Night markets are an essential experience to have while visiting Taiwan! They’re the best place to try local street food and experience a taste of local life.
There are a number of Kaohsiung night markets you can visit while exploring the city, but there are a number of things you should know before you visit any Kaohsiung night market.
And that is where this post comes in!
It gives you all the information you need to navigate the Kaohsiung night markets like a local and have the best experience possible!
The only place I’ve ever eaten dinner in Kaohsiung is at a night market. There is no better place to indulge in Taiwanese food without breaking the budget.
Before we get started, if you’re heading to Kaohsiung, be sure to read my 3 day Kaohsiung itinerary. It is the only itinerary you need to plan the perfect trip to Kaohsiung.
1. Don’t Haggle
Haggling is a common practice in many Asian countries, but you shouldn’t haggle at the night markets in Kaohsiung (or anywhere in Taiwan for that matter).
It is considered very rude to haggle in Taiwan, and you could seriously offend the person selling you their food.
The prices at Kaohsiung night markets are already set at a fair price, so there is no need to try to negotiate a lower price.
Haggling, in general, isn’t common in Taiwan, so you shouldn’t expect to haggle no matter where you are.
The exception to this is you can sometimes haggle with a street vendor selling goods (not food) if there isn’t a price tag on the item. And even in that scenario is isn’t common practice.
Be prepared to pay the listed price at the Kaohsiung night markets.
You’re getting a fair price and don’t have to deal with the stress of haggling. It is a win-win situation!
2. Be Prepared to Eat at Communal Tables
All of the night markets in Kaohsiung have communal tables in the middle of the street where you can sit to enjoy your food.
They’re plastic tables and plastic chairs that are pulled out of storage and set up every evening for the night markets.
You share the table with whoever else happens to be walking past and wants to sit down to enjoy their food.
It is kind of fun but can be a bit awkward if you’re sitting along eating like I was, but the Taiwanese are really nice.
You never know what type of fun conversation you’ll end up having!
The communal table approach to sitting is common at nearly every night market across Taiwan. The only night market I’ve been to that had a different arrangement was the Hualien night market.
At that market, there were tables behind the food stalls, so it was a more private and relaxing place to eat.
3. Bring Your Own Napkins
Napkins aren’t usually provided at the food stalls when purchasing food at a Kaohsiung night market, so you’ll need to bring your own.
There are a number of street food dishes that are served in sauce and are messy to eat. It is likely that you’ll need a napkin at some point while visiting a Kaohsiung night market, so you better be prepared.
I personally bring a reusable cloth napkin with me because it is better for the environment.
But any type of napkin or Kleenex will work!
You just don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you have to use your shirt sleeve to wipe your face.
4. Take Food Risks
You’ll notice a distinct smell when you visit any Kaohsiung night market. It wafts through the air and, frankly, doesn’t have the most pleasant smell.
That, my friend, is stinky tofu, and you need to try it.
The smell of stinky tofu can turn you off, but once you get past the smell, it tastes incredible.
There are a number of other Taiwan street food dishes you may be hesitant to try because they are unfamiliar to you, but you should take the risk and try them.
What’s the worst that can happen?!
You take a bite, don’t like it, put it in the trash, and then try something else.
But at least you were brave enough to try something new. You never know when you’ll find your new favourite food!
A few other dishes that may seem unfamiliar but are worth a try are:
Oyster omelette
Deep fried milk
Taro balls
Aiyu jelly
It should be your goal to try at least one new dish when you’re visiting the Kaohsiung night markets.
You might be surprised which one you like the best, and you’ll be so glad you gave it a try!
It would be a shame to go home and regret not trying more traditional food while you were in Taiwan.
5. Use the Washroom Before You Visit a Kaohsiung Night Market
This is a very important tip that not many people are talking about.
There aren’t any washrooms at the night markets in Kaohsiung, so you’ll want to be sure you use a washroom before you head out to a night market.
You don’t want to have to leave early just because you have to use the washroom!
If you do need to use a washroom while visiting a night market, you should look for the nearest metro station. They all have public washrooms you can use, so you don’t have to go back to your hotel.
6. Brings Your Cash
Kaohsiung night markets operate mostly in cash.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a vendor who will accept your debit or credit card (I’ve never personally seen one), so you’ll want to bring cash with you to the market.
It is best practice to bring cash in smaller denominations, so it is easy for vendors to make change, but most vendors will be able to make change in a pinch.
7. Look for Long Lines
Long lines are an excellent indicator that the vendor is selling something delicious.
If you’re not quite sure where to start or what your want to eat, keep an eye out for a food stall that has long lines. Then jump in the line if the food looks like something you’re interested in trying.
It is hard to go wrong with your choice if the locals like it enough to queue up for it!
You’ll often see the longest lines at black pepper bun stalls. They’re an incredibly popular street food found at all the Kaohsiung night markets.
It is essentially a bun filled with black pepper and either beef or pork that is cooked in a clay oven right in front of you.
Black pepper buns are on every list of foods you need to try in Taiwan and for good reason!
There is a vegetarian version of black pepper buns made with potato as the filling, but it isn’t that great. You can find much better vegetarian and vegan options at night markets, so I don’t recommend you give the vegetarian black pepper bun a try.
Other dishes that often have a long line are:
Fried chicken
Braised beef cubes
You should, of course, give less popular dishes a try as well.
Just because a vendor doesn’t have a long line, doesn’t mean the food isn’t worth trying.
One of my favourite night market foods is corn on the cob. It sounds basic, but the spice they put on the corn is incredible. The corn on the cob stalls never have a long line, but they are still delicious. And the same goes for many other street food.
In general, searching for food vendors that have a long line is a great place to start if this is your first time visiting a Kaohsiung night market.
You’ll be able to get a sense of what you like and don’t like, and you can choose less popular stalls with the information you learn by trying the most popular food.
8. Take Time to Play a Few Games
Games are available to play at all Kaohsiung night markets. They’re similar to the typical carnival games you’ll find at a county fair, but they’re a little more DIY.
They’re still really fun though!
The most common game you’ll find at Kaohsiung night markets is trying to throw a ball into small baskets behind a counter.
It is fairly difficult to win but is a lot of fun.
Another popular game is the balloon popping game where you’re given darts and have to try to pop the balloons behind the counter.
It is also quite difficult to win but is a great way to kill some time while you’re digesting your food before you head in for another round of eats.
The games are inexpensive, but it can still add up if you play a lot. Be cautious of how much you spend on them, so you don’t blow your budget. Plus the prizes aren’t that great, so they’re more for fun rather than winning something of value.
I suggest playing a game with your travel companion(s) (if you’re not a solo traveler), and the loser has to buy the winner their favourite Taiwan street food!
9. Bring Your Own Tea
What is a day in Taiwan without a nice refreshing glass of bubble tea or iced tea?!
Tea is an essential Taiwan experience, and I guarantee you’ll be sipping more tea than yo ever imagined!
Tea is so refreshing on a hot, humid Taiwan day, and it is absolutely delicious.
The fact that it is incredibly inexpensive doesn’t hurt either!
But, interestingly, it isn’t so easy to find tea at the Kaohsiung night markets!
You’ll need to bring your own tea to the night market if you want to sip on it while wandering through the vendors and trying food.
There are normally tea stalls within a block or so of all the Kaohsiung night markets, so it isn’t difficult to find a place near the market to grab a tea before heading into the market itself.
You’re more likely to find fruit juice vendors than tea vendors at all the Kaohsiung night markets.
The juice is super fresh and squeezed in front of you, so it is a great alternative to tea.
I suggest trying the freshly squeezed juice at least once while you’re at a Kaohsiung night market, but I personally find that the flavour of tea goes better with the street food than the fruit juice.
I personally enjoy grabbing a fruit juice as I’m leaving the night market and enjoying it as I walk back to my hotel. It is the perfect way to cap off an evening of food!
10. Don’t Arrive at the Night Market Too Early
Kaohsiung night markets normally open around 6 pm or 7 pm, but you don’t want to get there right when they open!
The markets are officially open at that time, but they aren’t fully set up and ready to go.
Some of the vendors will be open and ready to sell you food, but the majority won’t be. You want to arrive at the night market about an hour after it opens.
That way nearly all of the stalls will be open, and you can have any food your heart desires.
If you arrive at a Kaohsiung night market right when it opens and it is pretty dead, you can wander up and down the stalls to see what you might want to eat once the market gets going.
Exploring the area around the night market is another great way to kill a little time before the night market is fully operational. I love wandering around side streets and alleys while traveling. It is one of the most fun ways to get to know a more local (and less touristy) side of the country.
11. Bring Your Own Bag
You’ll be offered a plastic bag on a regular basis at Kaohsiung night markets. Nearly every time you purchase something, you’ll be offered a plastic bag.
It is terrible for the environment.
But, lucky for you, there is a simple way to combat this excessive plastic use and that is by bringing your own reusable bag!
It is a small thing you can do, but it makes a big difference in the long run.
I like to bring a water resistant bag to the market just in case anything spills out of a container while I’m walking.
12. Kaohsiung Night Markets Aren’t a Tourist Trap
It isn’t uncommon to hear stories of a traveler who has gone to a market and gotten scammed. It is an unfortunate thing, but it can happen if you’re not careful and aware of your surroundings.
But that isn’t the case with night markets in Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung night markets (and all night markets in Taiwan) are legitimate, safe, and fairly priced.
Locals frequent Kaohsiung night markets, so you know they are legit. The night markets in Taiwan are not designed as a way to lure unsuspecting tourists in and scam them out of a bunch of money.
Of course, there is the risk of being pick pocketed. It is a risk you take wherever you go- even while walking in your home town. But petty crime rates are very low in Taiwan, and you’ll be safe by exercising a basic level of awareness of your surroundings.
So you can rest assured that the Kaohsiung night markets are not a tourists trap. You can explore them and enjoy everything they have to offer without a worry!
They’re one of my favourite things to do in Taiwan, and it would be a shame if you missed out on them because you had the misconception that they are a tourist trap!
Conclusion
There you have it! 12 essential tips you need to know before visiting a Kaohsiung night market.
Every tip on this list is purposeful, and if you follow all of them, you’ll have an amazing experience at the Kaohsiung night markets.
What might seem obvious while reading this post isn’t always as obvious when you’re on the road exploring a new country.
You’ll thank me for these tips when you don’t have to run to find a washroom in the middle of a night market!
I hope you enjoyed these tips! If you have any other expert Kaohsiung night market tips, drop them in the comments. I’d love to read them!
Now stop reading (unless you’re going to read another one of my blog post *wink wink*) and get out there and eat some delicious Taiwanese street food!
Tainan is a beautiful city near Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. It is a fairly popular city for tourists. It is super easy to travel from Taipei to Tainan, so there is no reason not to added Tainan to your Taiwan itinerary.
A lot of people travel from Kaohsiung to Tainan, but using Tainan as an entrance point to southern Taiwan instead of Kaohsiung is a great option.
You should definitely consider it, and this post will help you decide whether travelling from Taipei to Tainan is right for you.
The post will go over all the different transportation options to help you decide how you want to travel between the two cities.
At the end, I’ll give you my recommendation and how I travel from Taipei to Tainan!
Other Taiwan Transportation Guides
I love writing these transportation guides for you.
Figuring out how to travel between cities is one of my least favourite parts of travel, and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to plan your transportation methods.
You’ll want to check out these transportation guides if you’re travelling around Taiwan:
Now back to what you’re really here for: to figure out how to get from Taipei to Tainan.
Option One: Take the HSR from Taipei to Tainan
The HSR (high-speed rail) is the most popular and efficient way to travel from Taipei to Tainan.
It is quick. efficient, and comfortable. The only downside is that it is the most expensive way to travel between the two cities.
But it is often worth it to save time!
How Long Does the HSR Take?
The high-speed rail takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes on average to travel from Taipei to Tainan. Your HSR journey shouldn’t take more than 2 hours!
The distance between the two cities is over 300km, so that is pretty darn fast!
How Much Does a HSR Ticket Cost?
The price of a HSR ticket varies depending on what time of day you’re travelling and what day of the week. The price also depends on whether you’re sitting in standard or business class.
The average cost of a standard seat is 1,350 NTD or approximately $45 USD.
A business seat, on average, costs 2,000 NTD or approximately $66 USD. You don’t need to spend the extra money on a business class seat though. The standard seats are quite nice and very comfortable.
Where to Purchase HSR Tickets
There are three places you can purchase high-speed rail tickets:
You need to pick your ticket up at a ticketing machine at the railway station if you purchase it online. There is a dedicated queue for people picking up tickets, so it doesn’t take very long.
All three options work well for purchasing a ticket, and it really just depends on your preference.
I like to purchase my ticket online through the website a couple of days in advance. This way I’m able to get a window seat and make sure I get a ticket.
Tickets from Taipei to Tainan don’t normally sell out, but they can during busy times of the year like Lunar New Year.
I always recommend buying your HSR ticket a day or two in advance just to be sure you get exactly what you want!
Where Does the HSR Depart from in Taipei?
The HSR departs from Taipei Main Station.
The HSR station is located near the end of Taipei Main Station past the train station. It is really easy to find. You just follow the signs and maps in Taipei Main Station until you reach the HSR station.
You can always ask an employee if you’re having trouble finding the HSR station, but you shouldn’t need to.
Where Does the HSR Arrive at in Tainan?
The high-speed rail train arrives at Tainan High-Speed Rail Station.
The station is, unfortunately, outside of Tainan city, so you’ll need to take another form of transportation to get to Tainan.
You can either take:
Free Shuttle Bus: Hop on either H31 or H62 to get to downtown Tainan.
Train: You can take the train (not HSR) from Tainan High-Speed Rail Station to Tainan Station, which is located in downtown Tainan. A ticket costs less than 25 NTD (approximately $1 USD), and the rides takes less than 20 minutes.
Taxi: There is always a line up of taxis outside of the station. If you don’t want to take the shuttle or train, this is a great option. A taxi to downtown Tainan will cost approximately 450 NTD or about $15 USD.
All three options are great, and it depends on what mood you’re in when you arrive in Tainan. If it is later in the day, I would take a taxi. But if it is still the afternoon, I would lean towards taking the shuttle or train.
Advantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Tainan
It is the quickest way to get from Taipei to Tainan
The HSR is comfortable and clean
It always runs on time, and you shouldn’t encounter any delays
Disadvantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Tainan
It is by far the most expensive way to travel from Taipei to Tainan
The HSR station is outside of Tainan, and you need to take a shuttle, train, or taxi into the city
Option Two: Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan
The second option is taking the regular train from Taipei to Tainan.
It is a lot slower than the HSR, but it is more affordable. You’re saving some money by taking a less convenient form of transportation, but it is a still a great option!
How Long Does the Train Take?
The length of the train journey from Taipei to Tainan varies quite a bit. It depends heavily on what time of day you’re travelling and what day of the week.
Trains that run during rush hour or on the weekend will take longer than early morning and late evening trains because there is more traffic on the train tracks.
You can expect the train ride to be between 3 and 4.5 hours long.
That’s basically twice as long as the HSR.
How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?
Train tickets are a lot more affordable than a HSR ticket.
It will cost you anywhere between 550 NTD (approximately $18 USD) and 750 NTD (approximately $25 USD) to take the train from Taipei to Tainan.
The longer the train ride, the less expensive your ticket will be.
Essentially, if you get on the quickest train, you’re spending half the amount on a train ticket than you would on a HSR ticket and are only on the train an hour longer than you would be on the HSR.
On the other hand, if you purchased the cheapest train ticket, you’re paying 40% less for the ticket but travelling for twice as long.
If you’re taking the train, be sure you’re doing a cost comparison and trying to get on the quickest train that is within your budget.
Where to Purchase a Train Ticket
Just as with the HSR, there are three different ways you can purchase a train ticket:
I always purchase my ticket through the app. I love how convenient it is, and my phone services as my ticket!
You can download your ticket onto your phone if you purchase it on the website, so the only time you’ll have a hard ticket is if you purchase a ticket in person.
I recommend purchasing your ticket as early as possible.
Tickets from Taipei to Tainan don’t typically sell out on a regular basis, but booking early gives you the best chance to get on the train you want and get the seat you want.
A lot of people like to take the most popular trains, so if you’re not booking an off-peak train, then you should plan to purchase your ticket early.
I also recommend trying to get a window seat. It is a long(ish) journey, and you’ll want to be able to look out the window.
Where Does the Train Depart from in Taipei?
The most common place to board the train is at Taipei Main Station. This is the major transportation hub in Taipei, and all the trains headed for Tainan will stop there.
You can potentially catch a train at other TRA stations in Taipei and New Taipei Station, but it isn’t a guarantee.
