Introducing information about Kaohsiung Station inside Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city!
Around Kaohsiung Station, there are clusters of facilities stretching north–south and east–west, including daily goods stores, clothing shops, residences, transportation hubs, educational institutions, and music venues. It can be said to be the gateway to southern Taiwan’s “dream city.” Located 400.4 kilometers from its starting point at Keelung Station, the station covers a total area of 7.4 hectares. It is also the terminal station of the Taiwan Railway’s western line. Here, we will introduce information about Kaohsiung’s in-station facilities!
table of contents
[x] close
Introducing information about Kaohsiung Station inside Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city!
1. About Kaohsiung Station
The railway between Tainan and Kaohsiung was laid in 1899 under Japanese rule, and at that time the railways in northern and southern Taiwan were separated. Kaohsiung Station handled only passengers and cargo, with administrative work done at what is now Kaohsiung Port Station. In 1939, Japan re-planned Kaohsiung’s urban development, making it a hub for southern Taiwan. The base from that time still remains at the current Kaohsiung Station.
In June 1941 (Showa 16), operations moved from the old station building to the current Kaohsiung Station. The station building features a hybrid Japanese–Western architectural style, which Japanese architects called the “Imperial Crown Style.” While the entrance and hall are Western in design, the interior includes a “Nichiko Shrine,” a mixed style combining elements of the Nichiko Shrine and Erbaogong Temple. The three-story station building was a landmark of Kaohsiung City at the time.
In 1971, to meet regional needs, a new rear station was constructed. With three railway companies sharing access, the original Kaohsiung Station faced the risk of closure after 64 years, but it remained dear to the citizens of Kaohsiung. As a result, an agreement was reached to preserve the old station through relocation. The old Kaohsiung Station was moved southeast by 82.6 meters over 14 days at a speed of 60 centimeters per hour. Furthermore, the “Vision Pavilion” now displays materials related to the station’s history, and with three railway lines running again in their original location, the area has once again become a landmark of Kaohsiung.
Currently, the Kaohsiung Metro construction project is underway, overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Railway Bureau. In 2011, the new Line 5, as well as the renovated Lines 4 and 3, began operation.
2. About the Commercial Zone
Passing through the first floor of Kaohsiung Station and heading to the third-floor commercial space, visitors will find a variety of shops, including the well-known Taiwanese supermarket “Uni Super,” drugstores, coffee shops, souvenir shops, grocery stores, daily goods stores, and a cultural and creative area.
The large waiting room at Kaohsiung Station is bright and well-organized, bustling with tourists and shoppers visiting the city. It is truly the face of Kaohsiung’s commercial zone.
3. Dining
For travelers preparing to explore Kaohsiung, there are restaurants serving delicious bread and coffee from famous bakeries. Near the stairway by the third-floor exit of Kaohsiung Station, there are coffee and bakery shops, and an American fast-food chain, McDonald’s, operates between the stairs connecting the first and third floors.
When sightseeing in Kaohsiung, the southern city of Taiwan, it’s convenient to grab a meal right at Kaohsiung Station!
4. Daily Necessities
For daily needs, the convenience store 7-Eleven—now familiar throughout Kaohsiung—has branches on both the first and third floors, as well as at the rear station (the newly built secondary station building). “Kangshi Cosmetics” and “3388 Living Goods” sell stationery, gifts, and other miscellaneous items. If you’re planning your Kaohsiung trip from the station, it’s a good idea to stock up on what you need here.
5. Other Services
“Carton King” (the only in-station branch in Taiwan) is a new tourist attraction where almost all of the store’s interior—tables and other furniture—is made of paper. It’s a popular spot in Kaohsiung, attracting many visitors.
In addition, lockers for storing luggage are located beside the elevator in the third-floor hall of Kaohsiung Station. If you arrive in Kaohsiung early in the morning, one option is to leave your large bags there before starting your sightseeing.
◎ Summary
Kaohsiung Station is a valuable station building constructed during the Japanese colonial period. Its historical atmosphere still lingers, allowing visitors to experience a nostalgic feeling. The station’s facilities—restaurants, convenience stores, lockers, and more—are well-equipped, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit whether for sightseeing or business.
