Cijin - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
I overestimated how well I could handle the heat. I had planned to go hiking, but the moment I stepped out of my air-conditioned hotel, I changed my mind. The forecast predicted over 33 °C, and by 9 a.m., it was already a scorching 27 °C. I decided to walk across town instead of taking the train to the ferry terminal for Cijin Island. The streets had little shade, and by the time I arrived, I was already overheated.
The terminal was crowded and uncomfortable, but ferries came frequently, so I didn’t wait long. The ferry to Cijin only took five minutes, but the view of Kaohsiung was stunning. Once there, I cooled off at a nearby 7‑Eleven, grabbed another sports drink, and took a short break.
I then explored the old streets of Cijin, lined with food stalls and restaurants offering dishes I hadn’t tried before. It was hard to choose, but I settled on a squid skewer and a fish cake—both delicious.
Next, I hiked up to the Kaohsiung Lighthouse for a beautiful panoramic view. From there, I followed a trail to Cihou Fort, built in the 19th century to guard the harbor. Most shaded spots were already taken—either by people or stray dogs.
After admiring the fort, I headed to Cijin Beach, but it was too hot to stay long. I continued on to Cijin Tunnel, a former military site from the Japanese colonial era that’s now a scenic walkway. With the heat wearing me down, I made my way back to the ferry and then took the train back to the hotel—no more walking.
History & Background
Cijin Island (旗津) has a long history as a fishing and trading community. The first settlers arrived in the 1600s, and the island soon became home to the Cijin Tianhou Temple, one of Kaohsiung’s oldest temples, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Over the centuries, it grew in strategic importance for coastal defense—the Cihou Fort was built in the 18th century to guard the harbor, and the Kaohsiung Lighthouse was constructed in the late 19th century to guide ships safely into port. Today, Cijin blends this rich history with a vibrant local culture, offering bustling markets, fresh seafood, scenic views, and beaches, making it a perfect mix of heritage and leisure.
Getting There
Cijin Island is easily accessed from Kaohsiung City via the Cijin Ferry. From Kaohsiung MRT’s Sizihwan Station or Gushan Ferry Pier, ferries depart every 10–15 minutes and take roughly five minutes to reach the island. For visitors driving, there is limited parking near the ferry terminal. Once on the island, most attractions are within walking distance or accessible by rental bike or scooter.
Route Overview
Distance: 13.8 km (Formosa Boulevard Station → Hamasen Station)
Total elevation gain: 75 m
Duration: 3 hr 11 min (with breaks 4 hr 1 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Ferry: Gushan Ferry Pier → Cijin Ferry (RT) — NT$60
Food: NT$244
