Kaohsiung is the second-largest city in Taiwan. While traditionally known as an industrial or port city, this charming southern town has successfully developed arts and culture scenes and become a popular holiday destination. 

Accommodation options in Kaohsiung range from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to upscale hotels and serviced apartments. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations located throughout the city, with convenient access to transportation and attractions. Whether you're seeking a cozy stay in the heart of the city or a luxurious retreat by the waterfront, Kaohsiung offers options to suit every preference and budget.

pic source: Renthub

Best Areas to Stay in Kaohsiung

1. Kaohsiung Station area (for convenience)
2. Pier 2 & Yancheng (for attractions at port access)
3. Downtown (for luxury hotels and shopping)
4. Love River & Central Park (for central location)
5. Zuoying (for HSR station and Lotus Pond)
6. Outside the City Center (for beaches, islands, hot springs, theme parks, temple stays)

Kaohsiung Transportation: Taxi, MRT, Light Rail and Bus Tips

Kaohsiung's transportation system is efficient and well-developed, offering residents and visitors convenient ways to get around the city. The modern metro system (MRT) provides rapid transit to key destinations, complemented by an extensive bus network covering various neighborhoods. Cyclists can take advantage of bike lanes and rental services, while taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, and ferries provide additional mobility options. With a diverse range of transportation choices, navigating Kaohsiung is both easy and enjoyable.

For traveling in Kaohsiung, getting a pass or Easy Card is strongly recommended. It is a convenient way of using public transportation without any hassle. As a bonus, it discounts your ride.

While Easy Card is issued by the Taipei municipality, iPass is issued by the Kaohsiung municipality. Essentially, both the iPass and Easy Card function the same way. It’s a convenient way to ride the different systems, including MRT, city bus, express bus, regular train and ferry boat. You can interchangeably use either card in both Taipei and Kaohsiung.

pic source: Medium

Kaohsiung is largely built around its historical harbour. It was an important facility for the Dutch in the 17th century and continues to be a major international trading port. Waterways reach out into the city, especially the Love River, which is a top attraction in its own right.

1. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The Buddha Museum -- A Museum for Everyone

The Buddha Museum fuses traditional and modern elements, and is equipped with the facilities to assist in spiritual cultivation and the attainment of wisdom, as well as serving as a site for culture and education. The goal of enshrining the Buddha's tooth relic was to create activities that show the Buddha's compassion and wisdom in a way that people can experience concretely. Through their homage to the Buddha’s relic, people could recognize their own true Buddha nature.

2. Pier-2 Art Centre

Situated in the basin No. 3 of Kaohsiung Port, it has been made into a unique open art space, providing artists and students with an environment in which to express themselves, and has already become Kaohsiung's most popular cultural spot. All kinds of art activities are held irregularly in the District, bringing a rich artistic air to the port metropolis of Kaohsiung, and also bringing a new tide of southern art in Kaohsiung. The western railway line, which previously brought goods to the docks, has now become Kaohsiung's busiest cycling trail, and amazing works of art await discovery in the District's public spaces. Visitors can also go to the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park and witness how the passage of time has affected Kaohsiung's first railway station.

pic source:  Foguangshan Buddha Museum

3. Lianchihtan (Lotus Pond)

Lianchitan (Lotus Pond) Scenic Area is one of Kaohsiung’s most traditional scenic areas, and was listed as one of the “Eight Sights of Fongshan” in the Qing Dynasty. There are pavilions by the lakeside, massive statues of gods, and the “old city” surrounded by the city wall. In the former military dependents’ villages and traditional markets you can also sample Zuoying’s rich, diverse food. The seven-story Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is the most famous sight. Its walls are decorated with koji pottery and depict proselytizing stories. The pagoda is connected to the lakeside by Nine-Turn Bridge. Visitors should enter at the dragon’s mouth and exit from the tiger’s mouth to avoid bad luck and enjoy good fortune.

