The southern city of Kaohsiung is Taiwan's largest port, its second-largest city and centre of the country's heavy and petrochemical industries. Despite this, today's Kaohsiung is a modern urban landscape of airy cafes, wide streets, waterside parks, public transport, bicycle lanes and cultural venues that have embraced and re-imagined the city's manufacturing past.
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The Culture
Located in southwestern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a city of a longish shape. It is cast in sunshine throughout a year and its weather is amiable. Mountains, oceans, rivers and ports make the city’s geology and culture highly diverse. Kaohsiung used to enjoy a thriving economy for its steel and petrochemical industries, but now it is gearing towards cultural tourism, touting its history, nature and hospitality. An oceanic tourist capital it is!
River Ports & Oceanic Tourism
In Taiwan, people call Kaohsiung “the port city” because it has the most beautiful port views. The magnificent Kaohsiung Port, modern-style Singuang and Glory Ferry Wharfs, and romantic Love River all enhance Kaohsiung’s urban charm. Taking a ferry is actually a popular tourist activity in Kaohsiung. Visitors may take a ferry at Shaochuantou Wharf so and then hop off in Qijin to enjoy a walk, or take the Love Boat or a fancy gondola by the Love River. Cultural yachts are an option, too – the yacht trip is longer, allowing visitors to immerse in the splendid views of Kaohsiung’s ports and the Asian New Bay Area.
Tapping into History
Kaohsiung was previously named “Takau,” referring to the bamboo forests dwelled by indigenous Makatau. During the Qing Rule, it was renamed as “Dagou” and by the Japanese Rule a Dagou office was to be established on Qijin Street. The Dagou Branch Office of Tainan Prefecture was therefore relocated to Shaochuantou. In 1920 (9th year of Taisho), Kaohsiung Prefecture was established. The Japanese adopted the name “Kaohsiung” from “Takau.”