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Kaohsiung

The southern city of Kaohsiung (高雄; Gāoxióng), Taiwan's largest port and its second-largest city, has undergone a cultural renaissance. Today's Kaohsiung is a modern metropolis of airy cafes, wide streets, waterside parks, cycling lanes and cultural spots. It is a home to excellent museums, one of Taiwan's top arts venues, the finest jazz bars, and a hot-blooded music festival – a far cry from its days as a centre of heavy industry. There are also two swimming beaches within the city area, and 1000 hectares of almost-pristine forest right on its doorstep.

Explore Kaohsiung

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kaohsiung.

  • Cultural Centre

    Museum 50

    A true hidden gem, this private museum has a small but exceptional collection of sculpture and antiques by mid-19th- to 20th-century Japanese artists who…

  • Taoist Temple

    Tianliao Stone Temple

    Tianliao Stone Temple is a fantastical, Gaudi-esque interpretation of a Taoist temple by Southeast Asian migrant workers. The 500 men had been hired to…

  • Market

    Neiwei Flea Market

    This sprawling flea market in Neiwei may possibly offer one of the most authentic and fabulous experiences of Taiwan. You'll find everything under the sun…

  • Island

    Cijin Island

    This narrow island that acts as a buffer to the harbour and extends down the city coastline makes for a lovely day trip from the mainland. The main…

  • Museum

    Alien Art Centre

    A remarkable museum in a unique location. From the '50s to the '70s this white building was a hostel for young men departing for compulsory military…

  • Area

    Pier-2 Art Center

    An attractive sprawl of old warehouses by the port is separated by tree-lined boulevards, and hosts shops, galleries and cafes. It's a wonderful place to…

  • Temple

    Cijin Tianhou Temple

    One of Kaohsiung's few temples that made the national protected relics list is also its oldest Mazu temple. Cijin Tianhou Temple was constructed in 1673…

  • Temple

    Foguangshan

    Considered the centre of Buddhism in southern Taiwan, Foguangshan a good place to learn more about Buddhism as the staff and some of the monks and nuns…

  • Landmark

    Guomao Community

    Dramatic residential blocks with curved facades encircle a diaspora community in the Guomao area. The dozen-or-so 12-storey buildings were constructed for…

  • Temple

    Daitian Temple

    A temple with a Taoist hall at the front and a Buddhist hall (青雲寺) at the back, both richly decorated with folk art. In fact Daitian Temple has the…

  • See

    'Big Gutter Cover' Old Street

    Dàgōudǐng (literally 'Big Gutter Cover') Old Street is a shopping arcade from the 1950s. It's located between Wufu 4th Rd (五福四路) in the south and Dagong…

  • Museum

    Cihou Fort

    A handsome modern fort with Qing dynasty foundations that used to guard the northern entrance to Kaohsiung Harbour. From the top of the barracks and the…

  • Museum

    National Science & Technology Museum

    Features an hourly IMAX show and high-quality, hands-on science exhibits designed for children. The exhibit on the industrial history of Taiwan, one of…

  • Museum

    Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

    Set in a large park, this wonderful museum specialises in the works of Taiwanese artists, in particular, painters, sculptors, and installation and digital…

  • Market

    Neiwei Afternoon Market

    After checking out the wondrous Neiwei Flea Market, hop over to this food bazaar nearby for a cheap-but-satisfying meal of grilled chicken, stuffed buns…

  • Area

    Lotus Pond

    The scenic pond in the north of the city has been a popular destination since the Qing dynasty and is well known for the 20 or so temples dotting the…

  • Museum

    Story House of Naval Base Zuoying

    In a compound next to Taiwan's largest naval base, this small museum pays tribute to Zuoying's strong military heritage. By means of relics, photos,…

  • Zoo

    Shoushan Zoo

    Kids may enjoy this zoo on the northern border of Shoushan Park in Gushan District. While we think that the large mammals such as camels and ostriches…

  • Historic Site

    British Consulate Residence at Takou

    Built in 1865, this handsome red-brick consulate residence sits 70m above the mouth of Kaohsiung Harbour, a perfect location for watching giant container…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Kaohsiung.

  • Activities