New Highlight for Kaohsiung Travel During Chinese New Year: View Living Fossils at Qijin Shell Museum

By Liu Jiawen, compiled report

Aside from enjoying seafood and watching the sunset at Fengche Park in Qijin, Kaohsiung, there’s now another great travel destination. Since its trial opening in October last year (2011), the Qijin Shell Museum has drawn many visitors. It was originally open only on weekends, but to serve the public better, additional visiting hours have been added starting now. Except for Mondays, the museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, during the Chinese New Year period, except for Lunar New Year’s Eve (January 22) and the first day of the New Year (January 23) when it will be closed, the museum remains open as usual.

The Qijin Shell Museum is the largest of its kind in Taiwan, housing over 2,600 types of shells donated by Huang Geliang. These include living fossils such as nautilus and dragon palace shells, as well as the "Five Kings" of the Cypraeidae family—Prince, Heavenly King, Red Peony, Golden, and Fortunatus—which are the most valuable shells. There is also a giant two-shelled mollusk weighing 70 kilograms known as the “Big Boss.” The site also offers guided tour services. Visitors interested in a tour can sign up for free at the service desk on the hour (i.e., 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM) during opening hours. There is no limit on the number of participants.

So how can you plan a one-day trip to Qijin? It’s recommended that visitors take a ferry to Qijin, rent a bicycle near the ferry terminal, and start their journey. First, enjoy seafood at Seafood Street, then visit the Qihou Lighthouse and Qihou Battery. Next, cycle along the coastline to reach the Qijin Shell Museum. After admiring the rare shells, head to Fengche Park to watch the sunset for a fulfilling day trip.