Get to know “Taiwan’s Maritime Capital,” Kaohsiung City, in the south of Taiwan, neighboring Tainan and Pingtung. Based on its location in the country, Kaohsiung enjoys sunny, pleasant weather year-round. The city also enjoys its status as Taiwan’s second-largest city, third-most populous city, largest industrial center and home to 2.73 million people. Find beautiful harbor views, city charm, natural and cultural resources, forests, mountains and much more.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Kaohsiung International Airport, the second-largest in Taiwan, is southern Taiwan’s major airport. Travelers can drive or take Kaohsiung Metro or buses into the city, about 6 miles away. Additionally, Kaohsiung City lies 1.5 hours from Taipei by high-speed rail, making Taoyuan International Airport an arrival option, as well. TRA Kaohsiung Station connects to nine stations in southern Taiwan, and Zuoying Station houses high-speed rail options. Two metro lines, red and orange, connect around the city, operating every five to 10 minutes. Many of the stations are tourist attractions in themselves. Light-rail transit offers a new option in the city. City Bus operates with high service frequency and reasonable fares. Take advantage of the YouBike public bike system.
LODGING
Opened in 1995, the 710-foot-tall Grand Hi-Lai Hotel is a landmark of the city. Inside, travelers find panoramic views, an art collection, 535 guestrooms, 13 restaurants across a variety of cuisines, and Taiwan’s largest department store.
No. 266, Chenggong 1st Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, tel 886 7 216 1766 grand-hilai.com
Boasting Art Deco-style guestrooms and suites under the InterContinental brand for more than 75 years, this 5-star hotel also focuses on environmentally friendly, sustainable dining across multiple outlets. Experience top-notch meeting and event space as well.
No. 33, Singuang Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, tel 886 7 339 1888 ihg.com
Art rules at Silks Club, with a collection curated by ALIEN Art. While its guestrooms boast an average size of 710 square feet, the luxury property also hosts the first overseas outpost of Ukai, where the belief is good food feeds the soul.
No. 199, Zhongshan 2nd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 806, tel 886 7 973 0189 silks-club.com
DINING
Nibbon
Don’t look for a sign on the door at Nibbon. Since its 2020 opening, this has been one of the hardest restaurants at which to get a table in the city. The menu at this fusion Japanese eatery that utilizes French-Italian techniques changes every two months.
No. 9, Longshui 2nd Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, tel 886 7 586 9570
“Explore a new chapter of food” at Papillon alongside 26th-floor views. Helmed by two-Michelin-starred chef Xavier Boyer, the restaurant aims to reshape the Taiwanese style with international standards.
26th Floor, TAi Urban Resort, 189 Linsen 4th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, tel 886 7 331 8888 papillondining.com
Temperature Studio
No reservations, cash only at this six-seater, opened in 2021. The down-to-earth, multicourse, omakase menu was crafted from the chef’s belief that temperature is at the very core of all good food.
No. 50, Gongyuan E. Road, Gangshan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
ATTRACTIONS
This theme park with a Greek theme includes three areas: Acropolis, Santorini and Trojan Castle. It boasts several titles for Taiwan, including the largest entertainment theater, the biggest indoor recreation center, the country’s first roller coaster and Taiwan’s largest Ferris wheel.
No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, tel 886 7 656 8080 edathemepark.com.tw
Liuhe Night Market
Peruse the 138 stalls of one of the most popular markets in Taiwan. Food stalls from the 1950s transformed into the large-scale night market selling food, handicrafts, clothes and more. Sample from the dozens of steak food stalls and try papaya milk and steamed salty shrimp.
Liuhe 2nd Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, 886 7 285 6786
Lotus Pond
The artificial lake opened in 1951, famous for the lotus plants floating on it. Take in stunning views from the lake in late afternoon particularly. Several temples surround Lotus Pond, like Spring and Autumn pavilions.
Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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