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
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 3, 2024Tulum, Mexico, Home to New, Seaside Boutique Hotel
The Mexico town of Tulum, about two hours south of Cancún, has experienced gentrification like few other tourism destinations in Mexico.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
May 3, 20247 New Hotels to Stay at in Saudi Arabia This Year
Ever expanding in the realm of tourism, Saudi Arabia redefines hospitality itself with seven new hotels hitting the scene this year. From exclusive beach resorts to remote desert getaways, these hotels should top your Saudi Arabia travel list in 2024.
Daily
May 3, 2024Visit These 5 Sustainable Winemakers in Temecula Valley, California
Temecula Valley in southern California combines traditional winemaking techniques with innovative sustainable practices. Many local wineries focus on soil health, water conservation and biodiversity to produce high-quality grapes and benefit the environment.
Sponsored Content
Briggs & Riley: Elevate Your Journey with Quality Luggage
Embracing a life well lived often means embracing a life well-traveled. Every journey becomes a canvas for experiences that shape our lives and at the heart of every adventure lies the indispensable companion: quality luggage.
Daily
May 2, 2024Don’t Miss This Year’s Newport Beach Wine Festival at Balboa Bay Resort
Newport Beach, California, is the place to be over Memorial Day weekend when the 19th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival kicks off on the grounds of Balboa Bay Resort. Over the course of three days, guests to ticketed events will enjoy live music and exceptional wines, some of which can be savored during the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch and the Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner.
La Coralina Island House Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 1, 2024eFlyer News
May 1, 2024Norwegian Cruise Line Launches 2024 Europe Season
Norwegian Cruise Line officially launched its 2024 Europe travel season. Norwegian Epic’s arrival to its seasonal homeport of Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, April 19 kicked off the season.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
eFlyer News
May 1, 2024Rome, Italy, Welcomes art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio This Year
Lifestyle and art-inspired hotel group art’otel opens its first property in Italy this year. Located in the historic area of Piazza Sallustio, art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio features 99 guestrooms and suites, a lively bar and restaurant scene, an immersive on-site gallery, and more.
ShareThis