Kaohsiung
A day in Kaohsiung: Traditional and Modern Melding Beautifully
Kaohsiung is a stop you have to make if you are visiting Taiwan, it is one of the largest cities in the country but its modernization hasn’t decreased its cultural authenticity. The city has a lot to offer and one notable stop to make is the Formosa Boulevard KMRT station, a beautifully designed station with a colorful dome that reflects natural light akin to stained glass. The art depicts the vibrant culture of Kaohsiung through the 4 elements of fire, water, wind, and light.
For a dose of Chinese tradition you can head over to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda in Lotus Pond, which is open to everybody. For luck, you have to enter the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger: doing it wrong is believed to cause bad luck, so be careful. Markets also flower around the spot so you can take a shopping trip for beautiful keepsakes.
You can also take a short minute ferry ride to Cijin district where you can visit lighthouses and intricate temples. The district is known for serving fresh seafood so make sure to allot some time to enjoy an authentic Taiwanese meal.
Head over to Tianliao Moon World for a different experience, Tianliao can be more accurately translated as “bad lands”. It is noted for its dry terrain where soft rocks and soil have been dramatically eroded by wind and water. The result does give these “bad lands” a striking appearance, though, with a certain desolate appeal.
The Love River is easily Kaohsiung’s most famous spot. It was once just an ordinary part of the city but the local government cleaned up the waterway and did an impressive job of making improvements. If you have time you can walk alongside it or ride a ferry in the city waters.
Don’t forget to visit the Fo Guang Shan monastery, a massive destination with temples, museums and architectural wonders. It’s a pity that taking photos are prohibited in some areas but it’s definitely worth the experience if only to have something to hold in your mind for brief moments.