Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a special municipality in southern Taiwan and the core of the Kaohsiung metropolitan region. Located on the western coast facing the Taiwan Strait, the city is a major port and an economic and cultural center. It is among Taiwan’s largest cities by population and is known for its harbor, riverfront parks, and diverse urban districts.

Historically, Kaohsiung developed around its natural harbor and served as a regional trade hub during later Qing and Japanese periods. In the second half of the 20th century the city expanded rapidly as Taiwan industrialized, becoming a center for shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, with port facilities that connect domestic and international goods.

Today the Port of Kaohsiung is a major maritime facility, handling container traffic and bulk cargos and contributing to the city’s economy. The economy is diversified, including petrochemicals, shipbuilding, electronics, logistics, and services. The harbor area has also been the focus of redevelopment for culture and tourism.

Cultural and recreational attractions include Love River, the Pier 2 Art Center, the National Science and Technology Museum, and the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. The Lotus Pond with Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard station, and the Liuhe Night Market are popular destinations.

Transportation links include Kaohsiung International Airport and the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit system, which currently operates two main lines and serves the city’s districts. The city is home to several universities, including National Sun Yat-sen University and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology.