Holiday in Kaohsiung

About Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan and the most important port of the island. The metropolis in southern Taiwan has transformed in recent decades from an industrial city to a modern cultural center — former warehouses at the harbor now house galleries, cafes, and creative spaces. The Lotus Pond (Lianchi Tan) is Kaohsiung's most famous landmark: The artificial lake is lined with vividly decorated temples, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas — two towers that are entered through the mouth of a dragon and exited through that of a tiger. Next to it stands the 72-meter-high Spring and Autumn Pavilion. The scenery is particularly spectacular at sunset. Pier-2 Art Center is the vibrant art district in former harbor warehouses: Street art, installations, galleries, and creative markets attract artists and visitors. The Kaohsiung Music Center at the harbor, an architectural masterpiece, resembles a whale emerging from the water. The Liuhe Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan: Hundreds of stalls offer seafood, local snacks, and freshly prepared dishes. Cijin Island, a nearby sandy island, can be reached by ferry in 5 minutes and offers fresh seafood right on the beach, a historic lighthouse, and the Cihou Temple. The Fo Guang Shan Monastery, 30 km northeast, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan with a 36-meter-high Buddha statue and the impressive Buddha Memorial Center.