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Things to do in Kaohsiung
375 attractions · Taiwan
Photo: 人人生來平等, CC BY-SA 4.0
Southern Taiwan, Taiwan · 22.633, 120.267
About Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung serves as Taiwan’s primary maritime gateway and largest industrial hub, uniquely defined by its expansive harbor and tropical climate. The city seamlessly integrates massive urban green spaces like Weiwuying Metropolitan Park with traditional cultural sites such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond. Travelers often balance high-tech exploration at the National Science and Technology Museum with the recreational offerings of the Kaohsiung Eye Ferris wheel. Its urban landscape is marked by wide boulevards and a focus on sustainable infrastructure, making it a strategic base for exploring southern Taiwan.
Good to know
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Kaohsiung was historically known as Takau, a name derived from the Makatao indigenous language referring to bamboo forests.
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The city is home to the Pier-2 Art Center, a reclaimed warehouse district that was once abandoned before being repurposed into an expansive contemporary art hub.
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It maintains one of the world's most unique public transport transit stations, the Formosa Boulevard Station, famous for its massive stained-glass 'Dome of Light'.
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The city’s harbor is the largest in Taiwan, historically driving the nation's economic rise through container shipping and manufacturing.
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Kaohsiung experiences a tropical savanna climate, meaning it remains warm to hot year-round with very little variation in seasonal temperature.
Plan your visit to Kaohsiung
Best time to visit
November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier, avoiding the intense heat and typhoon season of the summer months.
How many days
3-4 days, allowing enough time to explore central urban sites, the harbor area, and a day trip to surrounding coastal districts.
Getting around
The city features a comprehensive mass rapid transit (MRT) system, a circular light rail network, and extensive bike-sharing infrastructure.
Where to stay
Stay in the Lingya or Cianjin Districts for proximity to the MRT, major shopping malls, and the waterfront areas.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury options are available, Kaohsiung is generally more affordable than Taipei regarding dining and accommodation.
Highlights of Kaohsiung
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
National Science and Technology Museum
Explore interactive scientific exhibits housed in one of the largest technology museums in Asia.
Weiwuying Metropolitan Park
Walk through a massive urban park that serves as a premier venue for international performing arts.
Dragon & Tiger Pagoda
Enter the dragons' mouths and exit the tigers' to symbolize turning bad luck into good fortune at this iconic temple complex.
Kaohsiung Central Park
Relax in a central green lung featuring a sunken plaza designed to host community events and public gatherings.
Kaohsiung Arena
Catch major concerts or sports events at this multi-purpose indoor arena located in the heart of the city.
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
View a diverse collection of contemporary Taiwanese art housed within a sprawling, architecturally significant museum.
Kaohsiung Eye Ferris wheel
Get a panoramic view of the harbor and cityscape from the top of this iconic waterfront ferris wheel.
Suzuka Circuit Park
Experience motor racing-themed amusement rides in a park inspired by the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
Top things to do in Kaohsiung
The 375 most popular places in Kaohsiung.
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181
Temples Hidden gem
高雄基督徒七賢路禮拜堂
Kaohsiung Christian Qixian Road Chapel is a long-standing Protestant church established in the Sinsing District. The con...
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182
Temples Hidden gem
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kaohsiung serves as a regional hub for the faith in Southern Taiwan....
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183
Parks Hidden gem
Shenghe Park
Shenghe Park is a neighborhood green space situated at the intersection of Ersheng 1st Road and Heping 2nd Road in Kaohs...
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184
Parks Hidden gem
寶德里廣場
Baode Village Square, also known as Baodeli Square, is a compact neighborhood park located in the Sanmin District of Kao...
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185
Places of interest Hidden gem
雙螺台
Shuangluotai, also known as Double Spiral Terrace, is a coastal installation located on the southern end of Cijin Island...
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186
Parks Hidden gem
Gangshanzi Park
Gangshanzi Park is a neighborhood-level green space located in the Cianjhen District of Kaohsiung, primarily serving as...
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187
Temples Hidden gem
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Kaohsiung meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is situated on Dehua Street in the Niaoson...
