Recommended sightseeing spots around Kaohsiung Harbor, towered over by Giant Port Cranes

This time, we are introducing recommended sightseeing spots around Kaohsiung Harbor, located in Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung Harbor is the largest port in Taiwan and ranks 12th in the world in scale.

The surrounding area is a port town, and sightseeing boats cruising around Kaohsiung Harbor also depart from here. We will introduce sightseeing spots where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor, so please use this as a reference for your travels.

This time, we are introducing recommended sightseeing spots around Kaohsiung Harbor, located in Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung Harbor is the largest port in Taiwan and ranks 12th in the world in scale. The surrounding area is a port town, and sightseeing boats cruising around Kaohsiung Harbor also depart from here. We will introduce sightseeing spots where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor, so please use this as a reference for your travels.

The top recommendation for sightseeing around Kaohsiung Harbor is a sightseeing boat tour around the harbor. As Taiwan’s largest port, the sight of numerous port cranes and containers lined up is truly impressive! There are very few opportunities to tour a place like this, making it a rare experience.

If you look out to the sea, you can see ships departing from Kaohsiung Harbor or waiting to enter the port, floating on the water. You can see ships from all over the world up close. Children who love vehicles are sure to be delighted.

2. Cijin Scenic Area

Cijin Scenic Area is an old port town located at the tip of a small peninsula across from Kaohsiung Harbor. It takes only about 10 minutes by ferry from Kaohsiung Harbor. Recommended activities in Cijin Scenic Area include renting a bicycle to tour the island and enjoying seafood delicacies. Cycling along the coast, you’ll pass seaside parks with pleasant ocean breezes, while at both ends of the peninsula you’ll find parks with windmills and the ruins of old fortresses that once protected the harbor. The old street near the port is filled with seafood restaurants, so it’s a great plan to enjoy a meal before returning to Kaohsiung Harbor.

Including Kaohsiung Harbor, half a day is enough to fully enjoy the area. Be sure to pay a visit.

3. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Located north of Kaohsiung Harbor on Lotus Pond, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are one of Kaohsiung’s most famous tourist attractions. They are also popular as a spiritual power spot, drawing many visitors. As the name suggests, the two towers feature large dragon and tiger statues with open mouths—the dragon serves as the entrance, and the tiger as the exit. In Taiwanese belief, dragons are auspicious while tigers are inauspicious; entering through the dragon and exiting through the tiger is said to ward off misfortune.

Inside the pagodas, you can find monuments depicting historical figures and scenes from Taiwan’s history. There are also many other buildings around the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, making it enjoyable to take a leisurely walk around the pond.

4. Former British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park

Built in 1879, the Former British Consulate at Takao is the oldest surviving Western-style building in Taiwan and was the first consulate established by the United Kingdom in Taiwan. The surrounding Former British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park is a sightseeing spot with a historic townscape similar to Cijin Scenic Area. Some areas are open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the valuable, well-preserved buildings. Inside the consulate, you’ll find exhibits highlighting the connections between Kaohsiung Harbor and the West, along with life-like wax figures that are quite entertaining.

Both inside and outside the consulate, cafés are available for light meals and tea time. In particular, the Rose House café inside the consulate is a famous chain with locations in about 50 countries worldwide.

In addition to strolling through the historical streets, the view of Kaohsiung Harbor from the hilltop is highly recommended. The sunset is especially beautiful, so it’s best to visit in the late afternoon toward dusk.

◎ Summary

We have introduced recommended sightseeing plans around Kaohsiung Harbor. Sightseeing around a harbor may not sound immediately appealing, but the sheer scale of Kaohsiung Harbor, the 12th largest in the world, is awe-inspiring and worth seeing for the harbor views alone.

Additionally, as Taiwan’s second-largest city, Kaohsiung offers plenty of opportunities for gourmet dining and shopping alongside sightseeing. With the Taiwan High-Speed Rail now making Kaohsiung much more accessible, be sure to visit for a memorable trip.