A recommended shopping spot on the north side of Kaohsiung Station in Taiwan’s second largest city

A recommended shopping spot on the north side of Kaohsiung Station in Taiwan’s second largest city

Kaohsiung, a popular port city and Taiwan’s second largest city, is also attractive for its easy access—just an hour and a half from Taipei by high-speed rail. In recent years, the Kaohsiung Port area has been undergoing development, transforming into a stylish destination and a popular tourist spot. When visiting Kaohsiung, shopping is a must. From Taiwan’s famous night markets to newly opened shopping malls, there’s plenty to explore! This time, we’ll introduce recommended shopping spots located on the north side of Kaohsiung Station.

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A recommended shopping spot on the north side of Kaohsiung Station in Taiwan’s second largest city

1. Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza

Located about 5 minutes by train north of Kaohsiung Station, “Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza” is one of Kaohsiung’s most popular department stores. Adjacent to the Kaohsiung Arena, also known as the Big Egg, this massive department store boasts a total floor space of 21,000 tsubo (approx. 69,400 square meters) and features a modern and open atmosphere with many glass walls. It's also conveniently just a short walk from the station.

Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza is truly enormous! You’ll find international brands as well as famous shops from Taipei, like the well-known Yuans Soap and Youji Tea Shop. The restaurant selection is also extensive, including favorites like okonomiyaki and Coco Ichibanya, making it a great choice for those craving Japanese food. With a variety of cafés, it’s a fun shopping spot that families and friends can enjoy all day long!

2. Ruifeng Night Market

When it comes to must-visit shopping spots in Taiwan, night markets are a top contender, aren’t they? “Ruifeng Night Market” is located north of Kaohsiung Station, about a 5-minute walk from the Arena Station, and is a local favorite with Kaohsiung residents. Ruifeng Night Market has an impressive 20-year history.

This lively night market features not only delicious local food but also a variety of shops selling clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. Prices are more affordable than in department stores, so buying T-shirts in bulk for souvenirs is a great idea. Since many items don’t have fixed prices, price negotiation is essential. Just note that Rueifong Night Market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly!

3. Shiquan Jade Market

If you visit Taiwan’s national museums, you’ll often find beautiful artworks made of crystal and jade. That’s because jade and crystal are among Taiwan’s signature specialty products. A shopping spot specializing in these items is “Shiquan Jade Market,” located about a 15-minute walk north of Kaohsiung Station.

The market opens on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 9:00 a.m., but Wednesday mornings are said to have the most vendors and variety. From affordable items costing a few hundred yen to luxury goods worth hundreds of thousands of yen, the market is a spectacular sight. Even if you think jade or crystal is too understated, you should still visit. There are many stylish necklaces and earrings suitable for everyday use. Parts for making accessories are also sold, so you can create your own original pieces. It’s a delightful shopping spot for accessory lovers!

4. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (Zuoying Store)

Located far north of Kaohsiung Station, the “Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Zuoying Store” is very accessible. It’s conveniently connected to the Zuoying Station of Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail and MRT, and you can even access the Mitsukoshi annex Rainbow Bazaar directly from the Shinkansen lobby.

Inside the store, you’ll find a variety of goods, from Taiwanese to international fashion brands. At the Rainbow Bazaar, there’s a wide selection of miscellaneous goods, including cute souvenirs and sweets. The department store also has a lush green garden, perfect for taking a break between shopping. With plenty of restaurants and a food court, you might find yourself overwhelmed with delicious choices. It’s a very convenient shopping spot, especially for making good use of your wait time before a train!

◎ Summary

What did you think of the shopping spots north of Kaohsiung Station? This time, we mainly introduced night markets and large department stores, but in fact, there are still many smaller yet intriguing shops waiting to be discovered. Department stores and markets are convenient for buying in bulk, but if you have time, try wandering around the town. You might stumble upon a hidden gem or a newly opened store!

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