Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is located in southern-western Taiwan, East Asia and faces the Taiwan Strait.

Exploring Kaohsiung on foot is recommended, however note that pavements double as scooter parking areas so caution is required. Pedestrians should be aware that many cars and motorbikes often run red lights.

The Cijin District in Kaohsiung harbour serves as a natural breakwater for the harbour. Cijin is connected to the rest of Kaohsiung City by underwater tunnels, transport being the many ferries which operate. The street leading from the ferry has snack stands, restaurants and a plaza and beach at the end.

ChiHou Lighthouse was built in 1883 and remodelled in 1916 in Baroque style. It has played a crucial role in guiding ships since 1918.

Chihou Fort ChiHou Fort is a battery and former military base. The battery standing today is a result of extensive restorations completed in 1992, and is a popular tourist attraction.

TianHou Temple was built around 300 years ago and is regarded as the oldest temple in Kaohsiung. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Sailors, Matzu.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a huge complex and major tourist attraction with old and new sections to explore within. The Buddha Memorial Centre is adjacent to the Monastery.

Shoushan (aka Monkey Mountain) is a popular hiking destination where you will see lots of native monkeys as well as beautiful plants and flowers. On the western side of the mountain, Chaishan Nature Park has a network of raised trails through the forest.

Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is a part of the Neiweipi Cultural Park, which occupies about 40 hectares.

The National Science and Technology Museum is a good place for families with children, with fun, interactive and educational displays.

Lotus Pond is a man-made lake and popular tourist destination on the east side of Zuoying District. It is famous for the lotus plants and numerous temples around the lake, such as the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Confucian Temple.

Other places of interest include Chichin Island, Tuntex Sky Tower, the Dome of Light, the world's largest stained glass installation, and the Pier 2 Art Centre.

Shopping opportunities includes the Dream Mall, Ruifeng Night Market and Sanfengzhong Street.

There is a wide range of dining options including Mexican, Greek, American, Indian, Chinese and Japanese as well as the chance to try some local dishes such as traditional pork rib, salty glutinous rice balls, oyster omelette and tofu pudding. There are also lots of seafood restaurants.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Kaohsiung, the largest harbour in Taiwan. The port is located adjacent to Kaohsiung City and features a state of the art Cruise Terminal, offices and leisure facilities.

Pedicabs are usually available near the port area. Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful but ensure drivers use their meters and they understand where you need to go, as they generally only speak Chinese. The city government has established Taxi English Service to allow visitors to search for English-speaking taxi drivers in chosen areas.

An inexpensive ferry service connects various areas of Kaohsiung City, including Taiwan's nearest island, Xiao Liuqiu.