If you’re staying in New Taipei City and don’t want to take the train to Taipei Main Station, you can search for a train to Tainan departing from the closest TRA station to where you’re staying. Not every train will stop there, but you’ll likely find a number of trains to choose from.
I recommend always depart from Taipei Main Station though. I find it easier and more convenient than trying to catch a train at a different TRA station.
It is up to you and what your preferences are though!
Where Does the Train Arrive at in Tainan?
The train arrives at Tainan Train Station.
It is located right in downtown Tainan, so it is a lot more convenient than the HSR station. You can easily get off the train and head directly to where you’re staying without having to worry about taking another form of transportation into downtown.
Tainan doesn’t have a metro system (yet), so you’ll have to take a bus or taxi to your accommodation if you’re not staying within walking distance of Tainan Train Station.
Advantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan
It is less expensive than the high-speed rail
You arrive in downtown Tainan
The train is comfortable and relaxing
Disadvantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan
It is quite a bit slower than the HSR
The train (in my experience) tends to be very cold, so you’ll want to bring a sweater!
Option Three: Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan
The third option is to take the bus from Taipei to Tainan.
This form of transportation is not nearly as popular as the HSR and train. Your transit time depends on how busy the roads are, and you can end up being delayed if there is a traffic jam.
How Long Does the Bus Take?
The bus normally takes between 4 and 5 hours, but, as mentioned, it can take much longer if the traffic is bad.
You can never guarantee how long the bus is going to take. Make sure you don’t have any strict plans for the day you arrive in Tainan just in case you’re delayed due to traffic!
How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?
The bus is the least expensive way to travel from Taipei to Tainan.
It only costs (on average) between 350 NTD or 400 NTD. That’s approximately $12 USD to $13 USD.
That’s a lot less expensive than the HSR and train, so it can be a pretty good deal. And very attractive if you’re on a very strict travel budget.
Where to Purchase Bus Tickets
You purchase your ticket at the bus station.
Sometimes you purchase your ticket directly from the bus driver and sometimes you purchase it from a ticket window at the bus station.
You’ll easily be able to figure out the process for buying a bus ticket when you get to the station. Just watch what everybody else is doing and follow their lead.
If you’re struggling to figure out how to purchase a ticket or where to catch the bus, just ask an employee (or bus driver), and they’ll be able to help you out.
Where Does the Bus Depart from in Taipei?
The buses from Taipei to Tainan depart from Taipei Bus Station.
The bus station is connected to Taipei Main Station, so it should be easy to find! You just follow the signs and map at Taipei Main Station.
I recommend taking a look at a map of Taipei Main Station when looking for the train station. It’ll really help you get an idea of where exactly you’re headed.
Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Tainan?
Tainan opened a new bus station in January of 2020. It was built to alleviate some of the traffic and congestion around Tainan Station.
Your bus from Taipei will arrive at the new bus station located on Beimen Road. It is just across the street from Tainan Park.
The new bus station isn’t within walking distance of downtown Tainan, so you’ll have to take a free shuttle to Tainan Station. The free shuttle runs every 20 minutes, and you simply wait at the designated area in the parking lot for the next shuttle to arrive.
Advantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan
Very inexpensive
Comfortable seating
You can store your luggage under the bus
Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan
It is the slowest form of transportation
Your journey time depends on traffic
You have to take a shuttle bus to downtown Tainan
Option Four: Flying from Taipei to Tainan
You’re able to fly from Taipei to Tainan, but nobody does so. The HSR and train are very efficient and take less time than flying- especially when you take into consideration getting to and from the airport and getting through security.
The only way I can see flying being a consideration is if you’re going to Tainan the day you land in Taipei. Then it might be beneficial to stay at the airport and catch a flight.
But even then that seems like a stretch. Not many people are going straight to Tainan upon arrive in Taiwan.
So while you can fly to Tainan from Taipei, I don’t recommend it, so I’m not going to go into the details of how you can travel by plane.
Conclusion
It is super easy to get from Taipei to Tainan.
No matter what transportation option you choose to take, you’re able to depart Taipei and arrive in Tainan without having to transfer trains or buses.
I love how simple and stress free it is!
Tainan is a beautiful city, and not enough tourists take the time to visit it while in Taiwan. Now that you know exactly how to get from Taipei to Tainan, there is no excuse not to visit!
You won’t regret spending time in Tainan and exploring all the beautiful temples and night markets.
Taichung is an amazing city in Taiwan that is sometimes overlooked by tourists, which is a shame! Taichung has an amazing vibe and is home to some the best museums and theatres in all of Taiwan.
The best part is that it is incredibly easy to get from Taipei to Taichung!
There is really no excuse not to visit Taichung when you’re in Taiwan.
There are multiple ways to get from Taipei to Taichung, and it can be difficult for a tourist visiting Taiwan for the first time to pick the best option that works for them and their travel needs.
I have my favourite way to travel from Taipei to Taichung, but it might not be the best method for you and your travel needs.
I’m going to go through all the different ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung, so yo can decide for yourself what is the best method.
But don’t worry, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method and then give you my opinion at the end as to what I think is the best way to get from Taipei to Taichung.
Before We Get Started
I find one of the most frustrating parts of planning a trip abroad is figuring out the best way to get from one city to another. There is oftentimes so little information about travelling between cities, and I have to go to multiple website just to find the answer.
Such a waste of time!
That’s why I love creating these transportation guides for you! I love stumbling across comprehensive transportation guides when I’m planning a trip and wanted to create them to help save my fellow travellers some time.
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, here is a list of transportation guides I’ve written and hope they help you in your planning process!
Now back to telling you about how to get from Taipei to Taichung!
Option One: Taking the High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung
The high-speed train (HSR) is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Taiwan. It is fast, clean, efficient, and comfortable.
The only problem is that is it also the most expensive way to travel through Taiwan. You’re definitely paying for the convenience of fast travel, but it can be worth it!
How Long is the HSR Ride?
It will only take you 40 to 70 minutes to get from Taipei to Taichung on the HSR!
That is about half the time of the next quickest option! Nothing comes close to competing with the HSR when it comes to speed!
How Much Does a High-Speed Rail Ticket Cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on what day of the week you’re travelling and what time of day.
You can expect a standard ticket to cost between 650 NTD and 750 NTD. Or approximately $22 USD to $25USD.
A business class ticket is going to cost you quite a bit more. They range in price from 950 NTD and 1,050 NTD. That is about $32 USD to $35 USD. But you don’t need a business class seat. The standard class seating area is quiet nice, and you’re not on the HSR for long!
Where Can You Buy HSR Tickets?
You can purchase HSR tickets one of these locations:
Both options work perfectly fine, but I prefer to purchase my ticket online and pick it up at the train station the day I’m travelling. It is just easier that way. You don’t have to worry about setting aside the time to ensure you’re at the train station far enough in advance to stand in line to get a ticket.
If you do purchase your ticket online, you’ll either have to print your ticket or pick it up at the station.
There are dedicated ticketing machines for people who are picking up their tickets at the station, so it doesn’t take more than a few minutes. All you need is your booking reference, and you’re good to go!
Where Does the HSR Depart from in Taipei?
You can catch the high-speed rail to Taichung at one of these three stations:
Taipei Main Station
Nangang
Banqiao ( located in New Taipei City)
Most tourists will catch the train at Taipei Main Station. It is the most convenient location and tends to be the easiest for people to get to.
No matter what station you choose to depart from, be sure to follow the signs in the station to find the HSR station. The signs are easy to follow and will lead you right where you need to be!
Where Does the HSR Arrive in Taichung?
The unfortunate part of the HSR station in Taichung is that it is located in the outskirts of the town. That means you have to take the extra step of taking a separate train to get to the heart of the city.
The HSR station in Taichung is well connected, so it is easy to get from the station into town.
It is only a mild inconvenience.
You can either take the train or a bus from the HSR station into town. The New Wurih Railway Station is only a five minute walk from the HSR station, and you can board a bus directly into the heart of Taichung from there.
Alternatively, you can take a Nantou bus from the HSR station to the Taichung Railway Station in the heart of the city.
Taichung is in the process of building a metro line to the HSR station. Hopefully it is up and running soon, so we can just hop on the metro and get off downtown.
Pros of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung
It is fast
The trains are clean and comfortable
The HSR is reliable and hardly ever running late
Cons of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung
It is fairly expensive compared to other options
You have to get from the HSR station to downtown by bus, train, or taxi
Option Two: Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung
Taking the train is another great option for getting from Taipei to Taichung. It isn’t as quick as taking the HSR, but it is just as convenient.
The train is a nice combination of price, speed, and comfort. It is a great option for people looking to save a little money on transportation without sacrificing comfort or convenience!
How Long Does the Train Ride Take?
The length of your journey on the train varies a lot more than if you were to take the HSR. It depends on the time of day, what day of the week, and if the train has to stop to let faster trains/HSRs pass it on the track.
In general, you can expect the train ride from Taipei to Taichung to take anywhere between 2 hours and 3.5 hours.
That’s a pretty big difference!
I highly recommend you look at the departure and arrival times for multiple trains departing within an hour or two window of when you want to leave Taipei.
This will allow you to pick the shortest journey that fits within your price point. You may have to leave a little earlier or later than you intended to, but it could end up saving you a lot of time!
How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?
There are two different types of trains that travel from Taipei to Taichung:
The local train
The express train
There will, of course, be a price difference between the two types of trains you can take.
The local train is slower and less expensive, and the express train is faster and more expensive.
There isn’t a huge price difference between the two types of trains. If you’re not on a super tight budget, I recommend trying to get a ticket for the express train.
You will arrive in Taichung much quicker than on the local train. The extra money you spent on the quicker train will be made up in the extra time you have in Taichung!
On average, you can expect a ticket to cost:
Local train: 240 NTD or approximately $8 USD
Express train: 375 NTD or approximately $12.50 USD
Where Can You Buy Train Tickets?
There are quite a few different places you can purchase train tickets, and they all have their pros and cons.
Here is a list of where you can purchase train tickets:
I personally purchase my tickets through the app. There is an English version, and it is super straightforward and easy to use!
I like purchasing my tickets through the app because the app automatically saves my ticket to my phone, and all I have to do is scan my phone when I arrive at the platform.
There is no need for a paper ticket!
You can download tickets you purchase through the website to your phone as well. You simply enter the booking number into the app, and your ticket will appear.
Buying tickets in person is, of course, great for people who want to pay in cash and don’t want to use their credit card.
You have to arrive at the station early to get your ticket, but it is worth it if you don’t have a credit card or want to use up cash.
No matter how you choose to purchase your ticket, I suggest purchasing your ticket at least a day or two in advance. It will ensure you get a ticket on the train you want, and you have a better chance of getting your preferred seat (window or aisle).
Where Does the Train Depart Taipei?
The easiest place to catch the train from Taipei to Taichung is at Taipei Main Station.
You may be able to catch the train at other local train stations in Taipei and New Taipei City, but it depends on the train, so I wouldn’t rely on that.
If you do want to catch the train somewhere other than Taipei Main Station, make sure you use the station you want to depart from when purchasing your ticket.
This way you’ll only see trains departing from your chosen station.
Where Does the Train Arrive in Taichung?
The train from Taipei to Taichung arrive at Taichung Station.
Taichung Station is in the heart of Taichung, so it is a more convenient arriving point than the HSR station outside of town.
Once you arrive at Taichung Station, you simply find you way to wherever you’re staying. You don’t have to worry about the extra step of taking a bus or train into the city, which is really nice!
Pros of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung
Less expensive than HSR
Arrives in the heart of the city
Nice blend of inexpensive price but still comfortable and convenient
Can buy tickets on the app
Cons of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung
Slower than the HSR
Have to pay attention to travel time to make sure you’re not on a super slow train
Option Three: Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung
The final option to get from Taipei to Taichung is by bus.
Highway buses in Taiwan are convenient and comfortable! They have nice big seats, storage under the bus for bags, and curtains to block the sun. Buses are actually quite a comfortable and stress-free way to travel in Taiwan.
The downside to taking the bus that they have to deal with traffic! You never know when you’ll hit a traffic jam, and your journey could take a lot longer than you anticipated.
How Long is the Bus Ride?
It is quite difficult to tell you exactly how long the bus ride from Taipei to Taichung is. The duration of your trip relies heavily on traffic, and that is impossible to predict.
On average, you can expect the bus ride to last anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.
There are ways you can try to ensure your bus ride takes as little time as possible.
This includes not travelling during rush hour and avoiding the weekend if possible. That will give you the best chance of not getting stuck in a traffic jam.
How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?
The bus is the least expensive transportation option and is perfect for people who count every penny!
A bus ticket will normally cost between 200 NTD (approximately $7 USD) and 275 NTD (about $9 USD).
As you can see, the least expensive ticket price isn’t much cheaper than the least expensive train ticket price, but there is a bigger difference between the more expensive tickets.
You should take the time to price out the train and bus options if you’re on a budget. There may not be a huge difference between the cost.
Where Can You Buy Bus Tickets?
Bus tickets are purchased at the bus station.
Sometimes there is ticket window where you purchase your ticket and sometimes you purchase your ticket directly from the driver.
You should be able to figure out the protocol when you arrive at the bus station, but if you’re unsure, you can ask any bus station employee, and they’ll be able to help you out!
Where Does the Bus Depart Taipei?
Buses from Taipei to Taichung depart from the Taipei Bus Station.
The bus station is connected to Taipei Main Station. You simply follow the signs inside the station, and you’ll arrive at the bus station!
Where Does the Bus Arrive in Taichung?
The bus arrives at Taichung Station.
Basically, the bus departs and arrives at the same stations as the train. Obviously, the buses depart from a parking lot outside the stations, but you’ll easily be able to find the bus station if once you get to Taipei Main Station or Taichung Station.
Pros of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung
The least expensive option
Comfortable
Has storage under the bus, so you don’t have to worry about lifting bags overhead to store
Cons of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung
The length of the trip relies on traffic and could take much longer than anticipated
Can’t get up and walk around like on the train or HSR
Purchasing a ticket isn’t as convenient as other options
Other Ways to Travel from Taipei to Taichung
There are a number of other ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung. I didn’t go in depth for these options because most people won’t use these methods, but I wanted to include them quickly.
Flying
Driving yourself (car or scooter)
Taking a chartered bus/limousine bus
My Recommendation
It is difficult to give a firm recommendation on how to get from Taipei to Taichung.
If I were travelling between the two cities, this is the process I would go through to decide what transportation method I wanted to use:
Check to see if I could get an express train that takes under 2 hours to get from Taipei to Taichung for under 350 NTD (approximately $12 USD).
If I can’t get a quick train to Taichung for under 350 NTD, then I would explore the HSR options.
I would compare the journey length to the ticket price and decide what I felt was the best for me balancing both cost and time.
In all likelihood, 9 times out of 10, I would probably take the train rather than the HSR.
For me, it is worth saving a little bit of money and having a slightly longer journey time than it is to pay the extra price for an HSR ticket.
But it might be different for you.
If you’re only in Taiwan for a very short period of time or are only visiting Taichung for the day, then the HSR is probably your best option.
The only option I’m weary of and don’t really recommend is the bus. I don’t like having my journey time depend on traffic when there is a comparable option for basically the same price.
Conclusion
There isn’t really a wrong way to travel from Taipei to Taichung. Each transportation method is suited for different people with different needs.
The easiest way to get from Taipei to Taichung is definitely taking the HSR or train. It takes a lot of the unknown out of the journey.
Plus you get a much nicer view from the train/HSR than the bus. Who wants to be looking at cars when you could be looking at nature?!
No matter how you decide to travel from Taipei to Taichung, it is well worth the trip! Taichung is a beautiful city that you should add to your Taiwan itinerary!
You won’t regret it!
PS- if you’re interested in learning some great tips to help you navigate Taiwan and not stick out like a tourist, be sure to check out my post on Taiwan travel tips!
Cijin Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and you don’t want to miss visiting it!
Seriously, no trip to Kaohsiung is complete without experiencing Cijin Island!
Cijin Island is the perfect way to spend a day in Kaohsiung. It is right next to the city, easy to get to by public transportation, and has breathtaking sights.
This post is the ultimate guide to Cijin Island. It has all the information you need to plan the perfect day and tips to get the most out of your day on the island.
How to Get to Cijin Island from Kaohsiung City
It is incredibly easy to get to Cijin Island from Kaohsiung! It involves taking the MRT, Light Rail, or bus then a ferry.
Taking the MRT
Taking the MRT is the easiest way to get to the ferry that takes you to Cijin Island.
You take the metro all the way to the end of the Orange line and get off at O1 (Sizihwan).
