Kaohsiung Taiwan is an important city in southern Taiwan. Although it may not be as bustling as Taipei, it is widely acknowledged that the people in southern Taiwan are warmer and more hospitable. If you want to leisurely explore and stroll around, day trip in Kaohsiung Taiwan is a great choice. Unlike Hualien, which is famous for its magnificent natural scenery, Kaohsiung is known for its cultural attractions and relaxed city walks, making it perfect for a one-day trip.
With Kaohsiung’s MRT system, transportation is very convenient, making it ideal for a solo trip to clear your mind or a small trip for couples. The best part is that the following attractions can all provide you with beautiful photo opportunities, so make sure to dress nicely!
For more transportation information, please visit: Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide: 10 Types of Taiwan Transportation and How to Use Them
Table of Contents
Kaohsiung Taiwan 1-Day Trip Itinerary
Lotus Pond (Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Confucius Temple, Spring and Autumn Pavilions)
-> Pier-2 Art Center
-> Sizihwan (for sunset)
-> Caoya Shopping District (Theme Park)
Stop 1: Lotus Pond:
Lotus Pond is a 42-hectare lake, named for the abundant lotuses planted around it. In the summer, when the lotuses bloom, their fragrance fills the air. Along the lakeside, there are bicycle paths where you can rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride. This area is also the densest in Taiwan for temples and historical sites, including the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple.
Below is the map for your reference:
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas:
These are the iconic structures of Lotus Pond. The pagodas feature traditional Chinese designs, and climbing to the top offers a great view of Lotus Pond, especially in the summer when the lotuses are in full bloom. In front of the pagodas, there are dragon and tiger sculptures. It is said that entering through the dragon’s mouth and exiting through the tiger’s mouth will turn bad luck into good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Unfortunately, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are currently under renovation and are expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Spring and Autumn Pavilions:
Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, these are two octagonal towers named the Spring Pavilion and the Autumn Pavilion, built to commemorate the deity Guan Yu. Inside the pavilions, there are many religious artworks and sculptures, making them great places to appreciate traditional architecture and art. Between the two towers stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon, serving as a religious symbol. To enjoy the scenic view of Lotus Pond, you can also visit the Five Mile Pavilion located between the two towers.
Kaohsiung Confucius Temple:
Confucius, honored as the “Greatest Sage and Teacher,” is a central figure in Chinese culture, and his teachings in the “Analects of Confucius” are fundamental texts for all scholars. The Confucius Temple, built to commemorate him, can be found throughout Taiwan. The one in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, features exquisite paintings and exhibits, preserving Confucian culture and Confucius’ philosophy. English explanations are also available for visitors.
- Address: 813, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung Taiwan
Stop 2: Pier-2 Art Center:
The Pier-2 Art Center was once a warehouse at the old Kaohsiung Harbor, but has been transformed into a vibrant and creative art district. It has opened its doors to individual studios, making it a significant hub for local cultural and artistic activities. The center regularly hosts various art exhibitions, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, featuring experimental and contemporary works.
The themes of the art exhibitions at Pier-2 Art Center change periodically, with the latest event information available on their official website. A permanent exhibition can be found at the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, which is housed in a repurposed train station. Visitors can ride a mini-train within the museum to learn about the development of Taiwan’s railways.
Surrounding the Hamasing Taiwan Railway Museum are many creative shops and cafes where visitors can enjoy a leisurely time while soaking up the artistic atmosphere. If you’re looking for something unique and niche, you might want to check out the creative markets held on weekends (be sure to confirm the market schedule on the official website).
Originally used for transporting goods, the railway now serves tourists as a waterfront light rail. The outdoor area outside the warehouses features various large public art installations perfect for photo opportunities. These outdoor spaces also frequently host concerts, stage performances, and film screenings, creating a lively atmosphere.
- Address: No. 1, Dayong Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Official Website: https://pier2.org/
Read more: Family-Friendly Art Walk in Kaohsiung: Pier-2 Art Center & Hamasen Railway Museum
Stop 3: Xizi Bay:
Xizi Bay is conveniently located near the Pier-2 Art Center, making it easy to visit right after exploring the art district. The name “Xizi Bay” is said to be inspired by the name of one of China’s Four Beauties, “Xi Shi.” True to its namesake, Xizi Bay boasts a stunning coastline and is an excellent spot for watching the sunset. After a day of exploring various art installations, heading to Xizi Bay’s viewing platform to catch the sunset is truly romantic.
The beach here is clean, and the water is clear, so you might want to take a dip. Indeed! Besides watching the sunset, you can enjoy swimming at the beach (an entrance fee of NTD 100 applies). Although Xizi Bay has a long coastline with some areas that do not require an entrance fee and are accessible without restriction, for safety reasons, it is advisable to use the designated swimming area. The coastline features breakwaters that create complex currents and whirlpools, and some areas have strong undercurrents.
There have been several incidents in the past. Additionally, some dangerous areas currently lack warning signs, making safety a concern. Therefore, to ensure your safety, make sure to use the designated swimming areas with clear safety markings.
For sunset viewing, the time varies depending on the season, usually around 5-6 PM (you can also check online on the day). Besides the mentioned viewing platform and swimming area, the nearby Dagou British Consulate Cultural Park or the National Sun Yat-sen University’s waterfront are also excellent spots for enjoying the sunset.
Stop 4: Taroko Caoyadao SKM Park Outlets:
Caoyadao is a comprehensive commercial area that combines shopping, entertainment, and dining, featuring large shopping centers, theme parks, and cinemas in Kaohsiung Taiwan. What sets it apart is its vast area of about 18 hectares, allowing visitors to spend an entire day exploring without any issue. Such a large shopping complex is rare to find in land-scarce Taipei.
In addition to various brand stores for fashion, cosmetics, and home goods, the area offers facilities such as a children’s playground, a bowling alley, a baseball batting cage, and an archery range. After a day of play, you can enjoy a wide range of snacks at the food court or dine at restaurants offering international cuisine. The park also features multiple relaxation areas and green spaces, perfect for strolling, resting, and taking photos. Even a simple visit for a walk or window shopping can be a great experience.
For visitors with children, the highlight not to be missed is the theme park—Suzuka Circuit Park. It is the only park overseas authorized by the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, offering a variety of facilities including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, go-karts, a children’s driving experience, and a bungee tower. Please note that the theme park operates from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Admission to the park is free, but individual rides are charged, and reservations for certain attractions are available.
- Address: No. 1, Zhong’an Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Official Website: SKM Park
Summary
The above itinerary can be adjusted according to your preferences. If you’re traveling with children, you might want to skip Xizi Bay and spend more time at the theme park in SKM Park Outlets, which will surely delight the little ones. Personally, I really enjoy the baseball batting cage at SKM Park Outlets (even though I’m not very good at it), as baseball is highly popular in Taiwan and there are quite a few batting cages, which is not common in my country and I find it very interesting.
Another detail is that visiting the Pier-2 Art District before heading to Xizi Bay is more suitable for those who just want to watch the sunset. If you’re a sunshine-loving girl or boy who enjoys beach activities and wants to play in the water at Xizi Bay, it would be better to head directly to Xizi Bay’s seawater bathing area after exploring Lotus Pond. This arrangement allows for more flexible timing. (Remember to stay safe while playing in the water!)
