Located about 10 to 15 minutes from Kaohsiung harbor, Cijin Island (旗津岛) is famous for its historical and religious structures, black sand beaches and fresh seafood.
Cijin Island is a small and narrow island which best suit to explore with a bike. After renting the bicycle, my friend and I hop on the colorful ferry which departs every 5 to 10 minutes in the morning.
My friend and I decided to cycle around the north part of the island first as there’re more attractions. Cihou Lighthouse, Cihou Fort, Tianhou Temple, Tunnel of Stars, Cihou Christian Church, Cijin Beach, and Cihou Market are all located at the North of the island. Also, it’s not too hot to cycle and enjoy these attractions early in the morning.
Cijin Island is a laid back island where you can ride around aimlessly, walk along the beach, jogging on the well-maintained trail, or just sit back and enjoy the vibes.
Cihou Lighthouse, aka Kaohsiung Lighthouse, was built by the British in the year of 1883. This snow-white lighthouse is the one and only octagonal domed brick tower in Taiwan.
Cihou Fort, located at the top of Cijin Mountain, built during the Kangxi Emperor’s reign. Cihou fort is unique with its Chinese traditional building style structure, where you can see red tiles everywhere. At the top of this building, you will be surprised with the entire island view, and best of all, the full cityscape of Kaohsiung.
Unlike the city, this island offers a variety of activities and sights for travelers ranging from hiking, cycling, sightseeing, eating, as well as exploring and understanding the cultural and historical sight. Hence, do save a day trip to CiJin Island whenever you visit Kaohsiung.
Do you know?
Cijin island was once an independent small island. Around the 17th to 18th centuries, excessive deforestation took place along the coast of the virgin forest for reclamation and development causes soil erosion. The rapid flow water of Gaoping River carries the sands and soils drain into the sea, and accumulated at Cihou Mountain for a long term. As the terrain gradually extends, it became Cijin Peninsula.
Rating
Experience ★★★★
Cost $$
