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Kaohsiung travel guide

Taiwan

Basics

CountryTaiwan

Time zoneAsia/Taipei

CurrencyTWD

Official language(s)Chinese

Public transportation is convenient, so try using the MRT. Make sure to taste the local cuisine.

Places to visit

Lotus Pond

A famous scenic lake area known for its temples and pagodas, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. It is a popular place for a relaxing walk and temple-hopping.

LocationZuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Nearest stationKaohsiung Metro: Ecological District Station

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit around sunset for the best light on the water and temple facades.

Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

A well-known art museum featuring contemporary exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture garden. You can enjoy both indoor galleries and an open-air walk.

LocationGushan District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Nearest stationMuseum of Fine Arts Station

HoursTue–Sun 09:30–17:30

AdmissionRegular admission varies by exhibition

Travel tipIt is a great rainy-day option because there is plenty to see indoors.

National Science and Technology Museum

A large hands-on museum popular with families, featuring extensive science and technology exhibits.

LocationNo. 720, Guiyang Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City

Nearest stationMRT Cultural Center Station

HoursTue–Sun 09:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThe museum is large, so it helps to decide which themed halls you want to prioritize before visiting.

Love River Waterfront

A riverside promenade along the Love River through central Kaohsiung, best known for its evening atmosphere and night views.

LocationLove River area, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City

Nearest stationMRT Yanchengpu Station

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt’s a great night stroll when the riverside lights come on and the breeze picks up.

Xiziwan

A famous seaside area in Kaohsiung known for beach walks and sunset views, great for a short break and scenery.

LocationXiziwan, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City

Nearest stationMRT Sizihwan Station

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGo around sunset for especially beautiful colors over the sea and harbor.

Pier-2 Art Center

A creative district transformed from old harbor warehouses, with exhibitions, outdoor installations, and shops for a relaxed stroll.

LocationNo. 1, Binhai 1st Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City

Nearest stationMRT Yanchengpu Station

HoursDaily 10:00–18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipWeekends are often livelier, with flea markets or special exhibitions.

Kaohsiung Museum of History

Museum displaying the history and culture of Kaohsiung.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipWeekends can be crowded, visit on weekdays if possible.

Shoushan Park

A park with beautiful nature, perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Hours06:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA great spot to catch the sunset.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Famous temple complex with stunning architecture and gardens.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit early in the morning for the best views.

Food to try

Ruifeng Night Market

One of Kaohsiung’s most famous night markets, offering a wide variety of snacks and street food in one place. Its lively atmosphere and affordable prices are part of the appeal.

LocationNanzih District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Nearest stationKaohsiung Metro: Kaohsiung Arena Station

HoursThu–Sun 17:00–01:00

AdmissionFree entry; food extra

Travel tipGo a little hungry so you can try more dishes.

Pineapple Cake

A famous Taiwanese souvenir pastry, popular in Kaohsiung as both a snack and a gift.

HoursVaries by shop

AdmissionAbout NT$120–400 per box

Travel tipThe flavor varies a lot by brand, so try samples if available.

Lu Rou Fan

Taiwan’s beloved braised pork rice, an easy and satisfying meal to enjoy while traveling in Kaohsiung.

HoursVaries by shop

AdmissionAbout NT$30–80

Travel tipSets that include egg, pickles, and soup are often the most satisfying.

Xiaolongbao

Soup dumplings with thin wrappers and juicy filling, a popular bite you can easily enjoy in Kaohsiung.

HoursVaries by shop

AdmissionAbout NT$100–220 per basket

Travel tipEat them right away while they’re hot to catch the soup at its best.

Taiwanese Street Food

A stall to enjoy various Taiwanese street foods.

Hours09:00 - 19:00

Admission80 TWD

Travel tipBe sure to try a variety of dishes.

Beef Noodles

Famous restaurant for savory beef noodles.

Hours10:00 - 22:00

Admission150 TWD

Travel tipIt can get busy at lunchtime.

Events

Kaohsiung Lantern Festival

A signature night festival held around the Lunar New Year and into spring, centered on colorful lantern displays and installations. It is ideal for photos and evening walks.

WhenAround February to April each year

LocationKaohsiung, Taiwan

Nearest stationVaries by venue

HoursNighttime during the festival period

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGo early in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds.

Kaohsiung International Film Festival Events

In autumn and early winter, film-focused programs such as screenings, director talks, and special showcases may be held.

WhenAutumn to early winter (November–December)

HoursVaries by event

AdmissionVaries by event

Travel tipPopular screenings can sell out quickly, so check the ticket release schedule early.

Subway lines

Circular Light Rail (Backward)Circular Light Rail (Forward)Orange Line Hamasen - DaliaoRed Line Siaogang - Gangshan Station

Basic travel phrases (Chinese)

你好

Nǐ hǎo · Greeting

谢谢

Xièxiè · Thanks

很高兴认识你

Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ · Nice to meet you

祝你有美好的一天

Zhù nǐ yǒu měihǎo de yī tiān · Wishing a good day

欢迎

Huānyíng · Welcome

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