Kaohsiung is located in southern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait in the west and south. It is the second largest city in Taiwan and has the largest international port in the region. Large ships frequently pass through the waters of Kaohsiung Harbor, which is one of the top ten ports in the world.
The Xiziwan Scenic Area is home to many unique tourist attractions and is the most prestigious tourist area in southern Taiwan. Located within the area of Zuoying’s Lotus Pond, there are also many sightseeing spots such as the largest Confucius Temple in Taiwan, the Dragon Tiger Tower, and the Spring and Autumn Pavilion. Cultural relics such as the Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Cihou Fort, the Former British Consulate at Takao, and the North Gate of Xiong Town are also worth a visit.
In addition to sightseeing, Kaohsiung’s night markets and snacks are renowned. The various local snacks found in the Liuhe Night Market are tantalizing. Salt-steamed shrimp, papaya milk, tube rice cakes, and stinky tofu are the signature snacks of the city.
The festivals in Kaohsiung are also colorful: Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is one of the three major lantern festivals in Taiwan. Every Dragon Boat Festival, Dragon Boat Races are held under the bright lights of the Love River.
Kaohsiung is suitable for traveling throughout the year, especially during the Dragon Boat Festival and the Lantern Festival. Kaohsiung faces the southern mouth of the Taiwan Strait. It has long summers and no winters. In Kaohsiung, the lowest temperature each year can be experienced in January and February, when the daily average temperature is 18 °C. The highest temperature can be felt in July, when the daily average temperature is 28 °C. Heavy rains occur in the summer and autumn due to typhoons. Kaohsiung is a sunny city overall, though every year from July to September is known as typhoon season. During this time, it is necessary to check the weather forecast beforehand to avoid delays.
Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from youth hostels to B&Bs and high-end hotels. Kaohsiung is not a large city, but it may be convenient for visitors to try and select accommodations near an MRT station or large commercial area. It’s recommended to select Kaohsiung hotels near Central Park or Kaohsiung Railway Station, an area that offers a variety of options and is also close to the night market.