If your hotel is along the Red line, you’ll have to transfer
Once you get off the metro, follow the signs in the station for Exit 1. Exit 1 is the closest exit to Gushan Ferry where you will depart for Cijin Island.
There are signs at Exit 1 with instructions on how to get to Gushan Ferry, and they are very easy to follow. The instructions are written in both English and Mandarin, so you won’t have any trouble reading them!
The ferry is about a five minute walk from the metro station. It is impossible to get lost on the walk. Don’t worry about that!
Taking the Light Rail
The Light Rail system is a new addition to the Kaohsiung transportation game. It modern, new, and quite enjoyable. I would highly recommend you use it at least once while you’re in Kaohsiung.
You ride the Light Rail to stop C14 (Hamasen).
From there, you need to walk to the ferry station.
The easiest way to do that is to walk to Exit 1 of the MRT station and follow the written instructions at the station to walk to the ferry station.
The Light Rail station is connected to the MRT station via an underground walkway. Using the underground walkway is the easiest way to get from the Light Rail station to the MRT station without getting lost.
You can also walk above ground. You simply leave the Light Rail station, cross the main street, turn right, and follow it until you get to the MRT station.
Easy as that!
Taking the Bus
The bus would be my last option to get to Gushan Ferry. It isn’t as fast as the MRT and Light Rail systems, and the quickness of the journey depends on the traffic.
The bus system in Kaohsiung is good and well developed, so it isn’t an issue if you are staying in an area that is better served with buses than with the MRT or Light Rail systems.
I would just try to use one of the other two options before taking a bus.
There are tons of different buses that have stops at or near Gushan Ferry. I don’t want to give any specific advise on what bus to take because that is highly dependant on what part of Kaohsiung you’re staying in.
I do recommend that you put Gushan Ferry into your Google Maps and follow the app’s instructions on what bus to get on, when the next bus will arrive, and when to get off.
Google Maps is incredibly accurate in Taiwan, so you can trust that it is telling you to get on the correct bus going in the right direction.
Just be sure you’re putting Gushan Ferry as your destination not Cijin Island. The app isn’t the best at figuring out how to get to Cijin Island and often makes it more complicated than it needs to be.
Taking the Ferry
Now that you’re at the ferry station, it is time to take the ferry to Cijin Island!
The ferry ride is only five minutes long, and you can see the island from the pier. Don’t worry if you’re prone to seasickness. The ferry ride isn’t nearly long enough for you to start feeling sick!
The ferry departs every 10 to 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about showing up at a specific time to catch the ferry.
Simply show up whenever you want to explore Cijin Island, and there will be a ferry there shortly!
The one-way fare is $25 NTD, which is less than $1 USD! You can pay your fare by tapping your transportation card (highly recommended) or with cash.
There are two queues to board the ferry. One is for passengers without scooters and one is for passengers with scooters.
Make sure you’re in the right line!
Once you’re on the ferry, I recommend you go up to the second floor. There are a lot of seats to choose from if you want to sit and viewing areas if you want to take photos while on the ferry.
The ferry only makes one stop, so you just need to get off when the ferry stops, and you’re on your way to explore Cijin Island.
A note of caution: if you paid with your transportation card, be sure to tap it when you get off as well!
Looking for transportation guides between cities in Taiwan? Check these out!
Cijin Island isn’t huge, so it is quite easy to see the entire island in a single day.
There are two main ways to get around Cijin Island:
Bike
Walking
Bike
You can rent a bike on the main road as soon as you get off the ferry. The bikes are fairly inexpensive and a good investment if you don’t want to walk around the island for hours.
The bikes are motorized, so you don’t have to worry about pedalling yourself around Cijin Island! You just hop on your bike and motor around the island.
There are a few attractions on Cijin Island that you can’t get to on your bike, so you’ll still have to walk a little bit. You can’t take your bike up to the lighthouse or the fort.
But you’ll be able to use your bike to get to most of the sights. A bike will certainly save you a lot of time walking and get you places quickly.
Pro tip: the bike rentals at the start of the street right after you get off the ferry are most expensive. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, walk halfway down the street and rent your bike from on of those vendors.
Walking
It is very doable to walk around the island. I personally walked around Cijin Island, so I know it can be done!
I will admit that it got a bit daunting to walk around the island at points. Taiwan is extremely humid and hot, so the heat really takes it out of you.
Well at least it does for me as a Canadian who is used to spending eight months of the year bundled up in jacket and scarves trying to avoid frostbite.
But if you’re used to walking around for hours in Taiwan, walking around Cijin Island won’t be any different than any other day wandering around Taiwan.
The Top Attractions on Cijin Island
There are tons of things to see and do on Cijin Island. Luckily you’re able to see everything the island has to offer in a single day- especially if you rent a bike!
These are the top attractions on Cijin Island that you don’t want to miss!
Kaohsiung Fort
Kaohsiung Fort is my favourite attraction on Cijin Island! I could spend hours there taking in the sights and sounds.
The fort is one of those pesky sights that you need to walk up a hill to get to even if you have a bike, but it is well worth it!
The fort was built in 1883 by the British. It was built with red brick in a traditional Chinese style, but it is mostly just ruins now.
You walk on the ruins of the fort along the walls and get the most spectacular views of Kaohsiung, Cijin Island, and the harbour.
It is absolutely incredible! One of the highlights of the island for sure.
The Lighthouse
The lighthouse is just a short walk up the hill from Kaohsiung Fort. You walk along a small pathway with flowers lining the way.
The lighthouse was also built in 1883 by the British and was used extensively but the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan. It is an important piece of Taiwan and Kaohsiung history.
The lighthouse is another place to get incredible views of Kaohsiung and Cijin Island.
I highly recommend you taking the effort to walk up to the lighthouse. The views are well worth the effort!
Rainbow Church
Rainbow Church is one of the most popular sights on Cijin Island.
It isn’t a religious church but, rather, a colourful piece of artwork that people visit to get an amazing Instagram photo. It is extremely popular, and there is always a queue you have to wait in to get a picture.
Rainbow Church is quite pretty, but I personally didn’t think it was worth my time to wait in the long queue to get a photo there. Plus I was traveling alone, so I wouldn’t have been able to get a very nice picture.
But it does make a really nice backdrop and a great place to get the perfect Instagram photo to mark your time on Cijin Island.
The Beach
Cijin Island is an island, so it obviously has a beach!
The beach is at the end of the main road, so it is impossible not to stumble on it. You can rent surf boards and enjoy the water or just relax in the sand and soak up the sun.
The portion of the beach at the end of the main road is the start of the main section of the beach and is a great spot to choose to hang out.
It isn’t too crowded there most of the time and close enough to the main road that you can pop over and get a snack or drink whenever you feel like it.
Cijin Tunnel
Cijin Tunnel is my second favourite place on the island.
You walk through the tunnel that opens onto a viewing point of the water. This is the closest you can get to the wild water surrounding the island.
The waves crash on the rocks, and you get to appreciate the natural beauty of the water and island. You can also walk through a forested area to get a better appreciation for the nature of Cijin Island.
I highly recommend taking the time to explore what’s on the other side of Cijin Tunnel.
A note of caution: it can be a bit difficult to find the entrance to Cijin Tunnel. It is a little bit off the beaten track and not in clear view. Be sure to follow the signs carefully, and you’ll have no problem finding the entrance.
Chi Jin Mazu Temple
I hadn’t heard about Chi Jin Mazu Temple when I visited Cijin Island, but I’m so happy I stumbled on it! The temple is one of the most famous attractions on the island, so I’m not sure how I didn’t know about it before I went to Cijin Island (face palm).
The temple opened in 1673 and is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of the sea Mazu. It was built by the first settlers who washed up on the island and was used to house the Mazu idol they brought with them.
It is said that Chi Jin Mazu Temple was the first building built on Cijin Island, and the community grew from there.
It is a beautiful temple located just off the main street. It isn’t always open, so you might not be able to go inside the temple. But it is well worth viewing the outside of the temple at a minimum.
Indulge in Shaved Ice
Shaved ice is a traditional Taiwanese dessert. It can be found throughout the county, but I think the best shaved ice can be found on Cijin Island.
I don’t know why it tastes even more delicious on Cijin Island, but it does. So delicious!
There are many different shaved ice stores on the main road, so it is easy to stop in for a quick treat before you get on the ferry to return to Kaohsiung. All the shaved ice restaurants on the main road are great, and you can’t go wrong choosing any of them.
I highly recommend you opt for the traditional mango shaved ice. You can’t beat it!
Conclusion
Cijin Island is unmissable for anybody visiting Kaohsiung!
It has a number of different sights for you to visit, and you can find the perfect attraction for you no matter what your interests are. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Instagram photo, want to explore historical sights, or want to connect with nature, Cijin Island has something for you!
The best part about Cijin Island is that all the sights are free to visit! The only thing you’ll spend money on during your day trip to Cijin Island is the ferry ride, renting a bike, and food!
You can’t ask for more than that when looking for an inexpensive activity in Kaohsiung.
I suggest dedicating at least 3/4 of a day to Cijin Island, but if you’re in a rush, you can visit the major sights in half a day.
No matter how long you choose to spend on Cijin Island, be sure to bring your camera because you’ll want to capture the beauty of the island for yourself.
Taiwan is an amazing country with lots to see and do. It is an underrated country, so there isn’t as much information about Taiwan on the internet as other popular Asian countries like Thailand.
This post will provide you with 10 incredibly practical and helpful Taiwan travel tips. It includes transportation tips, dining tips, and general Taiwan travel tips. It will hopefully help you when you’re in Taiwan.
You always want to try to blend in as a tourists, and these Taiwan travel tips will help you look like a local. Well, maybe not a local, but at least not an ignorant tourist. Nobody wants to be that person who is clearly a tourist and hasn’t done any research before visiting the country.
Lucky for you, you won’t be that person if you follow these 10 Taiwan travel tips!
1. Be Careful Where You Sit on Public Transportation
Finding a seat and sitting down sounds like one of the easiest parts of figuring out the transportation system in a new country, but that isn’t the case in Taiwan.
There are dedicated seats on the metro and buses for elderly people, pregnant people, and people living with disabilities. The seats are marked either with a coloured fabric over the top of the seat on the bus or by a different (normally dark) coloured seat on the metro.
The dedicated seats are normally near the front of the bus or near the doors on the metro.
You do not want to sit in those seats even if there aren’t people who need to use them nearby. People in Taiwan take these seats seriously, and you’ll get dirty looks from the locals if you sit in them.
Even if all the other seats are taken, it is best to stand rather than sit in these spots!
This is one of the best Taiwan travel tips I can give you! It’ll help you blend in, and you won’t look like a jerk if you’re taking a seat that is reserved for someone who needs it more than you do.
Be sure to purchase your Taoyuan Airport MRT ticket online in advance to save time standing in line for a ticket at the airport. You even save a little money buying it in advance!
2. Bring Your Own Drink to Restaurants
This is one of the most unique Taiwan travel tips on the list and was not something I’ve ever encountered while travelling before. As a North American, it is considered quite rude to bring your own drink into a restaurant, so it was a bit difficult to get used to bringing my own drink to dinner in Taiwan.
There is, however, a very logical reason for this behaviour. Bubble tea is an immensely popular drink in Taiwan, and you can purchase it at a walk-up window on the street. No matter where in Taiwan you are, you won’t be more than a few hundred meters from a bubble tea window.
Restaurants are used to people bringing in their own outside drink, and they don’t mind one bit. Some smaller, local restaurants don’t sell drinks, but most do.
You can purchase a drink where you’re dining in most cases, but you may as well bring your own drink that was probably much more affordable than buying a drink at the restaurants.
There are some higher end restaurants that don’t let you bring your own drink. There will be a sign on the door (or an employee will tell you) if you’re not allowed to bring in your own drink.
3. Visa is the Most Widely Accepted Credit Card
This was another surprising thing I learnt while in Taiwan. Visa is the most widely accepted and preferred credit card in Taiwan. Master Card and American Express are accepted but by fewer vendors.
Most major retailers and hotels will accept any major credit card you have, but that may not be the case if you’re trying to pay by credit card at a local restaurant or store.
It is definitely something to be aware of and prepare for if at all possible. It is awful to be stuck in a situation where you’re trying to purchase something, your credit card isn’t accepted, and you don’t have enough cash to pay for whatever you’re purchasing.
I only used my credit card to purchase rail tickets when I was in Taiwan. I used my Master Card and had no issue. But I heard a number of stories from travellers about running into trouble because they didn’t have a Visa.
4. Cash is King
This tip fits in nicely with my last tip.
You want to carry cash with you while travelling in Taiwan. There are a number of places that only accept cash. This includes night markets, and you will undoubtably be visiting at least one night market in Taiwan.
You’ll also be making a number of small purchases (mostly bubble tea if you’re anything like me) that you’ll want to pay cash for. You don’t want to be paying credit card conversion fees on small purchases!
I personally like to take out cash before I leave on a trip, so I don’t have to worry about paying an ATM fee in whatever country I’m visiting.
You can also exchange money when you get to Taiwan. You’ll want to avoid exchanging money at the airport though. Most airport currency exchange kiosks charge a higher percentage than kiosks anywhere else. It is a bit of a scam so try to avoid it at all costs!
5. Cities are Walkable but Spread Out
I love walking and tend to walk wherever I need to go when I’m travelling. I’m talking walking over an hour to get from one destination to another, but I know I’m not the norm in that regard.
It is definitely possible to walk to most tourist attractions in Taiwan, but it isn’t always the best use of your time. The tourist sights in cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung are really spread out, and take public transportation is your most time efficient option.
If you’re not in Taiwan for a long time, you’ll want to take public transit to make the most out of your time. If, however, you’re like me and have a few weeks in Taiwan and love walking, feel free to hit the pavement and walk until you can’t walk anymore!
6. English is Widely Spoken
I know this isn’t technically a travel tip, but it is a good thing to know.
You don’t have to worry about not being able to communicate while in Taiwan. Many of the locals, especially the younger generation, speak English.
Metro stations, buses, trains, and metro cars all have English signs, so you’ll be able to figure out where you are and where you need to go.
Many restaurants have English versions of their menus. You just need to ask, and they’ll be able to help you out.
Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly! They’re more than happy to help you out if you’re lost or need help with something. Locals will likely come up to you while you’re in Taiwan and want to talk to you about where your’e from and how you’re liking Taiwan.
Language barrier is not something to worry about at all.
Of course there are a number of people who don’t speak English, but they’ll always do their best to help you and find someone who does.
7. Get a Transportation Card
You’ll be using public transportation quite a bit in Taiwan, so you’ll want to pick up either an EasyMoney card or iCash 2.0 card.
You can purchase both cards at any convenience store, at the airport MRT station in Taipei, or at metro stations in Taipei and Kaohsiung. You’re able to load and re-load your card at these places as well.
Ticket machines won’t give you change when reloading your EasyMoney card. Make sure you have the exact amount of cash you want to load onto your card if you use a machine. If you don’t have the exact amount of cash, you can reload your card at the ticket booth manned by employees. They can give you change.
Credit cards are not accepted at either the ticket machine or the ticket booth. You must pay for your transportation in cash.
You pre-load the transportation card with money and then simply tap the card when getting on and off transportation. This allows you to easily use public transportation and save time. It is a hassle to purchase single-journey tickets whenever you want to use public transportation.
There is a small fee to purchase a transportation card, but it is well worth it. It will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Paying with cash on the bus is especially annoying. You need exact cash, and you’re given a little card saying you paid that you have to give back to the driver when you get off the bus.
My iCash 2.0 card wasn’t working properly one day, and I had to use cash on the bus. It was a bit annoying, and a transportation card works much better.
Transportation Guides:
You can’t use your transportation card when travelling between cities. You have to purchase either a train, bus, or plane ticket.
Here are a number of travel guides to help you plan your transportation between cities:
One of my favourite parts about dining out in Taiwan is that you pay for your meal when you order not at the end of the meal.
This completely eliminates the awkward time at the end of your meal when you’re trying to get your server’s attention to bring you the bill. It is my least favourite part of dining out, and I love that it isn’t an issue in Taiwan.
You order your food, pay for it, eat, and then walk out. It is the perfect system in my mind. If you want to order more after you paid, simply tell your server. You’ll need to pay for the new items you ordered, but it isn’t an issue at all to add to your order mid-meal.
Tipping isn’t common practice in Taiwan, so you don’t need to add anything on top of the base price for your meal. People are paid a living wage and don’t rely on tips, and it can often be seen as rude if you do tip.
I know it can be difficult to get used to not tipping if you’re from North America, but it does save you some money! You don’t have to worry about shelling out an additional 15% to 20% anytime you eat out!
