SHOPPING & NIGHT MARKETS:
1. Dream Mall
What to Love-
Kaohsiung’s Flagship Shopping Mall. Enjoy shopping and a vast array of restaurants in one of Taiwan’s largest shopping malls. Take a break from the crowds and enjoy the city landscape views from the top of the Mall’s Ferris Wheel.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Kaisyuan Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 1.5 km
• Address: 789, Zhonghua 5th Rd., Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-973-3888
• Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Website: bit.ly/2tsNilx
2. Xinjuejiang Shopping District
What to Love-
Discover the Shinkuchan Commercial District (Mandarin” Xin Jue Jiang”) – an evening market that caters to the younger crowds of Kaohsiung City. Shinkuchan is a collection of several streets and alleys and is packed with boutique clothing shops, restaurants, cafes and a plethora of stalls selling food, snacks, and drinks.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Yanchengpu Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 3.9 km
• Address: Wufu 2nd Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
3. Sanduo Shopping District
What to Love-
Located at the heart of Kaohsiung Cit, Sanduo Shopping District is just a stone’s throw away from Zhongshan Kaohsiung. It is surrounded by three major shopping malls, including the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, Pacific SOGO, and Mega’21 Far Eastern Shopping Complex, making it one of the one of the most popular shopping districts along with Shinkuchan Shopping District.
Information-
• Getting there: Just outside the hotel. Ask the Front Dest for details.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 60 m
• Tel: +886-7-266-2225
• Hours: Daily. Shops usually opens between 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
4. Liuhe Night Market
What to Love-
Not for the weary or feint of heart. Liuhe Night Market boasts readily available snake and squid for the adventurous visitor looking to step outside their comfort zone. Located in downtown Kaohsiung, Liuhe Night Market is a must-see attraction for first-time visitors.
Information-
• Getting there:KRT Formosa Boulevard Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 3.4 km
• Address: 六合二路與中山一路口, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: Daily 6 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
5. Ruifeng Night Market
What to Love-
Undoubtedly the best and most popular night market in Kaohsiung. While all cities in Taiwan are peppered with numerous night markets, the Kaohsiung locals will advise you to visit Ruifeng Night Market if you want to have a truly authentic night market experience.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Kaohsiung Arena Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 7.3 km
• Address: 1128, Yucheng Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: Tuesdays, Thursday – Sunday 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE:
6. Hongmaogang Cultural Park
What to Love-
The Hongmaogang Cultural Part boasts Dutch architecture on a backdrop of the ocean views. We recommend taking a cruise out to sea, and taking in the views of the Port of Kaohsiung. Witness massive cargo ships fully loaded, acting like moving islands at sea, and carrying colorful containers from nations across the globe.
Information-
• Getting there: 31 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 18.4 km
• Address: 2808, Nanxing Rd., Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-871-1815
• Hours: Weekdays 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• General admission: $99.
• Website: bit.ly/2oC8Eoz
7. Hamasen Railway Cultural Park
What to Love-
Best seen in the evening, take in the sights of open space against a backdrop of historical buildings, old trains and locomotives in the process of being repaired. Drink tea along the tracks as the locals do, kick your feet up, and enjoy the sights and sounds of local Taiwan.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Sizihwan Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 5 km
• Address: 32, Gushan 1st Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-531-6209
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
8. Lotus Pond (Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Wuliting)
What to Love-
Don’t let the name mislead you. The Lotus Pond is 42 hectares and sits at the mouth of the Kaoping River. Nestled between two mountains, the pond is famous for the sunset view with the reflection of the mountain in the pond.
Conveniently located near many of the prominent tourist destination spots of Kaohsiung. Easily add the Dragon Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, the Confucius Temple, and others to your tour.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Zuoying Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 9.8 km
• Address: Liantan Rd., Zuoyin District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-588-2497
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
9. Fongyi Tutorial Academy
What to Love-
Constructed in 1814, and and now considered a heritage site, explore the relic of Fonyi Tutorial Academy, the largest Confucian academy preserved in Taiwan. 2 exhibition spaces provide a detailed introduction to the changes which took place in the academy’s history and the furnishings it previously contained.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Fonshan Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 6.9 km
• Address: 62, Fengming St., Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-740-5362
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• General admission: Free
10. Dome of Light at MRT Formosa Boulevard Station
What to Love-
Tour during the evening on your way to the night market for a great photo opportunity. Witness the light show and even see a pop-up piano concert if you’re lucky.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Formosa Station. It is the only junction between the orange and red lines.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 3.1 km
• Address: 115, Zhongshan 1st Rd., Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City.
ARTS & MUSEUMS:
11. Pier-2 Art Center
What to Love-
Once a sugar storage warehouse, Pier 2 warehouse now houses continually changing exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the year. Discover the surrounding grounds packed with modern art sculptures, statues and decorated buildings. Wander the miles of walking paths and a cycle path that cuts through the art district, and attracts a bustling crowd of young art lovers and visitors each day.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Yanchengpu Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 4.1 km
• Address: 1, Dayong Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-521-4899
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Website: bit.ly/2an3auf
12. Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
What to Love-
A beautifully curated collection of Taiwanese art from oil on canvas to mixed media and everything in between. Spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the museum followed by a stroll in the surrounding park afterward.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Aozihdi Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 6.3 km
• Address: 80, Meishuguan Rd, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-555-0331
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Website: bit.ly/2tCYJar
13. National Science and Technology Museum
What to Love-
Taiwan’s largest applied technology museum promotes a plethora of exhibits. Spend the day touring the impressive displays of exhibitions and finish by relaxing in the Museum’s surrounding parks. Great for children.
