Because my workplace is near Central Park, the Cianjin District has always been the area where I most often wander during breaks from work. Over the past few years, I’ve truly felt how much Kaohsiung has changed. Central Park becomes more beautiful every year, and there are more and more events. As a Kaohsiung local, I’m genuinely proud of my city.
Contents
◦ Kaohsiung Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Kaohsiung
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚄 Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
🛵 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental - Zuoying High Speed Rail Station Pickup
🛵 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental｜Kaohsiung Railway Station Pickup
02｜Popular Attractions in Kaohsiung
🎫 Kaohsiung Fun Pass
🎫 E-DA Theme Park Ticket
🎫 Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung
🎫 Shoushan Zoo Tickets
🎫 Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway Ticket in Kaohsiung
🎫 British Consulate in Kaohsiung: Tickets and Discount Packages
🎫 National Science And Technology Museum Ticket in Kaohsiung
03｜Things To Do in Kaohsiung
🚢 Kaohsiung Love River Love Boat Ticket & Cruise Guide
🚣🏻 Water skiing experience at Lotus Lake Water Skiing Theme Park
♨️ Zheng Qing Song Korean Sauna in Kaohsiung
◦ The History of Cianjin
Cianjin was formerly known as Cianjin (前矜). During the Qing Dynasty, as immigrants gradually arrived to reclaim and cultivate the land, settlements slowly took shape. At that time, the area was divided into two villages: Cianjin and Houjin. Among them, the Cianjin settlement, centered around what is now Wanxing Temple, developed more rapidly. During the Japanese colonial period, Cianjin District largely retained its rural landscape, but clear changes began to emerge. The government successively established various institutions here, including the Kaohsiung Prefectural Office (now the District Court), banks, irrigation associations, and police stations. These developments marked an important turning point, symbolizing the district’s transition from a rural area toward urban development.
◦ Kaohsiung Christmas Life Festival
The Kaohsiung Christmas Life Festival has officially turned three! Since its debut at Central Park in 2023, it has quickly grown into the largest Christmas music event in southern Taiwan and has become one of the most anticipated Christmas traditions for many people in Kaohsiung. This year, the festival has been fully upgraded, running all the way until January 4 next year. Beyond the eye-catching giant Christmas tree, a stunning sea of lights stretches from the MRT exits deep into the park, full of surprises at every turn—no matter where you take photos, it feels festive.
Starting every evening at 5:30 p.m., snow falls every 30 minutes. Combined with lights and music, Central Park instantly transforms into a romantic winter wonderland. Watching Kaohsiung evolve step by step into what it is today, I honestly couldn’t be prouder to call myself a Kaohsiung local.
◦ Attractions in Cianjin
01｜Cianjin Wansing Temple
As mentioned earlier, in the early history of land cultivation, the area centered around Wansing Temple was among the first to be developed by early settlers. Wansing Temple has a history of over 270 years. It is primarily dedicated to Qingshui Patriarch. One of its standout features is the 3D-painted staircase at the front of the temple, which attracts many people who come specifically to take wedding photos. At night, the painted flying dragon appears especially vivid and striking.
Among the many miracles associated with Wansing Temple, the most talked-about one involves the beard of Wenchang Dijun. Inside the main hall, the temple preserves a photograph of the deity taken in 2011. When compared with the statue 14 years later, Wenchang Dijun’s beard is noticeably longer—a detail that left a particularly strong impression on me.
Cianjin Wansing Temple Opening Hours: 0500-2200 No. 325, Chenggong 1st Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
02｜Hanshin Department Store
In recent years, more and more department stores have opened in Kaohsiung. There are now ten major department stores and shopping malls in the city, yet this has done nothing to diminish Hanshin Department Store’s special place in the hearts of Kaohsiung locals. Hanshin officially began operations in 1995. By introducing the Japanese department store business model and service philosophy, it created an atmosphere where you immediately feel a sense of prestige the moment you step inside. Even now, I still remember visiting Hanshin as a child and experiencing that inexplicable yet very real sense of vanity. As shopping options have increased, customer crowds have naturally become more dispersed. However, because Hanshin offers a particularly comprehensive selection of luxury brands, it has instead become a place where you can truly take your time browsing high-end goods.
