Port Guide | Taiwan | Worth a Wander
Kaohsiung City
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-05-31
Congratulations, dear wanderer-you've successfully resisted the siren call of predictable harbors and landed in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan's coolest underdog metropolis. Sure, Taipei hogs the limelight, but Kaohsiung prefers to quietly charm visitors with its gritty-yet-glitzy port-town charisma. Once known primarily for steel factories and shipyards, this maritime marvel has evolved (rather impressively) into a hub of creativity, culture, and really excellent street snacks. Care for quirky? Stroll along the romantically misnamed but entirely pleasant Love River, admire art installations hidden among repurposed warehouses by Pier-2 Art Center, and later, descend upon Liuhe Night Market, a neon-controlled chaos of sizzling oyster omelets and fried-things-on-sticks. You have two to five days-just long enough to surrender to Kaohsiung's quirky appeal without overstaying your culinary welcome. Let's get going, shall we?
Taiwan has 0 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Kaohsiung offers diverse attractions including the Love River, Liuhe Night Market, and a range of cultural experiences. The city is also known for its beautiful harbor and vibrant arts scene.
Where do cruise ships dock in Kaohsiung City?
Port Name Kaohsiung City
Country Taiwan
Region East Asia
Ship Terminal Kaohsiung International Cruise Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The terminal is approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from the city center, easily accessible by taxi, public transportation, or shuttle services.
What's the weather like in Kaohsiung City?
Best Season to Visit Late autumn to early spring (October to April)
Climate Subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Weather Notes October to April is generally dry, while June to September sees typhoons and heavy rainfall. Travelers should check local weather forecasts during these months.
Temperature Range 64F to 80F (18C to 27C)
High Temp 94F
Low Temp 55F
Average Temp 74F
What do I need to know about Kaohsiung City?
Language Mandarin Chinese
Currency New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 2.78 million
Timezone UTC+08:00
How do I get around Kaohsiung City?
Taxis, local buses, and MRT (mass rapid transit) are available for transit to various city attractions.
What are The Best Things to do in Kaohsiung City?
Discover what you should do while you're in Kaohsiung City.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas Exploration
Lotus Pond, Zuoying District
A unique Taoist experience walking through dragon and tiger statues promising good fortune.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Visit Pier-2 Art District
No. 1, Dayong Road, Yancheng District
An avant-garde art center transformed from old harbor warehouses with unique artworks.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Buddha Boulevard Walking Meditation
Fo Guang Shan, Dashu District
Walk along giant Buddha statues and tranquil gardens in Taiwan's most famous monastery.
Distance from Terminal: 17.4 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Night River Cruise on Love River
Love River, Yancheng District
Romantic evening cruise showcasing Kaohsiung's vibrant night view lights.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Taiwanese Street Food Night Market Tour
Ruifeng Night Market, Zuoying District
Sample classic Kaohsiung street snacks unique to East Asia, from grilled squid to bubble tea.
Distance from Terminal: 4.3 miles
Traditional Taiwanese Puppetry Workshop
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts area, Gushan District
Learn the centuries-old East Asian tradition of hand puppetry unique to Taiwan.
Distance from Terminal: 3.1 miles
Lotus Tea Ceremony Experience
Zuoying Lotus Pond vicinities
Join a serene lotus-themed tea ceremony capturing East Asian tranquility and spirituality.
Distance from Terminal: 5.2 miles
Ming Dynasty Naval Battle Recreation
Dapeng Bay, Donggang
Seeing authentic East Asian historic naval battles recreated dramatically on water.
Distance from Terminal: 20.5 miles
Lantern Making & Release Ceremony
Local Cultural Workshops, Yancheng District
Craft and release traditional lanterns symbolizing wishes, deeply rooted in East Asian culture.
Distance from Terminal: 0.8 miles
Dragon Dance Cultural Workshop
Sanmin District
Participate in authentic dragon dance training exclusive to East Asia.
Distance from Terminal: 2.9 miles
Taiwan-Only Pork Rice Cake Cooking Class
Local cooking schools, Lingya District
Hands-on cooking class focusing on traditional southern Taiwanese delicacies.
Distance from Terminal: 2.4 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Cijin Island Explore by Bike
Cijin District
Cycling through beaches, seafood markets, and traditional streets of a picturesque island.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Longevity Mountain Hiking Trail
Shoushan Mountain, Gushan District
Spot unique wild macaques along this easy hike offering panoramic city views.
Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles
Sunrise Photography from Qihou Lighthouse
Qijin District
Capture breathtaking sunrise views from historic East-Asian maritime vantage.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Overnight Trips
Hot Spring Relaxation in Baolai | Editor Highlight
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-05-31
Best Time to Go
Evening
Cost
< $50 USD
Activity Level
Accessible
Where to Book
On Arrival
Forget overpriced spa packages and lavender-scented playlists; the hot springs of Baolai in Liugui offer a more rugged, deeply satisfying form of relaxation, nestled unapologetically amid Taiwan's lush, mountainous landscapes. Locals have long sworn by these mineral-infused waters-once a secret hideaway for weary Japanese colonial officers looking to detox after days spent governing a humid, mosquito-infested island. Today, Baolai's steaming baths maintain their slightly conspiratorial charm, especially if you slip in early morning or late evening, when cool mountain breezes mingle enticingly with the thick, sulfurous steam. Book your spot a couple weeks in advance around high season, and budget at least NT$500-800 for a day pass-small change considering a good soak might just dissolve what remains of your earthly troubles. Pro tip: bring your own towel and swimsuit, but leave your inhibitions back at the hotel. Ultimately, soaking in Baolai isn't just about rejuvenation; it's about emerging boiled-lobster-red, blissfully woozy, and armed with the kind of smug, envy-inducing anecdote your spa-going friends will secretly hate you for.
Hot Spring Relaxation in Baolai
Baolai Village, Liugui District
Enjoy soothing natural hot springs set in mountainous East Asian beauty.
Distance from Terminal: 41.6 miles
Aboriginal Paiwan Tribe Homestay
Maolin District
Overnight stay experiencing traditional aboriginal life unique to Taiwan and East Asia.
Distance from Terminal: 45 miles
A Little Extra
Vertigo-inducing 85 Sky Tower Viewing Deck
85 Sky Tower, Lingya District
Enjoy stunning panoramic views atop the iconic landmark of southern Taiwan.
Distance from Terminal: 1.7 miles
Cold Winter Dessert Tasting Tour
Various dessert shops, Xinxing District
Savor unusual cold desserts uniquely crafted for wintertime in Taiwan.
Distance from Terminal: 1.4 miles
Taiwan Regional Tip
N/A N/A