Things to Do in Kaohsiung for First Time Visitors

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Kaohsiung, this guide covers the top attractions, hidden gems and how to spend 2 days in the city.

Kaohsiung (pronounced cow-shung) was the last stop on our Taiwan itinerary, and it completely surprised me. I didn’t expect to find a city that could rival Taipei, but it came very close.

During my visit, I explored colourful temples, wandered through waterfront art districts and spent evenings eating my way through busy night markets. It’s a more relaxed city than Taipei, but still packed with things to do.

I’m sharing the best things to do in Kaohsiung for first-time visitors, including iconic spots like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Pier-2 Art Center and a few hidden gems most travellers miss.

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Quick guide to the best things to do in Kaohsiung

If you’re short on time, here are some of the best things to do in Kaohsiung at a glance:

• Visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
• Explore street art at Pier 2 Art Centre
• Try Taiwanese street food at Ruifeng Night Market
• See the incredible Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station
• Take the ferry to Cijin Island
• Visit the beautiful Sanfong Temple
• Explore temples around Lotus Pond
• Take a day trip to Kenting National Park

14 best things to do in Kaohsiung

Sanfong Temple

Sanfong Temple is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places to visit in Kaohsiung, especially if you enjoy cultural landmarks. The temple dates back over 300 years and is dedicated to Nezha, a popular Taoist deity. 

This was my favourite place to visit in Kaohsiung and the best time to visit is early morning before the crowds descend upon it. It was so peaceful watching the locals quietly light incense and pray, giving you a glimpse into everyday Taiwanese religious life.

We also got to witness ​​a father and daughter duo burning joss paper; a Taoist ritual for worshiping your ancestors. They believe their deceased relatives receive these gifts, symbolic of money and other necessities they might need, in the afterlife. It was incredibly wholesome to be able to witness this.

Take your time at Sanfong Temple, walk around and make sure you climb up the staircases for the most magnificent view. You will be rewarded with the hundreds of red lanterns hanging above the courtyard. 

If you arrive in the late afternoon as the lanterns begin to glow, the entire temple takes on a warm, almost magical feel.

It’s such a peaceful place to wander for a while, admire the intricate carvings, and soak up the atmosphere before heading back into the busy city streets.

Sanfong Jhong Street

Just a short walk from the temple, you’ll find Sanfong Jhong Street, a historic covered market that’s been around for over a century. It’s known as one of the city’s main wholesale hubs for dried goods, traditional snacks and herbal medicines.

The street is lively and pedestrian-friendly, with rows of shops selling everything from tea to preserved ingredients. It’s worth a quick wander to soak up the atmosphere, although it’s not the kind of place you’ll likely buy much unless you’re specifically shopping for local goods. It reminded me a lot of Taipei’s Dihua Street.

Ruifeng Night Market

If you want to experience Taiwan’s famous night market culture, Ruifeng Night Market felt much more local than the night markets we visited in Taipei. The stalls are tightly packed together and it gets incredibly busy after 7pm. 

As soon as the sun sets, the streets fill with food stalls, flashing lights and the smell of sizzling street food. It can feel a little chaotic at first, but that’s part of the fun.

You’ll find everything from grilled squid and Taiwanese fried chicken to bubble tea and sweet desserts. I always recommend arriving hungry and trying a few different stalls rather than committing to one big meal. Aside from food, there are also carnival style games, small shops and clothing stalls, making it easy to spend the entire evening here.

Kaohsiung highlights tour

Want to see the main highlights without planning everything yourself?

If you’re short on time, a tour is always a great idea.

This Kaohsiung highlights tour covers places like Lotus Pond, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Cijin Island in one day, making it a really easy way to experience the city without worrying about transport.

CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE

Pier 2 Art Centre

Pier 2 Art Centre is Kaohsiung’s creative heart and easily one of the most fun places to explore in the city. What used to be a collection of old warehouses has been transformed into an arts district filled with galleries, street art, quirky sculptures and small creative shops. 