Connected to Hanshin is the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel, which is equally impressive. The photo wall in the first-floor lobby displays royal family members, celebrities, and notable figures who have stayed there. When I spotted Michael Jackson among them, my eyes instantly lit up.
Hanshin Department Store Opening Hours: 1100-2200 No. 266-1, Chenggong 1st Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
03｜Central Park
Central Park is located in one of the most prime areas of downtown Kaohsiung. Adjacent to the Wufu Shopping District, it connects seamlessly with Xinjuejiang and Hanshin Department Store, forming a vibrant commercial hub. The park features an artificial lake, a fountain plaza, and other thoughtfully planned spaces. It’s not only a great spot for residents to exercise in the mornings, but also a popular venue for large-scale events.
On the north side of Central Park are the Kaohsiung Literature Library and the Li Keyong Library. Surrounded by greenery, they offer a quiet and comfortable reading environment, making them my favorite places to unwind and reflect during the day.
Central Park Search “Central Park” on Google Maps
04｜Li KeYong Memorial Library
You can find Li KeYong Memorial Libraries in Taipei, Miaoli, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, and most of them are located within lush, green parks. This repeated presence naturally made me curious about who Li Ke-Yong was. Li Ke-Yong was born in Miaoli and was a highly successful timber merchant. After achieving business success, he devoted himself to philanthropy for many years, with a strong focus on education. Later, his children donated and built multiple public libraries across Taiwan in his name, incorporating green architecture concepts. These spaces were designed not only as places for reading, but also as cultural landmarks.
The Li KeYong Memorial Library in Central Park is, in my view, the most beautiful library in Kaohsiung. Its interior design is inspired by forest imagery, and large windows bring the park’s greenery indoors, creating a peaceful atmosphere where one can read while feeling surrounded by nature. Because the environment is so comfortable, it’s common to see elderly visitors drop by to read after finishing their morning exercise in the park. If you’re hoping to get a seat with great natural light, you’ll need a bit of luck.
Li KeYong Memorial Library Opening Hours: 0900-2100, closed on Monday. No. 37, Minsheng 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
05｜Kaohsiung Literature Library
Built in 1954, the Kaohsiung Literature Library was originally the first public library in postwar Kaohsiung. In 2003, as part of the local government’s efforts to promote regional literature, it was renamed and became Taiwan’s first literature museum named after a city. The museum’s name was personally inscribed by writer Yeh Shih-tao, marking the formal beginning of Kaohsiung’s efforts to preserve and promote its literary heritage.
On this visit, I could clearly sense that the tone of the exhibitions has become sharper and more provocative. The special exhibition Meinong Yellow Butterfly Festival: Thirty Years On — Reopening from Shuangxi directly confronts local residents’ resistance to the construction of the Meinong Reservoir. Meanwhile, the exhibition on the literary journal Literature Taiwan made me feel the urgency and passion that writers of the 1990s brought to the movement to advance Taiwanese literature.
Kaohsiung Literature Library Opening Hours: 0900-2100, closed on Monday. No. 39, Minsheng 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
06｜DON DON DONKI Kaohsiung
DON DON DONKI (Don Quijote) is the kind of place where I completely lose control every time I visit Japan. In 2023, it officially expanded south to Kaohsiung, opening a branch on the B1 level of TALEE'S. Covering roughly 4,000 square meters, it is not only the first DON DON DONKI in southern Taiwan, but also the largest store in the country. The over-the-top crowds during its opening period are still unforgettable.
I often drop by DON DON DONKI during work breaks to grab something to eat. What attracts me most—aside from getting a feel for Japanese trends through its buzzworthy products—is the wide variety of ready-to-eat food and desserts that are both affordable and genuinely good. My current favorite is the Yoshikai butter waffle cake.
DON DON DONKI Kaohsiung Opening Hours: 1000-2300 B1, TALEE'S
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Cianjin
01｜Cianjin Braised Pork Rice
In the minds of many seasoned Kaohsiung food lovers, Cianjin Braised Pork Rice firmly holds the top spot for braised pork rice in the city. It’s the kind of place where even a 30-minute wait feels completely worth it. Since receiving a Michelin recommendation, there’s almost always a line whenever you pass by—even outside regular meal times, you’ll often still have to wait.
