Highlights of Kaohsiung
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Port
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A 30-minute drive brings you to Lotus Lake for a closer look at Taiwan's knack for synthesizing old and new. The pagodas, pavilions and temples here all boast classical architecture, yet the oldest dates back only to 1951. Explore the Spring and Autumn Pavilions dedicated to the God of War. The graceful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas** feature interiors decorated with paintings depicting China's 24 Obedient Sons.
The Tzu-Chi Temple is a magnificent Taoist shrine. Completed in the 1970s, it boasts an interior filled with wildly fantastic depictions of the pantheon of Taoist deities.
Next up is a short ferry ride to Chijin Island, with views of the city's soaring skyline. Chijin Island is the city's oldest district and was occupied by the Dutch in the 17th century. Seafood restaurants and small shops line the island's streets, and Chijin is also home to Taiwan's second-oldest lighthouse (1883).
More than 300 years old, the Tian Ho Temple is Kaoshiung's oldest temple.
Glimpse remnants of Western influence at the island's Christian church and enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs and visit the fish stalls.
En route back to the ship, you'll stop to photograph the pedestrian-only Great Harbor Bridge (the Dagang Bridge). It is the longest cross-port revolving bridge in Asia. With its cable stays and stunning, eclectic eyelid design incorporating shells and dolphins, it is daringly avant-garde and eminently discussable. Admire the nearby public art piece, Echo Across the Harbor, by Dutch bell manufacturer Royal Eijsbouts.
Notes:
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are currently under renovation. You will still have plenty of time to explore the Lotus Lake, Spring & Autumn Pavilions and Tzu-Chi Temple.