Top 25 Kaohsiung Attractions (2023)
Kaohsiung is a port city of Taiwan and is home to cultural parks, artistic spaces and a variety of shopping streets. You will get the chance to see the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and shop in one of the largest night markets in Taiwan. There are plenty of things you can do and see here, so let us start with the top 25 attractions in Kaohsiung.
1. Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica
Founded in 1859, Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica is the first Catholic church in Taiwan. Located just walking distance from Central Park Station, this Holy Rosary Cathedral is a top attraction in Taiwan that is known for its magnificent architecture that is inspired by European Gothic with Roman arch windows and rose windows. Sunday mass still happens every 11am and welcome all Christian devotees who would love to attend. As for non-christian visitors, you are free to visit the place at any other times.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. Chimei Museum
Established in 1992, Chimei Museum is a private museum that was funded by the Chi Mei Corporation. It was Shi Wen-long, the founder dream to build a museum for the less fortunate people so that they can get a glimpse of the world without travelling. This museum is situated in a beautiful garden and is surrounded by many replicas and statues. This museum that resembles a Greek castle is home to 4,000 Western Arts that ranges from paintings, musical instruments, antiques and relics of old. The most impressive collection within the museum will be the 1,376 historical string instruments with some of them made by the famous Bartolomeo Cristofori.
Operating Hours: Thursday – Tuesday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): NT$200
3. Dadong Arts Center
Located just outside of Dadong Station, Dadong Arts Center is a multi-functional art space that aims to develop and support all cultural and artistic activities in the nation. Surrounded by nature, this building was created to take into consideration all natural elements in creating a zen zone for all. This art centre possesses many performance and exhibition halls that have hosts many renowned local performances. There is also an art library with a collection on 200,000 art books that are suitable for all ages that touch on topics such as movies, dance, architecture and many more.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to show rates.
4. Dapeng Bay
Dapeng Bay is located in the Donggang township south of Kaohsiung city. It is one of the largest lagoons in Taiwan that spans across 532 hectares. It is a tranquil and scenic place that is perfect for a short retreat. Housed within this area are plenty of attractions where you can easily spend half a day here. Here you will be able to see an observation deck, a museum and also the iconic Dapeng Bay Bridge. There are also plenty of wet and dry activities that can get your adrenaline pumping too, such as go-karting, windsurfing, kayaking, just to name a few.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas is a popular Kaohsiung attraction that is located on Lotus Lake. As the name describes, you will get to see two massive sculptures of a dragon and tiger leading up to the pagodas. The twin pagodas are both seven floors high where you climb up spiral stairs to get to the top, enabling you a 360 view of the lake and its surroundings. Before you enter into the temple, many locals said that you should enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit from the tiger’s mouth as that will convert your bad luck to good luck.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): NT$12
6. E-DA Theme Park
E-DA Theme Park is a wonderful place to bring your children. This is the first Greek-inspired theme park and is home to 47 attractions across three main areas; Acropolis, Santorini and Trojan Castle. The highlight will be the Trojan Castle which is the largest indoor park in Taiwan that encompasses 50,000 square feet. It offers plenty of thrilling rides such as the dark roller coaster, flight simulator and VR Fighting game where you get to enjoy with your friends. It is also easy to go around the park with the assistance of the sky monorail that connects all the main areas.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NT$899 | Child – NT$580
7. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a spiritual and religious place that is located in the Dashu District. Spanning across 100 hectares, this is home to not only the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan but the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world. It is fascinating to be able to see a row of eight pagodas, two twin pavilions and statues of the Ten Great Disciplines of Buddha all lined up at the courtyard of the main temple. Within the main halls, you will go through a series of galleries that tells of Buddha’s journey on earth, his enlightenment and the story of his disciples.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 9:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Fongyi Academy
Fongyi Academy is a Taiwan heritage site that was built in 1814. This academy was a tutorial academy that was constructed back in the day of the Qing Dynasty. This place is the largest Confucian academy in Taiwan and is well-maintained to share the history of happening that took place in this academy. Within this area, you will find a total of 37 rooms, prayer altars to Buddhas and stone drums on the academy’s vicinity. There are also interesting people statues around the academy to show how it was like in the past.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): NT$60
9. Huaqiao Fish Market
Located 40 minutes away from Kaohsiung city, Huaqiao Fish Market is an indoor seafood market that is situated by the side of the sea. There are plenty of stores selling all sorts of seafood that are freshly caught. As Taiwan’s leading tuna exporter in Asia, you should definitely try them out together with other fishes such as salmon, yellowtail, kingfish and many more. You can also have your purchased seafood cooked in one of the restaurants that are located in the same vicinity.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Sizihwan
Sizihwan or Sizih Bay is a scenic natural spot that is perfect spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of the top sightseeing places in Kaohsiung that surrounded by mountains and boasts a romantic sunset view by the seashore. Sizihwan also possesses a beautiful beach that is bustling during the summer, where thousands of people gather for some activities under the sun and swim in its crystal clear waters.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo
Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo is one of the largest zoo located in the South of Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, this zoo is a perfect destination for families and friends to be up close and personal with these animals. Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo is home to 100 animal species from all over Asia, America, Africa and Australia, with some of them being endangered. Here you will have the opportunity to see antelopes, black bears, red panda and Bangal tigers here. If you are coming in a group of 20 pax, you can also sign up for the 20% off group tourist program before your visit to the zoo.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NT$40 | Child – NT$20
12. Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is located at the corner of Kaohsiung city and occupies 8.15 acres of land. The third Fine Arts museum in Taiwan, it aims to continue to establish art scene further. The museum is spread across four levels, with each displaying unique and creative art installations. Besides then local exhibitors, the place also welcomes international renown travelling exhibitors such as Yayoi Kusama and the Tate Collections to be apart of this museum.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday,9:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Liuhe Night Market
