Kaohsiung Port, located in southern Taiwan, is the largest port in the country and the 13th largest in the world. It is situated at the junction of five administrative districts.
Developed and expanded by the Japanese between 1895 and 1945, Kaohsiung Port was initially designed for industrial use, not tourism. However, over the past two decades, the port has undergone a revitalization, becoming an attraction in the city.
One iconic feature is the Dagang Bridge, Taiwan's first swing bridge. Its white design, inspired by dolphins and seashells, makes it a standout landmark. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor from the bridge.
Near the Dagang Bridge, abandoned warehouses have been repurposed into public art spaces, drawing both locals and international tourists.
According to the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau, the port is considered the economic heart and a symbol of the city. Enhanced infrastructure and landscapes have transformed the area into a representation of Kaohsiung's character.
Another highlight is the Pier-2 Art Center, an open artistic space that provides a platform for artists to showcase their work.
The area is popular with locals who often cycle through to photograph the art and sculptures scattered throughout the district.
Tung, a visitor from Hanoi who traveled to Kaohsiung in December, described the port as peaceful, offering a contrast to the industrial vibe of ports. With its attractions, visitors can spend half a day exploring the area.
Pier-2 is home to large-scale art pieces, including a towering installation of containers. Visitors often pose for photos as if lifting the giant boxes.
From Pier-2, visitors can spot the 85 Sky Tower and capture views of the city's Light Rail Transit (LRT), which circles the city on its 22-kilometer route.
Many old buildings in the port area are adorned with murals. According to a tour guide accompanying a group from Vietnam, mural painting is a trend in Taiwan, aimed at attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
The Kaohsiung Port Marina welcomes international cruise ships and features undulating architecture that has become a popular photo spot.
While the city has not developed sightseeing cruises for tourists, visitors can still enjoy gondola rides on the Love River, offering views of Kaohsiung at night.
A group of tourists pose for photos next to a boat designated for diplomatic guests. In the afternoons, the port area becomes a spot where locals enjoy cycling, walking, and rollerblading.
The old warehouses by Kaohsiung Port light up at night, becoming a gathering spot for the city's youth to shop, dine, and enjoy the view of the river.
