Kaohsiung isn’t just a southern port city—it’s Taiwan’s sunniest surprise. With ocean air, artistic alleys, peaceful temples, and some of the most vibrant street food in Asia, this is a city that blends beauty with calm. It’s big, but not overwhelming; modern, yet full of heart.
In 2025, Kaohsiung continues to shine with friendly faces, green spaces, and a rhythm that lets you experience Taiwan at a thoughtful, easygoing pace. Whether you’re wandering along Love River, catching golden hour at the harbor, or diving into a bowl of noodles in a lively market, this guide will help Lykkers find the real Kaohsiung.
What to Do?
Start at the Pier-2 Art Center, a repurposed warehouse area turned into a vibrant art space by the harbor. You’ll find outdoor sculptures, murals, tiny creative shops, and even a mini tram that loops through the site. It’s a playground for the curious—ideal for Lykkers who love discovering art in unexpected places. For a softer moment, walk or rent a bike along the Love River, especially in the early evening. Lights shimmer on the water, and the riverside path winds through parks, cafes, and open-air music corners where locals play softly into the night. One of the city’s most iconic views is from Fo Guang Shan, a serene temple complex with a calm presence and a massive golden Buddha that watches peacefully over the landscape.
Whether or not you're spiritual, the space invites quiet reflection—and the gardens are just beautiful. And if you’re drawn to the sea, hop on a ferry to Cijin Island. In just 10 minutes, you’re on a stretch of beach lined with old homes, a lighthouse trail, and a long promenade where people fly kites and eat mango ice. It’s the kind of day trip that feels like a slow exhale.
Tip: Use the city’s efficient MRT to hop between neighborhoods—clean, quiet, and full of friendly signage.
What to Eat?
The best place to start is a night market—Ruifeng and Liuhe are two of the city’s best-known. Here, the air buzzes with energy, and the scent of sizzling dough, bubbling soy, and herbal tea fills the air. Lykkers should try papaya milk, sticky rice rolls, or grilled squid with garlic sauce—all iconic and easy to love. For breakfast, try a local soy milk shop for warm soy drinks, crispy you tiao (fried dough sticks), and salty egg pancakes. It’s simple, flavorful, and part of the local rhythm.
At lunchtime, head to a small eatery for vegetable-filled dumplings or a steaming bowl of dan zai noodles—served with a light broth and fresh herbs. Most shops are family-run, with recipes passed through generations. And if you want something refreshing, fruit is everywhere—from guava slices with dried plum powder to fresh shaved ice topped with melon, lychee, or passionfruit.
Tip: Bring a reusable container and chopsticks—many night markets support low-waste travelers.
Tips or Useful Info
Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) makes it quick to reach Kaohsiung from Taipei—about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once there, the MRT system is smooth, affordable, and well-signed in English. Many stations are connected to public art displays or small shopping spots. Weather-wise, Kaohsiung is warm and humid most of the year. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit—dry, breezy, and just right for walking.
Locals are famously kind, and it’s not unusual for someone to walk you several blocks if you’re lost or to recommend a nearby spot that’s not in your guidebook. And while Mandarin is the main language, younger locals often speak some English—and everyone appreciates a smile and a “thank you” in any language.
Tip: Carry a small umbrella—not just for rain, but as a sunshade during hot midday strolls.
Kaohsiung doesn’t rush to impress—it simply welcomes you in. It’s the kind of city where sunsets over the harbor feel like rituals, where art spills into alleys, and where flavors linger long after your meal. For Lykkers craving a warm, easygoing journey through one of Taiwan’s most soulful cities, Kaohsiung delivers with quiet confidence. Come for the street food, stay for the people, and leave with a heart a little lighter.
