Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
During the spring break, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has specially planned six spring tour routes: Taiwan’s first international-level cable wakeboarding experience at Lotus Pond, a glory tour of internationally livable city attractions, a romantic gondola ride along the Love River, a yacht cruise around Hongmao Port, a firefly-watching trip in Namasia, and a small movie-themed journey to the wild boar hot springs in Baolai. Spend the spring break with family and friends to experience the beauty of Kaohsiung and enjoy its vibrant, dynamic, and fascinating charm.
Cruising slowly along the Love River, enjoying the waterfront scenery of the port city. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 1: Highlighting Kaohsiung – A Glory Tour of an Livable City
In 2011, Kaohsiung participated for the first time in the “International Awards for Liveable Communities,” known globally as the “Green Oscars.” Within three years, it won 7 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze awards. In 2013, out of 11 nominated categories, it took home 10 major awards, becoming the most awarded city in Taiwan and ranking first globally. Its shining achievements are there for all to see.
The “Kaohsiung Glory Tour” focuses on areas in Kaohsiung that have won international livable city awards, connecting honored attractions that have been selected for international accolades in recent years. Now, let’s embark on this glory tour and experience a different, highlight-filled side of Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung Glory Tour—A One-Day Bicycle Green City Tour
Global bicycle tourism is booming, and Kaohsiung is internationally renowned for building a bike-friendly city. It was even selected by CNN USA as one of Asia’s top five cities for cycling. Immerse yourself in local life and discover Kaohsiung’s many award-winning eco-friendly constructions on this livable city leisure day trip.
Tour Route:
Cianhua Road Bicycle Lane Exclusive Bridge → Zhongdu Wetland → World Trade Exhibition and Convention Center → Zhongzheng Star Bicycle Lane Bridge → Yancheng District/Bopiliao Art Zone → Hamasen Railway Cultural Park → Gushan District/Green Yi Lehuo New Town → Sizihwan → Shaoboshou → Gushan Ferry Terminal → Qijin Coastal Line Protection Project
Kaohsiung Glory Tour One-Day Bicycle Ride at Cianhua Road Bicycle Lane Exclusive Bridge. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Kaohsiung Glory Tour—A Two-Day Highlight Tour of Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has many glory attractions, each with unique characteristics in both urban and mountainous areas. Staying for two days allows you to visit more award-winning highlights and experience different facets of Kaohsiung each day.
Tour Route:
Day 1
Qijin Coastal Line Protection Project → Qijin Old Street/Lighthouse → Sizihwan → Love River Cruise → Overnight stay in a downtown Kaohsiung hotel (or mountain village homestay)
Day 2
Meinong District/Meinong Hakka Cultural Museum and Old Street → Moon World Scenic Area → Dashu District/Old Iron Bridge Wetland Park/Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center (Note: Award-winning highlight)
To celebrate the lychee and pineapple harvest and pray for favorable weather, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center has traditionally held a pineapple and lychee tasting event and blessing ceremony, incorporating the fruits into dishes to promote Dashu District’s produce. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 2: Charming Harbor – A Yacht Cruise Around Hongmao Port
The Hongmao Port Cultural Park is located at the entrance of Kaohsiung Harbor’s Second Port, refurbished from the former Gaotai Tower and surrounding environmental resources. If you want to relax during the weekend, the Hongmao Port Cultural Park is definitely your top choice. Climb the tower to take in the view of Hongmao Harbor—it’s a breathtaking sight that opens your heart. The park also features historic buildings such as traditional three-section compounds and other structures that embody over 100 years of cultural heritage, allowing us to witness the 100-year development of Kaohsiung Harbor together.
Luxury yachts connect the British Consulate Cultural Park, Bopiliao Art Zone, and Hongmao Port Cultural Park. Guides share the history and development of Kaohsiung Harbor. Cruise through Asia New Bay Area on a yacht and soak in the charm of the port city. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 3: Lovey-Dovey Love River – Enjoy Spring Scenery on a Cruise or Gondola
Visiting the Love River often means just strolling along the embankment to admire the scenery. Now, there’s a unique alternative that lets you experience the harbor’s dazzling night views from a different perspective. Take a ride on the Love Boat to cruise along the Love River, not only discovering a beautiful harbor view unlike any other, but also enjoying LED lights and underwater lighting systems along the boat’s edge that attract fish at night, creating delightful surprises.
Spend a night on a gondola and indulge in the exotic charm of the Love River. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)