Kaohsiung waterfront – A modern and vibrant revitalized harbor

 


Staying near Sanduo Shopping District, I decided to take a walk through Kaohsiung’s vibrant waterfront, capturing the city’s mix of modern architecture, cultural spaces, and remnants of its industrial past. My first stop was the 85 Sky Tower, the city’s tallest building, standing as an iconic landmark above the skyline. From there, I made my way to the Kaohsiung Main Public Library, an architectural gem with its open-concept design and lush greenery, blending knowledge and sustainability in the heart of the city.

Continuing along the Asia New Bay Area, I passed by the sleek Kaohsiung Exhibition Center before reaching the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, a gateway for international visitors. Nearby, an unexpected sight caught my eye—a yellow submarine docked along the waterfront, adding a playful touch to the industrial harbor. Strolling further, I reached Glory Pier, offering scenic harbor views, and crossed over to the Kaohsiung Music Center, which spans both banks of the Love River’s exit into the sea, its futuristic design reflecting the city's artistic aspirations.

Next, I explored the famous Pier-2 area, where rows of revitalized warehouses had been transformed into galleries, cafes, and street art installations. As I reached the Great Harbor Bridge, I was in luck—it was rotating at that very moment. Bit further on, one of the old warehouses is now home to the Pier-2 Art Center.

I walked along the water and approached the Great Harbor Bridge from the other side, which was now open for visitors. Then I passed the Kaohsiung Harbor Museum, which highlights the port’s history, and stopped by Banana Pier, a nod to Taiwan’s banana export era. Next to it stands KW2 (Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2), another repurposed warehouse featuring boutique shops and trendy eateries.

Then I reached the Hamasen area, featuring Kaohsiung’s railway heritage. The Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway and Hamasen Railway Cultural Park showcased vintage locomotives and rail tracks embedded in green spaces, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan’s rail history. Finally, I ended my walk at the Takao Railway Museum, a preserved old station where visitors can explore the city’s railway past.

Map of Kaohsiung waterfront


1. Sanduo Shopping District; 2. 85 Sky Tower; 3. Kaohsiung Main Public Library; 4. Kaohsiung Exhibition Center; 5. Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal; 6. Yellow Submarine; 7. Glory Pier; 8. Kaohsiung Music Center; 9. Pier-2 area; 10. Great Harbor Bridge; 11. Pier-2 Art Center; 12. Kaohsiung Harbor Museum; 13. Banana Pier; 14. Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2; 15. Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway; 16. Hamasen Railway Cultural Park; 17. Takao Railway Museum.

Other walks in Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung center, Sizihwan and Cijin Scenic Areas, Zuoying District, and Weiwuying.













































































































































































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