wabisaviDon’t let its size fool you, Taiwan is home to a 23-million strong population that keep its spirited traditions and luxurious culture alive
5Here are 5 fun facts to get you started: 1️⃣ Kaohsiung was originally known with the aboriginal name Takau, which was later rendered in kanji by the Japanese as 高雄 (𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘰). 高雄 reads in Chinese as Kaohsiung. 2️⃣ It's the sunniest city in Taiwan, and temperatures rarely drop beneath 20°C. 3️⃣ Ever wondered what a mountain made up entirely of coral reef, algae and sea shells looks like? In Kaohsiung you can find out! 4️⃣ Taiwan's largest Confucius Temple is located in Kaohsiung. 5️⃣ The world's largest public glass artwork is located in a subway station in Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
The major interchange of Kaohsiung's metro line, Formosa Boulevard Station is internationally renown for its 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 installation, designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. Composed of 4'500 glass panels, it's the largest public glass artwork in the world.
800, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Xinxing District, 中山一路115號地下一樓
3The artificial Lotus Pond is a popular tourist destination in the newly redeveloped area of Zuoying. There are many attractions to visit as you crawl around it, taking in the expanses of lotus plants. How to enjoy an afternoon at Lotus Pond: 🔸 Visit Taiwan's largest Confucian Temple. 🔸 Stroll in the Spring and Autumn Pavilions. 🔸 Bring yourself luck by walking through the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. 🔸 Take a trip back in time at the Old Town of Zuoying. 🔸 Sip on some local ice tea to beat the heat. 🔸 Engage in a variety of water sports such as water ski.
Lotus Pond, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
𝗞𝗮𝗼𝗵𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, the largest in Taiwan, is a must-visit for anyone wishing to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Confucius temple. The original parts date back to 1684, and while it underwent numerous phases of rebuilding, you can still see the models it followed in both layout and decoration. Its Confucius Ceremony still follows the traditional of 𝘉𝘢 𝘠𝘪 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 (an ancient Chinese dance performed by 64 dancers for the emperors during sacrificial rites).
- +886 7 588 0023
No. 400, Liantan Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
Standing over the lake, these twin pagodas have become an iconic landmark in Kaohsiung. The entrances to the pagodas feature a dragon and a tiger respectively. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power and strength, while the tiger is a symbol of righteousness and harmony. Entering the pagodas from the dragon's mouth and exiting from the tiger's mouth is believed to be auspicious and bring good luck to the visitor.
- +886 7 581 9286
No. 9號, Liantan Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
2Fancy trekking across a mountain entirely made of coral reef? Shoushan rose out of the coral sea surrounding Kaohsiung, complete with caves and jagged cliffs. Shoushan is more commonly known as Monkey Mountain, from its former Dutch name Ape Hill, due to the large population of formosan rock macaque, a rare species of monkey found only in Taiwan. An extensive system of boardwalks and trails will take you all around the mountain, with tea stations dotting the paths. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosan_rock_macaque
Shoushan, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804
3In 2006 the abandoned warehouse site in Yancheng District was reconverted into a sprawling art village that quickly became one of Kaohsiung's most iconic landmarks. Today The Pier-2 Art Center is cultural hub where artists and students can freely express themselves. The dozens of unique and quirky exhibits will keep you entertained for hours.
- +886 7 521 4899
No. 1號, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803
2Formerly known as T&C Tower or Tuntex Sky Tower, the 𝟴𝟱 𝗦𝗸𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 is a landmark you can see from many places around town (including Love River and The Pier-2), dominating the city's skyline. As the name suggests this 378m tall tower spans 85 stories, and was the tallest building in Taiwan before the completion of Taipei 101. The observatory offers sweeping vistas over Kaohsiung. While the shape looks more like a prong, it is supposedly inspired by the hanzi 高 which features in the city's name. 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: since the former group which owned 85 Sky Tower has ceased operations, many parts of the building are currently unoccupied and may be inaccessible for visit.
- +886 7 566 8818
802, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Lingya District, Ziqiang 3rd Road, 1號74樓
Take retail therapy to whole new levels at 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹, the biggest shopping mall in Taiwan, and the 15th largest in East Asia. Among other things, it features a rooftop amusement park with a ferris wheel.
- +886 7 813 5678
No. 789號, Zhonghua 5th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 806
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A short bus ride from the city proper, 𝗙𝗼 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻 is a place you shouldn't miss during your trip to Kaohsiung. This massive Buddhist complex is a pleasure to stroll through. The eight pagodas lining the complex hold multi-functional halls, interactive learning spaces and small souvenir shops. More exhibition spaces are held within the Main Hall and Shrines. One of the most unique features of Fo Guang Shan are the 𝟰𝟴 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀, which act as time capsules to preserve human civilization. Once every hundred years one of the Palaces will be opened. The precious items within will be replaced with new artifacts of historical value, and then it will be sealed up again.
- +886 7 656 3033
No. 1號, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049
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