Kaohsiung
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Kaohsiung if you want Taiwan's sunny southern port โ Lotus Pond pagodas, Liuhe night market, Cijin Island ferry, Pier-2 Art Center, and HSR 90-minute rides to Taipei.
- Best for
- Lotus Pond dragon-and-tiger pagodas, Liuhe night-market shaved ice, Cijin ferry, Pier-2 warehouses
- Best months
- MarโApr ยท OctโDec
- Budget anchor
- $100/day mid-range
- Worth a look
- Taiwan's warmest big city in winter and noticeably cheaper than Taipei
Taiwan's sunny port city features the stunning Lotus Pond temples, revitalized Pier-2 Art Center, and some of the island's best night markets. A more laid-back alternative to Taipei with easy access to Kenting beaches and Fo Guang Shan monastery.
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Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Kaohsiung
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Kaohsiung
๐ Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 2.8M
- Timezone
- Taipei
- Dial
- +886
- Emergency
- 110 / 119
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second-largest city and largest port, with a population of 2.7 million. The city has undergone a massive urban transformation over the past two decades
The Lotus Pond district features ornate dragon and tiger pagodas โ walking through the dragon's mouth and out the tiger's is said to bring good luck
Kaohsiung's Liuhe Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market are among Taiwan's best, with local specialties like salt-crusted chicken, papaya milk, and seafood
Pier-2 Art Center transformed old shipping warehouses into the city's creative hub with galleries, street art, and a light rail line running through the district
Kaohsiung's MRT system features the "Dome of Light" at Formosa Boulevard Station โ the world's largest glass-panel art installation by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata
The city averages over 300 days of sunshine per year, earning it a reputation as Taiwan's sunniest major city
Top Sights
Lotus Pond
๐ฏAn artificial lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, and pavilions. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are the most photographed โ enter through the dragon, exit the tiger. Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Confucius Temple are also here.
Pier-2 Art Center
๐A revitalized waterfront warehouse district with galleries, murals, sculptures, indie shops, and live performance spaces. The light rail runs right through the district, and the harborside promenade is perfect for evening strolls.
Formosa Boulevard Station (Dome of Light)
๐ผAn MRT station housing the world's largest glass artwork โ a 30-meter-wide ceiling of 4,500 glass panels depicting the cycle of life. Free to visit; just walk into the station.
Cijin Island
๐๏ธA narrow barrier island with a seafood market, black sand beach, Cihou Lighthouse, Tianhou Temple (dating to 1673), and a pedestrian tunnel. Reach it by a short ferry ride from Gushan.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center
๐ฏA massive Buddhist complex outside the city with a 36-meter seated Buddha, eight pagodas, and extensive museums covering Buddhist art and history. Free entry.
Liuhe Night Market
๐ชKaohsiung's most famous night market with seafood stalls, papaya milk stands, stinky tofu, and salt-crusted chicken. Smaller and more manageable than Taipei's markets.
Off the Beaten Path
Pier-2 Art Center
A repurposed waterfront warehouse district with rotating art installations, indie shops, graffiti murals, and the light rail running right through the middle of the arts precinct.
Unlike Taipei's polished art spaces, Pier-2 feels raw and grassroots โ local artists actually work here and the vibe changes every visit.
Gushan Old Trail (Chai Shan)
A network of shaded hiking trails up Shoushan (Monkey Mountain) with panoramic harbor views, old military tunnels, and troops of Formosan macaques.
Locals hike here before dawn for sunrise views over the harbor, then grab a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at the base โ a truly local morning ritual.
Sanmin Market (Third People's Market)
A sprawling traditional morning market where locals buy fresh produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods. Stalls serve traditional Taiwanese breakfast items until mid-morning.
While tourists eat at night markets, this is where Kaohsiung residents actually shop and eat. The atmosphere is lively and the food is unbeatable in value.
Hamasen Railway Museum & Old Station
The restored former Kaohsiung train station and rail yard, now a park with preserved locomotives, the old station building, and harbor-view paths.
This quiet waterfront park connects Pier-2 to the ferry terminal and offers a fascinating look at Kaohsiung's industrial and Japanese colonial heritage.
Ruifeng Night Market
A large, chaotic night market frequented almost entirely by locals, with hundreds of food stalls, carnival games, and clothing vendors spread across a parking lot.
