Hafen
Kaohsiung

This definitive tour of Kaohsiung presents attractions that reveal the very fabric of life in this thriving southern Taiwanese city. You’ll travel to the massive Spring and Autumn Pavilions, a complex completed in 1951 and embrace the breathtaking sight that shows the importance of legend in Taiwanese culture.

As religious expression is very prevalent in Kaohsiung you’ll also visit two of its most popular Taiwanese temples, the Confucius Temple and Chiming Tang. Completed in 1976, the Confucius Temple is Taiwan's largest Confucian temple and expresses a deep reverence for China's beloved sage. Chiming Tang was constructed in the 1970s. Several different gods are worshipped here, including humanized gods of influential historic figures, such as Confucius.

Head to the Chijin Old Street for a glimpse of daily life in Kaohsiung and where the city was first developed. Colorful, ornate temples such as the 300-year-old Tian Ho abound, and the many small shops are always abuzz. As you stroll along the street exploring the many sights, shops and stands, you will no doubt feel the friendly townspeople and the inviting ambience that is found here.

Watch a rousing drum performance in an unusual park and meander about an urban lake bordered by a profusion of colorful temples. Both experiences will demonstrate the cultural diversity within Taiwan. The show will be held at the Ten Drum Creative Park, a former sugar mill that has been renovated with stages and theaters for entertainment. There, the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group will perform an impassioned musical routine much like the one that earned the group a Grammy Award nomination for Best World Album. You can expect an electrifying performance that may also feature instruments such as a high-pitched suona horn. The atmosphere will be entirely different within the Lotus Pond urban oasis on the outskirts of Kaohsiung. Highlights include pavilions dedicated to a mystical god of war, ornate pagodas at the water’s edge and a sacred Confucius temple. Depending on the time you visit, the buildings may be beautifully reflected on the water’s surface.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Watch an electrifying drum performance by a Grammy-nominated percussion group.
• Appreciate how a former sugar mill has been turned into an entertainment venue.
• Enjoy the serenity of an urban lake with pagodas and temples overlooking its shore.

Spend an enlightening day exploring the landmarks in Tainan, the former capital of Taiwan and the island’s oldest city. One of the most historical buildings is Chihkan Tower, which the Dutch constructed as Fort Provintia in the mid-1600s. Now a museum, it boasts exhibits that celebrate the Qing Dynasty’s victory over the Dutch. You will also visit Anping, an even earlier Dutch-built fort. Most of the fort is a replica, as the original building materials were used for other structures once the Dutch were ousted from Tainan in the late 1600s. The city’s first Confucius temple is also from around the same time period. Although no longer a center of Confucian learning, it is still considered one of Tainan’s most sacred sites. While there, you may see locals practicing tai chi in the courtyards. For a glimpse into the lifestyles of the early Chinese and Dutch settlers, you will browse the former trading post Merchant & Co.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Delve into the 17th-century history of Tainan, the island’s oldest city.
• Recognize how the Dutch influenced the island by building forts and a trading post.
• Enjoy the serenity of the Tainan Confucius Temple, once an esteemed learning center.

Gain an understanding of the island’s earliest cultures by visiting a folk village and a park with indigenous aboriginal dwellings. Taiwan’s largest concentration of Hakka people live in Meinong, a rural village where ancient traditions are still revered. Among them is the art of making oil-paper umbrellas, a craft that began more than 100 years ago. You will see how the waterproof paper parasols are made and learn how they became symbols of good luck and prosperity. In the Taiwan Indigenous Culture Park, you will discover how the island’s aboriginal tribes live much like their ancestors did. You can expect to hear various aboriginal languages, watch traditional handicrafts such as rattan weaving being practiced and see tribal residences built on stilts out of natural materials. The culture park will show how the tribes have held on to their traditional ways despite efforts to assimilate them.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Learn about Taiwan’s earliest cultures and how their lifestyles have been preserved.
• Browse a workshop in a Hakka village that makes exquisite oil-paper umbrellas.
• Get a glimpse into the island’s aboriginal cultures and their extraordinary handicraft skills.

Immerse yourself in Buddhism at Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery, Fokuangshan, a serene mountain complex overlooking the Kaoping River. Approaching the monastery founded in 1967 by Buddhist master Shingyun, you’ll notice several giant statues of Buddha in the distance. Painstakingly built into the mountainside, Fokuanghan or Light of Buddha Mountain features an array of characteristic temples, meditation halls, gardens and exhibition halls displaying spectacular religious artifacts. Nearly 15,000 lanterns rest in the openings of the walls of the four shrines, with Tahsiungpao being the largest of the shrines.