It was a short walk from our hotel and we visited on our first night in Kaohsiung. As you wander around, you’ll stumble across colourful murals and giant installations that make the whole area feel like an outdoor gallery.

It feels like a pop of beauty in what would otherwise be quite an industrial area.

It’s the sort of place where you can happily spend a few hours without a plan. When I visited, I kept getting distracted by the random sculptures scattered between the buildings. There are also plenty of cafés if you fancy a break, and the area often hosts markets and pop up exhibitions.

Nearby, you will find Eslite Bookstore, which is one of the largest retail bookstore chains in Taiwan. This particular branch is housed in a once-abandoned warehouse and has a Starbucks along with several other boutique sellers inside. I tried on some fabulous clothes and ended up purchasing a small handbag here.

If you aren’t looking to shop, Eslite Bookstore is the perfect place to escape the heat and soak up the air conditioning for a while. This is how we stumbled upon this hidden gem!

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are one of the most iconic sights in Kaohsiung and sit right on the edge of Lotus Pond. The colourful pagodas are connected to the shore by long walkways that pass through the open mouths of a dragon and a tiger. According to local tradition, you enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger to turn bad luck into good.

Climbing up the pagodas gives you a lovely view across the lake and the surrounding temples. If you only have 2 days in Kaohsiung, this is one of the places I’d prioritise because it’s quick to visit but one of the most unique sights in the city.

Lotus Pond

Lotus Pond is one of the most scenic areas in Kaohsiung and a great place to explore if you enjoy temples and lakeside views. The lake is surrounded by colourful pagodas, shrines, and traditional temples, making it feel like an open air cultural park.

If you’re visiting the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, it’s worth setting aside at least an hour to walk around the rest of Lotus Pond as many of the temples and shrines are spread around the lake.

Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station

Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung might just be the most impressive metro station you’ll ever see.

The Dome of Light here is a huge stained glass installation that covers the ceiling of the station’s central hall. It’s made up of thousands of colourful glass panels and tells a story through its vibrant designs.

It’s not every day that a metro station feels like an art gallery. When I first walked down the escalator and spotted it overhead, I genuinely stopped in my tracks. Even if you’re not taking the metro, it’s worth stopping by just to see this incredible piece of public art.

The Kaohsiung MRT is easy to use with an EasyCard, which works across multiple cities without needing separate tickets (I explain exactly why it’s worth getting here).

Liuhe Night Market

While Ruifeng Night Market is usually considered the best in Kaohsiung, Liuhe Night Market is another famous option worth mentioning. It’s located closer to the city centre and is easy to reach for most visitors.

The market is known for its seafood stalls and classic Taiwanese snacks. Even if you’ve already been to one night market, it’s fun to visit another to see the different foods and atmosphere.

Because Liuhe Night Market is located near Formosa Boulevard Station, it’s an easy stop to combine with seeing the Dome of Light earlier in the evening.

Cijin Island

Cijin island, also sometimes spelt Qijin Island, is just a short ferry ride from the city centre, and I’m gutted we didn’t get a chance to visit during our time in Kaohsiung. 

It is said to have a wonderful laid back coastal vibe, with seafood restaurants, quiet beaches, and scenic cycling paths. A great place to escape the busy streets of the city for a few hours and experience a different side of Kaohsiung.

Check the Cijin ferry timetable and information here. Many people rent bikes or electric scooters to explore the island, which makes it easy to visit spots like the Cijin Lighthouse and the colourful Rainbow Church.

If you’d prefer not to organise the ferry and transport yourself, this private Kaohsiung tour includes Cijin Island along with several of the city’s main attractions.

Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

If you enjoy art, the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is well worth adding to your Kaohsiung itinerary. The museum focuses primarily on Taiwanese contemporary art, but you’ll also find rotating international exhibitions throughout the year.

