Manhattanhenge Returns to Kaohsiung on 11/12 – City Government Closes Roads for Everyone to Capture the Scenic View

▲ The "Manhattanhenge" phenomenon, similar to that seen on the streets of New York City, appears in Kaohsiung. (Photo provided by Chang Chung-yi)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

On the first day of the Lunar New Year in 2017 (this year), the streets of Kaohsiung witnessed the rare "Manhattanhenge" spectacle akin to that of New York City, attracting a large number of photography enthusiasts who flocked to capture the moment, packing Youth Road to capacity. Those who missed it back then, take note:this stunning "Manhattanhenge" will appear again on Sunday, November 12.From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM that day, the Kaohsiung City Government will specially close the roads, allowing photography enthusiasts and citizens to safely capture and enjoy the beautiful sight of the setting sun.

For this event, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has specially organized the “2017 Photography Masters. Kaohsiung’s Finest” campaign,and will implement a road closure for the fast lane of Youth Road between Minquan Road and Guanghua Road from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM that day,giving everyone a chance to take their fill of photos. The Tourism Bureau will also provide free dumplings and tasting vouchers on-site, serving as a warm-up for this year’s “Warm Winter in Kaohsiung” tourism campaign.

Additionally, the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau has created a special mini travel guide for chasing the sunset, featuring five of the best sunset photo spots along with nearby food recommendations: strolling along the beach at Sizihwan to watch the sunset, cycling at Qijin Wind Turbine Park to chase the evening glow, enjoying the twilight seascape at Hongmaogang Cultural Park, taking in the serene sunset views in Cianjhen’s Little Nature, and photographing the sun at the Kaohsiung Harbor Maritime Music Center. These offerings aim to provide locals and visitors with a romantic sunset-chasing experience.

Manhattanhenge (English: Manhattanhenge) refers to a natural phenomenon that occurs in New York City's Manhattan. On May 28 and around July 12 (or 13) each year, as the sun sets in the west, the fiery red sun aligns perfectly between the rows of buildings, casting its light across the east-west streets. In addition to Manhattan, other cities with grid-like street layouts such as Baltimore, Chicago, Montreal, and Toronto also offer views of this stunning phenomenon. Kaohsiung is also one of the cities where you can witness Manhattanhenge, which can be seen annually on January 28 and November 12.