2-day trip to Kaohsiong, southern Taiwan! 🐒

Day 1 – Culture, Temples & City Highlights Morning - Start your day with a visit to Lotus Pond (蓮池潭), one of Kaohsiung’s most famous landmarks. Walk around the lake and explore its colorful temples and pagodas — especially the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, where you can walk in through the dragon’s mouth and out through the tiger’s to bring good luck. - Continue to Zuoying Confucius Temple and Spring and Autumn Pavilions, both located near the pond, to enjoy traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings. Lunch - Have lunch at Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) in one of Kaohsiung’s main shopping malls (like Hanshin Arena or Dream Mall). Enjoy their famous soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and other Taiwanese specialties. Afternoon - Head to Monkey Mountain (壽山, Shoushan) for an easy hike and a great view over Kaohsiung Harbor. You’ll likely see wild macaques along the way — just be careful with your snacks! Don’t take this as a joke! These monkeys are easygoing, but get a bit crazy if they see or hear plastics containing food! - Visit the Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區), a creative district filled with art installations, small galleries, and cafés. Evening - Have dinner near the Kaohsiung Harbor area, especially around Qijin (旗津) or the Gushan Ferry Pier, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the sea. - End your night with a walk at Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市) — the city’s most famous night market — and try some local street food such as papaya milk, grilled squid, and oyster omelets. Don’t miss the sweet potato balls! Day 2 – Waterfront & Modern Kaohsiung Morning - Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館) — a must-see spiritual and cultural site a bit outside the city. The giant Buddha statue and serene atmosphere make it a memorable stop. - Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in the city, visit Donggang Temple or Daitian Temple for a look at local religious life. Lunch - Return to central Kaohsiung for lunch at a local restaurant or café near the Love River (愛河) area. Just relax and rest a bit. You deserve it! Afternoon - Explore the Kaohsiung Pop Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心), an impressive modern venue. -If you have time, take a ferry to Qijin Island for a bike ride and a visit to the Qijin Lighthouse. Evening -Have your farewell dinner in the harbor area, enjoying more seafood or Taiwanese cuisine. Congratulations! You discovered a new vibrant city! #taiwantravel #deliciousfood #kaohsiung