Liuhe Night Market is the tourist night market; Ruifeng is the real deal. Bigger, cheaper, and packed with Kaohsiung locals every Tuesday through Sunday.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Kaohsiung has a tropical climate โ warm year-round with a distinct wet season from May to September. Winters are dry and pleasantly warm, making it one of Taiwan's best cold-season destinations.
Spring
March - May72-86
22-30
Warm and increasingly humid. A great time to visit before the heavy summer rains arrive.
Summer
June - September81-91
27-33
Hot, humid, and rainy with afternoon thunderstorms. Typhoons are possible in August-September.
Autumn
October - November73-86
23-30
Humidity drops and rain tapers off. One of the best periods to visit with comfortable temperatures.
Winter
December - February63-75
17-24
Dry and mild โ while Taipei shivers in rain, Kaohsiung enjoys sunny skies and pleasant warmth.
Best Time to Visit
October through March offers the most comfortable weather with warm days, low humidity, and minimal rain. The dry winter months are pleasantly warm in southern Taiwan, making Kaohsiung an excellent cool-season destination.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Low to moderateWarming temperatures with increasing humidity. March is still comfortable but by May the heat is building toward summer. Rain increases gradually.
Pros
- + Warm and pleasant in March-April
- + Mazu pilgrimage season
- + Manageable crowds
- + Good time for outdoor activities
Cons
- โ Humidity rising through May
- โ Occasional rain showers
- โ Getting hot by late May
Summer (June - September)
Crowds: Moderate โ domestic summer holidaysHot and humid with temperatures above 32 degrees daily. Heavy monsoon rains and typhoon risk, especially July through September. Afternoon downpours are common.
Pros
- + Mango season at its peak
- + Vibrant night market season
- + Warm ocean water for swimming
- + Indoor attractions well air-conditioned
Cons
- โ Extreme heat and humidity
- โ Typhoon risk
- โ Heavy monsoon rainfall
- โ Can be uncomfortable for outdoor sightseeing
Autumn (October - November)
Crowds: Low to moderateThe heat breaks and a drier, more comfortable pattern settles in. Temperatures drop to pleasant levels and blue skies return. Excellent for outdoor exploration.
Pros
- + Comfortable temperatures
- + Dry weather returns
- + Great for cycling and outdoor activities
- + Fewer tourists
Cons
- โ Occasional late typhoons in October
- โ Water cooling for beach activities
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Moderate (Chinese New Year spike)Mild and mostly dry with daytime temperatures around 20-25 degrees โ warm by winter standards. The most comfortable season for visiting, though evenings can be cool.
Pros
- + Best overall weather
- + Warm days perfect for sightseeing
- + Chinese New Year celebrations
- + Excellent air quality
Cons
- โ Chinese New Year crowds and price spikes
- โ Some cooler evenings
- โ Occasional cold fronts bring brief temperature drops
๐ Festivals & Events
Lantern Festival
February-MarchMassive lantern displays along the Love River and at various parks, with traditional performances, light installations, and street food. One of Taiwan's biggest lantern celebrations.
Kaohsiung Film Festival
OctoberA well-regarded film festival showcasing Asian cinema at the Pier-2 Art Center and other venues across the city.
Mazu Birthday Pilgrimage
March-AprilTaiwan's largest religious event as devotees carry the sea goddess Mazu between temples. Kaohsiung's harbor temples are key stops on the pilgrimage route.
Dragon Boat Festival
JuneExciting dragon boat races on the Love River with teams from across Taiwan competing, accompanied by traditional zongzi (rice dumplings) and festive celebrations.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Kaohsiung is very safe for travelers. Taiwan has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia, and locals are famously helpful and friendly. The main risks are weather-related.