2023 Update: More and more restaurants seem to be moving towards paying after the meal instead of when ordering. Some restaurants have you pay when you order, but these are more commonly found in shopping centres and food stalls. This makes it a bit more complicated to figure out how and when to pay for your meal. If you’re not asked to pay for your meal up front, then you’ll probably pay at the counter when you leave. You can always ask an employee if you’re not quite sure about payment.
9. No Talking on Public Transportation
This is another one of those Taiwan travel tips that will help you blend in and look like a local when using public transportation in Taiwan.
It is also one of my favourite things about Taiwan transportation. I hate when people have casual conversations on public transportation, and I don’t need to worry about that in Taiwan!
It is considered quite rude to talk while on public transportation in Taiwan. This includes having a conversation with someone you’re with or talking on the phone.
You don’t want to be the obnoxious traveller who is carrying on a loud conversation annoying everybody else on the train or bus. Reserve your conversations for when you’re off the train, and everybody around you will very much appreciate it.
Also, don’t eat on public transportation. It’s not allowed, and you will get in trouble. I saw a man eating a sandwich on the metro and was scolded by a security guard on the train.
10. Eat Like a Local
Taiwanese food in incredible and some of the most delicious food in Asia.
Food, for the most part, is really affordable and inexpensive in Taiwan. There are certainly places where food is expensive, but it is really easy to not break the bank while eating out in Taiwan.
To eat the best food at the best price, eat where the locals eat!
This includes at night markets, street vendors, food courts in department stores, and mom-and-pop restaurants. You’ll know you’re in a good place when there are more locals than tourists!
It can be difficult to find a local place to eat. You can ask your hotel for recommendations, and they should be able to help you out. My preference is to wander into a local neighbourhood and then use Google Maps to find a restaurant nearby. I then read the restaurant reviews until I find a place that suits my fancy.
I’ve found some of my favourite restaurants in Taiwan using this technique. I’ve found it to be a great way to try a local place and know I’m getting good food. If the locals give it a good review, I feel confident giving it a try.
BONUS: Get an Esim
Taiwan has a public wifi network called iTaiwan, but it doesn’t really have the coverage you’d expect, and it can be a bit complicated to create and account and access the wifi.
I highly recommend you skip the headache of trying to access iTaiwan and get an esim instead. You simply purchase and download an esim onto your phone, and it activates as soon as you turn on your data when you arrive in Taiwan.
You get to keep your home number and phone set up and can top up your data anytime during your trip through the app. Esims are without a doubt the most convenient way to get data when you travel. I never travel without an esim now. I’m obsessed with them and how easy they make accessing the internet while abroad.
Plus they’re super affordable and can oftentimes be cheaper than getting a local physical sim when travelling!
There you have it! 10 really practical Taiwan travel tips that will help you navigate and explore Taiwan.
These tips are designed to help you integrate into Taiwan and explore the country like a local as much as possible. You’ll use transportation, eat, and shop like a local! These Taiwan travel tips will make travelling in Taiwan so much easier!
You’ll be able to relax and enjoy what the country has to offer rather than stressing about transportation, food, and money if you implement these travel tips.
All these tips are things I wish I knew before I went to Taiwan. I hope they help you while you’re in Taiwan, and you don’t make some of the mistakes I did.
Fo Guang Shan Monastery is an essential part of any visit to Kaohsiung. It is the a Fo Guang Shan- a Chinese Buddhist religion. The monastery is the largest Buddhist temple in Taiwan and is home to the largest bronze sitting Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.
Fu Guang Shan was founded by Master Hsingyun. Master Hsingyun practiced and preached for a modern, humanistic form of Buddhism, and Fu Guang Shan eventually became the most popular form of Buddhism in Taiwan.
Shortly after the construction of Fo Guang Shan monastery was complete, it was opened to the public. It was an extremely popular destination for practicing monks and disciples to visit, and it was closed to the public 1997 to lessen the disturbance the monks faced.
The monastery reopened to the public in 2001 and has been open ever since.
Fo Guang Shan monastery is breathtaking and is a sight like no other. The detail and time that went into building the monastery really shows in the final product. Even if you’ve been to Buddhist monasteries before, you need to visit Fo Guang Shan monastery when you’re in Kaohsiung.
If you’re lucky to visit Fo Guang Shan when it isn’t super busy, you’ll get extra attention from the volunteers. They’ll teach you about the religion and let you do extra special things like ring a bell that monks normally only get to ring and teach you how to bathe Baby Buddha. It’s a really fun experience!
Getting from Kaohsiung to Fo Guang Shan Monastery
It is quite easy to get from Kaohsiung to Fo Guang Shan Monastery!
The first step is to take the metro or bus to Zuoying Station. Zuoying Station is located along the Red metro line and is stop R16. Many buses also stop at Zuoying Station, and you can use Google Maps to find the best route depending on where you’re staying.
Once you’re at Zuoying Station, you need to take a bus to Fo Guang Shan monastery. You can take with bus 8501 or the Hafo Express. They both cost basically the same amount of money and take approximately 45 minutes to reach the monastery.
The bus station is located outside between the high speed rail station and the metro station. There are signs inside the metro station directing you to the bus station, so you just need to follow them.
There are a number of different buses that stop of Zuoying Station, so you need to read the signs to make sure you’re standing at the correct bus stop. Just look for the sign that read “Fo Guang Shan Monastery”. It is written in both English and Mandarin and is easy to find.
There are 25 buses per day to the monastery between the two companies. The first bus leaves at 8am and the last one departs at 5:40pm. You can find a bus schedule here.
If you’re travelling from Taipei to Kaohsiung, be sure to check out this post. It is an in-depth guide on how to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung and covers all your different transportation options in one convenient place.
The bus is normally fairly busy and has a line up of people waiting. Especially in the morning. I suggest you arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes early to guarantee you get a stop and don’t have to wait for the next bus.
Last time I was there in October of 2023, the bus wasn’t too busy (about half full). I think it’s because the day before was a national holiday. Everybody went the day before and not many people went the day I went. It was surprisingly super quiet at the monastery. But I wouldn’t expect it to be quiet when you go (it was a nice fluke for me) and suggest you get to the bus station a bit early.
When to get off the Bus
The bus from Kaohsiung stops twice. This first stop is the Buddhist Museum and the second is the monastery. Both stops are part of the Fo Guang Shan complex, so you can’t go wrong with getting off at either stop.
The museum is the part of the complex that has the giant sitting Buddha and is what you’ve probably seen pictures of. The monastery is a the part of the complex where the monks train and practice, and there are plenty of sights you can view there as well.
My personal recommendation is to get off at the monastery (the second stop) rather than the museum. I recommend this becasue:
It is less busy, so you’ll avoid the crowds. Most people get off at the museum, so it is crowded right after a bus arrives and less busy between bus arrivals. Once you’ve explored the monastery, the museum should be less busy.
It saves you walking up a large hill. There is a bit of a steep hill between the museum and monastery. If you go from the monastery to the museum, you walk down the hill. If you go from the museum to the monastery, you walk up the hill. The hill isn’t too steep, but it does make you extra sweaty in the Taiwan humidity.
Entrance Fee
Entrance to Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is free. There are a number of donation boxes throughout the monastery and museum where you’re able to donate money.
You will never be asked or pressured to donate money, but it is a good idea to put donate even a small amount of money. These donations help keep the monastery up and running and free for tourists to enter.
How Long do You Need at Fo Guang Shan?
I suggest spending at least half a day at Fo Guang Shan but three quarters of a day would be even better!
There is a lot to see and do at Fo Guang Shan, so you don’t want to rush your visit. Dedicating at least half a day will allow you to see both the monastery and museum without feeling too rushed.
Spending three quarters of a day at Fo Guang Shan will allow you to spend time getting the perfect pictures, visit all the museum exhibits without rushing through them, have lunch, and do a little souvenir shopping.
Things to See at Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Great Buddha Standing Statue
The Great Buddha Standing Statue is the highlight of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, or at least it was for me. I hadn’t heard of this statue before and was completely blown away when I saw it.
It is located up a short hill once you enter the monastery. The statue is the most popular sight at the monastery, so if you’re following a group of people, you’re probably heading in the right direction!
The Great Buddha Standing Statue is a huge statue of a standing Buddha that is surrounded by countless other small Buddha statues.
It is the tallest standing Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, and the 480 small Buddhas surrounding the statue symbolizing the life of Buddha.
The Main Shrine and the Way to Buddhahood Path
The Main Shrine was constructed in 1975 and is the main shrine at Fo Guang Shan. It is home to three sitting Buddha statues.
Surrounding the shrine is 14,800 statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha. It is an incredible sight to see.
Part of the base of the Main Shrine was constructed using stones from the Diamond Throne in India. This stone is considered sacred in Buddhism as the Diamond Throne is where Budhha taught Dharma and became enlightened.
The use of the stone in the Main Shrine is meant to symbolize the continuation of Buddha’s teachings and enlightenment.
The Main Shrine is typically reserved for prayer, but you’re more than welcome to admire the outside of it if you don’t want to pray.
2023 Update: The main shrine is open to the public at certain times throughout the day! If the doors are open, you’re able to go in. I highly recommend you do visit the main shire. It’s incredible and one of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever visited.
Light Jewel Pagodas
There are two pagodas located just outside the Main Shrine. They are called the Light Jewel Pagodas, and they symbolize the light of Buddha encompassing all people.
The pagodas are quite spectacular and feature lots of intricate carving work. The Light Jewel Pagodas were one of my favourite parts of Fo Guang Shan. I spent a long time admiring the buildings and taking photos.
Things to See at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Font Hall
The Front Hall is the entrance to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. It is the start to your adventure and time at the museum.
The Front Hall has a few shopping kiosks that sell trinkets and other small gifts like scarves or pineapple cakes. It also has a number of restaurants and is where most people eat during their visit to Fo Guang Shan.
8 Pagodas
The 8 Pagodas line the walkway to the Buddha Museum and giant Buddha. They are spectacular and well worth taking the time to explore each of them as well as take tons of pictures.
You can enter most of the pagodas, and they have a small exhibit about different aspects of the Fo Guang Shan religion and humanistic Buddhism. They don’t take too long to explore, so you should definitely consider making sure you have enough time in your schedule to visit them.
Each of the pagodas has their own meaning ranging from goodness to giving to harmonies.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
At the end of the walkway with the 8 Pagodas, there is a building. Inside that building is the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.
The museum is two levels with artwork and other cultural items on the second floor and informational exhibits on the first floor. There is also a temporary exhibit on the first floor.
Exhibits include The Life of Buddha, Museum of Underground Palaces, Museum of Buddhist Festivals, and more.
A number of the exhibits are interactive, so you’re able to participate in the activities if you want. Volunteers are also in each exhibit and are happy to explain things to you and answer all of your questions.
Main Hall
The Main Hall is located right on top of the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. It is built in an Indian-style of architecture. The base of the main hall is made from sandstone and the body of the dome-shaped building is made of rock.
You’re able to walk around the outside of the Main Hall, and there are four shrines you can visit. One is the Jade Buddha Shrine and is well worth a visit!
Fo Guang Shan Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is the star of the show and main reason most people visit Fo Guang Shan. It is breathtaking. I honestly can’t describe how amazing it is to see the Big Buddha in person.
The Big Buddha depicts Sakyamuni Buddha. It is a staggering 108 meters tall including the base. The statue itself is 40 meters tall, and the chair the Big Buddha sits on is 10 meters tall by itself.
The statue took more than a year to make and was completed in 2011. Since then, it has become an extremely popular tourist attraction for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Where to Eat
You will probably get hungry during your trip to Fo Gunag Shan, and you’re in luck because there are quite a few different places to eat.
There are restaurants in the following parts of Fo Guang Shan:
Front Hall
Main Hall
Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Outside the entrance near the bus stop
The type of food you can buy varies, but it is all Chinese food. Some restaurants serve dumplings and dim some and some serve quick snacks. You can find any style and price range in Fo Guang Shan.
My personal recommendation is the vegetarian buffet on the second floor of the Front Hall. The food in incredible, and it is extremely affordable. It was probably the least expensive meal I had in Taiwan!
Guest Etiquette
Fo Guang Shan is a working monastery and place of religious importance, so it is important you conduct yourself respectfully. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t offend anybody while visiting Fo Guang Shan:
Wear appropriate clothing: Fo Guang Shan is ultimately a place of worship, so you should wear respectful attire. Cover your knees and shoulders, wear a higher neckline if you’re a woman, and avoid clothing with profanity or images that might be controversial.
Bow to monks: It is respectful to bow to any monks that you see walking around the monastery. You won’t get in trouble if you don’t bow, but it is customary and respectful to bow.
Be Quiet: There are temples and areas of prayer in Fo Guang Shan. If you happen to be viewing or walking through an area of prayer, try to be as quiet as you can.
Listen to volunteers: There are certain places that are just for worship and not tourist viewing. If you stumble into one of those areas and are asked to leave, listen to whoever told you and leave as soon as possible. This advice is the same if you’re asked to be quiet, not walk on the grass (please don’t walk on the grass!), or anything else you’re asked to do.
Photography
You’re allowed to take photos while visiting Fo Guang Shan!
There are, however, a few restrictions. You’re not allowed to take photos of certain temples or areas of prayer. There will be signs alerting you to the fact that you can’t take photographs.
Conclusion
There are a number of day trips you can take form Kaohsiung, so it can be difficult to choose what is worth visiting and what isn’t. I highly recommend anyone visiting Kaohsiung to take the time to visit Fo Guang Shan.
It is a special part of Taiwanese and Buddhist history and culture. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the world. It is the birthplace of humanistic Buddhism after all!
Another advantage of visiting Fo Guang Shan is that is it affordable, so it is the perfect option for budget travellers. There isn’t an entrance fee, and you can find extremely affordable food! There is upscale dining as well, but you can easily avoid it if you take the time to find the right restaurants.
Even if you don’t practice Buddhism, it is worth visiting both the monastery and museum at Fo Guang Shan. You learn so much about the religion and it’s history that you leave with a deeper understanding of a different culture and set of beliefs.
Fo Guang Shan was one of the highlights of my entire Taiwan trip. Trust me when I say it is well worth the trip!
Kaohsiung is one of the most popular cities for tourists to visit in Taiwan. It has a number of beautiful sights to see and is only a short train ride from Taipei. This Kaohsiung itinerary will help you plan the perfect 3 days in the city!
Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan (Taipei is larger) and is one of the largest port cities in the world. The first archaeological signs of Chinese influence in Kaohsiung dates back to the 12th Century. In 1624 the Dutch arrived in Kaohsiung and colonized the city.
In 1895 Taiwan was given over to the Japanese in the Treaty of Shimonoseki and as part of the end of China and Japan’s war over Korea. Kaohsiung was returned to China’s control at the end of WWII.
As you can tell, Kaohsiung has an interesting and turbulent past. You’ll be able to learn about the city’s past and experiences by following this 3 day Kaohsiung itinerary.
3 Day Kaohsiung Itinerary Overview
Day One: Lotus Pond- Dragon and Tiger Pagodas- Cihji Palace Temple- Spring and Autumn Pavilions- Five Mile Pavilion- Yuandi Temple Beiji Pavilion- Central Park- Jhongsiao Night Market/Singjhong Night Market
Day Two: Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine- Cijin Island- Takao Railway Museum- Pier-2 Art Centre- Dream Mall- Ruifeng Night Market
Day Three: Fo Guang Shan- Kaohsiung Museum of History- Love River- Liuhe Night Market
How to Get from Taipei to Kaohsiung
It is quite common for tourists to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
There is a high speed train that runs between the two cities, and you can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 2 hours! The high speed train is super fast considering the distance from Taipei to Kaohsiung is over 350km!
You can purchase tickets online through the Taiwan High Speed Rail website or in person at Taipei Main Station. I recommend purchasing your tickets online a couple of days in advance to ensure you get a ticket.
You can also take the local (slow) train, bus, or fly from Taipei to Kaohsiung; however, I recommend taking the high speed train.
For more detailed information on how to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung, check out this post. It is dedicated solely to how to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung and goes in depth into each transportation option.
The country has a tropical climate, so it doesn’t get cool very often. January and February may be the only months you want a light jacket.
It rains quite a bit in May and June, but it rarely rains for an entire day. You shouldn’t be deterred from visiting Taiwan during the rainy season. You can often avoid the rain by popping into a store of cafe for an hour or so.
My personal favourite time to visit Kaohsiung is in the Fall.
The weather is a bit cooler, so you don’t feel too uncomfortable walking outside during the midday heat.
