Dream Mall NYE Fireworks The Dream Mall is the center of Kaohsiung City’s 2025 NYE celebrations. Its ideal location, next to the MRT and the LRT, is the perfect place for 100’s of thousands of… More
Top 6 Unforgettable Spots in Kaohsiung
Welcome to Kaohsiung! Like a kaleidoscope, there are many beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kaohsiung City. The city offers something for every traveler. With so many places to visit, we introduce our top 6 spots of Kaohsiung City to enrich your sightseeing. Whether you seek cultural immersion, artistic delights, or natural beauty, Kaohsiung promises a fulfilling experience that caters to various interests. If you don’t visit these spots, you will regret it for the rest of your life!
Pier-2 Art Center
The Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung is a dynamic cultural hub housed in renovated warehouses. They are relics of Kaohsiung’s past as a manufacturing and railway hub.
It features contemporary art exhibitions and events, offering a vibrant experience for visitors interested in Taiwan’s art and culture.
Moreover, the Pier-2 Art Center serves as a starting point for exploring other nearby attractions:
- Great Harbor Bridge. It is Taiwan’s first horizontally rotating bridge, and Asia’s longest.
- Shoushan LOVE Lookout. This lookout offers a panoramic view of Kaohsiung City and is a popular photo spot for IG models.
- Former British Consulate Takow. This attraction is a monument to Kaohsiung’s role in global diplomacy.
- Old Shoushan Cave. This cave once served as the headquarters for the Japanese military. Now, it serves as a shortcut to the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), which is also a historical site in itself.
How to Get There
Mass Rapid Transit subway (MRT)
The Pier-2 Art Center is conveniently located to both the Penglai Pier-2 MRT and LRT stations.
National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts
The National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, also known as “Weiwuying,” is a massive cultural complex in Kaohsiung. It’s the world’s largest performing arts center under one roof and hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and theater performances. The center’s striking architecture and outdoor spaces attract not only people interested in performances, but also visitors intrigued by its architecture.
The venue is world-renown. In fact, as reported by My Kaohsiung report in 2019, Time Magazine selected Weiwuying as one of the “World’s Greatest Places.” It was the first time any place from Taiwan made the list.
More Than a Music Venue
As a center for the arts, Weiwuying offers world-class performances. However, there is much to do in the area around Weiwuying, whether it is to take in its spaceship-like architecture, visit the adjacent natural part, or take IG worthy selfies next to one of the most famous painted walls in Kaohsiung City, across the street from Weiwuying.
Architecture
Natural Park
Street art
The are across from Weiwuying is a community of street art. There are even apartments painted to beautiful the area and offers a photo spot for the locals.
How to Get There
Mass Rapid Transit subway (MRT)
Weiyuwing is conveniently located next to Weiwuying MRT Station (Orange Line 10). Also the following buses stop at Weiwuying.
buses
Please click here for the bus schedule.
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung are vivid landmarks at the Lotus Pond. Visitors customarily enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth, symbolizing good luck. The pagodas offer stunning views and are one of the most icons of Kaohsiung City.
At the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, you’ll be treated to the zigzag bridge and the Lotus Wake Park 蓮潭滑水主題樂園. Also nearby is the Confucius Temple, our next attraction.
How to Get There
Mass Rapid Transit subway (MRT)
Weiyuwing is conveniently located next to Weiwuying MRT Station (Orange Line 10). Also the following buses stop at Weiwuying.
buses
Please click here for the bus schedule.
Confucius Temple
Near the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and in walking distance, is the Confucius Temple. It is a serene complex dedicated to the revered philosopher, Confucius. The temple showcases traditional architecture and offers a peaceful setting for visitors to learn more about Confucian teachings and Chinese culture. This landmark is a must-see in Kaohsiung for history enthusiasts.
At the attraction, you will see many cosplay photographers. It serves as a unique historical backdrop that is rare in Taiwan. Here is a gallery photographed published on our Facebook page, My Kaohsiung.
Mango Coffee
Inside the temple walls is a unique and cafe, Mango Coffee. The atmosphere and vibe matches the historical theme of the Confucius Temple, yet offers a modern selection of desserts and drinks. What better way to take in the traditional experience.
How to Get There
Mass Rapid Transit subway (MRT)
The nearest MRT station is Zuoying High Speed Rail Station. From there, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Youbike to the temple.
buses
The nearest bus station is on Cuiming Road. Please click here for the bus schedule.
