This multi-day tour focuses on cultural attractions in and around Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. The pace is leisurely with plenty of walking and exploration.
Weather:
June-September is typhoon season so check forecasts and have backup indoor plans.
Daytime highs average 28-33°C in summer with high humidity. Light layers, hats and sunscreen recommended.
Winter daytime highs are 18-22°C but evenings can be cooler. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
Rain is possible year-round but most likely January-March. Umbrellas are handy.
General tips:
Most attractions offer English signs/maps but learning basic Mandarin phrases helps with navigation.
Public transit including buses and MRT subway connect all areas easily. Purchase an EasyCard for discounted fares.
Walking is a great way to explore but wear comfortable shoes with arch support for all the temple/street steps.
Cuisine highlights are beef noodles, pineapple cakes and shaved ice desserts. Night markets offer tasty snacks.
Admission fees apply at some museums and E-Da World. Consider sightseeing passes to save money.
Tap water is safe to drink from restaurants but bottled water is widely available too.
Public restrooms can be sparse so carry tissues and use cafe/restaurant facilities with purchases.
Flight: Check Here
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Touching down at Kaohsiung International Airport, the city’s warm and welcoming ambiance greeted us instantly. A short ride of about 30 minutes brought us to Airline Inn - Kaohsiung Station, our base for the next few days.
Lunch at Duck Zhen
After settling in, we embarked on a journey to Duck Zhen (map) (closed on Tuesdays), renowned for its duck rice and braised pork rice. With prices ranging from TWD 100-200 per person, this lunch was both affordable and delicious. The ride took roughly 20 minutes.
Recommended: Smoked Duck Platter, Duck Rice, Assorted Duck Offal, Duck Soup
Afternoon at Lotus Pond (map)
Our next stop was the iconic Lotus Pond and its stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (map). Open 24 hours, this site offered breathtaking views of Chunqiu and Wuli Pavilions, providing the perfect blend of culture and tranquility. It took us about an hour to get there.
Recommended: The pond is especially beautiful during the lotus blooming season when the water is dotted with vibrant lotus flowers. The scenic views and colorful structures provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Evening at Liuhe Night Market
As dusk fell, we headed to Liuhe Night Market.(map) . Open from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM, this bustling market was a feast for the senses. We indulged in roasted meat, Lin's Eight Treasures Soup, and the famous Zheng's Papaya Milk, with prices ranging from TWD 50-200 per person. The journey was about 45 minutes.
Recommended: Little Sausage in Big Sausage, Papaya Milk, Barbecued and Deep Fried Seafood, Fresh Seafood Dinner, Fish Ball and Rice Ball Soup, Fish Rice Noodle Soup, Soy Braised Duck Parts
Return to Hotel
A short 15-minute walk brought us back to our hotel, ready to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Day 2: Scenic Views and Culinary Delights
Breakfast at Lao Jiang Milk Black Tea (map)
Starting the day with a stroll to Lao Jiang Milk Black Tea, we enjoyed their signature red tea with milk and toast, costing around TWD 50-100. It was a leisurely 15-minute walk.
Recommended: Original Milk Tea, Tuna Egg Roll, Pork Floss with Egg Toast
Morning at Gangshan Eye
A scenic drive of about 1.5 hours took us to the Gangshan Eye (map). The observation deck offered panoramic views, while the nearby scenic areas provided a serene backdrop.
Recommended: Visit the 88-meter skywalk, Enjoy the views of Agongdian Reservoir and surrounding areas. Experience the violin-shaped bridge and its 24 suspension cables.
Lunch at Gangshan Garden View Restaurant (TWD 40-200) was a delightful experience amidst nature.
Evening at Ruifeng Night Market
The night came alive at Ruifeng Night Market.(map) Open from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, we savored Angel Chicken Chop, stinky tofu, and German pork knuckle, with costs between TWD 50-200 per person. The drive took approximately 1.5 hours.
Recommended: Stinky Tofu, Fried Chicken, Oyster Omelette, Taiwanese Sausage, Grilled Squid, Sweet Potato Balls, Mango Shaved Ice
Return to Hotel
A quick 20-minute ride back to our hotel ended the day on a high note, filled with memories and new flavors.
Day 3: A Day at E-Da World
Breakfast at Dan Dan Hamburg
Our morning began with a ride to Dan Dan Hamburg (map), where breakfast cost around TWD 50-100. It was a 20-minute drive.
Recommended: Spicy chicken burger
Fun at E-Da World
A journey of about an hour led us to E-Da World (map) a haven of fun and shopping. From the E-Da Ferris Wheel to the 5D Ghost Ship experience, the day was packed with excitement. Entry costs ranged from TWD 299-899, while shopping at the outlet could go up to TWD 3,000.
Recommended: Giant Swing, Free Fall, Ocean Coaster, European Garden, Ocean Park, E-Da Outpost
Lunch at Sanhoyan Taiwanese Cuisine (TWD 200-300) and dinner at Meaty Hot Pot (map) (TWD 300-2,000) were culinary highlights.
Return to Hotel
We returned to our hotel satisfied and ready for more adventures after about an hour-long drive.
Day 4: Historical Sights and River Cruise
Breakfast at Wanhe Breakfast Shop
A short walk of about 15 minutes led us to Wanhe Breakfast Shop (map), where breakfast cost TWD 50-100.
Recommended: Soy Milk, Thick Toast with Egg, Fried Dough Stick, Rice Balls, Green Onion Pancakes
Morning at Qi Jin Old Street
After a pleasant drive of around an hour, we explored Qi Jin Old Street (map) and its surroundings. From grilled squid to fried bird eggs, lunch here cost around TWD 50-100.
Recommended: Historic Charm - The architecture and narrow lanes provide a glimpse into Taiwan’s past, making it a perfect spot for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Street Food - Popular treats include grilled squid, oyster omelets, fish ball soup, and shaved ice desserts. The seafood here is particularly renowned due to the island’s proximity to the ocean. Souvenirs and Local Goods - Visitors can find unique items such as handmade jewelry, traditional snacks, and dried seafood products to take home
Afternoon on the Love River
Next, a scenic ride of about 45 minutes took us to the Love River (map). The gondola cruise, costing around TWD 80-150, was a serene escape, offering picturesque views of the city.
Recommended: Scenic Walkways and Parks, Night Cruises, Public Art and Installations
Dinner at Yancheng Duck Noodle
Our day concluded with a delightful meal at Yancheng Duck Noodle (map)(TWD 100-200), just a short walk from the river.
Recommended: Braised Pork Rice, Sliced Duck Meat Plate, Innards Soup
Return to Hotel
A brief 15-minute journey brought us back to our hotel, ready to reflect on the day's experiences.
Day 5: A Fond Farewell to Kaohsiung
Breakfast at Xinglongju
On our last day, we strolled to Xinglongju Soup Dumplings (map) Sesame Seed Cake for a breakfast of soup dumplings and sesame seed cake, costing around TWD 50-100. It was a pleasant 20-minute walk.
Morning at Shoushan Zoo
A ride of about 30 minutes took us to Shoushan Zoo (map) With convenient luggage lockers at the entrance, we enjoyed a leisurely Skywalk Stroll and visits with capybaras and alpacas. Entry was around TWD 20-40, and lunch at Light Is Café (map) cost TWD 100-200.
Departure
Finally, we headed back to Kaohsiung International Airport after about an hour-long ride, reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the past few days.