Why We Loved Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s Chill Coastal City Guide
Explore the best of Kaohsiung with our ultimate guide—top sights, stunning views, chill neighborhoods, and some of the tastiest street food in Taiwan.
HOW MANY DAYS | 2 - 3
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Oct - Apr
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Fo Guang Shan, Pier Art 2 Center, Cijin Island
HOW TO GET AROUND | public transport
Thinking about adding Kaohsiung to your Taiwan itinerary? We say go for it. This southern gem blends modern design with a breezy coastal vibe. It’s a place where lively streets meet quiet waterfronts, and colorful street art lives alongside centuries-old temples. We loved strolling along the Love River, getting lost in the creative corners of Pier-2, and eating our way through the night markets. Kaohsiung feels alive but unhurried—like a city that welcomes you in and lets you breathe. It’s not just a stop; it’s a feeling that sticks with you.
✈︎ Don’t know where to begin with Taiwan? Start here. Our Taiwan Travel Essentials include top sights, costs, what to pack, and suggested routes.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR KAOHSIUNG?
We recommend staying at least two full days to cover most of the highlights, but three days would be ideal for experiencing everything at a more relaxed pace. Make sure to read until the end of the article to discover the next step of your itinerary—a nearby island escape that you cannot miss!
WHEN TO VISIT KAOHSIUNG?
Kaohsiung is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April, when the weather is cooler, less humid, and rainfall is minimal.
Dry Season (Oct–Apr): With mild temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, this season offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The weather is pleasant, with cool evenings in winter requiring a light jacket, while daytime temperatures are comfortable with light clothing.
Rainy Season (May–Sep): Hot and humid weather dominates, with temperatures between 26°C and 32°C. Afternoon rain showers and occasional typhoons are common, so planning activities in the morning and carrying rain gear is essential. Staying hydrated and using sunscreen is also important during this season.
HOW TO GET AROUND KAOHSIUNG?
You can get around in Kaosiung very well by using the metro and buses. Just swipe your EasyCard and you are off to go. For a more active way to explore, you can rent a YouBike, just like in other cities in Taiwan. However, don’t expect bike lanes on every street – it’s common to ride on the sidewalk. Sightseeing is more enjoyable when you’re connected to the world. Our eSIM made it easy to look up things to do, check out reviews, and find the best routes to all the top sights.
WHERE TO STAY IN KAOHSIUNG?
The best areas to stay in Kaohsiung are Yancheng District and around Kaohsiung Station. Yancheng offers proximity to the Pier-2 Art Center, which is particularly lively at night and features a variety of restaurants. Staying near the Red Metro Line is also convenient for getting around the city. We opted for an apartment in the 85 Sky Tower, where we found an affordable deal. The tower has numerous rooms, but there are also plenty of other hotels in the surrounding area.
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WHAT TO DO IN KAOHSIUNG?
TEMPLES
Fo Guang Shan Monastery & Buddha Museum (佛光山)
The Fo Guang Shan Monastery and its impressive Buddha Museum, with its huge plaza and towering Buddha statue atop a pyramid, are truly breathtaking. However, the scale and the emphasis on the founder felt somewhat odd in comparison to the modest teachings of the Buddha.
The monastery is a 45-minute bus ride from the HSR Station in Kaohsiung, on the outskirts of the city. As one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan, it is over 100 hectares, so we recommend arriving early and dedicating at least half a day to explore. Start your visit at the monastery, which is right next to the museum. Get off at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery bus stop and walk towards the visitor center, where you can grab a map.
Begin your exploration with the peaceful monastery grounds, which have a cemetery, a 36-meter-high golden Amitabha Buddha, and the impressive Main Shrine with its three massive Buddhas and nearly 15,000 smaller Buddhas embedded in the walls. This area felt more authentic, and we appreciated the tranquility, as we were the only tourists there, sharing the space with only the monks.
From the monastery, follow a scenic path leading you to the Dharma Hall and then onward to the museum. The path is lined with beautiful gardens. At the museum, you’ll be amazed by the giant 108-meter seated metal Buddha statue. At the museum you will find modern and interactive exhibits that provide insight into the Buddha’s life and teachings. The biggest highlight is definitely the Buddha’s tooth relic, lying in a crystal chamber above a declining Buddha made out of precious white jade. If you’re interested in learning about Buddhism, this is a great place to do so.
After your visit, you can enjoy a meal at the vegetarian restaurants or stop by Starbucks, at the museum’s exit.
OPEN |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. monastery
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. museum (closed Tue)
ENTRANCE | free
TIP | Buses run every 40 minutes, but to ensure you get a seat on the first bus, it’s best to arrive early, as group tours can sometimes take up a lot of space. The same goes for when leaving the museum—after missing our bus, we ended up sharing a taxi with other visitors to avoid a long wait.
Lotus Pond and its Temples
Walking around the pond is such a peaceful and beautiful experience. Start at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (currently closed for renovations until June 2025), then make your way towards the Spring & Autumn Pavilions, followed by the Zuoying Yuandi Temple, and finally the Confucius Temple. As you walk around the lake, take in the stunning scenery and the quiet atmosphere. Along the streets surrounding the pond, you’ll find plenty of other temples to explore if you’re still craving a bit more of that Taiwanese temple charm.