Understand the intent of making Buddhism relevant in modern life as you tour Fokuangshan's impressive Buddhist Cultural Museum, filled with ritual instruments, beautiful calligraphy, and significant objects d' art carved out of jade, bronze and porcelain. The works are from various countries and time periods, providing an in-depth view of Buddhism.

You’ll be treated to a vegetarian luncheon at Fokuangshan consisting of traditional dishes made with fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Explore the premier attractions in and around Kaohsiung, an experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the Taiwanese culture. You will discover the relevance of Buddhism in modern life at Fokuangshan, a monastery complex in the surrounding mountains. Hundreds of giant and small Buddha statues grace the tranquil grounds. Following a lunch of delectable Hakka cuisine, you will learn to make traditional pineapple cake for dessert. It is Taiwan’s signature pastry and is typically stuffed with pineapple jam. A meandering walk through the island’s largest Confucian temple complex will bring you a certain serenity as the guide will point out the many feng shui elements. The main building overlooks the Lotus Pond and resembles the temple in Qufu, Confucius’ home town. The famed philosopher is also venerated at Chiming Tang, a contemporary temple dedicated to enlightenment. Be sure to notice the variety of architectural features that reflect Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of Buddhism at a sprawling monastery in the mountains.
• Learn to make traditional pineapple cake, the perfect complement to your Hakka lunch.
• Explore the country’s largest Confucian temple, which overlooks the Lotus Pond.
• Visit Chiming Tang, a temple that welcomes those who worship a variety of gods.

Fo Guang Shan

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive to Tashu Village, where Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, stands majestically above the Kaoping River. The entire mountain has been developed into a complex of temples, shrines and gardens. Fo Guang Shan combines modern facilities with traditional teaching in a way that makes it adaptable to daily life.

Main Shrine and Exhibition Gallery

Master Hsing Yun founded the monastery in 1967. Upon arrival at the monastery, take a guided walking tour of this enormous complex. See the dazzling Main Shrine, which features three majestic Buddha statues and small niches housing over 1,000 images, the Exhibition Gallery and the gift shop, where a cup of tea is served. Other highlights include the 500 Arhats Garden and the 394-foot-high (120-metre-high) golden Buddha statue, which is surrounded by 480 smaller golden statues and beautiful landscaped grounds.

Spring and Autumn pagodas

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Spring and Autumn pagodas. Upon arrival at the Spring and Autumn pagodas, take a guided tour of the pagodas and see the colorful temples along the Lotus Lake. Before heading back to the pier, your tour concludes with a visit to Central Park, where modern facilities have been incorporated with underground passages, upscale shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Following your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the ancient and modern sights of Taiwan's second-largest city during this picturesque sightseeing excursion to Kaohsiung.

Spring and Autumn Pagodas

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute sightseeing drive through the bustling streets of Kaohsiung. From here, head towards the most scenic area on the northern outskirts of the city, where a profusion of temples overlook Lotus Lake. Upon arrival at the Spring and Autumn pagodas, take a guided tour of the pagodas and see other colourful temples along this street. These symbols of the ancient Chinese spirit offer solace from the hectic life of modern Kaohsiung.

Great Harbor Bridge

Located next to the Pier-2 Art Center, the Great Harbor Bridge is the first horizontally rotating landscape bridge in Taiwan and the longest cross-port rotating bridge in Asia. Its horizontal operation can be completed within 3 minutes. The pristine white Great Harbor Bridge spans 110 meters and has a bridge width ranging from 5 to 11 meters. The bridge design is in the image of a shell and dolphin, and its streamlined profile exudes a sense of design. At the center point of the bridge is an observation deck where visitors can look out at the gorgeous urban waterfront of Kaohsiung Port where 85 Sky Tower, Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal, Kaohsiung Music Center will be captured in your eyes.

Love River (Drive through)

When in Kaohsiung, a visit to Love River is a must to admire the pleasant landscape and enjoy the gentle touch of breeze. Love River, known as Dagou River in Qing Dynasty, was renamed by Japanese as Takao River. The river was also called Kaohsiung Canal. The riverbanks were beautified with greenery works and developed to be park areas, decorated with pillars chained with iron rope. The area becomes a romantic place for lovers to date with, therefore, the river was reputed as Love River. On the banks, a number of parks and green lands were developed and constructed with a very long bicycle way. A drive passes the river to have an ease of mind before heading to Central Park.

Central Park

Upon arrival, some free time is made available to take photos and explore the modern facilities connected by underground passages, upscale shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Following your visit, you may opt to re-board the coach for the approximately 30-minute ride back to the pier.

Explore Kaohsiung at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kaohsiung at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kaohsiung at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kaohsiung at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.