Sizihwan and Cijin Scenic Areas - The headlands of Kaohsiung Harbor

 


Sizihwan and Cijin are the hilly areas at the mouth of Kaohsiung Harbor, forming the two headlands of the harbor. They are home to beaches, scenic lookout points, and historic sites. 

I began my walk where I finished the previous day, at Hamasen metro station, with my first stop being Faxing Zen Temple. Its golden stupa had caught my eye the day before, as it was unlike anything I had seen in Taiwan, resembling the Southeast Asian Buddhist stupas found in Thailand or Myanmar. From there, I continued to the Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine and the Shoushan LOVE Lookout, offering sweeping views of the city below. 

On my way towards the coast, I passed by a slide at Dengshan Lane 60, but it was locked up and occupied by a pack of stray dogs. Just beyond, I entered the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) campus, nestled between lush mountains and the sea. Right next to it lies Sizihwan Beach, from where a short walk leads to the Sizihwan Scenic Area. 

Overlooking it all is The British Consulate at Takow, a historical red-brick building perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor, Cijin, and the surrounding landscape. Right next to it stands the Sizihwan Temple of the Eighteen Lords, adding a touch of local religious heritage to the area. From here, I descended toward the Consulate’s lower office, located directly across from the Xiongzhen North Gate, one of the remaining fortifications from Kaohsiung’s past. 

A short walk brought me to Gushan Ferry Pier Station, where I boarded a ferry to Cijin, the narrow island across the harbor. Perched atop a hill, the Kaohsiung Lighthouse offers great views. Next to the lighthouse is Cihou Fort, an old coastal defense post. Beneath the fort is the Cijin Tunnel of Stars, an atmospheric passageway adorned with twinkling lights. 

Cijin Beach is found next to these sites, from where Cijin Old Street - a lively strip filled with seafood stalls, souvenir shops, and local eateries - takes you back to the ferry port. From here, I headed back to the Gushan Ferry Pier from where I walked back to the Hamasen metro station.

Map of the Sizihwan and Cijin Scenic Areas


1. Hamasen metro station; 2. Faxing Zen Temple; 3. Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine; 4. Shoushan LOVE Lookout; 5. Slide at Dengshan Lane 60; 6. National Sun Yat-sen University; 7. Sizihwan Beach; 8. Sizihwan Scenic Area; 9. British Consulate at Takow; 10. Xiongzhen North Gate; 11. Gushan Ferry Pier; 12. Cijin Ferry Pier; 13. Kaohsiung Lighthouse; 14. Cihou Fort; 15. Cijin Beach; 16. Cijin Old Street.

Other walks in Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung center, Kaohsiung waterfront, Zuoying District, and Weiwuying.

Faxing Zen Temple. 















Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine and Shoushan LOVE Lookout. 




























Dengshan Lane 60. 





National Sun Yat-sen University. 






Sizihwan Beach. 







Sizihwan Scenic Area. 









The Sizihwan Temple of the Eighteen Lords and The British Consulate at Takow. 




















Xiongzhen North Gate. 







Walking to Gushan Ferry Pier Station and taking the boat to Cijin. 


















The Cijin side of the harbor. 





The climb up to, and the views from, the Kaohsiung Lighthouse. 



























Cihou Fort. 




















Cijin Tunnel of Stars. 











Cijin Beach. 







Cijin Old Street. 









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