I have called Kaohsiung home for the past three years. After living here and hosting many out-of-town guests, I’m excited to show how you, too, can spend four perfect days in Kaohsiung. My 4-day Kaohsiung itinerary includes things to do in Kaohsiung and useful insider tips you should know before visiting the city.
Kaohsiung (高雄; Gāoxióng) is the second-largest city in Taiwan. Located in the southern part of the island, it is historically a port city. Through the colonization of the Dutch, Japanese and Chinese, the area’s culture and development were influenced by many foreign cultures. Visitors can still find the remains of such influence throughout the city.
Ready to explore this charming southern city? Let’s go!
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>> For your Kaohsiung Trip Planning: First, read my Taiwan Travel Tips with everything you need to know plan your perfect Taiwan trip. If you are a foodie, you will appreciate my recommendations for Kaohsiung food and restaurants only locals know and best milk tea shops in Kaohsiung. Also, learn more about Kaohsiung transportation system.
What to Do in Kaohsiung in 4 Days
Day 1: Sizihwan
Taroko Railway Museum – Pier-2 Art Center – SunnyHills Kaohsiung – Sunset at the Love Hill – (option) Former British consulate at Takao, or 85 Sky Tower
Day 2: Cijin island & Ruifeng Night Market
Gushan Ferry Terminal – Cijin Seaside Park – Rainbow Church -Cijin Windmill Park – Seafood for lunch – Tianhoou Temple – Cihou Frt – Cijin Tunnel – Kaohsiung Lighthouse – Ruifeng Night Market
Day 3: Fo Guang Shan & Lotus Pond
Hai Lai Restaurant – Fo Guang Monastery – Lotus Pond
Day 4: Monkey Mountain & Love River
Shoushan Hiking – Yan Cheng Pu – (option) nap – Love River
Heading to Taipei?
My Taipei Guide includes an itinerary to see the highlights in just three days – including six historical places in Taipei, best pineapple cake shops in Taipei, and a day trip idea.
Kaohsiung Itinerary Day 1: Sizihwan
Sizihwan(西子灣; Xīzǐwān) is a must for all visitors to Kaohsiung. This bay area has everything for children, singles, couples, and families to enjoy the best of Kaohsiung. You can spend days here if you’d like.
Getting Around
Sizihwan is easy to get to and around. You can reach via MRT, light rails or bus. For more information, read my other post: Getting Around in Kaohsiung: Transportation Guide.
Around the MRT Sizihwan station exit 1, you will easily spot bicycle and scooter rentals. Although Sizihwan is considered to be a pedestrian-friendly area, given Kaohsiung’s tropical weather, it might be a good idea to rent one. Plus, it’s fun and cheap. Why not?
1. Takao Railway Museum
Sizihwan’s other name is Hamasen (哈瑪星), literally means “the coastal railroad line” in Japanese. During the Japanese Colonial era, the railroad line between Tainan and Takao (today’s Kaohsiung) opened. The first train station in Kaohsiung once played an important role in the Hamasen’s industrial development as a land and sea transportation hub.
The station has recently been turned into a museum to exhibit the scenes of Taiwan Railway Cargo operations in its golden days. We took a friend’s family one time. Their young boy loved to get on a train and play around the outdoor area. He was too young to care about the indoor exhibit, but adults enjoyed.
Location: MRT Sizihwan station exit 2 [Open Google Map]
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Although this colorful upside-down house has been torn down, Pier 2 Art District has no shortage of Instagram-worthy artworks.
2. Pier-2 Art Center
Right behind the Takao Railway Museum is a park. You can still see the old railways on the green-grassed playground. This is a popular spot both for local families and tourists on the weekends to go picnic or fly a kite.
Riding a mini train is more fun than you think!
The most popular activity among families here seems to be a miniature train ride. When my family visited, we rode this train. It was for my niece and nephew, but adults equally had fun! We bought Pier-2 Pass at the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway located in the park. The Pass included admissions to special exhibits and came with a passport. The kids had lots of fun collecting stamps on the passport from various locations in the area. (Pass fares: 199 NT for adult and 149 for children under 12.)
In its industrial days, this area used to be a warehouse cluster, storing fish powder and sugar supplies for the ships at the port. These warehouses were renovated to serve as a home for local artists. Some art studios are open to the public to craft their own jewelry, key chains, and leather goods.
I really like the look and feel of the district. While keeping its original structure and distressed red bricks, the renovated warehouses are quite artsy and modern, accompanied by contemporary sculptures and artworks. In between the rows of buildings, you will find graffiti-style artworks on the wall, offering plenty of photo opportunities for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts.
Exploring little boutique shops in the area is also fun. Every Saturday, local artists, and crafters host a flea market. If you are looking for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, this is THE place to find those.
When you see this statue and light rail from Pier 2 Art Center, cross the street to explore further.
Pro Tips: A lot of first-time visitors miss out on the “other side” of the Art District. Walk outside of the main warehouse area. You will want to cross Penglai Road (蓬萊路) and walk alongside the Light Rail track. (See photo above.) There is a whole another area to explore!
Location: MRT Sizihwan station exit 2 [Open Google Map]
Hours: Open area. The museum opens 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
3. SunnyHills Kaohsiung (微熱山丘)
After exploring the area, I highly recommend stopping by SunnyHills. It is one of the most famous pineapple cake shops in Taiwan. Located in the art district, the cafe itself and the surrounding areas are worth the visit.
The best part is, the moment you walk in, you are seated at a communal table and served with a free sample of their famous pineapple cake and oolong tea. When I say sample, I meant an individually-wrapped, full-size pineapple cake, not a tiny crumbled cut in a Tupperware. (Note: The tasting service is not available on the weekends.)
After a full day of walking, you can sit and chill at this cafe. The servers never rush you. There is no obligation to purchase their goods although you will want to buy some after tasting it.
Pro Tip: Public restroom in the SunnyHills building is clean. But bring your own hand sanitizer as I noticed they ran out of soap on a few occasions.
Location: Dayi Warehouse C11-1, The Pier-2 Art Center [Open Google Map]
Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tel: 07-551-0558
READ MORE >> Where to Buy Best Pineapple Cakes in Kaohsiung
View from Kaohsiung’s Love Hill on Shoushan
4. Sunset at the Love Hill
After resting your feet at Sunny Hills, you can head to the Love Hill, located in the nearby Shoushan. Love Hill is my favorite spot to enjoy the view of Kaohsiung and the harbor.
The best time to visit is around sunset. Take some photos around the LOVE sign with the blue sky and harbor as your backdrop. Enjoy the romantic view of the Sun going down under the sea.
Location: Right in front of Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine. [Open Google Map]
Hours: Anytime. For sunset, get there by 4:30 – 6 p.m. depending on the time of the year.
✨Alternative: If you are relying on public transportations or your feet, Love Hill might be challenging to get to. Kaohsiung offers a few other places to enjoy the city view.