OPEN |
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dragon & Tiger Pagodas
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Zuoying Yuandi Temple
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spring & Autumn Pavillions
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Confucius Temple (closed on mondays)
Sanfong Temple
This is a beautiful temple we’d recommend, but only if you have some extra time, as it’s not within walking distance of other attractions. The temple has a stunning courtyard filled with red lanterns, which are especially magical when they light up in the evening, adding an extra layer of charm to the place.
OPEN | 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
We created this guide to give you an understanding of Taiwanese temple etiquette, helping you know what to expect, how to dress, and how to behave respectfully during your visit.
READ | The Taiwanese Temples Guide
ART & SHOPPING
Pier-2 Art Center
The Pier-2 Art Center is a vibrant spot full of creativity, where artists and students showcase their work. It’s one of our favorite cultural places in Kaohsiung, with art events happening throughout the year that really energize the city. We loved exploring the old railway line turned cycling trail, lined with hidden art.
Don’t miss the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, where Kaohsiung’s first train station is preserved, telling stories from the past. The center itself is filled with outdoor sculptures, installations, and exhibits—perfect for wandering, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying some amazing local art.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weekends until 8:00 p.m.
Weiwuying
Weiwuying is a place where you can really get lost in a few streets, surrounded by colorful murals and hidden art in every corner. As we wandered, we stumbled upon gems like the “Wall of Books” mural and were constantly amazed by new pieces around every turn. It’s one of those neighborhoods that feels alive with creativity, and it’s a great spot to explore if you enjoy street art and local culture.
Kaohsiung Music Center (Love River Bay)
The Kaohsiung Music Center is a striking waterfront spot along the Love River, known for its modern architecture. Even if you’re not attending a concert, the area is great for strolling and enjoying beautiful views, especially in the evening when the venue lights up.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - mondays closed
Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station
Admire a 30-meter diameter dome that covers an area of 660 square meters. The world’s largest public art installation made of from individual pieces of colored glass inside the MRT station. The dome tells the story of human life in four chronologically arranged themes: Water: The Womb of Life, Earth: Prosperity and Growth, Light: The Creative Spirit and Fire: Destruction and Rebirth, with an overall message of love and tolerance.
SUN, SURF & SCENERY
Cijin Island
Escape the bustling city life of Kaohsiung and dive into the relaxing beach vibes of Cijin Island. The salty breeze, golden sands, and easygoing atmosphere create the perfect contrast to the urban rush. Take a day trip to Cijin, preferably on the weekend when the street market at Cijin “Old Street” comes alive with more stalls offering local delicacies and goods.
Within walking distance from the ferry pier, you can:
Relax a the beach or catch the waves
Admire Cijin Tianhou Temple
Check out the drying fish at Cihou Market
Walk through the Cijin Tunnel to the cliffs
Snap photos at the Cihou Fort ruins
Head to the Lighthouse for panoramic views
For a fun adventure, rent a bicycle or scooter and cruise along the beach to:
Explore the Shell Museum
Appreciate the artistic Rainbow Church
Reflect at the Cijin Life Memorial
Marvel at Zhongzhou Guangji Palace
Enjoy the breeze at Windmill Park
HOW TO GET HERE | Take the metro to Sizihwan or Hamasen Station, then walk to the Gushan Ferry Pier. Ferries depart every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. The ride takes just 10 minutes and costs NT$30, pay with your EasyCard.
RENT A BIKE | Expect to pay around NT$100 per bike per day and NT$600 for an electric family cart for 2 hours. Be ready to haggle over both the price and rental duration.
TIP | If you’re visiting on the weekend grab one of the fantastic drinks at this hawker stand and watch the stunning sunset at the beach. We loved these drinks, we kept coming for more.
Shushan LOVE Lookout
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, hike up to Shushan Love Lookout and enjoy amazing views of Kaohsiung Harbour and Cijin Island. It’s a great way to escape the city for a while and enjoy nature with a stunning backdrop. There are also trails that wind through the forest where you can spot macaques hanging around.
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NIGHT MARKETS
Liuhe Night Market
During the day, the market is a quiet street, but at night it transforms into a bustling market area. Liuhe Night Market features 138 stalls, offering a variety of snacks along with entertainment and games.
Ruifeng Night Market
There are over a thousand vendors, you can find clothing, entertainment, and delicious snacks at a fair price. This is a popular place for Kaohsiung residents to enjoy an evening walk and grab a bite to eat.
READ | Our Favorite Taiwanese Main Dishes You Must Try
READY TO ESCAPE TO PARADISE?
For a truly unforgettable experience, add Xiaoliuqiu Island to your itinerary. Just a 2-hour journey from Kaohsiung, including a bus ride and a quick ferry trip, this island offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming with sea turtles and exploring vibrant coral reefs right from the beach. Rent a scooter to discover the island’s natural beauty, including the breathtaking Black Dwarf Cave and tranquil beaches. Spending 1-2 nights here will give you time to unwind, enjoy a stunning sunset, and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this coastal gem.
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