Just one hour and a half by train from Taipei, you may find Kaohsiung, a different style city than Taipei but still unique and beautiful. Don’t miss these highlights if you’ve got two days in Kaohsiung.
The Pier2 Art Center
Every corner of this industrial outdoor free Art Center is a surprise. Graffiti, statues, spiders, huge cubes, dragons form part of this remarkable experience of the city next to the river. A nice idea is to take the tram to the Art Center (Penglai Pier-2), walk around and reach the Great Harbor Bridge up to the Love Pier. All this walk is amazing!
Great Harbor Bridge
As I mentioned above, a walk from the Art Center to the Pier is a total must when in Kaohsiung. The part of the great Harbor Bridge is my favorite especially during sunset. Next to the bridge stand more impressive art pieces (the bench with the people staring on their mobile phones is my personal favorite) and during the night with all the lights the scene is even more impressive.
Zuoying Yuandi Temple/Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
You cannot miss this tranquil lake with the impressive Zuoying Yuandi Temple and the gorgeous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. It is not that centrical but totally worths the visit. It gives the impression of taking part at a Chinese fairytale or an incredible adventure like the ones we watch at the Chinese series.
Formosa Boulevard Station/Dome of Light
The city’s main metro station offers a unique art experience with a huge, colorful glass installation of over 2.000 square meters that totally worths a visit even if you will not use the metro. The Dome of Light also offers a light show various times per day.
Liuhe Night Market
I loved this night market. It is huge, spacious with endless, tasty food options and space among the benches with little tables to enjoy your meals without being annoyed or pushed by the crowd.
Cijin Island
Just a 10-minute ferry from KW2 Pier can take you to the beautiful Cijin Island, a great opportunity for a day trip to the beach. The Cijin Old Street offers a variety of street food options while it reaches you to the Cijin sanded beach. If you don’t want to spend all your day on the beach, you may also rent a bicycle and stroll around the island. The Kaohsiung Lighthouse, the Cijin Coastal Park and the Raibow Church are among the places you can come across during your walk.
Sunfong Temple
If you like temples as much as I do, then this one is the ideal for you! From its balcony you may gaze the lighted lanterns especially during the night while its tranquility will enchant you.
Sanfong Central Street
Spices, candies, different types of tea, mushrooms and whatever you can imagine for your kitchen are located at this market. Great opportunity to buy pineapple cakes for friends and family and Taiwanese mochi at very good prices.
Shopping Markets
If you feel into shopping, you have two basic options, Hou Yi Shopping District and Nanhua Tourist Night Market. Hou Yi Shopping District has a variety of mostly clothes and an umbrella ceiling that makes it interesting while Nanhua Tourist Night Market is smaller, but you may discover good shopping opportunities
Central Park
If you wish to relax, read a book or to watch locals exercising you can take a walk among the small lakes of this park, admiring the nature and some more pieces of art.
For more information or to help you plan your ideal trip within your budget, please contact us.