Founded in 1959 and now in its third generation, Cianjin Braised Pork Rice is known for its signature braised pork, which is rich yet not greasy and melts in your mouth. The rice itself is also cooked to a high standard. The soft-boiled duck egg is a must-add—the moment the rich yolk flows into the braised pork is simply irresistible.
Cianjin Braised Pork Rice Opening Hours: 0715-1730, closed on Sunday. No. 26, Datong 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
02｜1975 Teppanyaki
1975 Teppanyaki is led by Chef A-Bin, who has over 30 years of experience in teppanyaki and previously worked at five-star hotels. His mastery over ingredients and precise control of the heat make this restaurant a favorite among many, including my friend who brought me here—a longtime regular.
The set menus are offered at NT$1,180, NT$1,500, and NT$1,800, each including 12 courses ranging from appetizers and seafood to main dishes and desserts. The pacing is carefully designed, allowing each dish to shine; the meal as a whole is layered and memorable. In addition to using the freshest seasonal premium ingredients, the two-way lobster is a signature highlight, paired with honey mustard sauce for a refreshing yet complex flavor.
Surprisingly, the standout dishes for me were the mini burger and sakura shrimp fried rice served toward the end. Even though I was already full, I couldn’t help finishing them—rich in flavor but never heavy. Seating at 1975 Teppanyaki is limited, and weekend slots are especially in demand, so advance reservations are essential.
1975 1975 Teppanyaki Opening Hours: 1200-1400, 1800-2100, closed on Wednesday. No. 229, Rende St., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiunghttps://reurl.cc/R9k3gZ
03｜Niu Lao Da
Niu Lao Da has not only earned a Bib Gourmand recommendation but is also beloved by local food enthusiasts. Business is so thriving that a second branch was opened just 120 meters from the main store, yet both locations remain packed every day. The main store occupies a traditional Taiwanese-style building with covered sidewalk seating, giving it a very local atmosphere. For summer dining or hosting guests, I’d recommend the spacious and modern second branch.
Every day, fresh beef is delivered straight from Tainan and served in a Japanese-style shabu-shabu hot pot, consistently maintaining high quality over the years. You must order several plates of marbled beef belly—swish it in the flavorful broth for just 3 to 5 seconds, then dip it in the restaurant’s special scallion, garlic, and chili soy sauce for a truly heavenly bite.
Niu Lao Da Kaohsiung Opening Hours: 1130-1400, 1600-0000, closed on Monday. No. 18, Ziqiang 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
04｜Jincheng Duck
Located in the Hanshin shopping district, Jincheng is a popular spot that’s always full during meal times. My personal favorite combination is the duck noodle soup paired with duck rice blood pudding.
The duck noodle soup has a clear, naturally sweet broth, and the smoked duck meat is generous and aromatic. Combined with the chewy yet tender duck rice blood, this combo—priced under NT$100—is incredibly satisfying.
Jincheng Duck Opening Hours: 0930-2000, closed on Monday. No. 62, Wufu 3rd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
05｜Jang Ge Crab House
During a trip to Korea in 2019, I became instantly addicted to the sweet, salty, and intensely briny flavors of soy-marinated crab. Because soy-marinated crab requires extremely fresh ingredients, I struggled to find a trustworthy place in Kaohsiung—until Jang Ge Crab House opened. I went there immediately, and I have to say, their marinated crab tastes almost identical to what I had in Korea. The texture and flavor are remarkably authentic. They use Sri Lankan flower crabs, marinated in soy sauce with a variety of aromatic spices. The sweet, tender crab meat and rich crab roe soak up the savory sauce, making every bite absolutely delightful.
If you’re not used to eating raw seafood, don’t worry—the restaurant’s crispy pork belly is equally excellent. It’s rich and flavorful without being greasy, earning praise even from my family who came along.
Jang Ge Crab House Opening Hours: 1130-1500, 1700-2100, closed on Monday. No. 322, Zhonghua 4th Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Kaohsiung
➤ Linyuan | Jellyfish Can Stand on Their Heads?
➤ Nanzih | A Land of Scholars and Prosperity
➤ Neimen | A Town Renowned for its Traditional Folk Arts