pic source: Kaohsiung Pictorial

Formosa Boulevard Metro Station

     Formosa Boulevard Station has been named the second most beautiful MRT station in the world. It includes the largest glass piece of artwork in the world, which covers the roof and pillars in the central part of the station. Did I mention it's an MRT station? Yeah. Some people like to take selfies here.  It's name in Chinese is simply "Formosa Station" referring to the Formosa Incident in 1979 (aka the Kaohsiung incident) which was a crackdown by the KMT on the pro-democracy movement in Taiwan and helped lead to the full democratization of Taiwan. The added the name "boulevard" to the English name, refers to Chungshan Road which is also known as Formosa Boulevard. 

pic source: Kaohsiung Travel

Sizihwan Bay

Sizihwan Bay is known for its beautiful sunset and its natural reefs. The area includes scenic spots like Sizihwan Beach, the Seaside Park, and the former British Consulate at Takao. You can enjoy views over the sea and the port. The inscription on the gate of Shaochuan Artillery Position, a national heritage site, reads “Kaohsiung Town North Gate.” It was built at the same time as Cihou Fort, to cover different fields of fire. Today, the cannons are gone, and only three gun emplacements remain to intrigue the people of the future.

Kaohsiung Public Library

     The old main library of Kaohsiung City was originally named Kaohsiung Public Education Center. It was located at the foot of Mt. Shoushan. During the Second World War, the building was bombed and most of the collections were burned to ashes. The Education Center reopened in 1945 when it was relocated to a rented building on Gushan 1st Road with a meager collection of roughly 400 Japanese books. When the Education Center was relocated again to Jhongjheng 4th Road in 1949, it was renamed as Kaohsiung City Sun Yat-sen Library. In April 1954, the name was officially changed to Kaohsiung Public Library when the new library building located at No. 39 Minsheng 2nd Road was completed and open to the public.

Kaohsiung Music Center

In 2009, the Executive Yuan recognized the need for a “Kaohsiung Music Center.” The Ministry of Culture commissioned the Kaohsiung City Government for its planning, design and construction. “Kaohsiung Music Center”is operated as a new form of ad-ministrative institution. The KMC is a landmark for pop music performances in Southern Taiwan that nurtures domestic pop music talents and supports networking within the industry. In addition to music performances, the KMC architecture is integrated into the surrounding harbor scenery to create a new tourist attraction.

Pic source: Kaohsiung Music Center

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, offers a dynamic social scene with vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and diverse dining options. From exploring bustling night markets to enjoying outdoor activities in scenic parks, there's something for everyone. The city's arts and entertainment venues, along with its welcoming community spaces like cafes and coworking hubs, provide ample opportunities for socializing and connecting with others.

Summary of cost of living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan:

• A family of four estimated monthly costs are 87,996.9NT$ without rent (using our estimator).
• A single person estimated monthly costs are 24,341.6NT$ without rent.
• Kaohsiung is 6.3% less expensive than Taipei (without rent, see our cost of living index).
• Rent in Kaohsiung is, on average, 47.1% lower than in Taipei.

Costs in each field

pic source: Living Cost

In Kaohsiung, cultural etiquette plays a significant role in daily interactions, emphasizing respect for elders and a sense of modesty in behavior and attire. Showing deference to older individuals is not only customary but also deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture, reflecting values of filial piety and hierarchy within society. Additionally, modesty in both actions and dress is appreciated, particularly in more traditional or formal settings, where understated behavior is often favored over flamboyance.

Observing these cultural norms not only demonstrates respect for local customs but also fosters a sense of harmony and understanding within the community. By embracing these practices, visitors to Kaohsiung can deepen their cultural experiences and forge meaningful connections with the people of Taiwan.

Here are some very common etiquette examples below,

• People are generally expected to take off their shoes before entering someone’s home. The host may offer slippers and guests are expected to accept the offer, even if the slippers are slightly small.
• Money is a commonly discussed topic in Taiwan. You may be asked questions relating to your wealth, perhaps relating to the cost of your clothes or how much you earn. It is generally not considered offensive to tell the truth about these matters, regardless of the figures.
• Placing chopsticks pointing down or sticking them vertically into the bowl is taboo. This positioning is reminiscent of incense sticks placed in the bowl of ashes at a temple site, signifying respect towards the dead.
• A gift is generally not opened in front of the giver.

picture adopted from Quora