By MOOK Travel & Living 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 glorious 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.
Glide slowly along the Love River and admire the waterfront scenery of the harbor city. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 1: Highlighting Kaohsiung – A Glorious Tour of a Livable City
In 2011, Kaohsiung City participated in the “International Awards for Liveable Communities,” known globally as the “Green Oscars,” for the first time and achieved remarkable results with 7 golds, 5 silvers, and 7 bronzes within three years. In 2013, out of 11 nominations, it won 10 major awards, becoming the most awarded city in Taiwan and ranking first globally. Its shining achievements are undeniable.
The “Kaohsiung Glory Tour” focuses on areas in Kaohsiung that have won international livable city awards, connecting honors and scenic spots that have been recognized in recent years. Now, let’s embark on this glory tour and experience a different side of vibrant Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung Glory Tour—One-Day Bicycle Green City Tour
With global cycling tourism on the rise, Kaohsiung is internationally renowned for being a bicycle-friendly city and was selected by CNN as one of Asia’s top five cities for cycling. Immerse yourself in local life and discover Kaohsiung’s many environmentally friendly award-winning constructions for a liveable city leisure day trip.
Itinerary:
Cuifeng Road Bike Lane Exclusive Bridge → Zhongdu Wetland → World Trade Exhibition and Convention Center → Zhongzhen Star Bike Lane Bridge → Yancheng District / Pier-2 Art Center → Hamasen Railway Cultural Park → Gushan District / Green Yi Lehuo New Town → Qijin Bay → Shaochuantou → Gushan Ferry Terminal → Qijin Coastal Conservation Project
Kaohsiung Glory Tour One-Day Bicycle Ride at Cuifeng Road Bike Lane Exclusive Bridge. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Kaohsiung Glory Tour—Two-Day Highlights of Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has numerous glorious attractions, with unique features in both the urban and mountainous areas. With a two-day stay, you can visit more award-winning highlights and experience different sides of Kaohsiung every day.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Qijin Coastal Conservation Project → Qijin Old Street / Lighthouse → West District → Love River Sightseeing → Overnight at a hotel in central Kaohsiung (or a mountain village homestay)
Day 2
Meinong District / Meinong Hakka Cultural Museum & Old Street → Moon World Scenic Area → Dashu District / Old Iron Bridge Wetland Park / Buddha Memorial Center (Note: Award-winning highlight)
To celebrate the harvest of pineapples and lychees and pray for favorable weather, the Buddha Memorial Center has held pineapple and lychee tasting events and prayer ceremonies in previous years. Dishes featuring pineapples and lychees promote Dashu District’s fruit and vegetable products. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 2: Charming Harbor – Yacht Cruise Around Hongmao Port
The Hongmao Port Cultural Park is located at the entrance of the second harbor of Kaohsiung Port and was renovated using the old Gaotai Tower and surrounding environmental resources. If you want to relax on weekends, the Hongmao Port Cultural Park is definitely your top choice. Climb the tower to overlook the scenery of Hongmao Port Bay, where the vast bay opens up your horizons. The park’s historic buildings such as the traditional sanheyuan courtyard, T-shaped millstones, and other structures blend with over 100 years of cultural heritage, allowing us to witness the 100-year development history of Kaohsiung Port.
Luxury yachts connect the British Consulate Cultural Park, Pier-2 Art Center, and Hongmao Port Cultural Park. Guides share the history and development of Kaohsiung Port in detail. Cruise through Asia New Bay Area on a yacht and feel the charm of the harbor city. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Spring Tour Experience 3: Romantic Love River – Cruise and Gondola Rides to Enjoy Spring Scenery
Visiting the Love River often means just strolling along the embankment to enjoy the scenery. Now, there’s a unique alternative that lets you experience the dazzling night view of this harbor city from a different perspective. Take a Love Boat cruise on the Love River to discover a beautiful harbor view unlike any before. The LED lights and underwater lighting systems along the boat’s edge attract fish to swim playfully toward the light during night rides, bringing delightful surprises.
Enjoy the exotic charm of the Love River at night on a gondola ride. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)