4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Day 1: City Center Introduction

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Liuhe Night Market (morning stalls)

Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring soy milk and fan tuan at Liuhe Night Market, which has morning vendors open from around 7am to 11am on weekdays.
TWD150, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Explore the iconic Twin Pagodas at Lotus Pond, known for their intricate dragon and tiger statues symbolizing fortune and luck. A serene cultural landmark.
TWD50, 1h15m

11:45am

Walk to Spring and Autumn Pavilions

Adjacent to the pagodas, these beautifully designed pavilions offer picturesque views and tranquil surroundings for photography and relaxation.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Taiwanese beef noodles at this popular local eatery, open daily from 11am to 8pm.
TWD200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kaohsiung Museum of History

Discover Kaohsiung’s rich history and culture through well-curated exhibitions. Open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
TWD30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Central Park

Relax in this urban green space with ponds, walking paths, and art installations, perfect for an afternoon break.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Jin Zuan Seafood Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood dishes in an elegant setting; open daily from 5pm to 10pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

Day 2: Art and Harbor

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Del Mondo

Enjoy Italian-style coffee and pastries at this cozy cafe near the city center, open from 7:30am to 3pm weekdays.
TWD180, 1h

10:00am

Explore Pier-2 Art District

Experience contemporary art, murals, and creative spaces in this revitalized warehouse district open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Factory Steak & Bar

Dine on delicious Western-style grills and local craft beer in the Pier-2 area, open 11am to 10pm.
TWD450, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Love River

Take a scenic stroll or boat ride along this beautifully landscaped river that is the heart of the city nightlife.
Boat ride TWD100, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway

Explore the historical heritage of Taiwan’s railways in a converted station building, open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at A Song Braised Food

Enjoy classic Taiwanese braised dishes and snacks at this beloved local spot open till 9pm.
TWD250, 1h

Day 3: Island Escape

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Fuel up early with fresh pastries or a hotel breakfast to prepare for a full day visiting Cijin Island.
TWD150, 0h45m

8:30am

Ferry to Cijin Island

Take a short ferry ride from Gushan Ferry Pier to Cijin Island; ferries run every 10-15 minutes from early morning to late evening.
TWD30, 0h15m

9:00am

Rent a bike and explore Cijin Island

Cycle along the coast visiting the Cijin Lighthouse, Cijin Beach, and Cijin seafood market.
Bike Rental TWD150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cijin Seafood Market

Relish fresh seafood caught daily, grilled or steamed, at one of the numerous local stalls open till late afternoon.
TWD400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Cijin Windmill Park

Walk to this unique park featuring iconic windmills and lovely ocean views, perfect for relaxing.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return ferry to Kaohsiung

Enjoy the afternoon ferry back to the city to prepare for evening activities.
TWD30, 0h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung (Dream Mall Branch)

Experience world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese delicacies, open daily from 11am to 9pm.
TWD500, 1h30m

Day 4: Spiritual and Departure

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local breakfast shop

Enjoy Taiwanese-style breakfast like dan bing (egg crepe) and soymilk before heading out to Fo Guang Shan.
TWD120, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Take a taxi or bus (about 40min) to reach this spectacular Buddhist complex open from 9am to 5pm.
Transport approx. TWD200, 0h40m

9:15am

Explore Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Visit Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery featuring grand statues, meditation halls, and beautiful gardens.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fo Guang Shan Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful vegetarian meal within the temple grounds, open 11am to 2pm.
TWD250, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Kaohsiung City and prepare for departure

Head back to your hotel or transport hub for your departure plans. Time to rest or pack.
Transport approx. TWD200, 1h