Hotels in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung: Taiwan's Port City Reimagined

Kaohsiung sits on Taiwan's southwest coast, 350 km south of Taipei by high-speed rail. Once dominated by steel mills and shipyards, the city transformed its waterfront after the 1990s into the Pier-2 Art Center — a cluster of repurposed warehouses hosting galleries, street murals, and live venues along Yancheng District. The Love River bisects the downtown core, lined with cafés and evening boat rentals. Lotus Pond, 10 km north in Zuoying District, features the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas rising over a shallow lake — a landmark dating to 1953.

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Most hotels cluster near Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, the geometric heart of the metro grid. The Xinxing and Yancheng districts offer mid-range and boutique options within walking distance of the harbor and Liuhe Night Market on Liuhe 2nd Road. Business travelers tend to book near Kaohsiung Station, which connects directly to the high-speed rail terminal at Zuoying.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: High-speed rail from Taipei takes 90 minutes to Zuoying Station; Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) handles direct regional routes.
• Getting around: The MRT Red and Orange lines cover most attractions; day passes cost around NT$150.
• Weather: Typhoon season runs June–October; pack a rain layer regardless of forecast.
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$); most hotels accept Visa and Mastercard.