Liuhe Night Market is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Kaohsiung. Situated 10 minutes away from Kaohsiung Railway Station, this is the perfect place to immerse into the Taiwanese culture. There are 138 stalls here selling all kind of snacks and Taiwanese delicacies. You must try the seafood because of its freshness and it cheaper compared to other Taiwan cities. To quench your thirst from all the snacking, why not try out the famous papaya milk that is famous in Taiwan.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00pm – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Maolin National Scenic Area
Maolin National Scenic Area is a massively dense reserve area that is famous for its rare butterfly phenomenon. Located in the south of Central Mountain Range, from November to March, ten thousands of purple crow butterflies will migrate here to escape from the cold from their original countries. While you are here, you can also get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Varicorhinus barbatulus, Formosan Macaque, and Taiwan blue magpies here. You can also rejuvenate yourself in the hot spring after a long walk in the park.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Meinong Folk Village
Meinong Folk Village is a quiet village in Meinong that located 30 minutes away from Kaohsiung City. Known for its rich in Hakka culture, you will be able to have a taste of their history and heritage through the many exhibits in the centre. You will also get a chance to see Hakka performances, purchase Hakka products and even sample the infamous peanut candy. You can also get to see how paper umbrellas or ceramic products are being made since it is one of the most popular crafts in Meinong.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Moon World Landscape Park
Moon World Landscape Park is a barren land that sports badlands from erosion from the wind and rain. For this phenomenon to happen in a tropical country is rare as this only occurs in dryer weathers. The jagged ravines of the rocky hill provide an illusion of a dessert moon surface with nothing growing on it. You will be able to explore freely in this place through the wooden bridges that are constructed to make it easy for visitors to explore.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. National Science and Technology Museum
This largest science museum in Asia is located in Sanmin and can be reached by taking the train to the station with the same name. Spanning across 19 acres of land, this National Science and Technology Museum is designed more for children to incite their interest towards science and technology. It is fascinating to be able to learn about science through all the exhibits that are within these six stories building.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): NT$100
18. Pier2 Art Center
Pier2 Art Center is the top cultural spot in Kaohsiung that is heavily frequented by locals and tourists. Situated in an open space in basin No. 3, you will be able to see many colourful and unique art installation that is perfect for photo-taking. Within this place are warehouse spaces that host multiple exhibition, live performances and an occasional flea market that is always bustling with people. During your exploration, you will also get to see the first train track that is now being converted to a cycling lane for visitors.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): NT$149
19. Qi Jin Old Street
Just a ferry away from the Kaohsiung city, Qi Jin Old Street is a tranquil place perfect for a short getaway. Once you reach the pier, make way to the market where you will be able to spot a myriad of stalls selling snacks and seafood. You can rent a bike or scooter to cover more grounds during your visit here. Another nearby attraction that you should visit is the Rainbow Church. It is not really a church, but it is a photo-taking spot with colourful geometrical arches with the sea as the background.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng Night Market is an ideal place for a fun night out in Kaohsiung. Always bustling with people, Ruifeng Night Market is the largest night market in the city. It offers a variety of shops selling clothes, accessories and also delicious food that will entice your tastebuds. While you are here, you should try out the Stinky Tofu, chicken kebabs, seafood and sweet cool round powder packes.
Operating Hours: Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday, 4:00pm – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. Shinkuchan Shopping District
Shinkuchan Shopping District is known as Kaohsiung’s Ximending and is a popular spot among youth and fashion lovers. Shinkuchan is situated in the heart of Kaoshiung, just next to the Central Park Station. There are plenty of stores selling clothes, accessories, bags, beauty products from local and international brands. There are also myriads of unique themed cafes where you can try out during your break from your shopping escapade.
Operating Hours: Daily, 1:00pm – 12:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
22. Siaogangshan Skywalk Park
Siaogangshan Skywalk Park is located in between Gangshan and Yanchao Districts and was opened on Valentine’s day in 2018. This bridge that resembles a violin is an 88-metre skywalk that will enable you a beautiful panoramic view of Agongdian Reservoir and Kaohsiung city. The bridge stands at 133 feet high above ground held on by 24 suspension cables.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Saturday – Sunday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NT$80 | Child – NT$40
23. The British Consulate at Takow
The British Consulate at Takow is a former British Administration office that was built in 1865. Situated at the peak of Shaochuantou, this is a 2nd Class Historic Site that is designated by Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior. Design in Renaissance architecture, this place now serves as a tourist landmark for the visitors to enjoy the scenery and this heritage building. Within the building, you can find a cafe that serves snacks and a good English tea.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
24. Xinjuejiang shopping district
Xinjuejiang shopping district is another night market that provides youth with an excellent shopping and dining experience. Located next to the Central Park Station, this is a street packed with boutique clothes stores with plenty of choices and reasonably priced. In between the street alleys, you will find food stalls selling a wide variety of snacks and Taiwanese desserts such as bubbles teas, papaya milk and mochis.
Operating Hours: Daily, 1:00pm – 12:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
25. Yushan National Park
Yushan National Park encompasses 103,121 hectares of land and is home to the tallest mountain in Taiwan, the Jade Mountain. Set in a beautiful natural landmarks, many people come here to hike up the Jade Mountain, which will take 5 to 8 hours depending on your stamina and weather. The trails in the park are well-kept with clear signages all along the way ensuring you do not get lost along your journey.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Kaohsiung is set in a beautiful landmark that is surrounded by mountains and the sea. It offers scenic nature trails and gourmet food trip to taste the authentic flavours of Taiwan. It is a perfect destination for family and friends as there are plenty of attractions where you will get to enjoy it together.