By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
Those who want to experience the romantic charm of a Venetian gondola ride don’t need to travel all the way to Italy. Taiwan’s first and only Venetian-style gondola service has officially launched on Kaohsiung’s Love River. Visitors to Kaohsiung will have the opportunity to ride the historic boat, cruise along the Love River, enjoy the 2013 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival Art Show, and listen to the indigenous Bunun people rowing and singing traditional songs. During the lantern festival period, there is also a special promotion: buy four gondola rides, get one free.
From now until April 7, visitors to Kaohsiung can ride the world-famous Venetian watercraft “gondola” to enjoy the harbor city scenery along the Love River. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
The history of the gondola dates back several centuries. With its black hull adorned with elaborate carvings, it is a primary mode of transport in Venice, Italy, and is one of the few historically valuable vehicles still in use today. The Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau has specially introduced Taiwan’s first gondola, integrating it with local indigenous culture. The boat is rowed by indigenous warriors who also sing traditional, romantic indigenous songs. Visitors can enjoy the riverside lights and fireworks from unique perspectives.
The gondola boarding point on Love River is located next to Wufu Bridge and beside the Riverside Greenway. The service is available from now until April 7, operating from 16:30 to 20:30 on weekdays, and from 13:00 to 21:00 on weekends and holidays. During the lantern festival, it extends from 13:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and starts as early as 10:00 on weekends. Ticket prices are NT$250 per person on weekdays, while weekend rides require advance booking at NT$300 per person. The tourism bureau stated that from now until February 24 during the lantern festival, there is a special promotion: buy four rides, get one free, and private gondola charters for NT$1,500 (seats six people). For more details, visit: 2013lantern.dchsoft.com.
● Read more: Kaohsiung Lantern Festival Art Show — Taiwan’s only harbor fireworks lighting up the night sky
http://goo.gl/Q09JA
Riding a gondola at night also allows you to enjoy the lantern displays and fireworks. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)