The Qijin, or Cijin, District of the city of Kaohsiung in southwestern Taiwan covers Cijin Island and a few smaller islands in the South China Sea. Hop on the ferry to enjoy its local seafood in mouthwatering Taiwanese dishes, visit marine museums and heritage structures, and admire the eye-catching art installations in its scenic coastal park.
The first fishermen who settled here in the 17th century called Cijin Island “Qihou.” An isthmus that used to connect Qihou to the mainland was removed in 1967 to allow ships to enter the Port of Kaohsiung from either side. A bridge, a tunnel and ferries now connect the island to downtown Kaohsiung.
Rent a bike to explore the island or flag down one of the rickshaw drivers in period costumes from the Tang Dynasty. These local guides take visitors to the Qihou Battery, or Cihou Fort. This fortification was built in 1875 to guard the northern entrance to the large Kaohsiung Harbor.
Walk up to the octagonal Qihou Lighthouse and enjoy lofty views of the Port of Kaohsiung. The nearby Tianhou Temple dates back 300 years and is dedicated to Matsu, or Mazu, This Chinese sea goddess was worshipped by the fishermen of the sheltered Taiwan Strait.
For something modern, visit the YM Museum of Marine Exploration Kaohsiung, which is shaped like a ship and provides great views of the Kaohsiung port and skyline from its top floor.
Another contemporary highlight is the Rainbow Church, an outdoor art installation in the Qijin Seashore Park. Walk the trails of the park’s nature reserve or swim at its beach after picking up maps and checking out the seashell exhibit in the Qijin Seashore Park Visitor Center.
To get to the Qijin District from downtown Kaohsiung, take the KMRT to Sizihwan Station. Then take a taxi or walk to the nearby pier where you can hop on the Cijin Ferry. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. The ferries run regularly throughout the day and until deep into the night.
Don’t leave the island before you’ve sampled the local seafood in the atmospheric Qi Jin Old Street, or Qihou Seafood Street, by the Qijin Ferry Pier.
