The Cijin District (旗津; Qijin) is a slender island in front of Kaohsiung which serves as a natural breakwater for the harbor. The district is filled with seafood restaurants selling freshly caught seafood which can be prepared right after you pick it. If you have only a brief period in Kaohsiung, skip Cijin. If you have more than a day, you will find the island to be a pleasant and relaxing place to take a break. Most of the major sites can be seen within two hours. Cijin is connected to the rest of Kaohsiung City by tunnels, but the transportation of choice is one of the many ferries that traverse the harbor. Fare for the ride is NT$30 per person. Bikes and scooters can be brought aboard, but the fee is higher with a scooter (no extra fee for bicycles). Make sure you use Gushan ferry pier and not the one in front of Warehouse No. 2, as that one is less frequently served and is only for pedestrians. The ferries are wheelchair accessible.
Upon exiting the ferry, turn right and head for the lighthouse and the fort, which are on a hill with great views of the city, the harbor, and the ocean. From there, continue south towards the beach (maybe visit the Star Tunnel) until you get to the plaza with a fountain. Here you can decide: either go into the street that goes back to the ferry and has about two blocks of snack stands, as well as some good seafood restaurants. Or (especially if you rent a bike, either from Youbike or a rental from a shop in Lisyong Street next to Hamasen station), there is a nice coastal path that goes south along the beach through Cijin Coast Park.
- 1 Chihou Lighthouse, #34, Chi-Xia Lane, Chi-Jin District. The lighthouse was built by English technicians during the rule of the Ching Dynasty (1883). In 1916, the Japanese remodeled it into Baroque style and painted it white. This renovation was made as part of the expansion of Dagao port. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships since 1918 during night sailing. (updated Apr 2023)
- 2 Chihou Fort, #34, Chi-Xia Lane, Chi-Jin District. Chihou Fort is a battery which was designed by an English engineer. It was after the Ching (Qing) government took over Taiwan that the fort became a military base. The fort stationed a naval commander and one hundred soldiers. The battery was also armored with four British-made Armstrong breechloaders weighing 6.5 tons each. The fort was occupied by the Japanese army in 1895. Subsequently, the cannons in the fort were dismantled and melted. Meanwhile, the battery was abandoned. In 1988, Kaohsiung city government started to restore the battery and it was completed in 1992. (updated Apr 2023)
- 4 TianHou Temple, #39, Miao-Chen Road, ChiJin District. Chihou area is the area in Kaohsiung where many fishermen live. This temple was built about three hundreds years ago and dedicated to the Goddess of Sailors, Matzu. People believe that Matzu can protect every fisherman who is going to sea. The temple is crafted with charming yet authentic folk art. TianHou temple is also regarded as the oldest temple in Kaohsiung. (updated Apr 2023)