Things to Know
- โขTyphoon season (July-October) can bring severe weather โ monitor forecasts and follow evacuation orders if issued
- โขWear sunscreen year-round โ the subtropical sun is intense, especially at the beaches and Lotus Pond
- โขScooter traffic is heavy โ be cautious when crossing streets and at intersections
- โขTap water is safe to boil but bottled or filtered water is recommended for drinking
- โขThe city is very LGBTQ-friendly following Taiwan's legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019
Emergency Numbers
Police
110
Fire & Ambulance
119
Tourist Helpline
0800-011-765
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers โ
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category โEstimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$40
Hostel dorm, night market meals, MRT and YouBike, free temples and parks
mid-range
$100
Boutique hotel, restaurant meals and night markets, MRT and occasional taxi, paid attractions
luxury
$220
Four-star hotel with harbor views, fine dining, private car to Fo Guang Shan, premium experiences
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodNight market meal (multiple snacks) | 150-250 TWD | $4.70-7.90 |
| FoodBowl of beef noodle soup | 100-150 TWD | $3.15-4.70 |
| FoodFresh seafood on Cijin Island | 300-500 TWD | $9.50-15.80 |
| TransportSingle MRT ride | 20-50 TWD | $0.63-1.58 |
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | 400-600 TWD | $12.60-19 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel | 1,500-3,000 TWD | $47-95 |
| ActivityFo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center | Free | Free |
๐ก Money-Saving Tips
- โขMost temples, pagodas, and parks (including Lotus Pond and Fo Guang Shan) are free to visit
- โขNight markets offer filling meals for under $5 โ Ruifeng Night Market is larger and more local than Liuhe
- โขUse an iPass card for discounted MRT, light rail, bus, and YouBike fares
- โขThe ferry to Cijin Island costs only 40 TWD and the island's temple, lighthouse, and beach are all free
- โขKaohsiung is cheaper than Taipei across the board โ accommodation, food, and transport all cost less
New Taiwan Dollar
Code: TWD
1 USD is approximately 31.5 TWD (as of early 2026). ATMs accepting international cards are available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and major banks. Airport exchange counters at Kaohsiung International Airport offer decent rates.
Payment Methods
Cash is still king in Kaohsiung, especially at night markets, small restaurants, and traditional shops. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at department stores, chain restaurants, and hotels. EasyCard and iPass contactless cards work for MRT, buses, convenience stores, and some restaurants. YouBike rentals accept iPass.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. A 10% service charge is added at upscale restaurants. No additional tip is expected.
No tipping expected. Simply pay the listed price.
No tipping. Taxis are metered and drivers do not expect tips. Round up to the nearest NT$10 if you wish.
Not expected at most hotels. Porters at luxury hotels may appreciate NT$50-100 per bag but it is not the norm.
A small tip of NT$200-500 is appreciated for private guides but never mandatory. Group tour guides do not expect tips.
How to Get There
โ๏ธ Airports
Kaohsiung International Airport(KHH)
5 km southMRT Red Line direct to city center (15 min, 35 TWD), or taxi (10 min, 200 TWD). One of Taiwan's most conveniently located airports.
โ๏ธ Search flights to KHH๐ Rail Stations
Zuoying (Kaohsiung) HSR Station
11 km north of city centerTaiwan High Speed Rail terminal station with service to Taipei (1.5-2 hrs), Taichung (45 min), and Tainan (12 min). Connected to MRT Red Line.
Kaohsiung Main Station
In the city centerHub for local and regional trains including services to Tainan, Pingtung, and Kenting-bound buses.
Getting Around
Kaohsiung has an MRT (metro), light rail loop, buses, and ferries. The city is also very bikeable with an extensive YouBike network.
Kaohsiung MRT
20-50 TWD ($0.63-1.58)Two lines (Red and Orange) intersecting at Formosa Boulevard. Clean, efficient, and covers major areas including the HSR station, Lotus Pond, and the port area.
Best for: Getting between main areas โ the stations, Lotus Pond, Pier-2, and Formosa Boulevard
Light Rail (Circular Line)
30 TWD (~$0.95)A tram looping around the waterfront connecting Pier-2, the Asia New Bay Area, and various cultural spots. Scenic and convenient.
Best for: Waterfront sightseeing between Pier-2, the library, and the exhibition center
YouBike
5-10 TWD ($0.16-0.32) per 30 minKaohsiung's public bike-share system with stations across the city. Register with an iPass card or credit card. The flat terrain makes cycling easy.
Best for: Short trips, waterfront rides, and exploring Pier-2 and the harbor area
Ferry to Cijin Island
40 TWD (~$1.26)A quick 5-minute ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier to Cijin Island, running frequently throughout the day.
Best for: Day trips to Cijin Island for seafood, beaches, and the lighthouse
Walkability
Moderate to high โ the Pier-2 waterfront, Yancheng, and Cijin Island are very walkable. The wider city benefits from MRT and bike combinations.
Travel Connections
Taipei
Taiwan's capital with Taipei 101, world-class night markets, hot springs, and the National Palace Museum. The THSR makes it an easy connection.
