Cheap Flights to Kaohsiung from $587

Introduction

If you want to take a break from the typical tourist hotspots and yet have a great time, you will find a wonderful destination in the multicultural Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung is a city that is located in southern Taiwan. 

Kaohsiung has been inhabited for over 4500 years, but written history regarding the city goes back only till the early 17th century. Kaohsiung was earlier known as Takau Isle, the name given by the Makatao who settled there before the 17th century. The city was renamed Fengshan County by the Qing Dynasty who came after the Dutch and then, to Takao City by the Japanese in 1920.

Administration of the city changed hands from the Dutch to the Qing Dynasty and Japanese, each leaving its footprints on Kaohsiung City, making it what it is today. From a trading village, it grew into a port city and is now the economic and political center in south Taiwan with significant industries like oil refining, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and freight transport.

After the heavy bombing in World War II, as Japan handed over Taiwan to China, Kaohsiung City became a provincial city on December 25, 1945. This is when the city came to be officially known as Kaohsiung. 

Kaohsiung City owes its tropical savanna climate to the fact that Tropic of Cancer is just a degree to its north. You are also protected from the harsh winter winds with the Central Mountain Range acting as a barrier.  

Whether you are a nature lover or into leisure sports, shopping or history, Kaohsiung City won’t let you down. And if you’re a museum enthusiast, you’re in for a treat as you will need a week just to go cover all its museums.   

Tip: Kaohsiung is home to The Dome Of Light, the largest art collection of public glassworks, and adds beauty and life to the Formosa Boulevard Station where it is located.

Getting to Kaohsiung 

Kaohsiung City is served by Kaohsiung International Airport, the second-largest international airport in Taiwan. There are direct flights to Kaohsiung from different Asian cities. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are some of the airlines that offer cheap flights to Kaohsiung. Cathay Pacific also operates flights to Kaohsiung. Due to its close proximity to the city center, the airport has short runways which make landing difficult for larger aircrafts. There are proposals to expand the runway or build a new airport. After landing at the airport, you can always use the city’s very efficient Mass Rapid Transport as well as cabs.

Must-see attractions in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung has a lot to offer you depending on your taste.

If you like shopping, you can visit Dream Mall, Taiwan’s largest shopping mall with a host of restaurants, gym, movie theater and even an amusement park on the roof, the Kaohsuing Eye Ferris Wheel. 

Central Park with its greenery will offer you a place to just laze around or have a nice picnic. You can even catch up on your reading at the library there. 

Your visit to Kaohsuing wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest harbor. A museum situated near the second port entrance takes you through the history of the residential settlement that was there. 

The Lotus Pond which gets its name from the lotus plants there is a manmade lake. While there, you can have a look at the many temples dotting the lake, including the Confucian Temple. 

Owing to its history with the Dutch, Qing Dynasty and Japanese, you will find numerous historical monuments in the city. Some of these include Former British Consulate at Takao, Cemetery of Zhenghaijun and Cihou Lighthouse. Visiting these historical sites will give you a deeper sense of the city’s history. 

Tip: Since many of the popular tourist attractions are not far from each other, exploring the city on foot is a great idea as you will really be able to get deep into its culture and explore some marvelous places that may not necessarily be on the typical list of attractions.

Where to stay and eat in Kaohsiung

Where you want to stay in Kaohsiung depends on what you want to do and how long you’re there for. The area around Formosa Boulevard Station is good if you’re on a very short trip. Being close to the station makes local commute very easy. Another great area to stay in is the Central Park area which has something to offer to everyone. You can take walks in the park during the day, go shopping in the evening and enjoy the nightlife in its many pubs and bars and taste the local food. 

Kaohsiung Main Station area is known for its cultural diversity. So if you want to try some Vietnamese and Indonesian food, this is where you need to head.

You can feast on a variety of cuisines while in Kaohsiung. Wufu 4^th Road is one place that is lined with pubs, bars, and hotels you can take your pick from. And if you’re in the mood for a midnight snack, the night markets aren’t very far from there.

Tip: Make sure to taste the milk tea in Kaohsiung. 

Local & Culture language

Standard Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien are the two major languages spoken in Kaohsiung. Japanese is still spoken by those who grew up while Kaohsiung was under Japanese colonization. Some of the aboriginal and Formosan languages have slowly lost their grip on the people, except for the older generation. The United Nations has classified some of these as endangered languages which have prompted the government to set up special affairs committees to protect these languages. But like anywhere else in the world, the younger generation has picked up English, so you can find your way around the city just fine.

Tip: It won’t hurt you to know some local language as people always appreciate it when you make an effort to show interest in their language or culture.

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