Kaohsiung — Port City in Transition
Taiwan's Most Creative City
Kaohsiung (高雄) is Taiwan's second-largest city with 2.7 million inhabitants and has transformed in recent years from a gray industrial port city to the most creative city on the island. Former warehouses as art centers, a spectacular harbor with light installations, the world's largest glass installation in a subway station, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Barcelona — Kaohsiung is the counterpoint to Taipei's skyscraper gigantism.
Highlights
- Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區): Former port warehouses converted into galleries, design shops, street art galleries, and creative workshops. Sculptures stand outdoors, artists work in open studios, and markets are held on weekends. Taiwan's coolest art scene — entry to the outdoor area is free.
- Lotus Pond (蓮池潭): A lake in the north of the city with Kaohsiung's iconic landmark: the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. You enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger — this brings luck (and wards off evil spirits) according to Taoist belief. Around the lake: several other temples, including the impressive Spring and Autumn Pavilion. Free of charge.
- Formosa Boulevard Station — Dome of Light: The world's largest glass installation in a subway station. 4,500 glass panels by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata tell the story of humanity on 660 m² — from destruction to rebirth. The colors change depending on the time of day. Worth a stop just for this. Free of charge.
- Cijin Island (旗津): Small island off the harbor, accessible by nostalgic ferry (25 TWD / 0.75€, 5 min.). Black sand beach, fish market with the freshest seafood, lighthouse on the hill, and seafood restaurants where you can get fish, shrimp, and mussels for 200–400 TWD (6–12€).
- Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市): Kaohsiung's most famous night market. Specialties: stone-grilled seafood, papaya milk (the best in Taiwan!), and saltwater chicken. More touristy than Ruifeng Market, but atmospheric.
Fo Guang Shan (佛光山)
30 minutes outside the city lies Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery. The attached Buddha Memorial Center houses a 36-meter-high seated Buddha and a museum on the worldwide spread of Buddhism. The complex is monumental — pavilions, meditation halls, and a 400-meter-long pilgrimage path lined with 480 Buddha statues. Admission is free, vegetarian lunch is offered for free (donations welcome). An experience that moves even non-Buddhists.
