A comprehensive guide to the best sightseeing spots, night markets, hotels, and more for your trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Formosa Boulevard Station First, I would like to introduce Formosa Boulevard Station, which was completed in 2008. It is a famous station that anyone going to Kaohsiung will definitely stop by. Its most distinctive feature is the stained glass work titled "The Dome of Light". You can experience a fantastic atmosphere as if you are in the sea. The light show is held three times a day, at 11:00, 15:00, and 20:00. If you have the time, be sure to stop by. Shoushan Zoo Shoushan Zoo is recommended for family trips. It used to have many problems and was described as the worst zoo in Taiwan, but after several renovations, it has been reborn as a beautiful and fun zoo. It is also known as the second largest zoo in Taiwan. Since it is a zoo on top of a mountain, you can also observe wild Taiwanese monkeys. Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Hamasen Railway Cultural Park was originally Kaohsiung's first railway station, called "Kaohsiung Port Station". The site features preserved rails and station buildings, and railway vehicles are also on display. A must-see spot for railway enthusiasts. Pier-2 Art District Next to Hamasen Railway Cultural Park is the Pier-2 Art District. This is an open art space with a unique atmosphere. Works of art by up-and-coming artists are displayed everywhere, so just strolling around is fun, and there are also a number of general stores, so it's also recommended to take your time shopping. Cijin District Next, we'll introduce Cijin District. You'll need to take a ferry from Xizihwan, but don't worry, you'll arrive in no time. The fare is 25 NTD one way, and you can use the EasyCard. The ferry operates from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following morning. It operates every 10 minutes between 5:00 a.m. and midnight, and every 30 minutes between midnight and 2:00 a.m. There are delicious seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches in Cijin District, but the best thing to try is mango shaved ice. The rich and juicy mango is very satisfying. It's sure to make you feel like you're in a tropical country. Love River The famous river in Kaohsiung is the Love River. It's recommended to take a leisurely stroll along the river, but night cruises where you can see beautiful scenery are also popular. If you're with your partner, you're sure to have a romantic time, so be sure to take a ride when you visit Kaohsiung. 85 Building The symbol of Kaohsiung is the 85 Building. It was known as the tallest building in Taiwan until Taipei 101 was completed in Taipei City. It is now the second tallest building in Taiwan and the 21st tallest building in the world. The view from the observation deck was also good, but it is currently closed. Also, the security inside the building has deteriorated by the time the police patrol, so it's best to just look at the 85 Building from afar. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall Although it is a little far from downtown Kaohsiung, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall is also recommended. It can be reached in about 30 minutes by bus from Zuoying Station. Although it is a religious facility, it is full of attractions such as the largest Buddha statue in Asia and a temple. It has also been a hot topic recently that it has a branch in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. One thing to note here. If you return too late, you may not be able to catch the bus or get caught in traffic, so try to cut your sightseeing short as much as possible. Lotus Pond The most famous tourist spot in Kaohsiung is Lotus Pond. Even if you have never been to Kaohsiung, you may recognize the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. There are also many other attractions such as the 72m-tall Xuantian Shangdi Statue and the Spring and Autumn Pavilion. However, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is currently undergoing renovation work. It is not scheduled to be completed until after 2025, so if you are planning to visit, please check the latest information before visiting. Three Beef Noodles Right next to Lotus Pond is a famous beef noodle restaurant. That's Sanniu beef noodles. The tender beef and mild soup are a delight. The mild flavor will soothe your tired body after sightseeing. If you're visiting Lotus Pond, be sure to stop by. Zhengzhong Paikko Fan Zhengzhong Paikko Fan is a bento chain that operates mainly in central and southern Taiwan, with its flagship store in Kaohsiung. It's a famous store that always has a line at mealtimes, so be sure to go early to buy your meal. The juicy meat is very filling. Liuhe Tourist Night Market The most famous night market in Kaohsiung is Liuhe Tourist Night Market. It's a historic night market that has been in operation since the 1950s, and currently has about 140 stores lined up. There are stalls selling traditional Taiwanese snacks, but since Kaohsiung is a port city, it is also characterized by a large number of seafood stalls. My personal recommendation is the oyster omelette. 　 #Taiwan #Kaohsiung