Kaohsiung is the largest city in the southernmost part of Taiwan. It is home to the largest seaport of the country. Apart from the beautiful seaside atmosphere, Kaohsiung has many tourist destinations.
Day 1
Visit a new landmark and tour a historic island
Start the day with the Dome of Light, the world’s largest public art installation inside the Formosa Boulevard subway station. The Dome of Light is a stained-glass lantern which tells the story of human life through the symbols of water, earth, light, and fire. Continue on to the Pier-2 Art Center, which is an old waterfront warehouse that was used for packing grounded fish and brown sugar – currently transformed into a new creative space with recycled steel art installations. Take a short walk to Duck Zhen, a 60-year-old restaurant that serves succulent smoked duck. Nearby is the Bei Gang Tsai Tube shop (Yancheng) serving Taiwanese style sticky rice with pork since 1956.
In the afternoon cross over to Cijin Island, a 300-year-old historical site located only five minutes from shore. The island features temples and artworks, in addition to an old street that captures the beauty and spirit of Kaohsiung.
Wrap up the day at the famous Liuhe Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market – the latter is a favorite amongst locals and is located about 5 kilometers to the north.
Day 2
Pay respects to large Buddha statues, visit an art community, and spend at shopping street
Spend the first half of the morning at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a revered place of worship for Taiwanese locals. The large bronze Fo Guang Shan Buddha statue is regarded as the world’s tallest Buddha statue in the lotus sitting position, measured at 108 meters.
Return to the city and visit Lao Ye Mei Shi Guan (Fengshan) famous for its smoked duck in a sugarcane glaze, fried pork belly with lemongrass, and fish soup simmered on low heat for 4 hours. Two kilometers away is the Weiwuying Street Art Village, once a military camp and currently renovated into an art space for street art from all over the world.
In the evening you can shop at the Shinkuchan Shopping District, an area filled with small specialty shops, food vendors, snacks, and beverages. It is a favorite hangout for young people of Kaohsiung. Then walk over to Sanduo, an area known for its malls and shopping centers, and also 85 Sky Tower which is the second tallest building in Taiwan (the tallest building in Taiwan is Taipei 101 )
Day 3
Enter the Dragon’s throat, exit the Tiger’s mouth, and drive away all bad luck, plus a shopping spree for gifts and souvenirs
Start the day by worshipping the sacred Lotus Pond, a large lake which is home to beautiful monasteries in Kaohsiung. A popular destination are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which feature the Dragon’s neck for entrance and Tiger’s mouth as the exit – a symbol of turning bad luck into good luck. During the afternoon, stop by Sanfeng Central Street, renowned source of tea leaves, dried food and herbs – which are perfect gifts to take back home. From then on, have a safe journey home.
Let’s plan a trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Fly there with Thai Airways!
