From an industrial port to a cultural port: the beauty of Kaohsiung Port's transformation

Kaohsiung Port is not only the largest port in Taiwan, but also the soul of the city's growth.

From the Takao commercial port a hundred years ago to the new coastal life that combines tourism, art and greenery today, Kaohsiung Port is gradually changing its impression. When you stand by the harbor, watching the ships slowly leave the port, the containers neatly stacked, and the sea breeze blowing in - you will know that this is a "port that tells stories".

🌊 An important international port in Asia, writing the century-old history of Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung Port is Taiwan's largest port and one of the world-class international trade ports. It has been the hub of foreign trade in southern Taiwan since the Japanese colonial period.
Here, it is not only a place for loading and unloading goods, but also the first window opened to the outside world by the city. The scenes of ships coming and going, containers stacked, and workers working were the daily scenery of Kaohsiung in the past.

Today, with the transformation of the industry, Kaohsiung Port has gradually moved from a pure commercial port to a new vision of **"open port area, port-city integration"**. Many harbor spaces have been transformed into tourist areas, allowing citizens and travelers to get close to the harbor and reconnect with the most original memories of this city.

🏙️ Hama Star, Pier 2, and KW2: Three highlights of the new life by the harbor

Speaking of the current Kaohsiung Port, you must not miss these three hot spots by the harbor:

• Pier 2 Art District: Renovated from an old warehouse, it is full of cultural and creative exhibitions, art installations and cafes. It is the most popular walking spot in Kaohsiung.

• KW2: Combining the beautiful scenery of the harbor with the food market, sitting on the outdoor balcony while drinking a drink and watching the sunset, the healing degree is 100%.

• Hama Star Railway Cultural Park: The old railway and turntable station are preserved, and the light rail and old houses are matched. It is a good place to take pictures and learn about the history of the port area.

These places are connected to each other. It is just right to take a slow tour of the port area in one day, and you can also take the light rail to shuttle through them.

🌅 The most beautiful moment is the Kaohsiung Port in the evening

The wind by the harbor is particularly gentle in the evening. The sunset falls on the horizon, the sky turns golden orange, and the silhouette of the cargo ship stands on the stage like a person, quietly waiting for the lights to come on.

It is recommended to find time to go to the Glory Pier, the True Love Pier or the beach of the Zhan Er Ku, sit, be in a daze, and watch the sea. Every minute and every second is a scenery.

🛳️ Take a boat tour of the port and see Kaohsiung from the sea

If you want to experience the charm of Kaohsiung Port more deeply, you can also choose to take a boat tour of the port and see the city's skyline from the sea. Starting from Gushan or the True Love Pier, there are a variety of port routes to choose from, including:
• In-depth tour of Kaohsiung Port (passing by the container terminal and the cargo ship berthing area)
• See the Kaohsiung Lighthouse and Cijin from the sea
• Night tour of the port (the lights and the night are super romantic)

You can also take a ferry to Cijin. The sea breeze and sunset are matched with seafood delicacies, which is a must-have experience for a port trip.

📍【Notes on Kaohsiung Port】
• Location: The coastal areas of Gushan District, Yancheng District, and Qianzhen District in Kaohsiung City
• Recommended time for visiting: half a day to a day
• Transportation: MRT Orange Line "Xiziwan Station" or Light Rail "Pier-2 Penglai Station" and "True Love Pier Station" can all reach the port area
• Recommended places to visit: Pier-2 Art Center, Zhanerku, Hama Star, Cijin, Shoushan

🌉 Kaohsiung Port is the past and future of Kaohsiung

When the city is no longer built only for economic operations, but begins to leave space for life and aesthetics, the port has a new life.

Come here not just to take pictures or blow the sea breeze, but also to feel how a city finds its original intention and coexists with people in the era.

#5月好去处2025