Behind the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Dashu stands a bronze Buddha: 50 meters tall from the base to the top of the body, and 108 meters in total height. It is considered Asia’s largest seated bronze Buddha. The museum is a major landmark of Buddhist culture, historical heritage and modern architecture, as well as an important pilgrimage site. This place shows how religious tradition and modern architecture meet in Kaohsiung.
Buddhist Culture, Art and City History
The museum’s history can also be traced through a special detail: one of only three surviving Buddha relics in the world is said to be held here. It came to Taiwan in 1998 and was housed in the museum in 2011. The relic’s story adds to the museum’s significance as a pilgrimage site, while its architecture offers another perspective on the place.
Kaohsiung’s museums explore city history and art in different ways. The Kaohsiung Museum of History presents the history of Kaohsiung and Taiwan through exhibitions, educational programs and a collection of more than 8,000 objects. It is housed in the former city government building, which was converted into a history museum after the government moved in 1992. The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts focuses on works by Taiwanese artists, as well as themed, research and international exhibitions.
The Aviation Education Exhibition Hall offers a different historical focus: it displays 44 actual military aircraft from China, the United States and the Soviet Union. The selection thus ranges from city and art history to a collection in which the aircraft themselves shape the exhibition themes.
Harbor Views, a Bridge and Historic Trails
At Singda Harbor, visitors can watch fish being unloaded and see the auctions. Some vendors allow individuals to buy small quantities. The harbor therefore offers two specific experiences: watching fish being unloaded and buying something from selected vendors. In Mituo, visitors can experience making fish balls together with the fisheries association.
In the Pier-2 Art Center area, Dagang Bridge connects the art center with Zhan Er Ku. It is Taiwan’s first horizontal rotating observation bridge and can be crossed on foot or with bicycles pushed along. The Pier-2 Dayi Light Rail station is right next to the bridge. The Pier-2 Art Center regularly hosts open-air concerts, art markets and immersive exhibitions; the bridge and art center therefore offer different ways to experience this part of the city.
Shoushan National Nature Park combines nature and history on a route that takes in the old city, ruins and military heritage. It passes historic sites and military remains and includes the ecology of a tropical semi-evergreen monsoon forest. The route is about 1.5 kilometers long and takes approximately 120 minutes. Feeder buses provide access from the Ecological District and Zuoying MRT stations. The Old City cultural bus also runs from Zuoying High Speed Rail and MRT Station to the historic sites.
Stroll by the Water and Explore Cijin
Lotus Pond combines historical significance with paths along the shore: during the Qing dynasty, it was one of the Eight Views of Fengshan. You can walk or cycle between scenic spots along the continuous waterfront path; various water sports are also available there. The same place thus offers both a historical connection and different ways to experience the water.
Cijin’s cycling network includes five loop routes, among them the Maya Gaws Memorial Cycling Path. Cijin Starlight Tunnel was converted from a military tunnel built during Japanese rule and serves as a recreational path for visitors and cyclists. Cijin Windmill Park is located along the tourist route to Cijin Fishing Port and includes an observation deck and an event plaza. About 2,000 shell species are on display at the public Cijin Shell Museum.
Kaohsiung has more than 950 kilometers of bicycle paths. The city plans to connect cycling trips with seasonal attractions, local foods and commercial districts. These specific details offer a useful comparison when choosing between the routes described: Cijin has a network of five loop routes, while the waterfront path at Lotus Pond can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle.
Landscapes and Local Discoveries
Those interested in nature and geology can find nature trails and a lookout point at Luodishan Nature Park. From there, visitors can see geological formations, birds, the sea and the Gangshan Hills. Tianliao Moon World, meanwhile, is a badlands landscape formed by the long-term erosion of marl or mudstone by rainwater and river water. While Luodishan brings together viewpoints and nature trails, the erosion-shaped landscape defines the experience at Tianliao.
Kaohsiung can be explored through these different perspectives: Buddhist culture and museums, fishing and the harbor, paths by the water, and natural and geological landscapes. You can choose based on whether you are especially interested in history and art, cycling routes, or landscapes and local fishing experiences.
Discover more destinations: Liugui District, Meinong District, Gushan District, Linyuan District, Taoyuan, Dashu, Yancheng District, Fengshan District, Luzhu District, Xiaogang District, Shanlin District.
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