E-Da Theme Park
The E-Da Theme Park is a dedicated entertainment venue of the E-Da World, offering a wide range of interactive experiences for users of all ages. It is one of the largest amusement park in Taiwan. From immersive virtual reality games to educational simulations and creative tools, the E-Da Theme Park aims to bring joy and excitement.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or learning, the park has something for everyone. At the other end of the Eda complex is the Eda Ferris Wheel. Connecting the two attractions is Eda Outlet Mall, the largest in Southern Taiwan.
Eda Ferris Wheel
According to Eda World, “The diameter of Ferris wheel is 80 meters long. Each box accommodates 8 persons to run a circle in 18 minutes. This wheel is the highest viewing stand in southern Taiwan.”
If you happen to go during the New Year’s Eve, you’ll be treated to one of Taiwan’s largest fireworks display, with the Ferris Wheel light show synchronized with the fireworks.
How to Get There
Eda Shuttle bus
The best way to get to Eda World is by taking the Eda Shuttle.
Eda Bus 8501
Stops: Zuoying High Speed Rail Station.
EDA BUS 8506
Stops: Gangshan Bus Station, MRT Gangshan South Station, MRT Ciaotou Train Station, MRT Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station, MRT Cingpu Station, Nanzih Train Station.
Cijin Beach
In Taiwan, Kaohsiung is also known as the Harbor City. It lies at the nexus of the foothills of Shoushan mountain and the sea. Serving as the gateway to the harbor is Cijin District with its popular Cijin Beach, famous for its fine sands and blue waters. It offers a tranquil escape with stunning sea and mountain views. Plus, whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying surfing, it’s a perfect getaway from the bustling of the city.
Cijin Market
From the ferry terminal to the beach, you will walk through the popular Cijin market. It offers an assortment of culinary delights, to include fresh seafood and uniquely Taiwanese snacks.
Cijin Sunset Bar 旗津沙灘吧
The Cijin Sunset Bar is a gem of an eatery in Cijin. Contrasting to the seafood and traditional Taiwanese snacks, the Cijin Sunset Bar offers a trendy culinary fusion. From its savory dishes to almost every cocktail imaginable, it is one of the best places to enjoy a meal with a stunning view of Cijin Beach. Moreover, it is also one of the best places to experience the Kaohsiung sunset.
Cijin Sunset Bar Theme Nights
Besides the excellent food and drinks specials, come out to enjoy their theme nights. They offer drink discounts, and even free drinks, with DJs playing popular tunes. Follow Cijin Sunset Bar Facebook page to see their latest themed events.
Cijin Sunset Bar After Dark
If you’re looking for a hopping place to chill, Cijin Sunset Bar starts kicking it after dark. It features popular DJs and hosts some of the largest and best beach parties and events in Taiwan. Photos courtesy of Cijin Sunset Bar and Danny Chu.
How to Get There
Ferry
Catch the ferry from the Gushan Ferry Pier Station or the KW2 Ferry Pier.
Authors: Sandy, Laura, and Freya.
This article was written in collaboration with high school students from Kaohsiung Municipal Chung Shan Senior High School.
Taiwan International Balloon Festival 2023
This year, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival will feature 43 balloons, surpassing the 30 balloons from the 2022 event, which saw a record crowd. This year’s event promises to even more extravagant and amazing.
Balloon Festival Information
The festival will start from June 30 and run through August 28. This year’s event will run for 60 days. It is one of the longest hot air balloon festivals in the world. During this time, the sky will be decorated with colorful and unique balloons from all around the world. For example, the will be a balloons depicting Sponge Bob, Hello Kitty, a Frog, British bulldogs, the Yakult yogurt from Japan, et cetera. Even the “TAZ” (Tasmanian Devil) balloon from the United States will make an appearance. There will also be music performances.
The event began on June 30th with a blast, featuring a light show and live performances.
Taiwan International Balloon Schedule
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival will feature 43 balloons from both local sponsors and international teams. The international teams comprise of Thailand, Mexico, United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, United Kingdom, Czech, and even Ukraine. It seems that Brazil has invested heavily in this year’s event with 11 out of 43 balloons. Also, Japan will be highly featured with 6 balloons. Regardless of where you are from, the festival hopes to unite all cultures and build stronger international relations through the hot air balloons.
