About the Port
Kaohsiung, Taiwan's principal southern port, has grown from an industrial harbor into a city known for its waterfront redevelopment and creative districts. The old Pier-2 Art Center, built from converted warehouses along the harbor, now houses galleries and studios within walking distance of the pier, while the nearby Cijin Island offers beaches and seafood stalls reached by a short ferry ride. Inland, the Lotus Pond area is dotted with temples, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, whose statues have long drawn visitors for photographs and quiet reflection.
Beyond the city center, Kaohsiung serves as a gateway to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the region, set amid hills north of downtown. The city's blend of port heritage, riverside parks along the Love River, and access to southern Taiwan's temples and countryside makes it a practical base for exploring this corner of the island.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Kaohsiung.
Cruise the Love River Promenade
Stroll or take a short boat ride along the lantern-lined riverside walkway, a relaxed way to see the city's redevelopment up close, best in late afternoon light.
Ride the Ferry to Cijin Island
Hop the quick harbor ferry from the pier to reach sandy beaches, a lighthouse, and stalls selling fresh seafood and local snacks, all within an easy walk of the dock.
Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Head inland to this sprawling Buddhist complex with towering statues, museum halls, and landscaped grounds; allow at least half a day and arrange transport ahead since it sits north of downtown.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Kaohsiung
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 10 | $22,499 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 22 | $24,549 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 42 | $7,861 | |
| Jan 23, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 42 | $7,588 | |
| Feb 19, 2027 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 14 | $4,308 | |
| Feb 22, 2027 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 11 | $3,329 | |
| Feb 26, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 58 | $30,749 | |
| Feb 26, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 129 | $63,399 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 51 | $25,449 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 67 | $32,099 | |
| Mar 14, 2027 | Ritz Carlton | Luminara | 12 | $24,300 | |
| Apr 5, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 38 | $18,549 | |
| Apr 5, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 11 | $6,249 | |
| Apr 11, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 14 | $6,705 | |
| Apr 11, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 65 | $31,899 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 24 | $3,041 | |
| Sep 14, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 14 | $1,777 | |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 28 | $13,000 | |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $7,980 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 28 | $4,114 |
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