Where to Stay in Kaohsiung
I recommend staying in the Xinxing District and pick an accommodation that is walking distance from Formosa Boulevard Station. Formosa Boulevard Station is the only metro station in Kaohsiung that connects both the red and orange metro lines.
You’ll have to use both the red and orange metro lines while following this Kaohsiung itinerary, so staying near Formosa Boulevard Station makes transportation incredibly convenient.
Not only is the Xinxing District well situated in terms of transportation options, but it is also a fun area to stay in. It is within walking distance of multiple markets, has lots of local restaurants nearby, and is a safe area.
My Hotel Recommendations
Kindness Hotel
This is where I stayed last time I visited Kaohsiung.
I loved my stay at Kindness Hotel and would highly recommend it to everybody. It is super affordable but still high quality.
The rooms are huge! There is ample room for luggage, and it doesn’t feel cramped in the least.
There is also complimentary tea, coffee, ice cream, and desserts all day.
If that doesn’t sell you on Kindness Hotel, I don’t know what will!
La Inn
This hotel is absolutely gorgeous! La Inn is super modern and leans into the grey and black colour palette, which is 100% my aesthetic.
It is more expensive that Kindness Hotel, but it doesn’t break the bank.
And you get what you pay for! La Innfeels and looks higher quality than Kindness Hotel, so it makes sense it is a bit more expensive.
It is a nice hotel that is between Kindness Hotel and La Inn in terms of quality.
The hotel is nice, comfortable, and clean, but it is pretty run of the mill. Bamboo Business Hotel feels pretty generic and familiar.
But that means it is the perfect choice for people who want something that feels like “home”. It feels like a step up from a Best Western.
Getting Around Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a fairly large city with 3 million residents, and, unfortunately, a lot of the tourist sights are spread out around the city. This means you’ll be using public transportation a lot while following this Kaohsiung itinerary.
I personally prefer walking to taking public transport, but sometimes it just isn’t a viable option. When you only have three days in a city, it is pretty difficult to justify walking three hours from one sight to another (not that that has ever stopped me).
Plus you’re contending with the Taiwan heat and humidity in Kaohsiung, and if you’re anything like me, you’re a sweaty mess of a human by just thinking about humidity.
What I’m trying to say is that you’ll be taking the metro and a few buses while in Kaohsiung.
The Metro
The Kaohsiung Metro consists of the Red line and the Orange line. They intersect at Formosa Boulevard Station, which is why I recommend staying in that area.
In addition to the underground metro lines, there is also a new(ish) light rail system. It isn’t fully built yet, but it is in operation at the stations that are built.
You can catch it at the end of the Orange line at O1, and it intersects with the Red line a R6.
The light rail is a great option for areas that aren’t serviced by the Kaohsiung Metro, but it has its limitations. It doesn’t run all that frequently and is slow compared to the underground metro. But it still gets the job done!
The Bus
Kaohsiung has an extensive bus system. I used buses in Kaohsiung far more often than I anticipated because the metro doesn’t service everywhere I needed to go. You’ll most likely be catching a few buses while following this Kaohsiung itinerary.
The good news is that the buses are clean and run pretty close to on time depending on traffic of course.
Some buses have stop announcements in English but many don’t. You’ll want to have the Chinese characters of the station you want to get off at, so you don’t miss your stop. Alternatively, GoogleMaps does a good job of tracking the bus even when you’re offline, so you can use that as a guide as well.
Tips for Using Public Transportation in Kaohsiung
Get an Easy Card (or other transit card): You can get transit cards at any convenience store or at a metro station. You load the card up with money and simply tap it when you get on and off the metro/bus. The card automatically deducts the fare, so you don’t have to worry about paying the driver with cash!
Be careful what seat you sit in: There are dark blue seats on the metro and bus seats with coverings on buses. These seats are reserved for older individuals, people living with disabilities, and pregnant women. It is taboo to sit in these areas even when the train/bus isn’t crowded and there aren’t people in those demographics that need the seats.
Stay Quiet: It is frowned upon to have a loud conversation with a friend or talk on the phone while on public transportation.
No food or drink allowed: You’re not meant to eat or drink while riding public transportation in Taiwan. This is a pretty standard rule in cities throughout the world.
Wifi and Internet Access
Taiwan is known for having an excellent public wifi system called iTaiwan.
iTaiwan covers basically the entirety of Taiwan (including Kaohsiung), and you’re entitled to use it as a tourist!
You have to make an account (including entering your passport information), and you can hook into the iTaiwan wifi network wherever it is available.
It is a great system, and it is nice to have access to wifi basically everywhere in the city.
But there are risks associated with using public wifi.
Connecting to public wifi (even if it is password protected in a hotel or cafe) puts you at risk of having your personal data accessed, stolen, and sold by your not-so-friendly neighbourhood hacker.
That is where a virtual private network (VPN) comes into play! A VPN protects all of your data by putting up an invisible forcefield around your electronic devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to see your online activity!
Having a VPN is an essential for every traveller who wants to keep their data safe!
I’ve used a lot of different VPNs throughout the years, but the only one I’ve been completely happy with is NordVPN.
It is the most reliable and quickest VPN I’ve ever used.
You can connect up to 6 devices on one account, so you can protect all of your devices at once!
Plus NordVPN often runs ridiculous sales where you can save up to 70%! So there is no excuse not to protect yourself and your data!
NordVPN
Day One
Day one is my favourite day in this Kaohsiung itinerary. It hits most of my favourite tourist attractions. Most of the sights are centralized in one area, so you won’t have to use public transportation much on day one!
Visit the Lotus Pond Scenic Area
The Lotus Pond is the most popular tourist attraction in Kaohsiung, so of course it is the first stop on the Kaohsiung itinerary!
There are a number of sights surrounding the Lotus Pond, and you see a lot of attractions by just walking around the pond.
The Lotus Pond and the surrounding attractions is what made me want to visit Kaohsiung. It was just as beautiful as I anticipated, and I know you’ll love it too!
How to Get to the Lotus Pond Scenic Area
The closest metro station to the Lotus Pond is Zouying High Speed Rail Station. This is stop R16.
Once you get off the metro, you can either catch a bus or walk/bike to the Lotus Pond. You can rent a bike outside Zouying Station if you want. There are rental bikes throughout Kaohsiung, so you don’t need to drop it back at the same location you rented it from.
It takes less than 10 minutes to walk from the station to the Lotus Pond, so this is my preferred way to get there. You simply cross the road once you exit the station and head north on Shengli Road. You will be able to see the pond once you have walked about two blocks.
What to See at the Lotus Pond Scenic Area
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
If you’ve ever Googled Kaohsiung, the first image that comes up is always the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. They are an iconic landmark in Kaohsiung and shouldn’t be missed.
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are said to reverse your luck. You enter through the Dragon and exit through the Tiger. Once you’ve gone through the pagodas, your luck will be reversed, and you’ll be lucky!
You can only enter the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas through the Dragon, so you don’t have to worry about not reversing your luck. There is a long walkway to the entrance of the pagodas, and the path leads you right to the Dragon’s mouth.
There is no entrance fee; however, there is a donation box at the entrance for voluntary donations. I suggest throwing a few New Taiwanese Dollars into the donation bin to help with the upkeep of the pagodas.
Each pagoda is seven stories tall, and you’re able to walk to the top of them. You get a magnificent view from the top, and I recommend going up at least three or four stories.
The view from above four stories isn’t vastly different from the view at four stories, so you don’t necessarily climb all the way to the top.
Cihji Palace
Cihji Palace is directly across from the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. In fact, you’re able to see the temple from inside the pagodas (remember that great view I told you about).
Cihji Palace is dedicated to the Chinese god of medicine.
You’ll want to remember to respect the temple rules (whether written or unwritten). This includes dressing respectfully. If you’re not sure what the rules are, just follow what the locals are doing. You can’t go wrong that way!
Spring and autumn pavilions
Next up on your trip around the Lotus Pond are the Spring and Autumn Pavilions.
These are two pavilions that have a giant dragon at the front. You’re able to walk through each temple and through the dragon.
I highly recommend walking through the dragon. It is longer than it looks but so worth it! The walls inside the dragon have artwork on them, and it is fun to spend some time looking at everything.
I really enjoy the Spring and Autumn Pavilions and would highly recommend visiting them. If you’re going to skip something on the Kaohsiung itinerary, I don’t recommend it be this!
Five Mile pavilion
The Five Mile Pavilion is the most relaxing pavilion along the Lotus Pond. It is directly behind the Spring and Autumn Pavilions at the end of a long bridge.
It isn’t the most beautiful or spectacular pavilion, but it is beautiful and has great views. You can sit on the benches inside the temple to relax or spend some time taking pictures of the rest of the pavilions from the bridge.
pei chi pavilion
This is my favourite pavilion at Lotus Pond. I was expecting to like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas most, but this was the winner for me!
This pavilion honours that Taoist God Emperor of the North Pole. It is a staggering 72 meters tall and is the largest statue on water in all of Southeast Asia. Pretty impressive right!
The Pei Chi Pavilion is absolutely breathtaking. It is colourful and detailed, and it is a must-visit attraction on the Kaohsiung itinerary!
You access the pavilion by walking down a long bridge that has stone warriors down both sides. As you get closer and closer you get an appreciation for just how large the pavilion is.
It is quite the experience, and you’re able to get some amazing photographs. Assuming you can avoid the crowds of other tourists that is.
There are a number of areas for prayer at the Pei Chi Pavilion, and tourists and locals alike light incense and pray to the gods. There are also a few places to sit and relax, but they are normally quite busy and not as relaxing as the Five Mile Pavilion.
How Long Should You Spend at the Lotus Pond Scenic Area?
I suggest spending at least half a day at the Lotus Pond.
This allows you to take your time visiting each pavilion and temple (I didn’t even list them all by the way!). You also won’t be rushed if you allot yourself half a day at the Lotus Pond.
You can go back to your favourite pavilions, walk the entire perimeter of the pond, grab some tea or a snack, and enjoy your time.
Lotus Pond and its attractions is often what draws tourists to Kaohsiung, so you mays well take the time to enjoy everything it has to offer and not rush yourself. This Kaohsiung itinerary gives you ample time at each location, so you can enjoy yourself.
Wander Through Central Park
Next on the Kaohsiung itinerary is Central Park.
Central Park is located in the Cianjin district and is the perfect place to get away from the concrete jungle and crowds.
Central Park is a huge green space in the heart of Kaohsiung. Locals use Central Park as a place to gather and spend time with friends, do tai chi, and countless other things. It can get crowded during weekends and holidays and is often the sight of outdoor festivals in Kaohsiung.
How to get to Central Park from the Lotus Pond Scenic Area
It is super easy to get from the Lotus Pond to Central Park!
You simply head back to Zouying (R16) and get on the train heading in the direction Siaogang. You ride the metro until the Central Park stop (R9) and get off. It doesn’t even require a transfer, which is always a nice bonus!
When exiting Central Park station, take exit 1. This will lead you right to Central Park where you can enjoy some fresh air and relaxation.
Things to do in Central Park
Kaohsiung literary library
The Kaohsiung Literary Library is a newer addition to Central Park. It is a huge library that you’re able to walk around and explore. It is a neat place to explore if you’re a literary nerd like I am.
speech square
Speech Square is where you’ll find a lot of older people playing chess and sipping tea. It isn’t the most exciting part of Central Park, but it is worth strolling past.
scenic lake
You’re able to stroll around Scenic Lake and take in the beauty of Central Park. Scenic Lake has a lot of beautiful greenery and feels very relaxing. It is the perfect place to sit down, relax, and read a book.
water square
Water Square is the coolest part of Central Park. If you’re there are the right time, you’re able to watch the water dance. It is quite beautiful and well worth waiting for if you have the time!
The water dance show last about 20 minutes.
The water dances at the following times:
Monday-Friday: 12:30, 15:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30
I recommend spending at least two hours at Central Park. This gives you time to take in all the different sights, watch the water show, and relax a little bit.
If you don’t want to spend that much time in Central Park, the area surrounding it has a number of different stores and restaurants you can explore.
Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao) Night Market
Zhongxiao (Jhongsaio) Night Market is the next stop on the Kaohsiung itinerary! It is walking distance from Central Park and is the perfect way to start your first evening in Kaohsiung!
How to get to Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao) Night Market from Central Park
It is quite simple to get to the Zhongziao Night Market from Central Park. You simply cross the street and follow the signs.
The easiest way to cross the street is to go through the Central Park metro station and take exit 2. You’ll avoid waiting for the long traffic light to change to walk across the street!
You turn left on Qingnian 1st Road and walk up the road until you reach the night market.
The Zhongxiao Night Market is on the smaller side, but you should have no problem finding it. You’ll know you’re getting close when the pedestrian traffic starts to get busier and you smell the delicious food.
Things to do at Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao) Night Market
Zhongxiao Night Market is a food market, and you’ll find all different types of cuisine being sold. The market is only about 200 meters long, but there are a lot of different booths in the small area.
You can find all the traditional Taiwanese street foods at the market including stinky tofu, egg rolls, pepper buns and more! You can also find a variety of less traditional foods if you’re an adventurous eater. Foods like goat, oyster omelettes, and braised pork blood.
How Long Should You Spend at Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao) Night Market?
I suggest spending 30-45 minutes at Zhongxiao Night Market depending on how much you want to eat and how much time you spend walking past the stalls and seeing what food they have to offer.
Xinjuejiang Night Market
Xinjuejiang is my favourite night market in Kaohsiung! It has more of a focus on shopping and fashion than it does on food. There are still plenty of food options to enjoy, but the star of the show is the shopping!
How to get from Zhongxiao Night Market to Xinjuejiang Night Market
The two markets are walking distance from one another, so that is a huge bonus! You have to walk less than ten minutes from one to the other!
To get from Zhongxiao Night Market to Xinjuejiang Night Market, you simply walk down Qingnian 1st Road back towards the way you came and turn right at the street right before the main street that Central Park Station is on.
From there you walk straight until you reach the market! You’ll know you’re nearing the market when the pedestrian traffic rapidly picks up! Xinjuejiang Night Market is a popular shopping location for young locals, and it is busy every night.
Things to do at Xinjuejiang Night Market
Xinjuejiang Night Market is the place to go if your’e looking to buy some new clothes, skincare, or makeup. It is full of trendy stores including local stores and international brick-and-motar stores like Nike.
There are tons of different alleys for you to walk up and down just off the main shopping street. This is where you’ll find the local boutiques. They are often more affordable than the international stores, and they have tons of cute items!
A lot of the smaller boutiques carry similar items, so if you find an item you love but is a bit out of your price range, there is a good chance you’ll be able to find the same item in a different store at a lower price.
I found many of the stores at Xinjuejiang Night Market to be more size inclusive than I’m used to in Asia. I’m a size 8 in American sizing and found many different items that fit me and were flattering.
This was exciting since I normally go into boutiques in Asia knowing I won’t fit into any of the clothing.
How Long Should You Spend at Xinjuejiang Night Market?
It is easy to spend hours at Xinjuejiang Night Market wandering through the stores, sampling cosmetics, and snacking.
I recommend spending at least 90 minutes at Xinjuejiang Night Market.
This gives you ample time to get all your shopping done and not feel rushed. But since this is the last thing on the Kaohsiung itinerary for the day, you can spend as much or as little time at the market as you want!
Day Two
Day two of the Kaohsiung itinerary is the busiest and requires you to use public transportation the most out of all three days. Even though day two is busy, it doesn’t feel rushed, and you’re able to enjoy your time at each of the sights!
Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine
Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine is a shrine located on Shoushan mountainside. It honours fallen soldiers and has a stunning view of Kaohsiung and the harbour.
How to get to Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine
Getting to Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine from Formosa Boulevard Station is relatively easy. You take the Orange metro line to the end and get off at Sizihwan Station (O1).
Once you exit the station, walk towards Gupo Street. At Gupo Street, turn right. Walk straight until you get to Qiangguang Road then turn left and follow the road up the mountain.
Once you’re on Qiangguang Road, you just follow it until you get to the shrine. The walk up the mountain isn’t terribly strenuous and most people who don’t have physical limitations should be able to walk to the shrine with no issue.
Things to do at Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine
View the Kaohsiung martyrs’ shrine
Visiting the Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine is the main attraction in the area. You can wander around the shrine and take photographs of it. It is a beautiful shrine and well worth spending some time wandering through it and taking in its beauty.
take pictures at the love sign
The love sign is a new addition to Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine, but it has quickly become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Many newly engaged couples get their photo taken at the love sign.
take in the view
The view is the real showstopper at the Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine. You get an amazing view of the harbour and part of Kaohsiung.
It is my favourite viewpoint in Kaohsiung, and it is well worth taking the time to visit the shrine just to take in the view. It is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
How Long do You Need to Spend at Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine?