The museum sits within Neiweipi Cultural Park, so many visitors combine a gallery visit with a relaxed walk around the lakes and sculpture gardens nearby. I didn’t get time to visit this museum during my trip, but it’s high on my list for next time. 

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Taiwan and an incredibly impressive place to visit. The entrance pathway is lined with towering statues that lead you towards a huge golden Buddha statue in the distance. The scale of the complex is hard to appreciate until you’re actually walking through it.

Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibitions on Buddhist culture and history, along with peaceful courtyards and temples. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religion, the architecture alone makes this place worth the trip. It’s calm, beautifully designed, and feels worlds away from the bustle of the city.

Kaohsiung Harbour and Love River

The Love River area is one of the most pleasant parts of the city to wander around, particularly in the evening. The river runs through the centre of Kaohsiung and has been beautifully redeveloped with walking paths, cafés, and small parks along the waterfront.

If you’d like a different perspective of the city skyline, you can also take a short Love River cruise, which runs in the evening and passes many of Kaohsiung’s illuminated bridges.

You can also simply stroll along the promenade and enjoy the city views – it’s a lovely spot for a sunset walk.

Kaohsiung Music Center

The Kaohsiung Music Center is one of the city’s newest landmarks and has quickly become an iconic part of the harbour skyline. The futuristic buildings look almost like giant sea creatures sitting along the waterfront.

The waterfront area around the music centre is especially lively in the evening, when locals come out for walks and the harbour skyline lights up.

Shoushan (Monkey Mountain)

If you want a bit of nature without leaving the city, head up to Shoushan, also known as Monkey Mountain. The trails here wind through forested hills and offer some of the best viewpoints over Kaohsiung and the harbour.

As the nickname suggests, the mountain is home to wild macaques. They’re fascinating to see, but it’s best to keep your distance and avoid carrying visible food. The hike itself isn’t too difficult and makes for a great break from urban sightseeing.

Kaohsiung highlights tour

If you’re short on time, this guided city tour visits several of the main attractions including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, Pier-2 Art Center and more in one day. It’s a great option if you want to see the highlights without figuring out transport between sites. 

→ Check availability here.

5 hidden gems in Kaohsiung Taiwan

Hamasen Railway Cultural Park

Hamasen Railway Cultural Park is a really interesting spot for anyone curious about Kaohsiung’s industrial history. The park sits on the site of an old railway yard that once played a major role in the city’s port trade.

Today, the tracks and warehouses have been turned into a public park with small exhibitions, open spaces, and even a miniature train you can ride around the grounds. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but wandering between the old locomotives and historic rail cars ended up being surprisingly fascinating.

Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is one of the largest performing arts centres in the world, and the architecture alone makes it worth visiting. The building has a flowing design that almost looks like a giant silver wave stretching across the park.

Even if you’re not planning to attend a concert or performance, you can still explore the public areas inside. I loved walking through the huge open hallways and seeing locals relaxing in the shaded outdoor spaces surrounding the building.

Sizihwan Bay

Sizihwan Bay is one of the best places in Kaohsiung to watch the sunset. The beach sits at the base of Shoushan and offers beautiful views across the Taiwan Strait.

It’s a popular spot with locals in the evening, especially students from nearby Sun Yat-sen University. The beach has a really relaxed atmosphere with people sitting on the sand, taking photos, and enjoying the cooler evening breeze.

Rainbow Church and Cijin Seaside Park

While most people visit Cijin Island for seafood and the lighthouse, the colourful Rainbow Church has become one of the island’s most photographed spots. The bright geometric structure sits right by the sea and is perfect for photos.

Nearby, Cijin Seaside Park stretches along the coast with walking paths, beaches, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the ocean views. It’s a nice area to wander around if you want a slower paced afternoon.

Meinong Hakka Village

If you have a bit more time in Kaohsiung, consider visiting Meinong, a rural district known for its Hakka culture and traditional crafts. The area is famous for handmade oil paper umbrellas, which you can see being made in small local workshops.

