This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kaohsiung.
Second only to Taipei in population and popularity, Kaohsiung is the southwestern capital of Taiwan, a port full of futuristic buildings, funky street art, epic Asian night markets, ancient Buddhist temples, and some amazing subway stations. Indeed, the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard station is made up of more than four thousand glass panels (making it the largest glasswork in the world), and since the crowds even during rush hour are not huge at all here, no one will be annoyed at you if you're standing in the middle of the station and staring around.
Take a ferry to Qijin, a small island just twenty minutes away from the harbour, and get something fishy in local restaurants (they have fish-flavoured candies, too). Take a stroll along the Lover's Wharf, Fisherman's Wharf, and watch the night fall over the sea at True Love Pier, accompanied by the screams of seagulls. Visit the Old City of Zuoying and photograph the reflection of old dragon and tiger pagodas in the waters of Lotus Lake at sunset. Get lost in the jungle of Gushan and fight with cheeky monkeys who will try -- very hard -- to steal your food or empty bottles.
Get out of town on a day-trip to Fo Guang Shan monastery, to see one of the biggest Buddha statues and memorial halls in the world. Think of it as a Buddhist Disneyland, with many welcoming monks and nuns who will greet and escort you around the premises. The place is particularly breathtaking around Chinese New Year.
Kaohsiung is one of those medium-sized, walkable cities where you can get everywhere on foot or by rented bicycle (and local city bike stands can now be found by every metro station and in between), provided that you do not mind occasional and unpredictable rainy weather. Your Kaohsiung hostel is the perfect place to base yourself for all of the sights and activities on offer in the area.
Written by local enthusiast for Kaohsiung hostels
Curly
