If you are into exploring cool temples, enjoying the seaside, or discovering local art, this city has it all. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top things to do in Kaohsiung to make your visit unforgettable. Let’s dive in and start exploring!

WHERE TO STAY IN KAOHSIUNG?

We stayed at JÒHŌ Hotel, and it was one of our favourite hotels in Taiwan. It is one of the best-rated hotels in Kaohsiung. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. One of our favourite aspects of the hotel was the staff – they are friendly and helpful, making you truly feel welcome.

Experience this hotel for yourself – Reserve your stay today!

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN KAOHSIUNG

1. Cijin Island: A Hidden Gem in Taiwan

If you’re looking for a laid-back, sun-soaked escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Cijin Island is a must-visit spot on your Taiwan adventure. It is located just a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung. This little island feels like a world away. It offers a perfect mix of local charm, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace of life.

Reaching Cijin couldn’t be easier. Hop on a ferry from Kaohsiung’s harbour, and within minutes, you’ll be stepping off onto the island, greeted by sea breezes and the sound of waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and explore the island’s coast.

Our tip: stay and watch the sunset.

2. Pier 2 Art Centre: A Creative Hub in Kaohsiung

When visiting Cijin Island, if you love art, culture, and creativity, then you have to stop at Pier-2 Art Centre in Kaohsiung. It is a dynamic, open-air art district that blends industrial history and contemporary art.

Pier-2 Art Centre was once a forgotten cluster of warehouses in Kaohsiung’s old port area. But in recent years, it’s been transformed into a buzzing creative space that showcases modern art, interactive exhibits, and quirky installations.

3. Ruifeng night market: A Food Lover’s Paradise in Kaohsiung

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Taiwan’s famous street food, then Ruifeng Night Market in Kaohsiung should be at the top of your list. This night market is one of the city’s largest and most popular, and it’s a true foodie’s paradise!

With its lively atmosphere and endless stalls, Ruifeng is an absolute must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Taiwan’s vibrant night market culture. Ruifeng Night Market also has plenty of other attractions. There are stalls selling clothes, accessories, fun gadgets, and game booths where you can try your luck at winning cute prizes.

4. Sanfong Temple: A Cultural Gem in Kaohsiung

This beautiful temple, with its vibrant colours, offers you a peaceful escape and a fascinating glimpse into local religious traditions. If you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone looking to soak up the atmosphere, Sanfong Temple is a must-see during your visit to Kaohsiung.

Sanfong Temple is not just a place of quiet reflection. On any given day, locals come to pray, burn incense, and make offerings.

5. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: Kaohsiung’s Iconic Landmarks

Standing proudly on the edge of Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are among Taiwan’s most famous and visually stunning landmarks. These twin pagodas, with their vibrant colours and striking design, offer a fantastic view of the area.

The most distinctive feature is the entrance through the dragon’s mouth and the exit through the tiger’s mouth. According to local belief, entering through the dragon and exiting through the tiger brings good fortune and wards off bad luck, making it an important ritual for visitors.

Before going, check if they have already finished the renovations.

6. Spring and Autumn Pavilions: A Vibrant Slice of Taiwanese Culture

The Spring and Autumn Pavilions, also located on the picturesque Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, are among the city’s most eye-catching and culturally rich landmarks.

You can go inside the Pavilions, where you can climb the spiral staircases to the upper levels. From the top, you’re treated to beautiful views over Lotus Pond and the other landmarks surrounding it, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.

7. Shoushan Love Lookout: The Best View in Kaohsiung

If you are looking for a beautiful view of Kaohsiung, then Shoushan Love Lookout is well worth a visit. Whether you come during the day or at sunset, the view is always beautiful, and it is easy to see why it is it called the “Love Lookout.”

Many people come here to enjoy a romantic moment while taking in the beauty of Kaohsiung from above. Shoushan Love Lookout is relatively easy to reach, especially if you’re up for a bit of a hike. The most common way to access it is by following one of the scenic trails that wind through Shoushan Nature Park.

8. Love River: The Heart of Kaohsiung

The Love River is one of the city’s most famous and cherished landmarks. With its scenic waterfront, peaceful parks, and romantic atmosphere, the river is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors alike.

The river stretches for over 12 kilometres, and its banks are lined with walking paths, parks, and cafes. It’s the perfect place in Kaohsiung to take a leisurely stroll, relax on a bench, or watch the boats drift by.

You can go on a Love River cruise! Check the availability here.

9. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: A Spiritual Sanctuary in Kaohsiung

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a must-see. It is located a little bit outside of the city, but it is worth the ride. It is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in Taiwan. This grand museum complex combines breathtaking architecture, spiritual reflection, and cultural history.

Whether you’re a follower of Buddhism or simply a curious traveller, the beauty and serenity of this sacred place are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, completed in 2011, is part of the larger Fo Guang Shan Monastery. The museum offers an enriching and peaceful experience, with its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere, and deep cultural significance. You need a few hours to explore the whole area, and you can even have lunch there.

