Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s dynamic southern harbor city, offers a compelling mix of historic temples, waterfront art, island escapes, and modern architecture. If you’re planning a trip, make sure these five spots are on your list.
1. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
This massive Buddhist complex in Dashu District is more than just a museum. It includes halls, gardens, monks’ quarters, and a grand Buddha statue that dominates the skyline.
The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, cultural programs, and silent meditation sessions. If you time your visit well, you might catch a chanting session or a lantern ceremony in the evening. Allow at least half a day here so you can wander the grounds, pause at reflection corners, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
2. Lotus Pond & Dragon Tiger Pagodas
Lotus Pond (Lianchihtan) in Zuoying is an iconic scenic area dotted with temples and pavilions.
Most famous are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Built in 1976, they stand seven stories high, with paths running through the mouth of a dragon and exiting through a tiger—symbolic of transforming bad fortune into good.
Nearby are the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Pei Chi Pavilion, and the Chi Ming Palace (a temple dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu)
Tip: Visiting in the late afternoon gives you beautiful light on the water and temple shadows.
3. Pier-2 Art Center
Once an abandoned warehouse district, Pier-2 in Yancheng & Gushan Districts has been transformed into a compelling art hub. You’ll find large murals, installations, quirky sculptures, indie shops, cafes, and pop-up exhibits.
It’s especially vibrant in the evening, when lights and projections bring static art pieces to life. This is a perfect spot for photography lovers or anyone who enjoys an artsy, relaxed walk along the harborfront.
4. Cijin Island
A short ferry ride from Kaohsiung Harbor brings you to Cijin Island, known for its seafood, coastal views, and laid-back island vibes.
On Cijin, you can:
- Ride a bike along the beachside paths and enjoy sea breeze
- Visit the Cijin Lighthouse and Cihou Fort for panoramic views
- Sample fresh seafood along the old street
- Hang out at beachside cafés and watch the sunset
Because the ferry ride is short, this makes for a great half-day trip in your itinerary.
5. The Dome of Light & Formosa Boulevard Station
One of Kaohsiung’s more surprising gems is Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. Beneath the station lies the Dome of Light, a stained glass installation spanning nearly 30 meters and composed of over 4,500 glass panels.
The artwork is divided into themes of birth, growth, glory, destruction, and rebirth. Though it sits in a transit station, many visitors treat it like a gallery. Best times to visit are outside rush hours so you can absorb the colors without crowds.
Quick Tips & Suggested Timing
- Start early: Many of these places (especially Fo Guang Shan and Lotus Pond) are more peaceful in the morning.
- Mix in a night market: After your daytime explorations, head to Liuhe Night Market or Ruifeng Night Market to try local street food and immerse yourself in Taiwanese night market culture.
- Transport: Kaohsiung’s MRT, buses, and light rail are efficient. The ferry to Cijin integrates with the public transit card system.
- Time allocation: Allow a full day for Fo Guang Shan and Lotus Pond; half day for Pier-2; a few hours for Cijin; and a quick stop for the Dome of Light in transit.
- Best season: Fall through spring (October to April) offers cooler weather and less rain. Avoid peak typhoon season (June to September) when storms may disrupt transport.
These five places showcase different faces of Kaohsiung: spiritual depth, lakeside calm, creative energy, coastal relief, and unexpected artistry underground. Together they make for a well-rounded visit that highlights both the character and the beauty of this southern Taiwan city.
