Situated in the southern part of Taiwan is Kaohsiung, the third-most populous city in the country, with almost three million people. Coming from the capital, Taipei, Kaohsiung is just a two-hour ride via High Speed Rail.
When it comes to travel, Kaohsiung has plenty of things to offer to local as well as foreign tourists. From historic sights to beautiful parks and eye-catching street art — visitors will definitely have a wonderful time in Kaohsiung… even on a limited budget!
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FREE Things to Do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Get ready to discover the sights and sounds of Kaohsiung, as we present the following list of activities that you can do there for free!
Explore the pagodas at Lotus Pond.
Established in 1951, Lotus Pond is actually a lake that has become one of Kaohsiung’s most famous landmarks. It features two pagodas: the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. It is believed that if you enter through the Dragon Pagoda and exit through the Tiger Pagoda, you will have good fortune! Along the way, you can stroll along picturesque pathways, marveling at the serene lotus plants and temples at the scenic area.
Catch the water show at Central Park.
For those who are based in Kaohsiung City, a trip to Central park is always a welcome break from their busy schedules. Located inside the park is the Kaohsiung Main Library, where you can relax, read books, or browse the displays. Another park features is the Speaker’s Corner, where you can exercise, go jogging, play games with friends, or simply hang out!
Of course, while you’re at Central Park, you shouldn’t miss the water show. Lasting for about 20 minutes and held several times a day, the water show is an exciting, refreshing treat for all visitors!
Take a picture by the former British Consulate.
Built in 1879, the British Consulate is known as the first foreign consulate established in Taiwan. Situated 70 meters above Kaohsiung Port, the consulate has a staircase leading to an observation area, where visitors can see magnificent views of the harbor. Inside, there are photos and exhibits featuring the history of the consulate building, which had also served as a weather bureau before getting converted into a museum in 2003. Cafes and restaurants have also been added to the area.
Learn about Kaohsiung at the Museum of History.
Would you like to learn more about the history of Kaohsiung? Visit the Museum of History, which is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Housed in an old government building, the museum may be small, but it certainly provides extensive information about Kaohsiung.
Take a romantic stroll by Love River.
Offering breathtaking views of the city, gardens, parks, and cafes — Love River certainly lives up to its name as romantic destination. Also known as “Ai River,” the 15-kilometer body of water runs through the city before ending at Kaohsiung Harbor. A leisurely stroll along the riverbank is a great way to explore the area.
You can also take a boat ride along the river, also this will cost money, of course. Each boat carries up to 15 people, promising a peaceful and enjoyable ride.
Go hiking at Monkey Mountain.
If you’re up for a hike, consider going to Shoushan Mountain, a.k.a. “Monkey Mountain.” Situated in Gushan District, it’s a relatively easy trail that takes around three hours to complete. As you may have guessed, the mountain is named after the macaque monkeys that are living in the area. Don’t worry, they are not aggressive! Just don’t bring food and do not stare at them too much!
Enjoy the view from Shoushan “LOVE” Lookout.
While at Shoushan Mountain, you might as well head to the “LOVE” metal sign at the edge of the mountain. This is the Shoushan lover’s viewing platform, which provides panoramic views of Kaohsiung city, the mountains, and the sea. Aside from the huge “LOVE” sign, there are three statues of macaque monkeys, each of which symbolizes three stages of love: pursuit, passion, and union.
Marvel at the Dome of Light.
Designed by Narcissus Quagliata, an Italian artist, the “Dome of Light” is a huge glass art installation at the Formosa Boulevard Station (MRT) in Kaohsiung. Containing 4,500 glass panels and covering 2,000 meters — it is the world’s biggest stained glass artwork, making Formosa Boulevard one of the most beautiful metro stations around the globe!
Admire the exhibits at Pier 2 Art Center.
Located in Yancheng, the Pier 2 Art Center used to be a warehouse district, now converted into an artistic hub. The area is filled colorful street art and large outdoor sculptures featuring traditional and modern themes. It also includes cafes and boutiques housed in refurbished warehouse buildings. Operating daily starting at 10:00 am, the center is open to the public, free of charge!
Be amazed by the murals at Lingya Street Art Village.
Speaking of street art, another must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung is the Street Art Village at Lingya District. Since 2016, the district has been holding the yearly Kaohsiung Street Art Festival, inviting artists from around the world to create murals on the area’s apartment buildings and walkways. Around 50 artists from 24 countries come to participate. The result is Taiwan’s first “street art village” — featuring a dazzling, colorful array of buildings and streets painted with animal themes, bookshelf themes, and many more. It’s like wandering through an outdoor art museum!
Honour fallen soldiers at the Martyrs’ Shrine.
Originally built as a Japanese war base, the Martyrs’ Shrine was transformed into a pavilion that commemorates fallen Taiwanese soldiers. Featuring colorful paintings and intricate carvings, the design is quite similar to the Martyrs’ Shrine in Taipei. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the shrine is located on a hill, where visitors can gaze at spectacular views of Kaohsiung city, the harbor, and Cijin Island. It is open daily, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Observe local culture and worship at Sanfeng Temple.
The history of Sanfeng Temple goes way back… more than 300 years, in fact! The impressive structure, which features numerous red hanging lanterns and ornate decorations, is a great place to observe people as they worship. During special occasions and ceremonies, the temple also hosts traditional performances that locals and tourists can watch.
Visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
From central Kaohsiung, take a 45-minute bus ride to reach Fo Guang Shan Monastery, a popular destination for tourists (and aspiring monks, too). Upon entering the area, you’re bound to be amazed by the sight of the Big Buddha, which happens to be one of the biggest bronze sitting Buddha statues in Asia. A long pathway leads to the giant statue, while eight pagodas line the pathway.
Fong Guang Shan Monastery is open from Wednesdays to Mondays, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Discover the sights at Cijin Island.
From the main land, take a short ferry ride (about 15 minutes) to Cijin Island, a small strip of land not far from Kaohsiung Harbor. Walk around to discover the island’s famous attractions, including: the Lighthouse, built in 1883 by the British; and Rainbow Church, a modern art sculpture located along the beach. There’s also the Cijin Shell Museum, which features over 2,000 species of marine life and shells, plus a gigantic, gold-line shell sculpture outside.
Sample local cuisine at Liuhe Night Market.
What to do at the end of a long day? Go to a night market, of course! Night markets are very popular in Taiwan; many people come here to enjoy some food, drinks, and buy souvenirs. In Kaohsiung, one of the most popular night markets is Liuhe Night Market, which was established in the 1940s. Here, tourists can sample authentic Taiwanese cuisine, including steamed salt prawns, seafood congee, mullet gizzard, and other delicacies!
Beautiful gardens, hiking trails, temples, historic buildings, and street art — Kaohsiung showcases traditional as well as modern attractions that would amaze anyone who visits. Even if you’re on a budget, you will certainly have a memorable experience here!
Notably, for Filipinos in Kaohsiung, there’s a place where you can enjoy Philippine Cuisine. Check out this article about Vince’s Eatery, a popular dining establishment serving classic Pinoy dishes!