Although  it often sits in the shadow of northern capital Taipei when it comes to tourism itineraries, the southern centre of Kaohsiung offers a world of attractions for visitors to Taiwan.

With beautiful scenery, great  food and a relaxed, friendly vibe, this is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday.

Here we look at some of the scenic beauty spots which make Kaohsiung the perfect place to visit.

Temples

The city has a number of visually appealing temples, including the largest Confucian temple in the whole of Taiwan. Dating from the seventeenth century, the building has been renovated since then. Today its imposing silhouette makes for excellent photographs. It is conveniently located close by Xinzuoying station.

Visitors with a religious interest will care not only for this temple, but also the  many temples of various origins which are scattered around Kaohsiung city and its environs.

Former British Consulate Residence

This strategic hilltop point close to the port and walkable from Tamsui station has an interesting historical story reflecting  the development of Kaohsiung’s role in sea trade.

Originally it was marked by the construction of a fort by the Spanish in the 1630s. The fort was taken over in the course of time and rebuilt. Today the fort stands, alongside a charming redbrick building which formerly housed the residence of the British consul. The collection of buildings and immaculately maintained garden are a pretty sight, offering an oasis of tranquillity. They also have excellent views out onto parts of the city and the sea below. An additional attraction is a museum detailing the development of the fort and Taiwan.

Kaohsiung 85

This building towers over the city from every angle.

Its modern style is not especially distinguished or appealing. However, it offers an excellent vantage  point from which to survey Kaohsiung and the surrounding mountainous countryside and sea. There is an observation deck on the seventy fourth and fifth floors. The closest station is Sanduo Shopping District.

Pier Two

If you are looking for a photogenic area which has an industrial edge, Pier Two could be perfect for you.

This collection of similar former tobacco warehouses is an imposing and almost labyrinthine  structure.  The warehouses have now been converted to a range of attractions including shops, bars and eateries.

A lot of the shops sell locally manufactured goods or carefully curated homewares. Sometimes a popup weekend market attracts indigenous musicians and stallholders selling handicrafts. Pier 2 is an Instagrammer’s heaven and a striking looking spot to pass a couple of hours.

Central Park

This park is very conveniently located in the city centre, a few  steps away from a main transport interchange.

With its lush lawns, plenty  of seating, fountains and some statues, it is a picturesque and relaxing place in which to take a rest. It also provides clear sightlines around to the city silhouette above. Whether having a drink or picnic, reading a book, or just watching the world go by, this pretty spot is worth stopping by.

Niaosong

This picturesque spot sits on the outskirts of Kaohsiung.

Yet despite being relatively easy to reach, its rural feeling will give you a relaxing sense of having stepped out of the cityscape and into a more natural place. The slow pace of life is complemented by an abundance of greenery and water, leading to postcard perfect traditional views.

Key places to visit in Niasong include Chengcing Lake and the Niaosong Wetland Park. Part of the lake sits in a park area, and at one end you can see a large building in traditional Chinese style built for the first Taiwanese president Chiang Kai-Shek. This makes for an iconic view.

Kaohsiung Port

It is not often that a port is recommended as a scenic spot. Given that Kaohsiung has one of the region’s busiest ports, it may come as an extra surprise to find it on this list.

However, the city now and historically has been centred on its role as an important node for maritime commerce. The central waterfront area looking onto the port combines views of the city, the sea and the distant cranes and ships of the harbour. It is at once bustling and contemplative, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Harbourfront

Kaohsiung is one of the most easily walkable cities in Taiwan.

Along its coastline, there is a series of paved walkways designed for visitors and locals alike to walk or cycle. With an emphasis on expanding this in recent years, it is possible to walk for miles with the  city on one side and the sea waves lapping on the wall on the other. A stroll allows you to enjoy the views, and also to experience some local neighbourhoods less trodden by most visitors.

Tianliao Moon World

Kaohsiung is surrounded by a great deal of natural beauty. An easy way to appreciate some of this is to visit Tianliao Moon World.

The badlands landscape has been formed by rain and streams eroding the soft volcanic earth over the course of time. This can be seen elsewhere in Taiwan, but this park a bus ride from central Kaohsiung is an easy and accessible location in which to observe the results. It has well marked hiking trails allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the striking landscape.

Mountains around Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is squeezed into its coastal position by some of the most impressive mountain ranges in Taiwan, just a few miles away.

From a vantage  point in the city you can easily see the mountains. If you head out to a smaller village on the outskirts, or further afield, you can get right out amongst the mountains. The ranges are spectacular, tall, imposing  and beautiful.

Bear in mind that although they are close to the city these are serious mountains, so if you visit them plan properly, including taking  sufficient supplies and leaving word of your plans at your accommodation.