Festival Address
The event is held at the Luye Highland, in Taitung County. The address is 955台東縣鹿野鄉.
How to Get There
By Train
From Kaohsiung, take the train for “Taitung Train Station” or the “Luye Train Station.” Then, take the East Rift Valley Line shuttle (8168A) to the venue at Luye Highland Station.
By Bus
Take the train to “Taitung Bus Station. Then, take the East Rift Valley Line shuttle (8168A) to the venue at Luye Highland Station.
Shuttle Schedule
The following are the shuttle fare and the timetable.
- Taitung Bus Station to Luye Gaotai is 125 NTD
- Taitung Train Station to Luye Gaotai 111 NTD
- Luye Train Station Luye Gaotai 25 NTD
Fare and Timetable Source: https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw
By car/scooter
From Kaohsiung, drive on Highway 9 to Taitung. At the Yongan Road/ East Rural Highway 33 intersection, turn left until you reach reach Gaotai Road, the venue for the festival. Good luck on finding parking.
Livestream
If you can’t make it to the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, you can watch it live.
2023 Kaohsiung City Christmas Celebrations and More
This year, there are three recommended places to celebrate Christmas. Kaohsiung City presents a market and performances. Also, Pingtung City presents Christmas lights, performances, and snow made from foam. Finally, the Wanjin Catholic Basilica holds its annual Christmas celebrations with lights and nativity scenes.
Pier-2 Art Center and Kaohsiung Music Center
Starting on Christmas day and going through New Year’s Eve, Kaohsiung City celebrations will be hosting a Christmas market and performances at these locations. On Christmas day, the mulled wine will be featured, which is a wine with added spices and served warm, to stay warm during the cold winter.
Christmas in Pingtung
Pingtung City features Christmas lights and snow. The innovative snow is made from foam…you just have to experience the unique show for yourself. It is held in the Pingtung Park, which is near the Pingtung train station. It is held every weekend until January 2nd, 2023.
Christmas Foreign Market
Pingtung is also hosting a foreign Christmas market that features cultural and exotic food and performances.
Wanjin Catholic Basilica
The Basilica, located in the Wanluan District of Pingtung holds annual Christmas lights and Nativity scenes. This is the first basilica in Taiwan and features one of the largest nativity scenes.
NYE 2023 Kaohsiung City
This year, Kaohsiung City will feature THREE fireworks festivals for the 2023 New Year’s celebrations.
Kaohsiung City is going all out to celebrate the 2023 New Year. There will not be 1, not 2, BUT…3 fireworks in Kaohsiung. The city will host two fireworks on New Year’s Eve at the Dream Mall and New Year’s Day at the Kaohsiung Music Center.
Dream Mall
The main fireworks for New Year’s Eve celebrations will be at the Dream Mall. The performances will start at 7pm and run through 1am. In fact, Kaohsiung’s mayor, Chen Chi-mai, is expected to make a presence and believes that Kaohsiung’s celebrations will be the biggest New Year’s Eve festival in all of Taiwan!
The fireworks will go on for 180 seconds to ring in the new year. For the first time, there will be two stages, symbolizing Kaohsiung’s “Leaping Into the Future” theme. The stage will be at the intersection of the main crossroads of the Dream Mall. The stage will be at the Zhonghua 5th Road and Shidai Boulevard intersections, which is in front of the main entrance of the Dream Mall.
There are two ways to get there. The first is to take the MRT to the Kaisyuan Station and walk a short distance to the venue. The second method is to take the Light Rail, LRT, to the Dream Mall Station.
Kaohsiung Music Center
The 2023 New Year’s celebrations doesn’t end with the NYE fireworks. Amazingly, Kaohsiung City is hosting a second fireworks show at the Kaohsiung Music Center on Jan 1, 2023. The performances will start at 8pm.
E-Da Outlet Mall
The 2023 New Year’s Eve fireworks at the E-Da Outlet Mall will offer 999 seconds of fireworks, which is among the longest in all of Taiwan.
Additionally, the E-Da Ferris Wheel ride can be reserved during the peak night hours of 10:30pm through 12:30am.
Teaching English in Kaohsiung: Getting Started
Thinking of teaching English in Kaohsiung, or Taiwan for that matter? Before you get started, here are some information and tips you should know.
Continue reading “Teaching English in Kaohsiung: Getting Started”