Foguangshan attracts 8 million visitors annually; “Harvard Sightseeing Bus” to start shuttle service in June

▲ The Buddha Memorial Center at Foguangshan houses the world’s largest seated Buddha statue. (Photo / fromthe official Facebook page of the Foguangshan Buddha Memorial Center)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Foguangshan is not only the largest Buddhist temple in Taiwan but also a major tourist destination in Kaohsiung. Since the completion of the Buddha Memorial Center, its grand layout — “eight pagodas in the front, the great Buddha in the back, Ling Mountain to the south, and YG Garden to the north” — and the majestic Buddha statue visible from afar have made it a must-visit site not only for domestic but also international tourists. During holidays and special occasions, the site sees a continuous stream of visitors paying respects, often leading to heavy traffic in the area.

Since its completion in 2011, the Buddha Memorial Center, with its grand layout of “eight pagodas in the front, the great Buddha in the back, Ling Mountain to the south, and YG Garden to the north,” and the solemn giant Buddha statue visible from afar, has become a renowned attraction, drawing not only domestic but also many international tourists. During holidays and special events, the site is constantly bustling with visitors coming to pay their respects, resulting in heavy traffic in the surrounding area.

To alleviate traffic congestion, the Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation has decided to launch a new “Harvard Sightseeing Express Bus” with the meaningful name celebrating joyful Buddhist worship. The tentative shuttle route will be “High-Speed Rail Zuoying Station – Foguangshan,” with an estimated travel time of 30 minutes. The bus will stop at both the Buddha Memorial Center and Foguangshan. Initially, it is planned to operate 10 trips on weekdays and 15 trips on weekends.