Information-
• Getting there: 12 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 5.7 km
• Address: 720, Jiuru 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-380-0089
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• General admission: $100.
• Website: bit.ly/2FtkXgj
14. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
What to Love-
The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a Mahayana Buddhist cultural, religious and educational museum located in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City, Dashu District.The museum purportedly houses one of the tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist faith. Pro Tip: For the adventurous traveler stay the night in the Pilgrims lodge.
Information-
• Getting there: 36 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 42 km
• Address: 1, Tongling Rd., Dashu District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-656-3033
• Hours: Wedneday-Monday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• General admission: Free
• Website: http://bit.ly/2pgAdX4
15. Taiwan Sugar Museum
What to Love-
Time travel to Taiwan’s past and witness Taiwan’s first modern mechanical sugar factory, operating from 1902 to 1999. A portion of the factory has now been remodeled as Taiwan Sugar Museum, with the remaining area built into an art creation and recreation area. Great for picnic.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 25.6 km
• Address: QiaQiaotou District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-611-9299
• Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• General admission: Free
• Website: bit.ly/2oXzuuB
EXCURSIONS:
16. Sizihwan (Former British Consulate at Takao)
What to Love-
Sizih Bay, also known as Sizihwan, is located on the west of Kaohsiung City and is surrounded by mountains. The area hosts Kaohsiung’s most famous swimming beach, and is also known for its glistening blue water, gorgeous sunset, and natural coral reefs. The sunset at the beach is viewed as one of the eight famous scenes of Kaohsiung.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Sizihwan Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 6.4 km
• Address: 70, Lianhai Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
17. Love River
What to Love-
Wait until sunset to take a charming boat tour of the east and west coast, taking in the romantic and charming sights of “Ai He” Love River. Float along downtown Kaohsiung, experiencing the quiet ripples of the river splashing against the boat. Afterward visit one of the many cafes lining the river.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Central Park Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 3.1 km
• Address: Min Sheng 2nd Road, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
18. Shoushan National Nature Park (Matyrs’ Shrine)
What to Love-
Kaohsiung’s Elephant Mountain. Located on the mountainside of Shoushan, Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine has recently become a popular spot to capture some of the best city views of this southern harbor city. The LOVE sign placed on top of the viewing platform is a favorite backdrop for pre-wedding photoshoots.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Sizihwan Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 5.8 km
• Address: 32, Zhongyi Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
19. Qijin Island (Cijin Wind Turbine Park)
What to Love-
A rare opportunity to tour a wind park up close and personal. The Wind-power Park is famous for being the first wind power generated park in Taiwan. Access multi-function services including tours, leisure, exercise, and environmental protection.
Information-
• Getting there: 18 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 10.7 km
• Address: Qijin 2nd Rd., Qijin District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
20. Moon World Landscape Park
What to Love-
Spend the day taking photographs of Moon World Landscape Park, a lake set against the backdrop of a barren desert and mountains. You might just feel like you’ve made it to the moon. Hike to the top of the hill for the greatest vantage point of the surrounding area.
Information-
• Getting there: 40 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 50.5 km
• Address: 36 Yueqiu Rd., Chongde Village, Tianliao District, Kaohsiung.
EXCURSIONS:
21. Central Park
What to Love-
Kaohsiung Central Park is conveniently located at the intersection of Zhongshan Rd and Wufu Rd in Kaohsiung City. Take time from the city to explore the park, then head to the President Department Store, Shinkuchan Entertainment District, Urban Spotlight, and Kaohsiung Hanshin Department Store to shop latest fashion.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Central Park Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 2.2 km
• Address: the intersection of Zhongshan 1st Rd. and Wufu 2nd Rd in Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
22. Chengcing Lake
What to Love-
Take a stroll along Chengcing Lake in morning and witness local residents playing chess, fishing and practicing taiji at the riverside pavilion. Keep in mind the area hosts a number of distinctive restaurants, including the most famous in the area being De Yue Lou (得月樓).
Information-
• Getting there: 24 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 9.4 km
• Address: Chengcing Lake, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-370-0821
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
23. Old City of Zuoying
What to Love-
One of the most intact ancient city walls in Taiwan-only second to Hengchun Old Town. Stroll along the walls to reach Kaohsiung’s famous tourist spot-Lotus Pond. After, visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, a short ten-minute walk to HSR Zuoying Station.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Ecological District Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 9.9 km
• Address: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
• Website: bit.ly/2FmRjNG
24. Kubic Shipping Container Park
What to Love-
KUBIC container shopping mall, conveniently located in Kaohsiung. As Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan’s largest port cities, the Shopping center made of containers is only fitting. The colourful set-up is quickly becoming one of the most tagged locations on Instagram.
Information-
• Getting there: 10 minutes by taxi.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 2.1 km
• Address: 5, Fuxing 3rd Rd., Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City.
• Hours: Wednesday-Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., weekends close at 8 p.m.
• General admission: Free
25. Red Barn Factory & Tours
What to Love-
Visit the inside workings of Ma Yu Shan company, famous for making their world-renowned pineapple cakes. The company combines production visits, art exhibitions, lecture courses, and coffee catering to make a complete tour package.
Information-
• Getting there: KRT Ecological District Station.
• Distance from Zhongshan Kaohsiung: 8.6 km
• Address: 709, Minzu 1st Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City.
• Tel: +886-7-346-0333
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• General admission: Free
• Website: bit.ly/1NNrFuU