{"id":8701,"date":"2025-12-17T21:54:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T13:54:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=8701"},"modified":"2025-12-17T21:59:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T13:59:19","slug":"cianjin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/cianjin\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaohsiung \u25e6 Cianjin | It\u2019s snowing in Central Park! | TAIWAN 368-59"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019ve 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\u2019m genuinely proud of my city.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Kaohsiung Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude84 Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental - Zuoying High Speed Rail Station Pickup<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental\uff5c<\/strong>Kaohsiung Railway Station Pickup<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Kaohsiung Fun Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab E-DA Theme Park Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Shoushan Zoo Tickets<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab British Consulate in Kaohsiung: Tickets and Discount Packages<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab National Science And Technology Museum Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udea2 Kaohsiung Love River Love Boat Ticket & Cruise Guide<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udea3\ud83c\udffb Water skiing experience at Lotus Lake Water Skiing Theme Park<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Zheng Qing Song Korean Sauna in Kaohsiung<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The History of Cianjin<\/span><\/h6>\n

Cianjin was formerly known as Cianjin (\u524d\u77dc). 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\u2019s transition from a rural area toward urban development.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Kaohsiung Christmas Life Festival<\/span><\/h6>\n

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\u2014no matter where you take photos, it feels festive.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019t be prouder to call myself a Kaohsiung local.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Attractions in Cianjin<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cCianjin Wansing Temple<\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s beard is noticeably longer\u2014a detail that left a particularly strong impression on me.<\/p>\n

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Cianjin Wansing Temple<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0500-2200\nNo. 325, Chenggong 1st Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cHanshin Department Store<\/h6>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Hanshin Department Store<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1100-2200\nNo. 266-1, Chenggong 1st Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cCentral Park<\/h6>\n
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\u2019s not only a great spot for residents to exercise in the mornings, but also a popular venue for large-scale events.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Central Park<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSearch \u201cCentral Park\u201d on Google Maps<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cLi KeYong Memorial Library<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s greenery indoors, creating a peaceful atmosphere where one can read while feeling surrounded by nature. Because the environment is so comfortable, it\u2019s common to see elderly visitors drop by to read after finishing their morning exercise in the park. If you\u2019re hoping to get a seat with great natural light, you\u2019ll need a bit of luck.<\/p>\n
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Li KeYong Memorial Library<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-2100, closed on Monday.\nNo. 37, Minsheng 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cKaohsiung Literature Library<\/h6>\n
Built in 1954, the Kaohsiung Literature Library was originally the first public library in postwar Kaohsiung. In 2003, as part of the local government\u2019s efforts to promote regional literature, it was renamed and became Taiwan\u2019s first literature museum named after a city. The museum\u2019s name was personally inscribed by writer Yeh Shih-tao, marking the formal beginning of Kaohsiung\u2019s efforts to preserve and promote its literary heritage.<\/p>\n
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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 \u2014 Reopening from Shuangxi directly confronts local residents\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
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Kaohsiung Literature Library<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-2100, closed on Monday.\nNo. 39, Minsheng 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
06\uff5cDON DON DONKI Kaohsiung<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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I often drop by DON DON DONKI during work breaks to grab something to eat. What attracts me most\u2014aside from getting a feel for Japanese trends through its buzzworthy products\u2014is 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.<\/p>\n
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DON DON DONKI <\/strong>Kaohsiung<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-2300\nB1, TALEE'S<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Cianjin<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cCianjin Braised Pork Rice<\/h6>\n
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\u2019s the kind of place where even a 30-minute wait feels completely worth it. Since receiving a Michelin recommendation, there\u2019s almost always a line whenever you pass by\u2014even outside regular meal times, you\u2019ll often still have to wait.<\/p>\n
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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\u2014the moment the rich yolk flows into the braised pork is simply irresistible.<\/p>\n
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Cianjin Braised Pork Rice<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0715-1730, closed on Sunday.\nNo. 26, Datong 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
02\uff5c1975 Teppanyaki<\/h6>\n
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\u2014a longtime regular.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019t help finishing them\u2014rich in flavor but never heavy. Seating at 1975 Teppanyaki is limited, and weekend slots are especially in demand, so advance reservations are essential.<\/p>\n
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1975 <\/strong>1975 Teppanyaki<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1200-1400, 1800-2100, closed on Wednesday.\nNo. 229, Rende St., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiunghttps:\/\/reurl.cc\/R9k3gZ<\/a><\/pre>\n
03\uff5cNiu Lao Da<\/h6>\n
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\u2019d recommend the spacious and modern second branch.<\/p>\n
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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\u2014swish it in the flavorful broth for just 3 to 5 seconds, then dip it in the restaurant\u2019s special scallion, garlic, and chili soy sauce for a truly heavenly bite.<\/p>\n
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Niu Lao Da<\/strong> Kaohsiung<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1130-1400, 1600-0000, closed on Monday.\nNo. 18, Ziqiang 2nd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cJincheng Duck<\/h6>\n
Located in the Hanshin shopping district, Jincheng is a popular spot that\u2019s always full during meal times. My personal favorite combination is the duck noodle soup paired with duck rice blood pudding.<\/p>\n
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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\u2014priced under NT$100\u2014is incredibly satisfying.<\/p>\n
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Jincheng Duck<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0930-2000, closed on Monday.\nNo. 62, Wufu 3rd Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cJang Ge Crab House<\/h6>\n
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\u2014until 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.<\/p>\n
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If you\u2019re not used to eating raw seafood, don\u2019t worry\u2014the restaurant\u2019s crispy pork belly is equally excellent. It\u2019s rich and flavorful without being greasy, earning praise even from my family who came along.<\/p>\n
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Jang Ge Crab House<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1130-1500, 1700-2100, closed on Monday.\nNo. 322, Zhonghua 4th Rd., Qianjin Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n