Allotting 30 minutes to wander through the shrine and take photographs of the love sign and scenery should be enough time. If you’re an avid photographer and want to take tons of photos, then you might want to allot 45 minutes at the shrine.
Cijin Island
Cijin Island is another tourist attraction that comes up in every Kaohsiung itinerary and with good reason! It is located a short five minute ferry ride away from Kaohsiung and has a number of popular tourist destinations.
You can rent a bike on Cijin Island and pedal your way around the island. I didn’t rent a bike when I visited and regretted it. You can rent your bike either before you get on the ferry or once you’re on Cijin Island. But be sure to rent a bike. You’ll be regretful like me if you don’t!
How to get from Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine to Cijin Island
The first step in getting from the shrine to Cijin Island is walking back to Sizihwan Station. Once you’re back at the station, follow the directions in posted at the station to the ferry terminal. The walk takes less than 10 minutes and is very simple.
You then wait for the next ferry to arrive, get on it, and then get off on Cijin Island. The ferry ride only takes a few minutes, so you’ll be there in no time!
When you get off the ferry, turn right, and then follow the crowds down the main street in Cijin. This main street is where you can rent a bike if you want.
Things to do on Cijin Island
visit the lighthouse
The lighthouse is the most popular tourist attraction on Cijin Island. It was built in 1883 by the British. It was used extensively during Japanese occupation and is now open to the public.
Unfortunately is was closed for renovations when I was in Kaohsiung, so I don’t have any first-hand experience of it. But it looks amazing, and I would love to go back to see it!
Kaohsiung fort
Kaohsiung Fort is located near the lighthouse and was also built by the British in 1883. It is mostly in ruins now but is a great place to get stunning photographs of the island and Kaohsiung.
You can easily spend 20-30 minutes wandering around the fort ruins and taking photographs. You can walk along the pieces of the walls that are still standing to get the best photographs. It is a lot of fun.
rainbow church
The Rainbow Church is probably the most Instagramable place in all of Kaohsiung. Visitors flock to Cijin Island just to get a photograph of the Rainbow Church.
It isn’t actually a church but, rather, a colourful art piece in front of the ocean. It is quite beautiful.
There are long queues to get a photo at the Rainbow Church no matter what time of day or time of year you visit Cijin Island. If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram photo, it may be worth waiting your turn, but if you’re not, it is probably enough to walk past and see it rather than waiting in the queue.
cijin tunnel
Cijin Tunnel is my favourite attraction on Cijin Island. It is a small tunnel you walk through and at the end you’re right by the water. It is incredible! The view is amazing.
You’re really close to the water, so you’re able to see the waves crashing, hear the seagulls, and smell the water.
It was be a bit trick to find the tunnel so be sure to follow the signs for the tunnel closely otherwise you could miss it. The tunnel is near the base of the hill that has the lighthouse and fort on it, so if your’e closer to the Rainbow Church then the lighthouse, you’re not in the right area.
How Long Should You Spend on Cijin Island?
You’ll need three to four hours on Cijin Island to see all the major sights. This allows you to spend time exploring each of the sights, bike from place to place, and enjoy some food.
The shaved ice is particularly good on Cijin Island, and I would recommend stopping for some shaved ice to cool down and relax before getting back on the ferry to Kaohsiung.
Takao Railways Museum
The next stop on the Kaohsiung itinerary for day two is a quick stop at the Takao Railway Museum. This is an old railway station that ceased operating in 2008, and the Kaohsiung government turned it into a museum.
How to get from Cijin Island to Takao Railway Museum
The first step in getting from Cijin Island to Takao Railway Museum is taking the ferry back to Kaohsiung. You catch the ferry back to Kaohsiung at the same place you got off the ferry when you arrived on Cijin Island.
Once you’re off the ferry in Kaohsiung, walk back to Sizihwan Station. From there, you’ll walk a few blocks to the light rail station.
The railway museum is right next to Hamasen Station (C14). There are signs directing you to the light rail station, and you’ll be able to see it on your left-hand side as you begin walking.
The light rail station is also connected to the metro station if you choose to walk through the station rather than above ground. Walking through the station is the best option for people who are concerned that they will get lost (even though it is quite difficult to do).
Things to do at Takao Railway Museum
There honestly isn’t too much to do at the Takao Railway Museum. There is a small museum and a few train engines and cars you can view.
The most popular reason people go is to take photos with the statues/artwork that the government has placed in the field adjacent to the railway museum. You can take your photo with giant suitcases and other such pieces of artwork.
This area is popular amongst young people and is another great place to get the perfect Instagram photo to commemorate your time in Kaohsiung.
How Long Should You Spend at Takao Railway Museum?
15-30 minutes is enough time to take pictures and visit the museum if you want to.
Pier-2 Art Centre
Pier-2 Art Centre is a really cool part of Kaohsiung where there is a bunch of art, statues, and murals that you can admire and take your picture with. There are also a number of independent art stores you can shop at if you want to take a piece of art home to remember your time in Kaohsiung.
How to get from Takao Railway Museum to Pier-2 Art Centre
You can walk from Takao Railway Museum to Pier-2 Art Centre in a matter of minutes, so it is quick and easy to get from one location to the next.
You simply walk across the field next to the museum and then cross the street. You’re able to see Pier-2 Art Centre as you’re walking across the field, so it is nearly impossible to get lost.
If you’re worried about getting lost, just follow the light rail tracks. The light rail stops at Pier-2 Art Centre, so if you follow the tracks, it is impossible to get lost.
Things to do at Pier-2 Art Centre
Pier-2 Art Centre is very popular amongst locals and tourists, and it can get quite busy and crowded if you go on a weekend afternoon. That being said, is is still worth checking out!
The area is filled with different public art you can look at. It includes murals, statues, life-size transformers, and more. There is a lot of unique art at Pier-2 Art Centre.
The area has a really cool hipster-esque vibe that doesn’t feel pretentious.
There are also a number of shops and cafes that you can stop at to do some shopping or pick grab a snack.
How Long Should You Spend at Pier-2 Art Centre?
This is a difficult thing to estimate because the amount of time you’ll want to spend at Pier-2 Art Centre directly corresponds with how much you enjoy art and how much of the are you want to explore.
You’ll need at least an hour at Pier-2 Art Centre, but it is really easy to spend much longer there exploring.
Dream Mall
The next stop on the Kaohsiung itinerary is a stop at Dream Mall. Dream Mall is the largest mall in Taiwan and is one of the largest malls in all of East Asia.
Dream Mall is often overlooked on Kaohsiung itineraries, but I think it is worth checking out!
How to get from Pier-2 Art Centre to Dream Mall
This is the only time in the Kaohsiung itinerary that you’ll be using the light rail system so soak in the moment if you’re a transportation nerd and love riding different forms of transit!
To get from Pier-2 Art Centre to Dream Mall, you simple get on the light rail system at either Penglai Pier-2 (C13) or Dayia Pier-2 (C12). Both stations are near the Pier-2 Art Centre, so you just have to choose whatever station is closest to where you are.
After you’re on the light rail system, you ride it until you get to the Dream Mall Station (C5). The light rail isn’t nearly as quick as the metro, so it takes a little longer to get from Pier-2 Art Centre to Dream Mall than it would if the metro ran between the two locations.
At Dream Mall Station, you just have to walk across the street, and you’re at the mall.
Things to do at Dream Mall
Shop ’til you drop
Shopping is the most obvious thing to do at Dream Mall. The mall is huge, and there are seven stories of stores you can explore.
Each story is dedicated to a certain shopping theme, so it is really easy to find what you’re looking for. For example, all the women’s clothing is on one floor and all the children’s clothing is on a separate floor.
The majority of the stores in Dream Mall are international stores, and you won’t mind many unique stores. Most of the stores you could find in any mall around the world.
eat, eat, and eat some more
The entire bottom level of Dream Mall is dedicated solely to food! There are tons of different bakeries, sweet shops, cafes, and restaurants. You’re guaranteed to find something that suits your fancy.
This is the perfect place to grab lunch or have a coffee and relax a bit after a busy day.
amusement park
There is an amusement park on the roof of Dream Mall! It is a very small amusement park, but it is an amusement park nonetheless.
The highlight of the amusement park is the ferris wheel that sits on the roof. It gives you spectacular views of Kaohsiung if you’re brave enough to ride it.
The rides are a bit expensive, but it is pretty neat to check out and wander around for a while.
How Long Should You Spend at Dream Mall?
This depends on how much shopping you’re going to do. You’ll need at least 60 to 90 minutes to explore all of Dream Mall, grab a bite to eat, and check out the amusement park.
You’ll need much longer than that if you’re planning on doing some serious shopping. But since the stores are basically chain stores, there are better places in Kaohsiung you could go shopping and find more unique items that cost less.
Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng Night Market is quickly becoming the most popular night market in Kaohsiung, so I had to include it in my Kaohsiung itinerary. It opens at 4pm every day, so it is perfect timing for you to head straight to the night market after visiting Dream Mall.
How to get to Ruifeng Night Market from Dream Mall
The easiest way to get from Dream Mall to Ruifeng Night Market is to walk to Kaisyuan Station (R6) and ride it to Kaohsiung Arena Station (R14).
To get to Kaisyuan Station, you’ll need to walk approximately 750 meters from the mall to the station. You simply exit the mall from the same doors you entered in and walk across the street with your back facing the door you exited from.
You follow that road all the way until you get to Kaisyuan Station. It is a straight shot once you’re walking down the proper road.
If you don’t want to walk to the station, you can also take the bus. The bus departs across the street from Dream Mall, so it requires a lot less walking than taking the metro.
You take bus 168 East for 29 stops and get off at Kaohsiung Arena. The bus takes twice as long as the metro, so that is something to consider when deciding what transportation method to take.
Things to do at Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng Night Market is the largest food night market in Kaohsiung and covers a staggering 3,000 square meters and has been open for 20 years. The vendors are well organized, and the market is in the shape of an L.
You can find all the classic night market foods including stinky tofu, pepper buns, fried chicken, and corn on the cob (my personal favourite). The papaya milk is also worth trying out.
There are also some fun little carnival games you can play for a small fee. These are quite fun if you have a friend to play against!
How Long Should You Spend at the Ruifeng Night Market?
This is the largest night market in Kaohsiung, and you’ll want to spend a decent amount of time wandering through it sampling the different food options. I suggest spending a minimum of 90 minutes at Ruifeng Night Market and more if you want to.
Ruifeng Night Market is the last stop for day two of the Kaohsiung itinerary, so you can spend hours at the market if you want to and not be rushed to make it to your next destination.
Day Three
The third and final day of the Kaohsiung itinerary is much more relaxed than day two. It involves a lot less travelling from one sight to another and more time at one major sight followed by a couple of minor sights that are walking distance from one another.
Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Fo Guang Shan Monastery is the main attraction on the final day of the Kaohsiung itinerary. It is a jaw dropping and well worth visiting.
Fo Guang Shan monastery is the headquarters of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist religion. It is the largest Buddhist complex in Taiwan and is home to the largest bronze sitting Buddha statue in the world!
How to get to Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Getting to Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a two-step process.
The first step is taking the metro to Zouying Station (R16). This is the same station you took to get to the Lotus Pond Scenic Area, so it should be easy for you to navigate how to get there.
Once you’re at Zouying Station, walk to the bus station. Walk to the bus stand for bus 8501 and wait for the next bus to arrive. The first bus departs at 8:15am and the second at 8:45am. I recommend taking on of those two buses to make the most out of your time at the monastery.
The bus stops at two locations at Fo Guang Shan. The first stop is at the Buddhist museum and the second is at the monastery.
Most people get off at the first stop, but I recommend getting off at the second stop. This will allow some of the crowds to be gone from the museum by the time you get there, and it means you walk down the hill to the museum rather than up the hill to the monastery.
This makes a huge difference in the Kaohsiung humidity!
Things to do at Fo Guang Shan Monastery
visit the monastery
The majority of people who visit Fo Guang Shan visit the museum and skip visiting the monastery. This is a mistake. The museum is where the giant Buddha is, but the monastery has a lot to offer as well!
The monastery is on the top of a hill, so you’ll have to walk up a short path to get there. This path is much shorter than the path you would have to walk up if you visited the museum first and then the monastery.
The monastery has a number of statues and temples you can visit. They are all gorgeous and give you some history about Fo Guang Shan Buddhism before you visit the museum.
There are a number of places in the monastery you’re not allowed to visit. These places are reserved solely for the monks and visitors staying at the monastery.
There are signs marking areas you aren’t allowed to enter as a visitor. Please respect these signs and don’t go anywhere you’re not allowed.
the buddha museum
The Buddha Museum is the star of the show at Fo Guang Shan and one of my favourite things on this Kaohsiung itinerary. It is far more impressive and moving than I anticipated it being before I visited.
The Buddha Museum is huge and consists of multiple temples, museum exhibits, and the giant bronze Buddha. It is quite easy to miss something there is so much to see!
Be sure to take the time to explore the museum exhibits before you go to the bronze Buddha. They’ll give you the background information you need to better understand the religion and significance of the Buddha.
There are many helpful volunteers and employees throughout the museum that can help answer any of your questions or help guide you through the exhibit.
There is no entrance fee to visit the museum, but there are donation boxes throughout the property where you can put a donation if you want to.
souvenir shopping
Fo Guang Shan is one of the few places in Kaohsiung that sells souvenirs, so it is a great place to pick up a souvenir of your time in Kaohsiung. They sell all the standard souvenirs at the entrance to the museum as well as near the bus station.
Enjoy a delicious meal
There are a number of different restaurants at the entrance of the museum. They range in prices, but they all serve traditional Chinese food.
I highly recommend the vegetarian buffet on the second floor. The food is delicious, and it is the least expensive buffet I’ve ever been to in my life. I have no idea how they make money on it!
It is popular amongst the locals, so it is often busy. It is common seating, so you’ll probably be sharing your table with a bunch of people, but that is the best way to meet new, interesting people!
How Long Should You Spend at Fo Guang Shan Monastery?
I recommend spending at least six hours at Fo Guang Shan. This includes the bus ride to and from the monastery. You can easily spend upwards of seven or eight hours (even days) at the monastery depending on how much time you spend exploring all it has to offer.
Six hours is enough time for you to see the monastery, visit the majority of the museum exhibits, spend some time viewing the Buddha, and have lunch.
Kaohsiung Museum of History
I’ve never seen the Kaohsiung Museum of History included on a Kaohsiung itinerary, and I only found it because I was searching for a museum to visit in Kaohsiung. I really enjoyed the museum, and it shares a lot of really important history about the city and Taiwan’s history.
I knew once I visited the museum I needed to include it on my Kaohsiung itinerary and encourage more people to visit it!
How to get from Fo Guang Shan to the Kaohsiung Museum of History
Getting from Fo Guang Shan to the museum requires two transfers, but it is easier than it sounds!
You take the bus from the Buddha Museum to Zouying Station then take the red metro line to Formosa Boulevard Station (R10/O5). At Formosa Boulevard Station, you transfer to the orange metro line and ride it for one stop at get off at City Counsel (Former Site) Station.
From there you’ll walk for approximately 5 minutes towards the Love River (follow the signs in the station to make sure you’re going the right direction). The museum is on your right-hand side just after you cross the river.
The museum is in an old government building, and it is easy to miss if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. It is a pale green and brown building and has a parking lot at the front.
There isn’t any signage on the museum that is visible from the street, but there is no need to be shy about walking to the door. You’re in the right place and not trespassing. I will admit that they need better signage.
Things to do at the Kaohsiung Museum of History
The Kaohsiung Museum of History is small and only consists of a few rooms. There is a rotating exhibit that hosts different exhibits pertaining to the history of Kaohsiung and a permanent exhibit dedicated to the February 28 Massacre.
Learning about the February 28 Massacre is very important, and I would encourage everybody to take the time to visit the Kaohsiung Museum of History.
Entrance to the museum is free, so there is no excuse not to visit!
How Long Should You Spend at the Kaohsiung Museum of History?
I recommend spending about 30 minutes at the museum. This will allow you to visit the exhibits and watch the multi-media show they have at the end of the February 28 Massacre exhibit.
The museum is quite small, so you won’t need much more time than that even if you intend to read everything in the museum.
30 minutes out of your 3 day Kaohsiung itinerary isn’t too much time to spend learning about local history and a very important event in Taiwan’s history.
Love River
Next up on the Kaohsiung itinerary is a visit to Love River. This is the main river that runs through Kaohsiung, and it is the perfect place to take a stroll or read on a bench.
