Home to some 1.5 million residents, Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second largest city - a modern transport, financial and industrial centre characterized by a cosmopolitan lifestyle and commercial bustle. Strategically located on the main sea route between Northeast Asia and Indian Ocean, this city has always been a centre for regional trade, and the earliest existing city walls date back to 1722. But Kaohsiung was never actually designated as a city until 1924. Elevated to "Special Municipality" status in 1979, the city has since grown rapidly to become a vital centre of Taiwan's economic prosperity. Yet it remains a pleasant metropolis of broad avenues and urban greenery, offering visitors a warm climate, sophisticated amenities and a wide choice of attractions in the city and surrounding areas.

Airport Information

Name of airport: Kaohsiung International

Taxi fare: NT$150

Airport tax: NT$300

Flying hours from Hong Kong on direct flights

1 1/3 hours

Visa

Entrance and exit permit is required for HK passport holders and HKCI holders.

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Customs allowance

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 1 pound tobacco

Liquor: 1 bottle liquor

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Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)

Approximately NT$10=HK$2.8=US$0.3643

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Tax

Airport Tax

- International: NT$300

- Domestic: Nil

Time Zone

GMT: + 8

Difference from Hong Kong: + 0

Accommodation

Linden Hotel - 33 Sszuwei 3rd Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Grand Hi-Lai Hotel - 266 Cheng-Kung 1st Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Transportation

Bus

Taxi

Tourist Attraction

Kaohsiung Harbour

Taiwan's largest port, it is also the largest container transshipment centre in East Asia, the third largest international container port and the tenth largest port in the world by volume. With a water surface area navigation channels, the harbour accommodates ships of 100,000 tons and more.

Tsoying

Visitors to Lotus Pond can enter the seven-tiered Dragon and Tiger Pagodas through the mouths of huge dragon and tiger sculptures. The pagodas, seated in water, are connected to the shore by a nine-cornered bridge. The traditional Spring and Autumn Pavilions adjoin a lagoon containing thousands of fish, frogs, turtles and lotus flowers in season.

Cheng Ching Lake

The name means"crystal clear", with a square km lake's mirror-like green waters, reflecting the nearby mountains. The lake's beauty has also been a tradition inspiration for Chinese painters and poets. This notably beautiful resort at the edge of Kaohsiung city is famous for its islands and zigzag bridges, towers, pagodas and pavilions. Cheng Ching Lake Park also contains and interesting aquarium.

Kenting National Park

Opened in 1984 as Taiwan's first National Park, it covers more than 180 square km of land and includes 150 square km of marine reserve. Coral reefs off the west coast attract sport divers, good beaches are plentiful and constant warm weather makes swimming a year-round activity.

Mount Wanshou

From the 356m peak of this picturesque prominence, also known as Wanshoushan, Shoushan Park and Longevity Mountain Park, visitors can obtain an enlightening overview of the entire Kaohsiung area, including the harbour and beautiful Hsitzu Cove, and may also enjoy one of the finest sunset views anywhere in Taiwan, followed by a stunning night panorama of the city. The park also contains a Martyrs' Shrine honouring Taiwan's national heroes, and a popular zoo.

Travel Agent

Look Travel Service Co Ltd

Restaurant Guide

Taiwan proudly boasts of cooking and serving the world's finest Chinese food, and many Kaohsiung restaurants claim to surpass those of Taipei. Every regional cuisine from China may be found here, along with native Taiwanese dishes. The local cuisine resembles that of nearby Fujian, generally mild and sweet, with an enticing variety of soups and an extensive range of recipes involving fresh seafood.

Crabs House (Seafood) - 93 Minsheng 1st Road
Gourmet Seafood (Seafood) - 214 Santo 3rd Road
Beautiful Garden (Chinese Cuisine) - 169 Chungcheng 2nd Road
Hanhsien Garden (Taiwan Cuisine) - 1Wufu 3rd Road
Sea World (Seafood) - 188 Linsen 2nd Road

Shopping Guide

The President Commercial Circle
Aimai-Patio Commercial Circle
Lioho Night Market - famed for snack foods
Hsinhsing Night Market - famed for clothing
Shoe Street - a footwear fancier's paradise
Hanshin Department Store - 266-1 Chengkung 1st Road
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department - 213 Santo 3rd Road
Top Plaza Department Store - 262 Dahchag 2nd Road
Dollars Co. Shopping Centre - 157 Kwanghua 2nd Road
Ta Li Department Store
Airport Gift Enterprise Co.

Weather

Summer (May - Sept): average: 30 C
Winter (Dec - Feb): average 10 C
Temperature - Five Day City Forcast
Precipitation - Five Day City Forcast

Language

Official Languages: Mandarin
Language of Business and Administration: Mandarin, and Taiwanese (Fujian dialect)

Electricity

110 volts / 60 cycles AC

Emergency and Useful Tel. No.

S.O.S. Worldwide Alarm Centres: Please click here
Tourist Information Hotline: (02)7173737
Police Station: (02)3313561

Public Holidays

1999
Jan 1; Feb 13 - 20; Mar 29; Apr 5; May 1; Sep 24; Oct 11, 25; Nov 12