Kaohsiung|Shoushan Zoo—Take an Ecology Lesson in the Coral Forest: See Sika Deer, Blue Peacocks, and Grassland Zebras, and Enjoy an Afternoon of Sea Breeze 🦌🦚🦓
#September2025
Spend half a day at Shoushan Zoo! It's not just a sideshow on the city's edge, but an ecological classroom nestled in the mountains and forests—you'll spot sika deer strolling through the shadows, hear the calls of blue peacocks, and watch zebras gallop across the sandy plains, all while gazing up at the blue skies of Kaohsiung.
• Name | Kaohsiung Shoushan Zoo
• Location | Inside Shoushan Park, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City (near the Hamashing and Chaishan hiking trails)
• Open | Tuesday to Sunday (Mondays are often maintenance days); actual opening hours are subject to park announcements.
• Ticket Prices | Affordable: Adult tickets are approximately NT$40–60; discounts are available for students, seniors, and registered Kaohsiung residents (subject to on-site announcements).
• Transportation | Cycling or driving is the easiest way to reach the Gushan/Yancheng area. For public transportation, take the MRT to Yanchengpu Station or Xiziwan Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi.
Background and History | From a small hillside zoo to an "animal welfare-first" institution
Shoushan Zoo grew up on coral reef limestone terrain. In its early years, it was primarily a family outing destination, with traditional exhibits. Over the years, the zoo has adhered to the principles of animal welfare and environmental enrichment, gradually renovating paths, updating enclosures, adding three-dimensional habitats and shaded water features, and adding barrier-free routes and parent-child restrooms. Walking through the zoo now, you'll notice that the cages have receded into the background, while the shade of trees and the original rocks take center stage. Sika deer have ramps to jump, primates have rope bridges to swing on, and the distance between the wild animal area and the herbivore area is wide, ensuring clear and safe sightlines. This focus on "allowing animals to live as they truly are" is the true evolution of Shoushan Zoo in recent years.
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My Half-Day Stroll (Photo-by-Photo Tour)
① Prelude to the Forest: Viewing the City Through the Trees
As we ascend the winding driveway, the roadside frame is framed by intertwined branches and leaves, with the city looming faintly in the distance. This section feels like a "Kaohsiung Nature Bookmark," so let's slow down our pace.
② Taiwanese Sika Deer Area
A herd of deer paces the edge of the stone steps, their spots of sunlight striking a beautiful spot. Here, you can observe the subtle movements of birds like twitching their ears and sniffing the ground up close—a perfect spot for children.
③ Blue Peacock and Bird Area
A blue peacock stood on the edge of a concrete platform, its plumage gleaming in the shadows of the trees. It doesn't constantly display its feathers, but an occasional call or a turn to display its back feathers creates a miniature performance.
④ Cats and Nocturnal Animals
After noon, when the sun is strong, these birds often nap in the shade. Don't knock on the windows or shout; just quietly observe their breathing and the gentle twitching of their tails to learn how these animals conserve energy.
⑤ African Savanna Area: Zebras Make Their Appearance
The view opens up, revealing the distinct layers of sand, wooden fences, and artificial rocks. A zebra's puff of dust rises as it gallops; turn and catch the light, and its stripes become incredibly three-dimensional—perfect for photographing!
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Why I Recommend Shoushan Zoo (10 Reasons)
1. The closest mountain forest animal course to the city: plenty of shade, a gentle slope, and suitable for hiking in all seasons. 2. Animal Welfare: The habitat is three-dimensional, with well-designed shade and water features, allowing for more natural observation of animal behavior.
3. Tall, high-rise terrain: Coral rocks, old trees, and the distant harbor view blend seamlessly into one scene.
4. Family-Friendly: Accessible ramps and family restrooms are available, even strollers are welcome.
5. Photographer-Friendly: Zebras, peacocks, and sika deer are all photogenic; the shadows are beautifully layered.
6. Clear Explanations and Flow: The new signs are easy to understand, making it easy to navigate.
7. Reasonable Ticket Price: On a good day, I often thought, "I'd definitely come back again."
8. Convenient Extension: Down the mountain, you'll find Hama Star, the Gushan Ferry, and Xizi Bay.
9. Local Education: Children don't learn animal names; they observe their behavior.
10. Strong Sense of Season: Spring brings abundant bird song, summer brings deep tree shadows, and autumn and winter offer the most expansive views.
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Photography Tips (You Can Take Great Photos Even with Your Phone) 📸
• Sika Deer: Focus on the eyes, allowing the white spots on their bodies to catch some side light; EV -0.3 creates a better three-dimensional effect.
• Peacock: You don't have to wait for the feathers to spread; catch the moment it turns its head; its neck feathers will reflect a metallic luster.
• Zebra: Wait until it passes through the light band, and use a shutter speed of 1/500 or higher to freeze the dust as it runs.
• Cityscapes: Use branches in the foreground to frame the city; lower the horizon by 1/3.
• Family Photos: Look for shaded areas near stone walls or wooden fences to prevent the subject from being overshadowed by backlight.
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Practical Tips (Avoidance List) ⚠️
• Time of Day: Animals are most active in the morning and evening; during the midday heat, they tend to rest in the shade.
• Rules: Do not tap on glass, feed, or throw anything. The safety of animals is as important as your own. • Clothing and Footwear: There are many slopes and stone steps, so wear non-slip shoes, a water bottle, and mosquito repellent.
• Weather: In summer, the sun is strong, so hydration and sun protection are essential. On rainy days, the roads can be slippery, so slow down.
• Transportation: If driving, please secure a parking spot early; taking the MRT is the easiest option.
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Half-Day Itinerary (Directly Copy)
Family Version: Zoo Main Gate → Deer Area → Peacock/Birds → Wildlife House → Grassland Area → Rest at the Observation Deck → Descend to Hama Star Railway Park to relax
Couple Version: Morning Zoo Tour → Afternoon Descend to Gushan → Take the Cijin Ferry to See the Ocean → Enjoy Seafood at Cijin Old Street → Return to the City for Night View
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Review (with address!)
• Sea Ice (After the Forest Adventure, Enjoy Ice Cream)
Address: No. 76, Binhai 1st Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
My Order: Mixed Fruit Ice Cream + Passion Fruit Smoothie After a walk around the mountain, I had a bowl of yuzu; the sweet and sour flavor washed away the heat. The portions were generous, and I enjoyed chatting and taking photos.
• Banana Pier Seaview Restaurant (Watching the boats come and go as a backdrop)
Address: No. 17, Penglai Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
I ordered a fried seafood platter and a draft beer. Sitting by the window, looking out at the harbor, I reflected on my favorite animal of the day. The harbor city vibe was spot on.
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Real moments from my trip
What I remember most is the sight of a zebra galloping across the sand, the dust rising from its feet like a light filter. Turning back, I saw a peacock standing on the edge of the platform, and the city skyline was visible in the distance. The charm of Shoushan Zoo lies in the fact that the animals are truly living, and the city is also there. From morning till night, you're constantly switching between nature and the city, feeling completely at ease. 👏🏻
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Conclusion
Want to give yourself and your family a day in the nature without the hassle of traveling? Shoushan Zoo is the right choice: affordable admission, friendly routes, and natural-looking animals. It also seamlessly connects your itinerary to Sizihwan, Cijin, or Pier-2. This isn't just a "visit" attraction; it's a city backyard you can return to over and over again, each time offering new discoveries.
Shoushan Zoo | Hamashing Railway Cultural Park | Gushan Ferry Station | Sea Ice (No. 76, Binhai 1st Road) | Banana Pier Seaview Restaurant (No. 17, Penglai Road)
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