Yellow Rubber Duck, Southern Taiwan’s Largest Night Market: 10 Reasons CNN Says You’ll Fall in Love with Kaohsiung

▲ “World’s Best City for Living” Kaohsiung: CNN reveals 10 reasons to fall for this southern port city. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Just crowned the “World’s Best City for Living” (#1) at the end of last year (2013), Kaohsiung was recently featured on CNN’s travel show “CNNGO”, led by locals, taking viewers deep into the city’s alleys and famous attractions. In just 30 minutes, CNNGO captured heartwarming scenes that “will make you fall in love with Kaohsiung” and listed “10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung”.

When it comes to Kaohsiung’s night markets, the well-known “Liuhe Night Market” may no longer be the only recommendation for locals. The two largest night markets in southern Taiwan—“Golden Diamond” and “Triumph”—have sparked intense discussion since their opening last summer.

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by seemingly endless food stalls and the constant wafting aroma of delicious treats. Both night markets boast over 100 vendors, but in terms of numbers, “Golden Diamond” with 500 slightly edges out “Triumph”’s 300. Meanwhile, “Triumph” features a miniature Four-Faced Buddha, and the ultra-luxurious restroom design at “Golden Diamond” also left CNN amazed.

%The newly established night market not only offers diverse street food but also stands out as one of the most popular choices. (Photo / Greater Kaohsiung Tourist Night Market – Golden Diamond Night Market Fan Page)

Another Kaohsiung attraction recommended by CNN is the “Dragon and Tiger Towers” in Lotus Pond. While Asia has no shortage of temples related to Buddhism or Taoism, the design of the “Dragon and Tiger Towers” felt refreshingly unique to CNN. The entrances to the two towers are shaped like a dragon and a tiger respectively, and visitors must enter through the dragon’s mouth for good luck and exit through the tiger’s mouth to ward off bad fortune. This playful design made it a must-visit spot according to CNN.

A lottery shop near the West Bay Ferry Terminal has become an alternative landmark, not only selling lottery tickets but also displaying large handmade American superhero figures like Iron Man, Captain America, and Catwoman, created by the shop owner himself. Tang Yangwu, the shop owner, said he’s loved these American comic book heroes since childhood. When he first opened the store, he originally wanted to buy a real Iron Man figurine, “but it was too expensive, so I decided to make my own.”

%Located near the ferry terminal, the shop displays giant figures like Iron Man, Captain America, Catwoman, and others. These figures, all life-sized, were crafted using plastic mannequins as bases, then modified with plastic plates and sponge padding. For instance, the Catwoman figure in the store even wears accessories and boots that belong to the owner’s girlfriend. Since putting the figures on display, the shop’s sales have increased by at least 30%, with everyone eager to take photos with them. It’s also become an alternative new attraction for a half-day trip to Kaohsiung.CNN)

These life-sized figures use plastic mannequins as bases, then are enhanced with plastic plates, sponge pads, and more. For example, the Catwoman figure in the store even has accessories and boots that belong to the owner’s girlfriend. After displaying the figures, the shop’s business has increased by at least 30%, as everyone wants to take photos with them. It has also become an alternative new attraction for a half-day trip to Kaohsiung.

Another must-mention is the “Yellow Rubber Duck,” which was exhibited last year at Glory Pier and attracted over 3.9 million visitors, generating more than NT$1 billion in economic impact. Aside from the duck craze it caused across Taiwan, CNN also pointed out that “Kaohsiung was not only the first stop for Florentijn Hofman’s Yellow Rubber Duck in Taiwan but also the only one that survived the entire exhibition period intact.”

CNN wrote, “The Taoyuan Duck deflated after an earthquake, while the Keelung Duck even ‘exploded’ on New Year’s Eve!” This lone surviving yellow duck is expected to make a comeback sometime this year.

%The eye-catching Yellow Rubber Duck not only drew massive crowds and boosted the local economy but also became the only fully intact rubber duck in Taiwan. (Photo / by reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

CNN【10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung】

1. Southern Taiwan’s Largest Night Market

2. Fresh Local Cuisine

3. Dragon and Tiger Towers at Lotus Pond – Exit Through the Tiger’s Mouth

4. A Restaurant That Offers “Sex Education”

5. Taiwan’s Most Beautiful MRT Station – Formosa Boulevard Station

6. Large-Scale Installations

7. The Inner Charms of the Pier-2 Art Center

8. Moon World and Other One-Day Trip Destinations

9. A Lottery Shop Hiding American Superheroes

10. The Only Fully Surviving Yellow Rubber Duck in Kaohsiung