Kaohsiung For First Timers – 6 Must Do Things

There are many things to do in Kaohsiung for first timers. Kaohsiung is like the less famous sibling of Taipei. Until recently, due to the political scene, the superstar mayor Han Guo Yu is bringing a lot of attention (and tourism) to Kaohsiung.

Travel HANter

10 Mar 19

Kaohsiung For First Timers – 6 Must Do Things

Situated near the Southern part of Taiwan, Kaohsiung can be easily reached by a 1.5-hour THSR ride. With the Kaohsiung mayor all over the news, tourists are flocking to Kaohsiung, both locals and international. So exactly what are the must do things in Kaohsiung for first timers?

1. Visit Pier-2 Art Center

First one on the list of things to do in Kaohsiung for first-timers is Pier-2 Art Center. It used to be an industrial warehouse which was abandoned when the economy shifted towards the service sector.

This was until a group of artists came together to convert the pier into a brand new place. Now, Pier-2 is an art center where fine arts are on display, together with showcases from the local artists. Annually, many exhibitions and festivals are held here.

The warehouse has been totally revamped with beautiful murals and creative displays. 

Image via Trip101 Image via Flickr | Yellow maoImge via Trip101

Purchase some of the artworks from the artist to show your support or maybe send a postcard to stir some jealously back home.

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday 10:00-18:00

Friday to Sunday 10:00-20:00

How to get to Pier-2 Art Center

1. Take the orange line MRT to Yanchengpu Station, use exit 1 or;

2. Take the orange line to Sizihwan Station and use exit 2

2. Day trip to Cijin Island

Cijin Island is just a five mins ferry ride from Gushan Ferry Pier Station. The ticket costs about TWD 40 one way and can be paid using the Easy Card.

Most people explore the island by bicycle, electric scooter or four-seaters electric bike.

The rental costs are as follows:

• bicycle: TWD 100 for a day (till 7 pm)
• electric bike: TWD 200 per hour
• four-seaters electric bike: TWD 400 for the first hour, subsequently TWD 200 per hour

Get around the island to visit the popular attractions on the island.

After which, shop and eat at Cijin Old Street. Being an island, affordable and fresh seafood is readily available on Cijin.

How to get to Cijin Island

• Take the orange line to Sizihwan Station
• From exit 1, walk towards Gushan Ferry Pier Station
• Board the ferry to Cijin Island

3. Feast and shop at Rui Feng Night Market

Doesn’t matter if you are in Kaohsiung for the first time. Visiting a night market is a must in any Taiwanese cities. In Kaohsiung, Rui Feng Night Market is the market tourists have to visit.

Rui Feng Night market has a long history. From vendors that randomly occupy the streets to a now localised market. It is the biggest and most popular night market in Kaohsiung. You can shop amongst the locals while munching away the tasty street food. Definitely on the top of my list of things to do in Kaohsiung for first timers!

Unlike its more famous sibling Taipei, expect to find cheaper food from the countless food stalls here. Just make sure you go on the right days as Rui Feng Night market is not opened daily.

Opening hours

Opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays to Sundays from 6 pm till late

Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

How to get to Rui Feng Night market

• Take the Red line MRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station
• Use exit 1
• Follow the crowd for 10 mins

4. Feast (again) at Liuhe Night Market

Not a fan of massive crowds? Liuhe Night Market might be a better option for you. With lesser stalls come wider spaces. Situated on Liuhe 2nd road, which is a normal road by day. However, at 6 pm when Liuhe Night Market opens, the road gets barricaded. This means that you can eat your heart out without worrying about the traffic.

Albeit being smaller and more touristy, Liuhe Night Market has more than enough variety of food to fill your tummy! Amongst all the other savory street food, seafood is the highlight of Liuhe Night Market. Or at least, the highlight for all seafood lovers!

Opening Hours

Daily from 6 pm till late

How to get there

• Take orange line MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station
• Use exit 1
• Follow the sign

5. Stroll along Love River

Another one that is high on the list of things to do in Kaohsiung for first timers. Relive those romantic moments with your loved ones by taking a walk or joining a cruise along the Love River. With shops and restaurants on both sides of the river lighting up at night, it is a beautiful sight to behold.

6. Shop till you drop at Dream Mall

Touted as the biggest shopping mall and East Asia, Dream Mall comprises of two buildings. The blue and main building has seven and eleven floors respectively. This translates to about 600 retail shops of both local and international brands.

For those who can’t sustain a shopping marathon can opt to go to the rooftop theme park to take a breather. The little ones can also have their fair share of fun at the arcade and amusement park.

Opening hours

Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

How to get to Dream Mall

• Take the LRT from Pier-2 or;
• Take red line MRT to Kaisyuan Station and use exit 1. Walk across the street to catch the LRT to Dream Mall

So these are the 6 must things to do in Kaohsiung for first timers! For us, the night markets have got to be our favourite. Have you visited Kaohsiung and which is your favourite thing to do? Drop us a comment below to let us know!

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