Kaohsiung, that vibrant city in Southern Taiwan, is absolutely brimming with amazing spots. We’re talking super Instagrammable hot spots, bustling night markets, cool factory tours, thrilling amusement parks, and don’t even get me started on the new Rotary Kaohsiung Port Bridge. It’s all there! But if you’re like me and you’ve already checked off all the usual suspects, then get ready to hit that ‘save’ button on this post, because I’m about to spill the tea on Kaohsiung’s best-kept secrets! This time, I’ve rounded up 10 lesser-known gems, from hidden mountain retreats to secluded coastal havens around Kaohsiung. So, grab your camera, pack your bags, and let’s roll this weekend!
Okay, first up: the Sea Cave (or Sea Arch, if you wanna get technical!) in Kaohsiung’s Shoushan area. This baby has been blowing up on Instagram lately, and for good reason! It’s a bit off the beaten path – you’ll need to take a sloped path down from ‘Cape Cafe’ – but trust me, it’s worth it. As you get closer to the shore, look up and BAM! You’re greeted by this massive, inverted U-shaped sea arch. It’s a natural photo studio, folks! During low tide, you can even stroll right onto the rocks in the middle for that perfect influencer shot. Just a heads up: keep an eye on the tides and watch out for those sharp coral rocks. Safety first, people!
· Location: Inside Chengcing Lake Scenic Area, No. 32, Dapi Rd, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City.
You’ve probably heard of Kaohsiung’s Chengcing Lake Scenic Area – it’s pretty famous. But did you know they recently added a super cool ‘Maze Garden’ there? It’s like stepping into a fairytale! We’re talking a main picnic area perfect for an afternoon chill session, a Hobbit house that smells like cypress the moment you walk in (seriously, it’s amazing!), and even a colorful Hakodate Maze where you can pretend to be a little mouse scurrying through tunnels. But the real star is the Mandarin Duck Hedge Maze, crafted from dense shrubs. The whole ‘Maze Garden’ has this incredible old-world, exotic vibe, making it a fantastic secret spot in Kaohsiung for both snapping pics and just having a blast!
· Location: Near the 12km mark of Provincial Highway 132, Maolin District, Kaohsiung City. (Just navigate to Longtoushan Eagle Valley for 24-hour access)
Head out to Maolin National Scenic Area, and about two hours from downtown Kaohsiung, you’ll find the stunning ‘Longtoushan Eagle Valley.’ The Longtoushan Trail, stretching about 2 kilometers, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the unique river-bend valley. You’ll mostly be strolling along wooden boardwalks and stairs, with zero obstructions as you walk the ridgeline – it totally gives off ‘mini Great Wall of Taiwan’ vibes! After your hike, you can easily swing by nearby attractions like Duona High Suspension Bridge, Lover’s Valley Waterfall, Butterfly Valley, and the Duona Indigenous Village for even more amazing sights and nature adventures!
Down in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung’s southernmost tip, you’ll stumble upon ‘Anle Building.’ This super unique Baroque-style structure is tucked away in an alley, and it’s got quite a past – it used to be a grand brothel, a theater, and even a hotel. Now, it might look a bit dilapidated, but that’s precisely its charm! Every corner is a photo op, making it a truly atmospheric secret spot in Kaohsiung. It shot to fame after being featured in the Golden Bell Award-winning drama ‘A Touch of Green,’ drawing in tons of photographers who love that ‘ruin porn’ aesthetic. It’s definitely a hot, hidden Instagram gem in Kaohsiung!
· Location: No. 360, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Rd., Hunei District, Kaohsiung City.
· Open Hours: 24 hours
If you’re into that melancholic beauty of abandoned places, then you absolutely *have* to check out ‘Dahu Tomato Company’ in Kaohsiung’s Hunei District! This red-brick building, once a bustling tomato canning factory, is now just a shell of its former self. But come May or June, during the flamboyant tree season, the giant phoenix tree in front of the factory bursts into a fiery red bloom. The fallen petals create a stunning red carpet on the ground, making for an epic, natural photoshoot backdrop with the green leaves and old brickwork. Talk about Instagram gold!