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city and food capital, famous for its temples, Anping Fort, and legendary street food including coffin bread and milkfish congee.
Kenting
Taiwan's tropical beach resort area at the southern tip of the island with coral reefs, surfing, and the Kenting National Park.
Hong Kong
The vibrant metropolis across the South China Sea, with Victoria Peak, dim sum, and world-class shopping.
Entry Requirements
Taiwan offers visa-free entry to many nationalities for tourism stays of 30-90 days. Entry requirements are straightforward but note that Taiwan is not part of China's visa system and requires separate entry authorization.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. No visa needed for tourism. Return or onward ticket required. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry for tourism. Same documentation requirements apply. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for tourism with valid passport and proof of onward travel. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Most EU nationals enjoy visa-free entry for tourism stays up to 90 days. |
| Chinese Citizens (PRC) | Yes | Varies | PRC passport holders require special permits to visit Taiwan. Individual travel restrictions may apply. Group tours through authorized agencies are the most common option. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- โขTaiwan uses a separate immigration system from China โ a Chinese visa does not grant entry to Taiwan and vice versa
- โขKaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is smaller and faster through immigration than Taipei Taoyuan
- โขAn onward or return ticket is technically required for visa-free entry, though it is not always checked
- โขFill out the arrival card on the plane โ having your hotel address ready speeds up the process
- โขThe immigration line at KHH is usually much shorter than at Taipei airports
Shopping
Kaohsiung offers excellent shopping from modern department stores to traditional markets, at prices generally lower than Taipei. The city is known for its night market snack culture, harbor-area boutiques, and affordable Taiwanese goods.
Sanduo Shopping District
department storesThe main shopping corridor around Sanduo MRT station with Far Eastern Department Store, SOGO, and E-DA Outlet Mall connected by skywalks.
Known for: International brands, Taiwanese designers, tax-free shopping, electronics
Xingjhong Commercial District
street shoppingA lively network of streets near Formosa Boulevard MRT packed with independent clothing stores, shoe shops, accessories, and bubble tea stands.
Known for: Affordable Taiwanese fashion, street style, young designer boutiques
Pier-2 Art District Shops
creative retailIndependent shops and studios inside converted warehouses selling handmade crafts, art prints, ceramics, and Taiwanese design products.
Known for: Taiwanese art and design, handmade crafts, unique gifts
Liuhe & Ruifeng Night Markets
night marketsKaohsiung's famous night markets offer not just food but also clothing, accessories, gadgets, and games at bargain prices.
Known for: Street food, affordable clothing, quirky accessories, local snacks
๐ Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- โขPineapple cakes and mochi from local Kaohsiung bakeries (cheaper than Taipei brands)
- โขHandmade ceramics and pottery from Pier-2 Art Center studios
- โขDried mango and tropical fruit from the Liuhe Night Market area
- โขFo Guang Shan Buddhist art and calligraphy from the temple gift shop
- โขHakka floral fabric accessories from traditional textile shops
- โขTaiwanese oolong tea from specialty tea shops in the old district
Language & Phrases
Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters (not simplified). Mandarin is the official language, but Taiwanese Hokkien is widely spoken in Kaohsiung, especially among older residents and at markets. English signage is available on the MRT and at major attractions but limited elsewhere.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | ไฝ ๅฅฝ | nee how |
| Thank you | ่ฌ่ฌ / ๅค่ฌ (Hokkien) | shyeh-shyeh / doh-syah (Hokkien) |
| How much? | ๅคๅฐ้ข? | dwoh-shaow chyen? |
| Delicious! | ๅฅฝๅ! / ๅฅฝๅท! (Hokkien) | how chir! / ho jia! (Hokkien) |
| The check, please | ่ฒทๅฎ | my dahn |
| Where is...? | ...ๅจๅช่ฃก? | ...zai na-lee? |
| Yes / No | ๆฏ / ไธๆฏ | shir / boo-shir |
| Excuse me | ไธๅฅฝๆๆ | boo how yee-suh |
| I don't understand | ๆ่ฝไธๆ | woh ting boo dong |
| No spicy, please | ไธ่ฆ่พฃ | boo yow lah |
| Do you speak English? | ไฝ ๆ่ชช่ฑๆๅ? | nee hway shwoh ying-wen mah? |
| One of these, please | ้ๅไธๅ | jay-guh yee-guh |
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