Cijin Island

旗津

A sandbar island 11 km long just outside Kaohsiung Harbor, reached in 5 minutes by ferry. Old-street seafood, a black sand beach, a lighthouse and a fort make it Kaohsiung's classic half-day outing.

Cijin is a narrow sandbar island about 11 km long and only 200 meters wide. It lies across the first port of Kaohsiung Harbor from the city center. Fishermen settled here as early as the 17th century, making it the earliest developed area of Kaohsiung. Historic sites such as Tianhou Temple (built in 1673, Kaohsiung's oldest temple) remain here. From Gushan Ferry Terminal, a ferry takes about 5 to 10 minutes to reach Cijin Ferry Terminal. The fare is about NT$40, and scooters can be brought aboard.

At the exit is Cijin Old Street (Miaoqian Road), lined with seafood restaurants and snack stalls. Grilled squid, mullet roe, oyster omelets, and tomato platters with ginger soy sauce and fried seafood are the signature dishes, and a meal costs about NT$200 to 400 per person. At the end of the old street lies the Cijin Beach and Coastal Park. Its black sand beach faces the Taiwan Strait, where you can watch large ships entering and leaving Kaohsiung Harbor and the sunset. Inside the park, the Rainbow Church and the Shell Museum are popular photo spots. Heading north, Qihou Hill is home to the Kaohsiung Lighthouse (built by the British in 1883, a white octagonal Baroque-style tower that is free to enter, with views over the harbor and the 85 Sky Tower) and Qihou Battery (built in 1875 in the Qing era, with its red-brick arch gate and gun emplacements well preserved). The two sites are a 10-minute walk apart.

Cycling is the best way to explore Cijin. Bicycles can be rented next to the ferry terminal for about NT$100 per hour. Along the coastal bike path to the south, you can reach the Windmill Park and the entrance to the harbor tunnel. Suggested itinerary: take the 2 p.m. ferry and climb Qihou Hill to see the lighthouse and battery. Come down for seafood, then ride to the coastal park to watch the sunset, and take the ferry back to Gushan in the evening to see the harbor lights. Getting there: take Exit 1 from Sizihwan Station on the Orange MRT Line, then walk 5 minutes to Gushan Ferry Terminal.

Notes: ferry queues on holidays can reach 20 to 30 minutes. The currents at the beach are strong, so swim only within the lifeguard zone. The Qihou Hill trail has steps. Check prices before ordering at seafood restaurants.

Cijin Island

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby