White lighthouse
Harbour views.
Unknown — Public domain · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Yikuan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Peellden — CC BY 3.0
A long, narrow island shielding Kaohsiung harbour from the open sea, reached in minutes by a cheap ferry from Gushan pier. It was one of the city's first settled areas, with fishing villages, an old temple and a calm maritime feel. On the hill at its northern tip stands the elegant white Cijin lighthouse, with the ruins of an old fort around it, giving the best view over the harbour mouth, passing ships, Kaohsiung's towers and Shoushan mountain. At night the harbour and city look from the island like a colourful painting. The west side has a black-sand beach with palms and a long promenade, a cycle path runs the length of the island, and its old street has seafood restaurants where you choose your own fish. The island is free, with bikes for hire near the ferry pier. Swimming is limited to set areas and seasons because of currents. Southern Taiwan is hot and humid most of the year, so carry water and a hat; winter is the mildest season for sightseeing.
Harbour views.
And palms.
Fresh.
Across Kaohsiung harbour, minutes by ferry from Gushan pier
By ferry from Gushan pier in a few minutes; the pier is near the light rail and Pier-2.