eastward to the Hakka town of Meinong for chewable ban tiao noodles and umbrella workshops, or an easy local train south to the old fishing port of Donggang for fresh bluefin tuna sashimi straight off the morning auction boats.
Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan itineraries by interest
Street Food in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Slurp savoury milkfish belly congee at Qixian Road, duck rice at Qishan, and piping hot pan-fried pork buns at Lingya Market stalls.
Harbour Cruises in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Board the ten-minute public ferry from Gushan Pier to Cijin Island, passing towering container cranes and cargo ships in the main channel.
Modern Art in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Walk the former sugar warehouses of Pier-2 Art Center along the harbour tracks, featuring large outdoor sculptures and independent studios.
Night Markets in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Bypass tourist coaches at Liuhe for Ruifeng Night Market in Zuoying, grazing on stinky tofu, angel chicken cutlets, and papaya milk.
Sacred Architecture in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Climb the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, entering the beast jaws to reverse bad fortune amid Ming and Qing dynasty temple grounds.
Local Seafood in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Pick live mud crabs, clams, and sweet wild sea bass at Cijin Island stalls, stir-fried over high heat with fresh Thai basil and ginger.
Urban Cycling in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Rent a YouBike to pedal the flat, breezy paths along the Love River, following dedicated lanes from Heart of Love River to the music centre.
Maritime History in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Explore the 1879 British Consulate at Takao atop Shaochuantou, overlooking the harbour entrance alongside old Japanese customs houses.
Nature & Hiking in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Take the wooden boardwalks up Shoushan, also known as Monkey Mountain, keeping your snacks hidden from cheeky native Formosan macaques.
Historic Districts in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Walk the grid of Yancheng, finding 1950s pastry shops, watch repair stalls, and herbal tea vendors tucked into shaded Japanese-era arcades.
Day Trips in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Take bus 8010 to Meinong to eat flat ban tiao rice noodles, paint oiled-paper umbrellas, and explore preserved Hakka courtyard homes.
Tea & Desserts in Kaohsiung Southern Taiwan Taiwan
Cool down with mountain-sized bowls of shaved ice heaped with fresh mango or taro balls along the breezy ferry front of Binhai 1st Road.