SEE ALSO:

Kaohsiung: Hidden Gems of Vegan Cuisine and the Best Hotel to Stay in the City

The post 9 Unforgettable Things to Do in Kaohsiung You Won’t Want to Miss appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

WHERE TO STAY IN KAOHSIUNG

JÒHŌ Hotel was one of our favourite hotels in Taiwan. It is one of the best-rated hotels in Kaohsiung. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hotel is very clean and in a good location. One of our favorite aspects of the hotel was the staff – they are friendly and helpful, making you truly feel welcome.

The best part about JÒHŌ Hotel in Kaohsiung is that they served us a delicious two-course vegan breakfast. You just need to tell the staff that you are vegan. If you are eating plant-based, this is the best hotel in Kaohsiung for you. Look at how amazing our breakfast was every day:

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN KAOHSIUNG

Here is our list of the best vegan restaurants in the city. Kaohsiung may not look like the best destination for plant-based eaters, but we found some great options.

MOTTAINAI PLANT-BASED WHOLE FOOD CAFE

This is an all-vegan modern cafe in Kaohsiung, located next to the Pier 2 area. Some dishes are also gluten-free.

You can have maple teriyaki tempeh skewers or mashed potatoes with mushrooms. They offer salads, burgers, and our favorite – kimbap, with three options: classic, kimchi, and teriyaki chickpea tempeh kimbap. You can also enjoy vegan desserts without refined sugar or artificial flavors.

HI-LAI VEGETARIAN IN KAOHSIUNG 

It is a vegetarian restaurant chain found in many big cities in Taiwan, including one in Kaohsiung. They focus on using organic and local ingredients for their dishes, and most of their food is plant-based.

You can try different types of dim sum and other traditional dishes. Their desserts are also amazing. It is one of our favourite options in Kaohsiung.

HAGI SOYMILK RAMEN – VEGAN KAOHSIUNG

It is a vegan ramen restaurant in Kaohsiung where you can enjoy several types of ramen. Our favorite is the soy miso ramen.

The restaurant has a nice vibe, and an English menu is available.

LONGQUIAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

It’s a great vegetarian restaurant in Kaohsiung with mostly vegan dishes. Just make sure to check for eggs before you order. The owner is friendly and helpful, but ordering might be a bit tricky without an English menu.

The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The lunch menu is limited, but there are more options available for dinner.

RICHVEGE IN KAOHSIUNG

If you are looking for a restaurant with vegan and organic options in Kaohsiung, this is the place for you. The restaurant is nice and bright. You can choose your ingredients, and some of the vegetables are even organic.

Do not miss trying the rice with mushrooms—it is a highlight. Richvege is an excellent spot for a healthy meal.

YE SHU SHU SHI AMERICAN RESTAURANT VEGAN KAOHSIUNG

It is a vegan restaurant in the city that offers a Western-style menu. You can enjoy dishes like plant-based seafood risotto, spaghetti with pesto, burgers, sandwiches, and many other options.

They also have vegan milk tea and coffee on their menu. It’s a great place to try something new.

VEGAN KAOHSIUNG: TO BE SMOOTHIE

It is a trendy cafe in the city offering plant-based smoothies, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and fresh salads.

It is a great place to enjoy something refreshing in the summer heat.

DOUBLE VEGGIE IN KAOHSIUNG

It’s a buffet restaurant in Kaohsiung with lots of food options. Most dishes are vegetarian, and they also have tasty vegan choices.

It is not the most affordable option, but it is great if you are staying in JÒHŌ Hotel because it is just a few minutes away. Just keep in mind that Double Veggie has better vegan options for lunch and dinner than for breakfast.

There is also a Ruifeng Night Market, one of the best night markets in Kaohsiung to visit, but we are not sure if there are any vegan food options there, so don’t go hungry. It is a great experience to visit this night market and see how locals spend their evenings. 

WHAT TO DO IN KAOSHIUNG

There are a few things worth visiting on your trip to Kaohsiung. One of our favourites is the Sanfong Temple. It is a peaceful temple in the middle of the city where you can see locals who come to pray, burn incense, and make offerings. The temple is very picturesque with beautiful red lanterns. 

One of the most important places to visit in Kaohsiung is the Lotus Pond. There, you will find the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions. 

A day trip to remember is to go to Cijin Island. It is located just a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung. This little island feels like a world away. You can rent a bike there and explore the area. There are also a few cute cafes in the area.

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is located outside the city. The complex is so big that you need a few hours to explore, but if you get hungry, there is also a vegetarian restaurant offering vegan dishes.

If you would like to learn more about where to go and what to see in the city, check out our guide about the top 9 things to do in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung is the biggest city in the South of Taiwan. The ideal time to stay in the city is for two or three days. This is just the right time to visit the most important sights and experience some of the local culture. Everything is easily reachable by public transport. 

Even better options would be to have a rented motorbike so you can experience more if you do not have a lot of time in the city. You just need to learn a few traffic rules that apply only to motorbikes. 

SEE ALSO: Where to Eat Vegan in Taipei: A Guide to the Best Spots

The post Kaohsiung: Hidden Gems of Vegan Cuisine and the Best Hotel to Stay in the City appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.