How to get from the Kaohsiung Museum of History to Love River
It literally couldn’t be easier to get from the Kaohsiung Museum of History to the Love River. You simply exit the museum, turn left, and you’re there! You can see the river from the museum. By far the easiest part of this Kaohsiung itinerary!
Things to do at Love River
Love River is the perfect place for you to go for a leisurely stroll and take in the beauty of Kaohsiung away from the concrete jungle. I love finding a bench a reading for as long as I can handle the humidity.
There are also river cruises you can go on. They’re a great way to see more of the river without having to spend the time walking the length of it all.
How Long Should You Spend at Love River?
I suggest spending 30-45 minutes at Love River at a minimum and longer if you want to go for a river cruise. It is easy to lose track of time walking along the river, so it is best to plan to spend a decent amount of time there.
Formosa Boulevard Station
Formosa Boulevard Station is another classic sight that ends up on every Kaohsiung itinerary and for good reason! It is the main metro station in Kaohsiung and is one of the most beautiful metro stations I’ve ever seen.
If you stayed in the Xinxing District , you would have seen this station everyday when getting to and from all the other attractions on the itinerary. But for people who didn’t stay in the area, visiting Formosa Boulevard Station is a must!
How to get from Love River to Formosa Boulevard Station
The easiest way to get from the river to Formosa Boulevard Station is walking. Once you’re done exploring the river, head back to the Kaohsiung Museum of History.
With your back towards the Kaohsiung Museum of History, walk across the bridge and follow the main road all the way to Formosa Boulevard Station.
The walk takes approximately twenty minutes, and you don’t need to make any turns. Simply follow the road, and you’ll find yourself at the station.
Things to do at Formosa Boulevard Station
Formosa Boulevard Station is best known for the dome of lights. The station is home to the largest piece of glass art in the world, and it is over 2,000 square meters and contains 4,500 panes of glass.
It is breathtaking and an essential activity for anybody visiting Kaohsiung.
The dome of lights is on the main level of the station before the turnstiles, so you don’t need to pay to see the display!
How Long Should You Spend at Formosa Boulevard Station?
I think ten minutes is enough time to see the dome of lights and take a bunch of photos. There isn’t really anything else noteworthy in the station, so you’re just going to view the dome of lights.
Liuhe Night Market
Liuhe Night Market is the most famous night market is Kaohsiung and is on every Kaohsiung itinerary. It may be the most famous night market, but I don’t think it is the best in the city.
But it is still worth a visit, which is why I have included it on my Kaohsiung itinerary.
How to get from Formosa Boulevard Station to the Liuhe Night Market
Getting from the station to the night market is just as easy as getting from the museum to the river.
You simply follow the signs in the station for the Liuhe Tourist Night Market exit, walk up the stairs, and you’re at the entrance to the market. It doesn’t get easier than that!
Things to do at the Liuhe Night Market
The Liuhe Night Market is strictly a food market, so you’re not going to find any vendors selling souvenirs. There are a number of stores that the vendors set up in front of, so if you need a convenience store or something along those lines, you’ll be able to find one.
The market has all the traditional Taiwanese street food items that are in the other night markets around Kaohsiung. My personal favourite is the corn on the cob. There is something about the spice mix they put on it at this specific market that is incredible.
The market spans quite a few blocks, so there are a lot of different foods to try out. The food is also inexpensive (as it is at all the night markets), so it is a great place to eat a lot of food without spending too much money.
How Long Should You Spend at the Liuhe Night Market?
I think 60-75 minutes is sufficient. You’ve already been to a number of night markets by following this Kaohsiung itinerary, so you’ll have already seen most of the different types of food.
By this point, you’ll probably know what types of food you like, so you can easily find the stalls you want to eat at without walking the length of the market once or twice deciding.
You can, of course, spend as much time at the market as you want. It is the last thing on the Kaohsiung itinerary after all! There are a number of local stores in the area, so it is worth it to take some extra time and wander around the surrounding area to see if there is anything else you’re interested in buying.
Conclusion
As you can tell, there is a lot to do and see in Kaohsiung! You can easily spend 4 or 5 days in Kaohsiung exploring everything the city has to offer, but I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time in Kaohsiung for the average traveller.
This Kaohsiung itinerary hits all the most popular tourist sights in Kaohsiung but also includes a number of less popular attractions. This allows you to get a better feeling for the city and understand it a little bit more.
I think it is important to visit museums and learn about the places you travel to, which is why I included the history museum in the itinerary. It is one of the most underrated attractions in Kaohsiung, and I would encourage everybody to visit it.
There are a lot of other attractions in Kaohsiung you could visit, and you could easily customize your trip to Kaohsiung to suit your personal preferences.
Use this Kaohsiung itinerary as a guide to your time in Kaohsiung and insert any sights that intrigue you or that you stumble on along the way.
Kaohsiung is a really cool city, and I hope this itinerary helps you plan your perfect trip to Kaohsiung!
PS- Don’t forget to sign up for NordVPNand protect your online data when you’re in Kaohsiung. You don’t want your holiday ruined because your online data was stolen!
Taipei and Kaohsiung are two of the most popular cities in Taiwan for tourists, but they are quite a distance apart. 358km apart to be exact. Luckily it is very easy to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung!
There are three ways you can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung: high speed rail, train, and bus.
You can also fly between the two cities, but that isn’t the most practical option, so I’m not going to discuss it.
This post will go over all the different ways you can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung and help you pick what transportation method is best for you and your style of travel!
Option One: High Speed Rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung
The quickest and most expensive option is the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR). It is also the most popular way to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung, so it is also the busiest.
The trip takes between 1.5 to 2 hours on the HSR, so it is a great option for people who need to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung quickly.
Where to Purchase Tickets
You can purchase tickets on the Taiwan High Speed Rail website or at the ticket counter at the train station. You can pay by credit card online or by cash or card in person.
If you don’t have access to a printer, you’re able to pickup tickets you ordered online at the train station. This is an ideal option for people who book their HSR ticket while in Taiwan rather than before they leave.
How Much do Tickets Cost?
The price of tickets varies a little bit depending on what time of day you leave and the time of year, but, on average, tickets cost approximately NT1,500.
This converts to approximately $50USD, so it is not an inexpensive ticket. The cost of tickets can really add up if you’re travelling with a larger group or family.
Do I Need to Book My Ticket in Advance?
This depends on the time of year, week, and day you’re travelling. There are some instances in the off-season during the week where you could purchase your ticket a few minutes before the train departs, but that isn’t the norm.
Trains from Taipei to Kaohsiung can sell out. Especially during the summer and on the weekends. They certainly don’t sell out as quickly as the trains from Taipei to Hualien, but they still do sell out.
I recommend purchasing your ticket at least two or three days in advance to ensure you get a seat.
Where do Trains Depart from in Taipei?
Trains from Taipei to Kaohsiung depart from Taipei Main Station.
Taipei Main Station is serviced by buses, the red and blue metro lines, and the Taoyuan Airport MRT, so no matter where you’re coming from, it is easy to get to Taipei Main Station from anywhere in Taipei.
To get to the HSR station, simply follow the over-head signs for that say “HSR”. The HSR station is near the Taiwan Railway platforms. If you reach the metro lines, you’ve gone too far.
Taipei Main Station is huge, but it is easy to navigate by using the signs and maps all around the station. You can always ask an employee for help if you get really lost.
Where do Trains Arrive at in Kaohsiung?
HSR trains arrive at Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. Zuoying Station is a little bit outside of downtown Kaohsiung, so you’ll probably have to take the metro or a bus to get to your accommodation.
Just like Taipei Main Station, Zuoying Station is serviced by buses and the metro. It is located at R16. There are only two metro lines in Kaohsiung: the R and O. If you need to transfer to the O line, you need to take the R line to Formosa Boulevard and transfer there. It is the only transfer station along the metro lines.
Advantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Kaohsiung:
It is by far the quickest way to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung
There is dedicated luggage storage in each train car
You have an assigned seat
Disadvantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Kaohsiung
It is the most expensive way to get between the two cities
The train arrives as Zuoying Station, so you probably won’t be able to walk to your accommodation and will need to take public transit
Option Two: Take the Train from Taipei to Kaohsiung
The second option is taking the train from Taipei to Kaohsiung. This is a slow train operated by Taiwan Railways and is much slower than the high speed rail.
The train journey takes 4.5-6 hours depending on train traffic, so it isn’t great for people who don’t have much time to explore Taiwan and need to travel between cities quickly.
The best part of purchasing tickets online or through the app is that you can download an electronic copy to your phone, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of a paper ticket.
How Much do Tickets Cost?
Tickets cost between NT800 and NT900. This coverts to $27-$30USD, so it isn’t that much cheaper than the HSR but takes significantly longer.
You’ll need to factor in what your time is worth when deciding whether you want to take the HSR or train. Is saving $20USD-$30USD worth the extra two and a half to four hours?
Only you can decide that. If you have a long time in Taiwan, it just might be, but if you only have a week, it probably isn’t.
Do I Need to Book My Ticket in Advance?
It is easier to purchase last-minute tickets for the slow train than it is for the HSR simply because it is less popular. You can probably show up at the train station and get on the next train pretty much any time of year.
That being said, I recommend purchasing your ticket at least the night before your departure. This way you know exactly what train you’ll be on and be able to download the ticket to your phone.
Where do Trains Depart from in Taipei?
Trains from Taipei to Kaohsiung depart from Taipei Main Station just like the HSR. You simply follow the signs for Taiwan Railway, and you’ll easily be able to find your platform.
The train from Taipei to Kaohsiung departs at the same location as the local trains used to get places in Taipei the metro doesn’t cover, so if you’ve used one of those trains, you’ll know exactly where to go!
Where do Trains Arrive at in Kaohsiung?
Trains arrive right in central Kaohsiung at Kaohsiung Main Station. This is R11 on the metro line and is only one metro stop away from the transfer station Formosa Boulevard.
This makes it quite convenient to get from Kaohsiung Main Station to anywhere in central Kaohsiung you need to go.
Kaohsiung Main Station is also well connected by bus if you prefer that over taking the metro.
Advantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Kaohsiung
The train arrives in central Kaohsiung, so it is easy to get anywhere quickly
You can easily purchase last-minute tickets without the train being sold out
Disadvantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Kaohsiung
It takes significantly longer than the HSR and isn’t much cheaper
There isn’t dedicated luggage storage in each car, and you have to lift your bag overhead to store it
Option Three: Taking a Bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung
The final option is to take a bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung. This is the least popular way to travel between the two cities and should probably be your last resort if you can’t manage to get on a train.
The bus ride takes between 5 and 6 hours, but it can be significantly delayed because of traffic. This means your trip could take a whole lot longer than you planned on!
Where to Purchase Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the bus station before you get on the bus and at convenience stores around Taipei.
You need to purchase your ticket before you get on the bus. Your EasyCard will not work on this bus, so you cannot tap when you get on and off for money to be automatically deducted from your account.
How Much do Tickets Cost?
Bus tickets between Taipei and Kaohsiung cost between NT400 and NT 700. That converts to $13USD to $23USD.
If you’re able to get a less expensive ticket, then it is considerably less expensive to take the bus than the train; however, the most expensive tickets are pretty close in price to train tickets.
It is probably worth the few extra dollars to take the train, so you don’t risk getting stuck in a traffic jam.
Do I Need to Book My Ticket in Advance?
The bus is a fairly popular method of transportation amongst Taiwan locals, so it isn’t uncommon for buses to be full to capacity.
You’ll be getting on the bus at the first stop, so it is likely that there will be room for you, but I recommend purchasing your ticket a day in advance or at a minimum a few hours in advance.
This way you’ll have a guaranteed seat and won’t be delayed if the bus you want to get on is full.
Where do Buses Depart from in Taipei?
Buses depart from the Taipei Bus Station. It is adjacent to Taipei Main Station near Q Square.
There are maps all around Taipei Main Station that show where the bus station is, so it is really easy to find. Taipei Main Station has free WiFi, so you can always put “Taipei Bus Station” into Google Maps and follow the directions if you’re worried about getting lost.
Where do Buses Arrive at in Kaohsiung?
Buses arrive at Kaohsiung Main Station, which is the same place the slow trains arrive at. It is in central Kaohsiung, so it is easy to get to where ever you need to go from the bus station.
Everything in central Kaohsiung is just a few minutes away on the metro, so it is quite convenient.
Advantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung
Your luggage is store under the bus, so you don’t need to worry about storing it yourself or lifting it overhead
It is the least expensive way to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung
Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung
It takes the longest time and can be delayed due to traffic
You can’t get up and walk around to stretch your legs on the long journey like you can on the train or HSR
My Recommendation
I personally think the HSR and slow train are the best ways to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Which one you choose between the two of them has a lot to do with personal preference.
The HSR is great for people who aren’t in Taiwan long and want to get between the two cities quickly. It is how I always travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung, I like that it is quick and efficient.
The train, on the other hand, is great for people who have a long time to explore Taiwan or are on a tight budget. It does take quite a bit longer than the HSR, but it gives you more of an opportunity to enjoy the scenery outside your window.
You really can’t go wrong with either option. No matter what train you choose, you’ll have a pleasant experience and trip.
Conclusion
There is so much to do in both Taipei and Kaohsiung that it would be a shame to miss either city on your trip to Taiwan. Luckily Taiwan has a great public transportation system, and it is easy to get between the two cities!
Just a reminder that it is considered rude in Taiwan to be loud or chatty on public transportation and to always clean up after yourself if you have a snack on the train or bus! The Taiwan locals and train and bus employees will appreciate it!
Kaohsiung and Hualien are two of the most popular destinations outside of Taipei for tourists visiting Taiwan. It is a little less convenient to get from Kaohsiung to Hualien than it is to get from Taipei to Hualien or Taipei to Kaohsiung, but it is still pretty simple.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a high speed train from Kaohsiung to Hualien. This is the reason it is slightly less convenient to travel between Kaohsiung and Hualien.
There are a number of other direct options though. You can take the train, fly, or drive. You can also take a bus, but there aren’t any direct buses.
I don’t recommend taking the bus because it takes a lot longer than the other options and requires at least one transfer. I won’t discuss taking the bus in this post because it really isn’t all that practical.
Option 1: Taking the Train from Kaohsiung to Hualien
This is how I travelled between the two cities. I liked that it was direct and inexpensive even though it was time consuming.
The train takes anywhere between 4.5 and 5.5 hours to travel from Kaohsiung to Hualien. It would be nice if there were a high speed train between the two cities and maybe there will be in the future, but, for now, this is the only train option.
You’ll want to take the Tze-Chiang Limited Express. It runs multiples times in the morning and once or twice in the evening. Tickets cost $NT648 or approximately $22USD.
Where do Train Depart Kaohsiung From?
Trains for Hualien leave from Kaohsiung Main Station right in the heart of Kaohsiung, so it is very convenient.
To get to Kaohsiung Main Station, you simply take the red Kaohsiung metro line to R11 (Kaohsiung Main Station). Kaohsiung Main Station is one stop away from Formosa Boulevard (R10/O5), which is the station where the two Kaohsiung metro lines intersect.
You’ll need to follow the signs to proper platform, but it is very easy to navigate! If you happen to get turned around in the station, there are maps on the walls for you to reference or you can ask an employee for assistance.
Where do Trains Arrive at in Hualien?
There is only one train station in Hualien, and every train going in or out of the city uses the station. This makes it really easy to make sure you’re getting off at the proper stop!
Hualien Station isn’t in the heart of the city, so if you’re accommodation isn’t within walking distance of the train station, be sure to know how you’re going to get from the train station to your accommodation.
You can either use the public bus system or take a taxi. The buses from Hualien Station to the heart of the city don’t run very frequently outside of peak times, so a taxi may be your best option.
Taxis are cheap and quick. There is a taxi stand right outside of Hualien Station, and there are always drivers waiting to drive you to your destination.
I, however, recommend staying near Hualien Station because that is where buses to and from Taroko National Park depart from.
I personally stayed at Meci Hotel and really enjoyed it!
Where to Purchase Train Tickets
It is quite easy to purchase a train ticket from Kaohsiung to Hualien! You can either purchase it online, through the app, or in person.
Purchasing Tickets Online
Train tickets can be purchased through the Taiwan Railways Administration website. The website is very user-friendly and has an English language options!
You simply put in your departure station, arrival station, and date of departure, and it pulls up all your train options. Once you select the train you want, you can select whether you prefer a window or isle seat.
To book your ticket, you need to pay by credit card and insert your passport number.
You can print your ticket, pick it up at a 7-11 (you’ll need your passport), at Kaohsiung Main Station, or use your phone as your ticket with the Taiwan Railways app.
