Taiwan’s second city, for better or for worse, just doesn’t get a lot of love. Most non-Chinese speakers don’t even know how to pronounce the word “Kaohsiung” (it’s gāo-xióng, in case you were curious).
Beyond this, of course, people just get so caught up exploring Taipei and its vicinity that they simply can’t be bothered to head south. Or, if they do, they end up detouring inland to natural destinations like Sun Moon Lake or Alishan.
Some of you are already planning a trip to Kaohsiung, while others need a push to get inspired. Regardless, my Kaohsiung travel guide has got you covered.
Where to Stay in Kaohsiung
As is the case almost everywhere in Taiwan outside of Taipei, Kaohsiung hotels leave a lot to be desired. This is most obvious on the higher end, where only a couple of properties—Brio Hotel and Intercontinental Kaohsiung by IHG—really live up to what their star ratings suggest. I’d suggest remaining highly skeptical of any other “luxury” hotel in the city.
More modest hotels and inns, meanwhile, can serve as a great place to sleep while you play out your Kaohsiung itinerary. However, whether because of the clumsily-executed “airplane” theme of the Airline Inn, or the run-down furnishings and musty smell of Kindness Hotel, the key remains having realistic expectations. Kaohsiung, like Taiwan as a whole, is an excellent place for many things—hotels just aren’t usually among them.
What to Do in Kaohsiung
Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
I usually like to stop at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas right after arriving in Kaohsiung. They’re a short Uber ride from Zuoying Station, which is where high-speed trains from Taipei arrive. Do keep in mind, however, that they’re worth returning to in the evening (if you come during the day), both for the amazing sunsets on offer, as well as for incredibly street food).
Enjoy the view from Cijin
Another essential spot to add to your Kaohsiung itinerary is Cijin Island. In addition to offering some fresh air and a generally slower pace of life, the view from Cijin Fort is fantastic. It shows Kaohsiung’s colorful skyline rising above the harbor. It’s also a great place to be at sunset or as night falls, but then again, you only have so many evenings in Kaohsiung available!
Eat your way through a night market
Like most cities in Taiwan, Kaohsiung is home to many night markets—and many are pop-up markets, which you’ll find by accident, and won’t see on any map. With this being said, the most reliable “permanent” night market in Kaohsiung is the Liouhe Street Night Market. It’s colorful and interesting, and sits within walking distance of the iconic Formosa Boulevard Station on the Kaohsiung MRT.
Watch Sanfeng Temple light up
Another advantage of choosing Liouhe Street for your night market experience? It’s just south of Sanfeng Temple, which is another of my favorite things to do in Kaohsiung. Although you can come here at any time of day, I suggest coming after night has fallen. If you do, you’ll be able to see the temple’s hundreds of red lanterns lit-up, which is the most iconic way to experience it.
Take a day trip to Fo Guang Shan
The most simple and satisfying day trip you can add to your Kaohsiung itinerary is Fo Guang Shan, a massive monastery that’s easily accessible by bus from both Kaohsiung Main Station and the Zuoying HSR hub. However, this is not necessarily the only day trip you can take. Some travelers, for example, will head north to Tainan (even if I would argue this is better as an overnight destination—topic for another post, nonetheless).
How Many Days Do I Need in Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung might pale in comparison to Taipei when it comes to international recognition or popularity among tourists, but it’s still a massive city. You need to spend a minimum of two nights here to see everything, with a full day required in the city center near Kaohsiung Main Station, and another for exploring Cijin Island. Even still, this may not be sufficient.
Indeed, the question of how many days in Kaohsiung also needs to include day trips. The most obvious example is Fo Guang Shan, as listed above; some travelers also try to fit in cities like Tainan as a day trip from Kaohsiung. There’s also the possibility of onward excursions. You could continue southward from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park, or even catch a boat to Xiaoliuqiu Island.
Other FAQ About Your Kaohsiung Itinerary
Is Kaohsiung worth visiting?
Kaohsiung is absolutely worth visiting. Some travelers will come simply to photograph out-of-this-world attractions like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, while others will ride a boat over to Cijin Island in order to get a great panorama of the city. In other cases, a day trip to the massive Fo Guang Shan monastery is the primary motivation.
Is Kaohsiung cheaper than Taipei?
Kaohsiung is not noticeably cheaper than Taipei, though rates on the highest-end hotels may be slightly less. This is not necessarily bad news, however. Taiwan as a whole is much cheaper than most countries in East Asia, so regardless of which city you visit, your trip won’t break the bank.
Is there anything to do in Kaohsiung?
There’s a lot to do in Kaohsiung! Some of my favorite Kaohsiung attractions include the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Sanfeng Temple (which is especially gorgeous lit-up at night) and Cijin Fort, on the island of the same name. Kaohsiung is also located within day-trip distance of Fo Guang Shan monastery.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found my Kaohsiung travel guide useful. Although it sometimes disappears in the shadows of Taipei, Kaohsiung offers a totally unique array of attractions and experiences. Some travelers will appreciate the architectural excellence of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, while others will prefer the sprawling panorama of the city and harbor on offer from Cijin Fort on the island of the same name. Others will take a day trip from Kaohsiung to Fo Guang Shan, one of Taiwan’s most impressive Buddhist monasteries. Need personalized help integrating Kaohsiung into your Taiwan trip? Commission a custom Taiwan itinerary today!