The countryside, old streets, and traditional houses make it feel worlds away from the modern city.

Best day trips from Kaohsiung

If you have a bit more time in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a fantastic base for exploring nearby destinations. Within a couple of hours you can reach tropical beaches, mountain scenery, and small cultural towns that show a completely different side of the region.

Kenting National Park is easily the most popular day trip from Kaohsiung. Located at the southern tip of Taiwan, a few hours south of Kaohsiung, it’s known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs and coastal cliffs. Many travellers come here for snorkelling, surfing, and scenic coastal drives. Even if you’re not planning on water activities, the landscapes alone make the trip worthwhile.

Alishan makes for another popular day tour from Kaohsiung, however visiting Alishan independently can be complicated due to transport connections. This full-day guided tour from Kaohsiung includes transport, scenic viewpoints and a chance to experience the famous Alishan forests.

For something a little different, you can also visit Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city. It’s packed with historic temples, forts, and incredible street food. I loved wandering through the old streets and trying local snacks between sightseeing stops.

We spent one night in Tainan before arriving in Kaohsiung – but we literally just had dinner and slept. I had to make a last-minute decision on whether to sacrifice our time in Tainan in order to spend longer in Kaohsiung, or do the reverse. Both cities have so many unique things to do, and so I didn’t want to rush my way through both half heartedly. 

Tainan and Alishan will both certainly be on my Taiwan itinerary when I visit again.

While Kaohsiung is a great base for exploring southern Taiwan, there are also incredible day trips in other parts of the country. If you’re heading north to Taipei, a day trip to Jiufen is one of the most popular experiences, known for its lantern-lit streets and mountain views.

Best tours in Kaohsiung

If you’re short on time or don’t want to figure out transport between attractions, taking a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to see more of Kaohsiung.

One of the best options is a Kaohsiung highlights tour, which covers several of the city’s main sights in one day. These tours typically include stops at places like Lotus Pond, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Pier-2 Art Center, making it a really convenient way to experience the city without having to plan each stop yourself.

For something a little different, this tour to Tianliao Moon World takes you to one of Taiwan’s most unusual landscapes. The barren, moon-like terrain feels completely different from the rest of Kaohsiung, and the tour also includes stops in Meinong, where you can experience traditional Hakka culture and visit local markets. Check availability here.

If you’d prefer something more relaxed, you can also take a short Love River cruise in the evening. It’s a simple way to see the city from a different perspective, with views of the illuminated skyline and bridges as you glide along the water.

What are the best attractions in Kaohsiung Taiwan?

Kaohsiung has a surprisingly diverse mix of attractions, ranging from colourful temples to modern art spaces and scenic coastal areas. Some of the most famous places to visit include the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the creative Pier 2 Art Centre and the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

If you enjoy culture and architecture, Sanfong Temple and the enormous Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station are two of the city’s most memorable sights. Both offer a glimpse into different sides of Taiwanese culture, from traditional religion to modern art.

If you’re looking at how to divide your time at both, you only realistically need about 15 minutes at the Dome of Light, and plan to spend a couple of hours at the temple. It’s so calming to walk around and you never know if you might strike up a conversation with a local, like we did at Longshan Temple in Taipei.

For a change of pace, you can head to Cijin Island, where you’ll find beaches, seafood restaurants, and relaxed coastal views just a short ferry ride from the city. With so many different attractions, it’s easy to see why Kaohsiung is becoming one of Taiwan’s most diverse travel destinations.

Is Kaohsiung worth visiting?

Yes, Kaohsiung is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience a different side of Taiwan beyond Taipei. The city has a much more relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of waterfront spaces, art districts and cultural attractions.

One of the things I liked most about Kaohsiung was how varied it feels. In a single day you can explore traditional temples, browse contemporary art galleries, eat your way through a night market and watch the sunset by the sea.