Purchasing Tickets Through the App
You can easily purchase your train tickets through the Taiwan Railways app. You simply download the app (just search Taiwan Railways in your app store) and go through the same steps as purchasing online.
The best part of using the app is that your ticket is right on you phone, and you don’t need to worry about logging in or adding your booking reference to pull up your ticket.
This is how I personally book all my train tickets with Taiwan Rail. I love the convenience of it!
Purchasing Tickets in Person at Kaohsiung Main Station
The final way you can purchase a ticket from Kaohsiung to Hualien is by purchasing your ticket in person at Kaohsiung Main Station.
You can either purchase your ticket at a ticket booth manned by a person or at a ticket machine. This is the least convenient option because you have to physically attend at the station to get your ticket.
While it is slightly inconvenient, it is the best option for people who want to pay with cash rather than credit card.
Do You Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?
The train from Kaohsiung to Hualien doesn’t normally sell out, so you don’t need to purchase your ticket too far in advance.
I suggest purchasing your ticket at least one day in advance. This ensures you get a ticket and gives you a good chance of getting your preferred seat (window or isle).
Advantages of Taking the Train from Kaohsiung to Hualien
It is the most affordable option
The train is direct, so you don’t have to worry about transferring
You don’t have to purchase tickets too far in advance
The trains are clean and comfortable
Disadvantages of Taking the Train from Kaohsiung to Hualien
It is a long train ride
There aren’t dedicated luggage racks, so you need to lift your bag overhead to store it on the overhead racks
Options 2: Flying from Kaohsiung to Hualien
The next option is to fly from Kaohsiung to Hualien. Mandarin Airlines has a direct flight between the two cities and is the best option when it comes to flying. There are other airlines that fly from Kaohsiung to Hualien, but they have long layovers.
The average cost of a one-way ticket from Kaohsiung to Hualien is about $100USD, so it isn’t cheap.
The flight is only an hour. But when you factor in getting to Kaohsiung Airport, going through security, waiting for your flight, flight time, and getting from Hualien Airport to Hualien, it really isn’t any faster than the train.
How to Get to Kaohsiung Airport
It is quite easy to get from Kaohsiung Airport from anywhere in Kaohsiung.
You simply take the red metro line to R3 and get off right at the airport. It really doesn’t get any easier than that!
How to Get to Hualien from Hualien Airport
It is a little bit more work getting to Hualien from the airport, but it is still fairly easy. It simply takes a bit more time and planning.
Bus
There is a public bus that runs from Hualien Airport into the city. It runs every 30 to 40 minutes from 8:40am to 6:10pm. This is a bit problematic for people who are arriving outside those hours.
The bus drops you off at Hualien Station, and you have to find your way to your accommodation from there.
Taxi
You can also take a taxi from the airport to where you’re staying. I would recommend this rather than taking the bus.
Taxis are readily available at the airport, and you just need to follow the signs to the taxi stand. A taxi into Hualien will cost you between $10USD and $15USD, so it is pretty affordable- especially if you’re with a group of people.
Do You Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?
I would recommend purchasing plane tickets from Kaohsiung to Hualien a few days in advance to ensure you get a seat on the flight you want.
Flights between the cities don’t normally sell out, and you can often purchase a last-minute ticket with no issue. I wouldn’t personally risk it just in case tickets are sold out during peak season.
Advantages of Flying from Kaohsiung to Hualien
It is relatively easy to get to and from the airports
You get a checked bag included in your ticket price, so you don’t have to worry about lifting a heavy bag overhead
There is less sitting time, which may be beneficial for people who have mobility issues or can’t sit for long periods of time
Disadvantages of Flying from Kaohsiung to Hualien
It is expensive
When you factor in everything involved in flying, it isn’t any quicker than the train
You have to fly with one specific company to get direct flight, so you can’t shop around for the best price
Option 3: Driving from Kaohsiung to Hualien
The final option is to drive from Kaohsiung to Hualien. I’ve never personally done this because I travel alone and hate driving.
Driving is a great option for people who are comfortable driving. It gives you the ability to set your own schedule, and you get to see a lot more than on the train or plane.
You can stop anywhere along the way that seems interesting and really personalize the journey.
Kaohsiung and Hualien are about 350km apart, and the drive takes approximately 5 hours depending on traffic.
Practical Information if You Decide to Drive
You need an International Driver Permit (IDP) to drive in Taiwan as a tourist
You can travel from Kaohsiung to Hualien on your schedule rather than a train or plane schedule
It allows you to see more of Taiwan
It may be the cheapest option if you have a large group of people
Disadvantages of Driving from Kaohsiung to Hualien
The travel time is highly dependant on traffic
You have the most opportunity to get lost while driving compared to the train or flying
It is potentially the most expensive option if you’re travelling alone or as a couple
My Recommendation
I personally think the train is the best way to get from Kaohsiung to Hualien. It is the most convenient because it leaves from the centre of Kaohsiung and is the least expensive.
It takes about the same amount of time to get to Hualien from Kaohsiung no matter what transportation method you take, so I think taking the least expensive option is the way to go. Plus I love trains!
Conclusion
Kaohsiung and Hualien are two cities I would highly recommend visiting while in Taiwan. It makes sense to go from one city to the next rather than back to Taipei because they are both in southern Taiwan.
It is unfortunate that there isn’t a high speed train between the two cities, but that shouldn’t stop you from making the trip from Kaohsiung to Hualien.
The local, slow train is a great option to get between the two cities. While it might not be a super quick way to travel, the scenery outside your window is beautiful, the seat are comfortable, and you can walk around and stretch.
Flying is probably a last resort and not high on most people’s list of travel methods between Kaohsiung and Hualien. It is expensive and basically consumes the same amount of time as the train.
Driving from Kaohsiung to Hualien is a great option for people who want to go off the beaten path and see some of the less visited places in Taiwan. Driving, of course, comes with its own limitations and challenges. But it is a great option for people who want to road trip through Taiwan.
In the end, all three transportation methods have their pros and cons, and it really comes down to your personal travel style. You can’t go wrong with any transportation method you choose, and you’ll make it from Kaohsiung to Hualien no matter what.
The Hualien Night Market is one of the highlights of Hualien city and should be on your must-visit list when you’re in the city. It is the largest night market in Hualien County and is the perfect to end a day in Hualien City.
If you’re looking for information on how to get from Taipei to Hualien, check out this post. It is an in-depth article that covers every transportation method between the two cities.
Technically the name of the night market is Dongdamen Night Market, but I will be referring to the market both as Dongdamen Night Market and Hualien Night Market.
The names are synonymous, and I’m referring to the same market. Sometimes it just flows better to use one name over the other.
This post will give you all the information you need in order to experience everything the Hualien Night Market has to offer! It is your one-stop guide to the Hualien Night Market.
How to Get to the Hualien Night Market
The most popular tourist attraction in Hualien is Taroko National Park, so most people will be heading to Dongdamen Night Market once they get off the Taroko bus.
The market is about a thirty minute walk from the train station, which is where the bus will drop you off on your way home from Taroko.
The Hualien Night Market is located at the corner of Zhingshan Road and Beibin Street. It is in the eastern part of the city near the ocean.
Getting from the Train Station to Dongdamen Night Market
There are three ways you can get from the train station to the night market.
Walking
You can easily walk from the train station to the Hualien Night Market.
The walk takes approximately 30-35 minutes depending on how quickly you walk. You simply walk straight down Zhongshan Road until you hit the market. It is literally a straight shot from the train station.
You just need to make sure you’re on Zhongshan Road and then keep walking towards the water until you hit the market. Once you’re close to the market, you won’t be able to miss it. There are bright lights that will lead you straight to the Hualien Night Market.
Taxi
The second option is to take a taxi from the train station to Dongdamen Night Market. After spending a long day hiking in Taroko National Park, this is a very appealing option!
There is a taxi stand right at the train station. If you’re walking towards the train station from where the bus drops you off, it will be on the left-hand side of the building near the bathrooms.
A taxi will take approximately 8 minutes to get from the train station to the night market and should only cost you approximately $NT100 or $3.30USD.
That is a pretty good deal and will help your feet relax for a little while longer after a long day of walking through Taroko.
Most taxi drivers will know where to take you if you say “Dongdamen Market”, but it is good practice to have the name of the market written in Chinese characters just in case your driver doesn’t speak English.
Bus
The last option is to take the bus from the train station to the market. I don’t recommend this option. The buses from the train station to the market don’t run very often and take quite a while to get from the station to the market.
It is often quicker to walk and is always more convenient to take a taxi.
Bus 1139 travels from the train station to the market. Get on the bus and ride it until the Dongdamen Market stop and get off. From there it is only about a 100m walk to the night market.
The bus runs fairly frequently during the day, but the frequency heavily decreases in the evening when the Hualien Night Market is open. It runs once every 10 minutes during the day and once every 60-90 minutes during the evening.
Once you get on the bus, it is only about a 25 minute ride until you get to the station, so it can be convenient if you get to the bus station when a bus is due to leave.
On the flip side, if you get to the bus station right after one bus just left, you will be waiting a long time for the next bus to arrive.
This is why I have a difficult time recommending the bus as a transportation method.
Hours of Operation
The Hualien Night Market is open every day from 6pm to 12am. Things don’t get rolling until 7pm or 8pm, so not everything will be open if you arrive right at 6pm.
On the flip side, arriving early will allow you to get the most popular food without having to wait in a long queue. Most food stalls are open right at 6pm, and it is the carnival games that are a little slower in opening.
How Long do You Need at the Hualien Night Market?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on how much you want to do at the market and how much you want to eat.
You need a minimum of one hour at Dongdamen Night Market in order to try a few different street foods and walk around the entire market. You can easily spend three or four hours at the market as well.
It just depends on how much you want to do, how late you want to stay up, and how much energy you have after a long day of sightseeing in Hualien City or hiking in Taroko National Park.
I personally think two hours is the perfect amount of time. It allows you to stroll through the market without feeling rushed, eat a number of different types of street food, and take in the atmosphere and Hualien culture.
What to Eat at Dongdamen Night Market
The food is the real star of the Hualien Night Market. In fact, I thought it had the best food of any night market I visited in Taiwan. I know that is a big statement, but the food was incredible!
There is a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, so there are options for every diet!
There are over 400 vendors, so you won’t be able to try it all, but there are a number of items that you should try to eat while your’e at the Hualien Night Market.
Corn on the Cob
This may sound like a weird one to start with, but the corn on the cob in Taiwan is amazing! I’ve never had anything like it.
It is delicious and salty and perfect. The corn at the Hualien Night Market is a bit unique compared to corn on the cob at other night markets in Taiwan. You’re able to choose between three different toppings to put on it!
There are two non-vegetarian toppings and one vegetarian topping. I’m not entirely sure what is in the toppings, but they they are incredible!
Corn on the cob is a pretty light snack, so it won’t fill you up, which is very nice. It is the perfect palate cleanser to eat between heavier snacks as it won’t weigh you down but still tastes delicious.
Noodles
You can get a variety of different noodle dishes throughout the market. Most contain meat and are a local favourite.
You can’t go wrong picking up some noodles while wandering through the market. They are inexpensive, delicious and filling.
There are a number of different stalls selling noodles so take some time to walk around the market before you decide what noodles you want to eat.
Stinky Tofu
This is a hugely popular street food in Taiwan. It is a bit intimidating because it smells horrible. Trust me when I say you can smell stinky tofu from a long ways away!
If you’re able to ignore the smell while you’re eating it, it is delicious, and you’ll probably enjoy it.
You can get stinky tofu either grilled or fried. Both options are great, so what version you should get depends on your personal preference. Of course the fried version is less healthy, but a great treat once in a while!
Wontons
You can get a variety of different types of wontons at the Hualien Night Market. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of wontons at various different stalls in the market.
You can get your wontons served just as dumplings or in a soup. Both versions are delicious.
I had the best wontons I’ve ever had in my life at the Hualien Night Market and would highly recommend them to anybody visiting!
Tea and Juice
It wouldn’t be a post about a night market in Taiwan if I didn’t mention all the different teas and juices you can get!
These are hugely popular items in any market in Taiwan, and the Dongdamen market is no exception.
Tea
You can get both the famous bubble tea and iced tea at the market. The vendors make it to your specifications, so you get your perfect cup of tea each time you order!
You need to know what percentage of sugar you want in your tea and how much ice you want. There is a lot of different information on what is best and how you should order your tea in Taiwan.
My preference is 50 sugar and regular ice if I’m walking around in the heat and less ice if I’m drinking it indoors.
You’ll have to experiment and figure out how you like your tea. It is part of the fun!
Juice
You won’t be able to walk too far into the market without seeing someone selling freshly squeezed juice. There are a variety of different fruits you can choose from, and you can even ask the vendor to combine different fruits.
The juice is squeezed right in front of you, and it is free of a lot of the junk they put in typical North American juice.
It is a delicious and refreshing treat. The queues to get juice are often very long so be prepared to wait at least ten minutes. It is so worth it though!
Taiwan Hamburger
This is a hugely popular street food among tourist. It is an east meets west dish that is perfect for people who aren’t too adventurous with food but still want to try local street food.
You choose either braised pork, soy-stewed pork, or chicken as your protein and choose either black pepper, mushroom, or honey mustard sauce. Your choices are served on a bao bun topped with cucumbers, onions, and noodles.
There is often a long queue to get a Taiwan hamburger, so it is a good stall to hit first if you get to the market earlier in the evening.
The Logistics of Eating at the Market
As you know, there are a lot of different food stalls at the Hualien Night Market, and if you’ve never been to a night market, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to order your first food.
Where do you eat it? Do you have to walk and eat at the same time? What do you do with the garbage?
Well worry not!
The Hualien Night Market is fairly unique because you order your food at the front of the stall and then are showed into the stall itself to find there is a seating area inside eat stall where you can sit and eat.
This isn’t the case for every night market in Taiwan. Many night markets have tables in the middle of the street where people can eat, but that isn’t the case in Hualien.
I like that you’re able to eat inside the stalls themselves. It allows for more privacy, and you don’t feel rushed while you’re eating. It also allows you to get out of the hustle and bustle of the market and relax while eating.
Other Things to do at the Hualien Night Market
The primary draw of the Hualien Night Market is, of course, the amazing street food, but there are a few other things you can do while at the market.
Play Carnival Games
It is pretty common to have a carnival games at night markets in Taiwan, and there are a ton at the Dongdamen Night Market!
You can throw darts to try to break balloons, try to throw balls into barrels, and a number of other classic carnival games.
These are run by locals and are by no means as elaborate or formal as carnival games you would find at theme parks around the world. But they are still a lot of fun and a great way to break up your time at the night market and rest between eating.
The games are inexpensive, and the prices are small but cute. You’ll need to pay with cash so be sure you have some money in your pocket!
Children Can Ride a Carousal
This is one of the more bizarre activities you can do at the Hualien Night Market. There is a small carousal that children are able to ride near the entrance of the night market.
It is about a quarter of the way up from the entrance on the right-hand side of the market. Nobody seemed to be using it when I was there, but you definitely can if your children want to go for a spin!
Watch the Light Show
There is a small light show that goes on during the night market. It isn’t directly inside the market but is just adjacent to the right.
Remember the bright lights I was telling you would help lead you to the market if you were walking? Well, this is it!
When I was there, there was a giant flower filled with screens in each petal and in the middle. The flower lit up and different patterns went across the flower.
It was pretty cool, and you should definitely spend five minutes watching it. It was a popular thing to do, and there were a lot of locals and tourists watching the flower light up and change patterns.
Can You Purchase Souvenirs at the Market?
No. Unfortunately there isn’t anywhere to purchase souvenirs at the Hualien Night Market. This market is solely dedicated to food (and a few carnival games).
You’ll have to do your souvenirs shopping somewhere else in Taiwan. But I have to warn you there aren’t as many souvenirs stores as you would think in Taiwan, so if you see something you like, purchase it when you see it!
Hotels Near the Hualien Night Market
I don’t recommend staying near the Hualien Night Market. Taroko National Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Hualien, and the night market is quite a ways away from the train station where you catch the bus to the park.
I recommend staying near the train station, so you can easily catch the bus to Taroko in the morning. These are a few great hotels near the train station:
As you can tell, there is a lot to see and do at the Hualien Night Market! It is such a fun place, and you should make it a priority to visit while in Hualien City.
You’ll be exhausted after a day in Taroko, but you won’t regret heading to the market to refuel and eat tons of delicious street food. Plus the food is inexpensive, so you can have a lot of food without breaking the budget!
You can be adventurous and try traditional Taiwanese food like stinky tofu or try foods like a Taiwan hamburger that is closer to food you’re comfortable with. No matter what food you’re interested in trying, there will be something for you to indulge in!
