Kaohsiung, Taiwan: travel guide
Harbour city of art docks, lotus pond temples and island ferries
Southern Taiwan's harbour metropolis has reinvented itself: crumbling docks became the award-winning Pier-2 Art Centre; the Love River's banks turned into a waterfront promenade; the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas still glo…
About Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a southern harbour city that has turned its old docks into something much more relaxed. Wide promenades, public art and bike paths make it feel open and breezy compared with the capital.
The Pier-2 Art Center fills former warehouses with galleries and sculpture, the Love River is lined with cafés and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand beside Lotus Pond. A short ferry ride reaches Cijin Island, and Kenting National Park is within reach to the south. Night markets provide plenty to eat.
Kaohsiung suits travellers who like sunshine and a slower pace. Winter and spring are pleasant and dry in the south.
- Country
- Taiwan
- Currency
- TWD
- Time zone
- Asia/Taipei
- Nearest airport
- KHH
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kaohsiung
Pier-2 Art Centre
Cultural · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Repurposed 1970s sugar warehouses on the inner harbour with contemporary art, street murals, and weekend markets. Free grounds; ticketed galleries.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Twin 7-storey pagodas on Lotus Pond. Enter through Dragon's mouth, exit Tiger's mouth for good luck. Vivid folk murals inside. Free.
Things to do
- Cijin Island Cycling + Seafood Tour Outdoor · 4 h · from TWD 180 per person
Day trips and tours
- Kenting National Park Day Tour from Kaohsiung 10 h · from TWD 900
Where to stay in Kaohsiung
- Pier-2 / Love River about TWD 2,200 per night
Kaohsiung's hipster waterfront district with art galleries and craft breweries.
Hotels
- Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park 4-star · TWD 3,800 to TWD 9,500 per night
Where to eat
- Liuhe Night Market taiwanese, seafood · about TWD 405 per person
Getting to Kaohsiung
Airport: Kaohsiung (KHH)
Getting around
- Ferry
- Metro
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Scooter Rental Damage Scam
Scooter rental shops near Pier-2 and Cijin Ferry
Rental shop photographs the scooter before and after; pre-existing scratches are documented by the shop but not shown to the renter. Upon return, the shop claims new damage and demands cash payment for repairs (TWD 2,000–10,000).
How to avoid it: Before taking the scooter, photograph every scratch and dent yourself and send photos to the shop via LINE message (creates timestamp). Only rent from shops with established Google Reviews (4.0+). Read the rental agreement carefully for damage excess clauses.
More in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions about Kaohsiung
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kaohsiung?
- The highest-rated places in our Kaohsiung guide are Pier-2 Art Centre, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
- Where should I stay in Kaohsiung?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kaohsiung: Pier-2 / Love River.
- How do I get around Kaohsiung?
- Ways to get around Kaohsiung covered in our guide: Ferry, Metro, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Kaohsiung?
- Scams reported to us for Kaohsiung include Scooter Rental Damage Scam. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Kaohsiung?
- The nearest airport to Kaohsiung has the code KHH.