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188
Parks Hidden gem
Xingzhong Park
Xingzhong Park is a narrow, elongated urban green space located in the Cianjhen District of Kaohsiung. The park serves a...
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189
Museums Hidden gem
LOHAS Energy Conservation House
The LOHAS Energy Conservation House is a specialized exhibition space located within the National Science and Technology...
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190
Temples Hidden gem
Jioucheng Presbyterian Church
Jioucheng Presbyterian Church is situated in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, representing a notable spiritual and arch...
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191
Temples Hidden gem
天主教法蒂瑪聖母堂
Fatima Catholic Church in Kaohsiung is a historic parish established to serve the local Catholic community and dedicated...
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192
Museums Hidden gem
高雄市忠烈祠戰爭與和平紀念館
The Kaohsiung Martyrs' Shrine War and Peace Memorial Hall is located on Shou Shan, situated within the architectural foo...
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193
Historical places Hidden gem
Historic Site of Sizihwan Hall (Former Takao Tourism Hall)
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194
Parks Hidden gem
后安兒童遊戲場
Hou-An Children's Playground is a neighborhood park located in the Cianjhen District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Situated...
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195
Places of interest Hidden gem
"Welcome to Kaohsiung Port" Sign
The 'Welcome to Kaohsiung Port' Sign is a notable maritime-themed landmark situated in the Qijin District of Kaohsiung,...
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196
Parks Hidden gem
Zhengyi Park
Zhengyi Park is a neighborhood green space located along Zhengyi Road in the Sanmin District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It se...
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197
Parks Hidden gem
Shaochuantou Park
Shaochuantou Park is a coastal waterfront park situated in the Gushan District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It occupies a histo...
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198
Places of interest Hidden gem
Banping Lake Wetland Park
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199
Temples Hidden gem
OGBC Church - Kaohsiung
OGBC Church - Kaohsiung, also known as One Glory Beauty Church, is a Christian congregation located in the Cianjhen Dist...
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200
Historical places Hidden gem
旗津技工舍
Cijin Base, formerly the Cijin Technician Dormitory, is a repurposed historical site in Kaohsiung that now functions as...
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201
Parks Hidden gem
Siwei Community Park
Siwei Community Park is a neighborhood-focused green space located in the Lingya District of Kaohsiung, serving as a rec...
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202
Historical places Hidden gem
台泥高雄廠紅磚製石灰窯
The Red Brick Lime Kiln at the former Taiwan Cement Kaohsiung Plant is a designated historical building located in Gusha...
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203
Temples Hidden gem
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a Catholic church located on Jianguo 4th Road in Kaohsiung's Yancheng District. The...
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204
Parks Hidden gem
Nanhelihuanbao Park
Nanhelihuanbao Park is a localized neighborhood green space situated in the Fengshan District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan....
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205
Parks Hidden gem
Jinghua Park
Jinghua Park is a neighborhood-focused green space located within the densely populated Sanmin District of Kaohsiung. Th...
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206
Parks Hidden gem
海洋之星
Ocean Star (海洋之星) is a prominent waterfront park located in the Cianjhen District of Kaohsiung, situated at the inte...
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207
Temples Hidden gem
救世主堂
Our Savior Catholic Church (救世主堂) in Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, is a local Catholic parish serving the community al...
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208
Museums Hidden gem
鼎元藝術有限公司
Ding Yuan Art is a specialized commercial gallery and art institution located on Zhonghua 2nd Road in Kaohsiung's Sanmin...
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209
Museums Hidden gem
The Kua Ki Hua House
The Kua Ki Hua House is a preserved historical residence located in the Sinsing District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Cons...
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210
Parks Hidden gem
Wufu Park
Wufu Park is a neighborhood-level recreational space located in the Fengshan District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The park fea...
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Kaohsiung on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Kaohsiung?
Aventuro lists 375 curated attractions in and around Kaohsiung, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Kaohsiung?
The Pier2 Art Center is the most popular place to visit in Kaohsiung right now.
What kind of attractions does Kaohsiung have?
The largest category is parks, with 122 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Taipei, Tainan, Taichung.
Explore more of Taiwan
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