· Location: Guomao Community, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City.
· Open Hours: 24 hours
Taiwan is packed with places that give off serious Japan or European vibes, but if you’re looking for a spot that screams Hong Kong, then ‘Guomao Community’ is your go-to! Officially known as Bihai New Village, this community was actually rebuilt from the former Guomao No. 3 Naval Dependents’ Village. It’s got these super retro national housing blocks, designed with two curved buildings wrapping around a central mini-park. Stand in the middle, look straight up, and those densely packed, uniform iron window grilles? Total ‘Little Hong Kong’ déjà vu! It’s definitely an unconventional, yet totally cool, secret spot in Kaohsiung.
· Location: No. 2808, Nanxing Rd., Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City.
· Open Hours: Weekdays: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays); Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Hongmaogang, a place with a whopping 400-year history, transformed from a humble fishing village into a bustling container port. Thanks to some thoughtful government planning and preservation, it’s now the ‘Hongmaogang Cultural Park’ – a fantastic spot where visitors can dive into its rich past and prosperity through various art and cultural exhibits. Inside the park, you’ll find the ‘Gaozitai Revolving Restaurant,’ which used to be an old signal tower, the ‘Exhibition Hall’ showcasing the Hongmaogang settlement, an ‘Outdoor Exhibition Area’ with cool replica buildings, and the ‘Skywalk’ – originally a coal conveyor belt, how cool is that? You can also hop on a cultural boat at the ‘Pier and Waiting Room’ or just chill at the ‘Ocean View Platform’ and witness massive ships rolling into the harbor. It’s a total blast for history buffs and casual explorers alike!
· Trailhead Location: Next to Longquan Temple, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City. (24-hour access)
Shoushan is nestled right on the border between Kaohsiung City and the coast. This coral reef hill, with its natural forest barrier, was actually a military base for ages, only opening to the public about 30 years ago. That’s why it’s kept such a rich, pristine ecosystem – and the biggest surprise? The adorable Taiwanese macaques that’ll keep you company along the way! On the ‘Shoushan Hiking Trail,’ you’ll also discover ‘Thailand Valley,’ a cliff face that makes you feel like you’re deep in the mountains, ‘A Curtain of Dreams,’ a natural ‘bead curtain’ made from dense Red Jade Vine, and the super narrow ‘One Line Sky’ rock crevice. These are all incredible natural wonders that are both stunning to see and perfect for your photo feed!
· Location: Lane 1, Miaozian Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City. (24-hour access)
Cijin is already a must-visit hot spot in Kaohsiung, famous for its beach and Rainbow Church. But did you know there’s a military tunnel, the ‘Cijin Starry Sky Tunnel,’ right below Cihou Fort? This tunnel, dating back to the Japanese colonial era, lets you bike or stroll your way to Cijin Bay Gorge. And guess what? It recently got a facelift and reopened quietly in July 2022, now featuring 10 mesmerizing light and shadow animations! With its dreamy tunnel lights and unbeatable ocean views, it’s no wonder it’s still one of Kaohsiung’s top secret spots!
· Location: No. 109, Zhuliao Rd., Dashu District, Kaohsiung City.
· Open Hours: 24 hours
Over in Kaohsiung’s Dashu District, you’ll find the ‘Dashu Old Iron Bridge,’ which used to connect Kaohsiung and Pingtung by rail. When it was completed in 1913, it was the longest railway bridge in all of Asia! Now, this grand old dame has retired from active duty and been repurposed into a ‘sky railway’ walkway where folks can stroll and snap some awesome pics. It’s pretty cool because you can walk along it and watch modern trains whiz by on the new bridge right next to it. The park also boasts huge grassy areas perfect for weekend picnics and a wetlands park where you can bike around. If you’ve got extra time, definitely pop over to the nearby Sanhe Tile Kiln and try your hand at making your own little red brick souvenir in that super charming, old-school setting!
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