🚢 Cijin Island Day Trip Guide: Kaohsiung’s Tropical Escape

#chinatravel
### **Why Visit Cijin Island?**
1. **Black Sand Beach**: A rare 1.5km stretch of volcanic black sand, perfect for sunbathing and surfing (swimming allowed outside winter) .
2. **Historic Charm**: Home to Taiwan’s oldest **Mazu Temple** (1673) and Japanese-era **Cihou Lighthouse** with panoramic harbor views .
3. **Seafood Paradise**: Feast on grilled squid, oyster omelets, and bubble tea at **Cijin Old Street** .

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### **Top Attractions**
#### **1. Cijin Beach**
- **Unique Sand**: Formed from eroded volcanic basalt, the black sand absorbs heat—wear sandals in summer! .
- **Activities**: Surfing (rent boards at **Cijin Surf Bar**), beachcombing, and sunset photos .

#### **2. Rainbow Church & Shell Museum**
- **Instagram Spots**: The colorful **Rainbow Church** (art installation) and giant seashell sculpture .
- **Shell Museum**: Thousands of marine specimens (closed Mondays) .

#### **3. Cihou Fort & Lighthouse**
- **History**: Built in 1875, offering harbor views and underground tunnels .
- **Free Entry**: Lighthouse reopened in 2024 with a café overlooking the sea .

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### **How to Get There**
- **Ferry from Gushan Pier**:
- **Cost**: NT$20 (EasyCard) or NT$30 (cash); departs every 10 mins (5:00 AM–2:00 AM) .
- **Scooters/Bikes**: NT$40–80 extra .
- **From KW2 Pier**: Snoopy-themed ferry (NT$80, weekends only) .

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### **Pro Tips**
- **Rent a Bike**: Explore coastal art installations (NT$100/day) .
- **Avoid Crowds**: Visit on weekdays; arrive early for sunrise at the beach .
- **Try Local Eats**: **Dried fish market** and **Cijin Sunset Bar** (happy hour 4–6 PM) .

**#cijinisland #kaohsiungtravel #blacksandbeach**