Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port city and, until recently, that was all it was known for. Now, the country’s third largest city has transformed itself into an artsy, urban metropolis that gives you yet another reason to visit Southern Taiwan.
While in Macau, we met a Kiwi who insisted that Kaohsiung was worth exploring, so we hopped on a bullet train from Taipei one morning and went to check it out.
How to get to Kaohsiung from Taipei
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Taiwan has mastered the art of efficient public transport. The Taipei MRT is a great way to see the capital city, but if you want to explore more of the island nation, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is your answer.
- Take the high-speed train (TSHR) from Taipei Main Station to Kaohsiung City.
- The tickets cost approx 1450 Taiwanese Dollars, and the journey takes between 1.5 hours and 2 hours (depending on the train time).
- Once you arrive in Kaohsiung, you can use the KMRT metro system to get around the coastal city.
Formosa Boulevard Station
While using the KMRT (metro) to get around Kaohsiung, we stumbled upon Formosa Boulevard Station completely by accident. Only later did I learn that the Dome of Light, as it is known, is the largest glass work in the world. The Dome of Light was created by Italian glass artist Narcissus Quagliata; it’s not something you expect to experience in a metro station.
Kaohsiung Food
The first thing we did when we reached Khaosiung was grab a bite to eat. Ban Juishi, which is just a short walk from Formosa Boulevard in the Xingxing district, was our foodie stop of choice. The teahouse is known for its pan-fried milkfish, but I opted for a bowl of Taiwanese noodles, and they didn’t disappoint.
Pier-2 Art District
After lunch, we headed straight for Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art District for the afternoon. It’s essentially a harbour area that has been transformed into an walking exhibition of street art and cool hangouts.
Warehouse transformations
Imagine 1970s warehouses that have been flipped into cafés, boutiques and trendy bars – that’s what you can expect to find at Pier-2 district. For a long time, the Pier 2 area of Kaohsiung was a graveyard for industrial warehouses, but it has now been revived into a cultural hive of colorful activity that will easily keep you occupied for an afternoon.
Streetcars through the city
There’s a tram line that runs right through Pier 2, transforming the old railway tracks into a light-rail line that takes you right through the heart of the creative district. We took the streetcar to Fisherman’s Wharf and Banana Pier to once we were finished in Pier-2 district.
Graffiti Art
Pier-2 District is alive with color-popping street art. The entire area oozes a revived vibrancy that draws in locals and tourists with eclectic art works that line the streets and give a funked-up feel to a previously abandoned area of the city. It’s worth taking the time to walk the alleyways and boulevards, but make sure you have an umbrella on-hand in case of unexpected downpours.
Craft Beers & Boutiques
Pier-2 District in Kaohsiung is full of hidden bars and boutiques. If you like craft beers then check out ‘Beer Talk’; it’s a modern brew house with an industrial interior that serves up more than enough variety to get you tipsy by mid-afternoon. We arrived just as the rain came, which gave as an excuse to stick around. This is just one of many hangouts that you’ll find hidden among the warehouses; you’ll also discover swings in the street and many other unexpected surprises.
There’t plenty more to do in the coastal city of Kaohsiung, but Pier-2 district and the neighboring areas are a good choice for those who are only spending there for a quick day-trip.
Sticking around Taiwan for a while? Check out the top things to do in Taipei. If city life isn’t your thing, take a trip to the neighbouring mountains of Maokong or hot spring of Beitou.
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