Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
It has been a full year since independent travel for mainland Chinese tourists to Taiwan was first permitted, and the vast tourism business opportunities have become a prime target fiercely pursued by cities and tourism operators across the nation. To tap into the independent travel market from mainland China, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau launched the “Mobile Kaohsiung APP” campaign. Mainland Chinese visitors who download the “Mobile Kaohsiung APP” upon arriving in Kaohsiung can exchange it for a “Kaohsiung MRT Commemorative Card” at the passenger service centers located at Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang) and the High-Speed Rail Zuoying Station. In addition, the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau has also collaborated with local attractions and specialty snacks to launch themed independent travel itineraries such as “Blessing & Shopping Leisure Tour,” “Veterans’ Village Gourmet Exploration Tour,” “Meinong & Neimen Experience Tour,” and “Port City Kaohsiung Leisure Tour.” These tours allow mainland Chinese tourists to experience Kaohsiung’s cultural charm from different perspectives.
To attract more independent travelers from mainland China, the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau will provide free transit card commemorative cards to those visiting the port city. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Xu Chuansheng, Director of the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau, pointed out that the number of mainland Chinese tourists traveling independently to Kaohsiung has exceeded 24,000. From January to May this year, the number of overnight stays by mainland Chinese tourists reached 578,066, an increase of 42.84% compared to the same period last year (404,703), and in May alone, there were nearly 140,000 overnight stays, marking a 54.5% rise from May last year. This shows that both group and independent travelers from mainland China to Kaohsiung have been increasing year by year. To attract more independent mainland Chinese travelers to visit Kaohsiung, Dream Mall has also printed 60,000 copies of the “Dream Mall Kaohsiung Happy Shopping Guide” to provide travel information, which can be picked up at six of the city’s tourism service centers and at Dream Mall.
In addition, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has also introduced four major “independent travel themes,” including the “Blessing & Shopping Leisure Tour,” which connects Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and E-DA World; the “Veterans’ Village Gourmet Exploration Tour,” featuring Lotus Pond’s Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Zuoying Old City ruins, veterans’ village culture, and local cuisine; the “Meinong & Neimen Experience Tour,” highlighting unique culture, food, and the dramatic lunar-like landscapes of Tianliao in Qishan, Meinong, and Neimen; and the “Port City Kaohsiung Leisure Tour,” which includes ferry rides to enjoy the ocean views of Qijin and Sizihwan and tasting fresh seafood. These experiences enable visitors to gain a deeper insight into the port city’s charm.
Located in Qijin, the Windmill Park is a perfect spot in Kaohsiung to watch the sunset. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
● Read more: Top 3 popular attractions in Kaohsiung – Fo Guang Shan, Qijin, and Pier-2 Art Center
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