Qiaotou Sugar Refinery: an old factory park by train

Fo Guang Shan monastery takes overnight guests in its older section, in simple, comfortable rooms at the Pilgrim's Lodge. You can join the early morning chanting and walk the quiet grounds after day visitors leave. Book ahead through the monastery, since only some staff speak English. Reach it by shuttle from Zuoying…

The Kaohsiung Film Festival runs every October for about two and a half weeks, with screenings at the Kaohsiung Film Archive, Neiwei Arts Center and Pier-2 warehouses. Besides films there are director talks and an immersive XR showcase at Pier-2 with some free slots. Check the festival site in September for the…

Weiwuying is billed as the world's largest performing arts venue under one roof, with a concert hall, opera house and theater in a wave-shaped building. Pick a concert or opera from the official program and book a seat, since the building itself is open daily. It stands beside Weiwuying Metropolitan Park, a short walk…

The Kaohsiung Music Center sits on the banks of the Love River and is free to enter even when you have no ticket. Check the program for gigs at the Live Warehouse and open-air shows on the plaza, or just walk the waterfront at night when the building is lit. Reach it by Light Rail to Love Pier or Glory Pier, or from…

Sanfong Central Street is a covered wholesale lane west of Kaohsiung Station where locals buy dried seafood, mushrooms, nuts, herbs and tea in bulk. It is crowded in the weeks before Lunar New Year, so go outside that period on a weekday. Ask for a small weighed amount instead of a bag, since bulk goods are often sold…

The white octagonal Kaohsiung Lighthouse stands on a hill on Cijin and gives an excellent view over the whole port. It reopened to visitors in 2024 after years closed, and a coffee place sits next to it for a break. Walk up from the ferry area rather than waiting for a rental bike, and bring a light layer for the…

The Shoushan LOVE Lookout overlooks the Kaohsiung port and downtown, and on a clear day you can pick out the 85 Sky Tower. It is popular for sunrise and for the night view. Arrive well before first light, because a mountain to the east delays the actual sunrise and the platform fills with couples and photographers…

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, home of the giant Buddha, is closed on Tuesdays, so plan this day trip for another day. From Zuoying HSR station take the shuttle that stops outside the station and get off at the Buddha Memorial Hall stop, not the monastery stop. Dress a little modestly, as at any Buddhist temple…