Sightseeing in Kaohsiung - what to see. Complete travel guide

Historical records mention Kaohsiung in the 16th century. It is worth mentioning that the city changed its name several times in the past. Initially, the settlement was famous as Takau. When the Dutch colonized the area, they decided to give a new name to the town, changing Takau to Tancoia. After that, Ming loyalists changed the name to Banlian-chiu. It different years, the settlement was Takau again, then Takao, and after that, finally, it became Kaohsiung. In 1819, the town was already an important center of trade. The strategic location of Kaohsiung and a large port were the main drivers of the economic success of this city.
Local people are proud of their sacred landmark – the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum or the Buddha Memorial Center. This giant shrine opened relatively not long ago, in 2011. Visit this complex to see marvelous pagodas of striking beauty. There are eight buildings in the complex in total. In the center of the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, there is a giant statue of Buddha sitting on a giant pedestal. It looks like the statue is floating above the land. This is the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. Its height is more than a hundred meters.

The big lake has become home to various species of frogs and interesting fish that swim close to the water surface. Of course, there are other animals here, for example, turtles. Of course, Lotus Pond has many lotus flowers that periodically blossom here. The beauty of these flowers has inspired the generations of local poets. A big park surrounds this fabulous lake. This is an amazing place to sit in one of the numerous pavilions, visit a pagoda or admire aquariums.

Surprisingly, even benches and street lamps in Houtong are shaped like the adorable felines. Local people even made special cat-shaped houses for the main inhabitants of the village. By the way, don’t be surprised to see a dog in the village. Local dogs live in peace with the true owners of Houtong. When you feel tired of a stroll in the village, it is time to visit a local restaurant and try authentic Taiwanese dry noodles.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Kaohsiung and surroundings
Reference information
Shopping streets in Kaohsiung
♥ Shopping area ' Cianjhen' Kaohsiung, 3.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Shopping area ' Cianjhen' Kaohsiung, 3.6 km from the center. On the map


National and city parks around Kaohsiung
♥ National Park 'Kenting' , 90.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Kenting' , 90.1 km from the center. On the map


Art galleries in Kaohsiung and around
♥ Art museum 'Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts' Kaohsiung, 3.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Pingtung Art Museum' Pingtung, 20.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts' Kaohsiung, 3.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ Art museum 'Pingtung Art Museum' Pingtung, 20.1 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Kaohsiung from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Confucius Temple Taichung
From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of the Confucian Civilization”
Check on the map:
Distance from Kaohsiung center - 41.6 km.
In 1917, the building was completely renovated. Today, travelers can see it the way it was in the 17th century. Surprisingly, after hundreds of years, the ancient temple has not lost its religious significance. It continues to serve as a place for important Confucian ceremonies and rituals. The most magnificent events traditionally take place on the day of memory of Confucius, September, 28th. Many ceremonies are open, which makes them even more attractive to tourists. …
Read further 

Sightseeing in Taiwan: things to see


Search touristic sites on the map of Kaohsiung