It’s also a great base for exploring southern Taiwan. With places like Kenting National Park, Meinong and Tainan nearby, you can easily turn your Kaohsiung visit into a wider trip around the region.

While Taipei is busier and more fast-paced, Kaohsiung feels more relaxed and spread out. If you’re planning to visit both, I’d recommend spending a few days in Taipei before heading south.

How many days to spend in Kaohsiung

For first time visitors, I would recommend spending 2 days in Kaohsiung. 

That’s usually enough time to explore the main highlights like Pier 2 Art Centre, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and the city’s famous night markets without feeling rushed.

If you prefer a slower pace of travel, it’s worth staying a little longer. Extra time gives you the chance to visit places like Cijin Island, explore the temples around Lotus Pond, or spend a relaxed evening walking along the Love River.

You may also want to add a day or two if you’re planning a trip further south to Kenting National Park. Many travellers use Kaohsiung as a base for exploring this tropical coastal region, making it easy to turn a short city break into a longer southern Taiwan adventure.

Best time to visit Kaohsiung

The best time to visit Kaohsiung is between October and April, when the weather is warm, dry and more comfortable for sightseeing. During these months, you can explore temples, night markets and waterfront areas without the intense heat and humidity of summer.

From May to September, temperatures can be very high, often exceeding 30°C, with frequent humidity and the possibility of heavy rain or typhoons. While it’s still possible to visit during this time, you’ll need to plan your days carefully and expect hot, sticky conditions.

We visited in June and were completely unprepared for how intense the heat and humidity would be. It made walking around and sightseeing much more challenging, so I personally wouldn’t recommend visiting at this time of year.

For the most enjoyable experience, aim for the cooler months when you can comfortably spend time outdoors, especially around places like Lotus Pond, Cijin Island and the Love River.

How to get to Kaohsiung

By plane

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is located a short 20-minute drive from the city. There are direct flights to Kaohsiung from major cities in Asia like Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur.

We had a connecting flight in Shanghai on our way back to London.

The easiest way to get to the airport is by hopping on the Kaohsiung MRT (red line), or alternatively, you can book a taxi.

By train

If you are travelling from Taipei to Kaohsiung, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) will take you to Kaohsiung Zuoying HSR station in approximately 2 hours. This station is approximately 30 minutes outside of the city by car or you can take the red MRT subway line into the city.

The HSR is really easy to use, I have a full guide on how to use it and whether you should book tickets in advance or not.

We arrived in Kaohsiung on the THSR from Tainan, having spent a night there after Sun Moon Lake. Note: I do not advise doing that unless you actually have some time to spare in Tainan besides sleeping. This is a decision I regret making.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung

We stayed at Chateau de Chine Hotel Kaohsiung in the Yancheng District, and it ended up being a really convenient base for exploring the city.

The location was one of the biggest highlights – we could easily walk to Pier-2 Art Center and the Love River, and the nearby Yanchengpu MRT station made getting around simple.

The rooms were comfortable and well-equipped, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. I must admit the bathroom felt strange at first with clear glass that you can see through – but I soon figured out how to slide the doors correctly for privacy!

While it wasn’t the most luxurious hotel like the hotel we stayed at in Taichung, it offers great value for money in a central location.

Amenities include a business centre that is equipped with complimentary soft drinks, hot drinks, beer and snacks throughout the day – along with a fitness centre and affordable laundry facilities. The snacks are a nice touch, in a spacious lounge to relax in or work from.

If you’re visiting Kaohsiung for the first time and want to stay somewhere well-connected to the main attractions, this is a really solid option. You can check prices and availability here.

Kaohsiung ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our Taiwan trip. It’s a city that feels more relaxed than Taipei, but still packed with culture, food and unique places to explore.

From colourful temples and creative art districts to lively night markets and coastal escapes, there are so many things to do in Kaohsiung, especially for first-time visitors. Whether you’re spending 2 days here or using it as a base to explore southern Taiwan, it’s a destination that’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

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