A Morning in Kaohsiung with Island Breeze, A Ferry Ride in the Heat.
At the end of June, I visited my aunt who lives in Kaohsiung. One hot morning, we went for a walk in Shaochuantou Park. Although the greenery in the park was refreshing, the scorching sun made it difficult to stay for long. We quickly decided to head to Gushan Ferry Station and take a boat to Cijin Island. As we rode the ferry, the breeze hit our faces, instantly making us feel much cooler. The beautiful scenery of Cijin and its relaxed island vibe became our best escape from the heat.
ShaogangSun
Kaohsiung｜The Most Beautiful Coastal Spot in Kaohsiung.
Shaochuantou Park is located by the sea, offering a view of two Kaohsiung landmarks: the 85 Sky Tower and the Cihou Lighthouse, as well as a panoramic view of Kaohsiung Harbor. Often overlooked due to its proximity to Xiziwan, Shaochuantou is less crowded and a great spot for photography.
On weekends, Shaochuantou Park exudes a leisurely atmosphere. Some people come here specifically to fish, while others sit under the shade of trees and chat. There is a Starbucks on the first floor of the nearby Brio Hotel, where you can buy a coffee to enjoy by the sea.
Walking towards Xiziwan, you'll find a dock-like area, which is an excellent spot for photos. From here, you can see the entire Kaohsiung Harbor, including the Maritime Music Center, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and the 85 Sky Tower. On clear days, the blue sky reflects beautifully off the glass facades of the buildings.
On the other side, you can see Cijin across the water. Cijin Zhongzhou is home to many shipyards and freight companies, offering a stark contrast to the urban landscape with its industrial scenery.
This is also the closest spot to view the Cihou Lighthouse. If you're lucky, you might see a large ship leaving the harbor, heading out of Taiwan. It's quite a sight to see a massive ship squeezing through a small exit, looking as if it's about to crash.
When I lived in Taiwan, I stayed near Shaochuantou. Whenever the weather was good, I would head to Shaochuantou Park to take photos because it was often quiet and spacious, perfect for comfortable photography. Most crowds head towards Pier-2 Art Center and Xiziwan, making Shaochuantou quieter on weekends. It's easy to find good spots for photos. Since it's close to residential areas, Shaochuantou Park is also a great place for street photography.
📍Shaochuantou Park
It's about a 15-minute walk from Exit 1 of Xiziwan MRT Station. Opposite Shaochuantou Park is the Gushan Ferry Station, where you can take a ferry to Cijin.