Kaohsiung is Quirky, Livable, and Forgettable
A City I Liked Yet Struggled to Write Up
Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s third largest city, largest port, and economic center of the island’s south. Known primarily for its public art installations, the city offers a warmer urban home than Taipei for locals.
I spent four days in Kaohsiung and that was more time than I think is needed to explore the city. While it feels livable, is easy to get around, and has great food - its sites aren’t memorable. One day of exploring is enough to see all the highlights as a tourist. In your Taiwan itinerary, I’d suggest keeping Kaohsiung to two nights (or skipping it if your time is short) to leave more days for Taipei.
Enjoy the Temples at Lotus Pond
The one area of Kaohsiung that left a long-lasting impression on me is Lotus Pond, a man-made lily-covered pond in the north of the city surrounded by vibrant, colorful temples. Give yourself a few hours to walk around the pond and admire all the pretty views.
Enjoy Local Art Displays
All of Taiwan has a cool local art and street art scene - but Kaohsiung seems to take it the most seriously. Most of the installations are around Pier 2 Art Center - a set of warehouses that have been repurposed as an art district. This area also has some more bohemian stores (like breweries, cafes and craft shops), ferries to the nearby islands and views of the city skyline.
I also recommend checking out the Dome of Light - a really colorful subway light art installation. If you want more street art, you can head east to Weiwuying Street Art Village.
Other Things to Do
Because I was exhausted when I got to Kaohsiung, I kept my itinerary light and mostly rested. So, I haven’t actually done any of the activities listed below. These are the most commonly other recommended activities in Kaohsiung:
Take a Ferry to Qijin (Cijin) Island: A nearby island known for its gorgeous nature, old fort, and historic street, you can take the ferry to Qijin Island from Pier 2 area.
Eat at Liuhe Night Market: The most famous night market in Kaohsiung, Liuhe will offer you the standard Taiwanese street food fare you’ll come to love.
Stroll Through Sanfeng Temple: Known for its many hanging red lanterns, Sanfeng Temple is the most famous temple in the city for tourists to visit.
Go Shopping: I’m always a sucker for an umbrella street - and Kaohsiung has one in the Hou Yi Shopping District.
Take a Day Trip: On the outskirts of the city, Fo Guang Shan is a sprawling monastery with pagodas, temples, and a massive Buddha statue.
Hike to a City View: If you want to find an expansive view of Kaohsiung, you can take a short hike up Shoushan (Monkey Mountain) to Love Lookout.
Having talked to other backpackers about what they liked about the city, if you have time, I would prioritize Qijin island. It’s supposed to be gorgeous.