Yellow Rubber Duck "Makes a Splash" in Port – Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Kaohsiung

Tourism Center / Reported from Taipei

The Yellow Rubber Duck has finally arrived in port, lighting up tourist spots all over Kaohsiung. Besides seeing the adorable yellow duck, what other attractions can visitors explore in this harbor city? A well-known portal site recently held a voting campaign, selecting the top 10 must-visit attractions in Kaohsiung through online votes, providing a reference for travelers planning to visit Kaohsiung to see the Yellow Rubber Duck.

1st Place: Glory Pier
Located at the mouth of the Love River in Kaohsiung, Glory Pier boasts a vast area with expansive views, adjacent to the Port of Kaohsiung. It offers both harbor scenery and the beautiful sights along the Love River, and is also one of the must-visit cycling routes in the city. On regular days, it serves as a public water-friendly plaza for residents, while during holidays, it often hosts cultural and artistic performances. Since the exhibition of the Yellow Rubber Duck, a work by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, from September 19 to October 20, Glory Pier’s popularity has soared, making it a must-see attraction in Kaohsiung.


▲ With the Yellow Rubber Duck stationed here, Glory Pier’s popularity has skyrocketed, solidifying its status as a must-visit spot in Kaohsiung. (Photo provided by yam.com, the same below)

2nd Place: Pier-2 Art Center
Originally a cluster of abandoned warehouses near the No. 2 Pier of the Port of Kaohsiung, Pier-2 Art Center unexpectedly became the launch site for National Day fireworks, leading to its transformation into an art and performance space. Over the years, it has gradually become integrated into the lives of Kaohsiung residents. The 3rd edition of the Da Rainbow Music Festival will be held at Pier-2 Art Center on October 12 and 13.






3rd Place: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Located at Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, the museum houses the world’s tallest bronze seated Buddha and enshrines the Buddha’s tooth relic, which has been preserved for nearly 30 years. The architecture, blending traditional and modern elements, is laid out along a central axis from east to west, featuring the Hall of Respect, Eight Pagodas, Bodhi Square, the Main Hall, and the Grand Buddha. This forms a grand layout described as “Eight Pagodas in front, the Great Buddha behind, Ling Mountain to the south, and YG Garden to the north.” It attracts many domestic and international visitors for pilgrimage.


▲ The majestic Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum houses the world’s tallest bronze seated Buddha and the Buddha’s tooth relic, preserved for nearly 30 years.

4th Place: E-Da World
E-Da World offers recreational activities encompassing culture and arts, regularly hosting events that provide visitors with a variety of leisure experiences. Its annual New Year’s Eve celebration is legendary, earning it the nickname “101 in the North, E-Da in the South.” People are eagerly anticipating whether this year’s December 31st will see a repeat of last year’s spectacular nine-minute-and-nine-second fireworks show.


▲ For those who enjoy shopping and entertainment, E-Da World is not to be missed.

5th Place: Jiashian, Kaohsiung
The documentary “Pulling a River” directed by Yang Lizhou sparked warmth across Taiwan, and the filming locations in Kaohsiung’s Jiashian District—suddenly thrust into the limelight—include the Aquatic Park, Jiashian Fossil Museum, Xiaolin Pingpu Museum, and Zhenhai Ancient Military Tomb, attracting numerous visitors for photos.


▲ Attractions in Jiashian District have gained attention in recent years, drawing visitors and boosting the region’s tourism boom.

6th Place: MRT Formosa Boulevard Station
Located at the interchange of two MRT lines in Kaohsiung, Formosa Boulevard Station showcases the city’s vibrant character through the world’s largest single-piece glass public art installation, the “Dome of Light,” created by artist Narcissus Quagliata using various glass art techniques. This piece has brought a fresh aesthetic atmosphere to the harbor city, making it a must-visit attraction for travelers.


▲ The “Dome of Light” artwork at MRT Formosa Boulevard Station brings a new aesthetic vibe to the harbor city.

7th Place: Moon World
Located between Chongde and Guting Villages in Tianliao Township, Moon World is famed for its “badlands” terrain, characterized by steep cliffs and jagged, bare ridges. Nearby is the “Lanyue Tower,” designed in traditional Chinese architectural style, offering visitors a place to rest and enjoy the view.


▲ Moon World, a stunning natural landscape in Kaohsiung.

8th Place: Sizihwan
Sizihwan is known for its breathtaking sunsets and natural rock formations. Nestled against mountains and facing the sea, the scenic area offers pleasant vistas. At sunset, the stone railings along the coast attract crowds of visitors, and the harmonious blend of sea and sky creates an enchanting scene. Couples often linger here, affectionately nicknamed “Lover’s Cave” or “Radish Pit” by visitors, adding another charming draw to Sizihwan.


▲ Sizihwan is famed for its sunsets and natural rock formations, set against a picturesque backdrop of mountains and sea.

9th Place: Rui Feng Night Market
Rui Feng Night Market, located in the prime area of Zuoying District in Kaohsiung, has a history of over 20 years and is known for being one of the most well-managed night markets. With over a thousand stalls selling a wide variety of goods, each with their own unique specialties, the surrounding area is bustling with activity and always packed with people.


▲ Rui Feng Night Market in Kaohsiung has a 20-year history—it’s definitely a must-visit spot.

10th place: Qijin Ferry Terminal
The Qijin Ferry Terminal serves as a major transportation hub connecting Gushan and Qijin. The terminal features a distinctive retro exterior and is one of the few places in Taiwan that still maintains ferry services, making it well worth a visit for a scenic boat ride. Just outside the terminal, you’ll find bicycle rental services, allowing easy access to Qijin’s major attractions, including Tianhou Temple, the beach, the coastal artillery battery and lighthouse, as well as local seafood snacks. Hop on the ferry, and get ready to be enchanted by the diverse and captivating charm of Qijin.


▲ The Qijin Ferry Terminal boasts a distinctive retro design and is one of the few places in Taiwan that still offers ferry services.