Kaohsiung is, with over 2.7 millions of inhabitants, the second most populated city in Taiwan after New Taipei and is located in the south of the island. Kaohsiung is known for its harbor, although more for commercial than tourism reasons. Hence it is also known as the Harbor Capital of Taiwan. Its year-round fine weather and the low cost of living makes Kaohsiung the place to visit.

Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second largest city (with 2.7 million of inhabitants) and its largest port. Although the ranking has declined steadily over the last few years, Kaohsiung is still the world's sixth largest cargo-container seaport. The city has high concentrations of heavy industry, including steel production, shipbuilding, and other exports that have led to Kaohsiung's relatively high levels of air pollution (though the situation has improved substantially in recent years). Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung is a planned city with wide streets and slightly less traffic congestion than the capital. In recent years the city has made great strides in transforming itself from a primarily industrial city into a modern Asian metropolis, and several areas of the city, such as along the banks of the River Ai (Love River), have benefited from major beautification projects under the tenure of former mayor Frank Hsieh. The city is often known as Taiwan's "Harbor Capital" because of its close connection and heavy reliance on the ocean and maritime transportation.

Kaohsiung is situated in the southern part of Taiwan on the banks of the Love River or Ai River. The population of the city is about 1.43 million. The city is well connected with the capital of Taipei and other places by rail, road, air, and ship. The city has got a temperate climate, with the average highest temperature occurring in the month of June and the lowest average temperature recorded in February. The average annual rainfall is about 1,134.1 mm.

The Old British Consulate

The British Consulate at Takao is a former British consulate built in 1865 in the city of Kaohsiung in south-west Taiwan and was the first western-style building built on the island. It has been designated as a 2nd Class Historic Site by the Taiwanese Ministry of the Interior.

Located in Gushan District it lies at the peak of Shaochuantou and overlooks Sizihwan Bay and Kaohsiung Port. It currently serves as a cafe and tourist attraction.

Fine Arts Museum

The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is located in Gushan District, the northwestern district of Kaohsiung City in Taiwan. It was founded by the Kaohsiung City Government and has been administrated by the Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs since 2003. It occupies about 8.15 acres (33,000 m2) and started in 1994. It is the third public arts museum in Taiwan after the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum were founded.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Fo Guang Shan is an international Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastic order based in the Republic of China (Taiwan), and one of the largest Buddhist organizations. The headquarters of Fo Guang Shan, located in Kaohsiung, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. The organization itself is also one of the largest charity organizations in Taiwan. The order also calls itself the International Buddhist Progress Society.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Located in the city of Kaohsiung, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas is a seven tiered structure with vivid paintings of heaven and hell, and of the 24 obedient sons.The scenes depicted in the paintings are meant to serve as a deterrent to those who lead wayward lives and also an encouragement to those who follow the path of righteousness.

Chunghsing Pagoda

The seven-story-high Chunghsing Pagoda offers panoramic views of Cheng Ching Lake. Cheng Ching (Crystal Clear) Lake is the largest lake in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung Harbor

Port of Kaohsiung is the most important business harbor of southern Taiwan, and the biggest port of Taiwan, plays a key role of Kaohsiung tourism. Port of Kaohsiung opens to the public, the construction of the Port and the beautiful sea view are the most wonderful part for visitors. The location of the Port was a small fishing village in post Ming Dynasty, as the vintage of geography, the Port was built for 5 cargo centers and 8 ports for large ships. Nearby the Port are lots of popular attractions like Cijin Scenic Area, Longevity Mountain Scenic Area, Love River and Sizih Bay Scenic Area.

Cijin Island

The island makes for a pleasant half-day trip from the mainland. Attractions include the seafood street (hǎichǎn jiē), a centuries-old Matsu Temple (Tiānhoù Gōng) with excellent relief and pillar carvings, and an old lighthouse with great views over the ocean and harbour. There's also a long sandy beach where you can swim in summer (there are free changing rooms and showers) and stroll in winter (the city keeps it clean all year round, a rarity in Taiwan).

By plane

Kaohsiung International Airport (IATA: KHH) is about twenty minutes to the south of the city center. The airport is on the MRT Red Line and is also easily accessible by scooter, car or taxi. Kaohsiung International Airport is well connected with 12 air routes to Hong Kong, Macau, Tokyo, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket Island, Kota Kinabalu, and Bali, with 14 airlines operating from the Kaohsiung Airport. Mass Rapid Transport, Speed Rail, and expressways had been built underground, facilitating faster transportation around the city. These transport systems are linked with the airport and harbor to make the city an international transport hub.

By train

Taiwan High Speed Rail line (HSR). Traveling by train is a viable option for getting to Kaohsiung, as the fastest trains from Taipei cover the distance in just 90 minutes. There are 3 types of tickets: Business Reserved, General Reserved, and Non-Reserved.

By bus

Buses run the length of the island, with stops in major towns. They feature fully reclining seats, baggage transportation and, on most, video game consoles or televisions for each seat.

Most major bus companies have their office and stops close to the train station. They are located on the same road as the train station, about half a block down the street.

By boat

Because Kaohsiung is also a harbor, transportation by boat will bring you directly into the city.