Probably a lot of people are now in Kaohsiung as the city is hosting this year's WORLD GAMES 2009 global event with over 4, 500 athletes and delegates from over 100 countries. I'm glad that hb and I have been fortunate enough to visit Kaohsiung, Taiwan just this year before the Influenza A(H1N1) global outbreak.
Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan (next to Taipei) with eleven districts and is located on the Southwestern region. It is also known as the "Harbor Capital" of Taiwan.
As we arrived at the arrivals hall of Kaohsiung International airport, passengers soon claimed the remaining checked-in baggage from the conveyor, while we noticed this security dog randomly sniffing every suitcase. Anyway, there was nothing unusual about it except that I'm just accustomed with the sight of German shepherd dogs as one of the most widely-used breeds and regular patrols in airport terminals.
If you just so happen to be looking for money exchange counter, it is located in the Arrival Hall next to the customs x-ray machines.
departure hall
shops at the departure hall
Since Kaohsiung boasts of plethora of hotels, we decided to book a room at Kingship Hotel Kaohsiung and the famous Grand Hi-Lai Hotel during our stay. On this trip, we visited only some of the main attractions in the city such as the gorgeous Love River, Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Lotus Lake. We tried some good dishes at Liouhe Tourist night market, R9, Bite 2 Eat, in food courts and some no frills eatery. For shopping pleasure, we stumbled upon the Sinkujiang Shopping Circle, Muji boutique, Daiso Japan and Hanshin Department store. And as for vibrant night out we had a good time at Urban Spotlight Arcade and Happy Theme Park.
Somehow I like Kaohsiung because it's less crowded and the traffic is less congested than in Taipei. It's a compact city and everything is easily accessible. A subway train which is reliable and efficient provides the most convenient way for us to get around. While for most locals, motor scooters and motorcycles are the most common modes of transportation.
There's also plenty of quirky cute stuff from cars to food and to Hello Kitty extravaganza. I must say a real eye candy galore! Fantabulicious!
Kaohsiung may not be as big as Taipei but it still has plenty to offer for tourists and travelers. It's a well planned modern metropolis with wide avenues but managed to retain its age-old charm.
Kaohsiung City
Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan (next to Taipei) with eleven districts and is located on the Southwestern region. It is also known as the "Harbor Capital" of Taiwan.
harbor view
As we arrived at the arrivals hall of Kaohsiung International airport, passengers soon claimed the remaining checked-in baggage from the conveyor, while we noticed this security dog randomly sniffing every suitcase. Anyway, there was nothing unusual about it except that I'm just accustomed with the sight of German shepherd dogs as one of the most widely-used breeds and regular patrols in airport terminals.
arrival hall
If you just so happen to be looking for money exchange counter, it is located in the Arrival Hall next to the customs x-ray machines.
money exchange booths are located on the left side
departure hall
shops at the departure hall
Since Kaohsiung boasts of plethora of hotels, we decided to book a room at Kingship Hotel Kaohsiung and the famous Grand Hi-Lai Hotel during our stay. On this trip, we visited only some of the main attractions in the city such as the gorgeous Love River, Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Lotus Lake. We tried some good dishes at Liouhe Tourist night market, R9, Bite 2 Eat, in food courts and some no frills eatery. For shopping pleasure, we stumbled upon the Sinkujiang Shopping Circle, Muji boutique, Daiso Japan and Hanshin Department store. And as for vibrant night out we had a good time at Urban Spotlight Arcade and Happy Theme Park.
city street at night
Love River
Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Love River
Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Somehow I like Kaohsiung because it's less crowded and the traffic is less congested than in Taipei. It's a compact city and everything is easily accessible. A subway train which is reliable and efficient provides the most convenient way for us to get around. While for most locals, motor scooters and motorcycles are the most common modes of transportation.
motorcycles on the road
There's also plenty of quirky cute stuff from cars to food and to Hello Kitty extravaganza. I must say a real eye candy galore! Fantabulicious!
Kaohsiung may not be as big as Taipei but it still has plenty to offer for tourists and travelers. It's a well planned modern metropolis with wide avenues but managed to retain its age-old charm.
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Awwwww the Hello Kitty stuff is so cute!!!
June, very nice aerial photos of Kaohsiung :) It is taken from the aircraft?
Hi Manju,
Oh, I’ll be blogging more about this cute Hello Kitty stuff. Watch out for it! :)
Hi Benedict,
Thanks. No, the photos was taken from our hotel room. :)
This is my type of city. I hate those congested city. I drive scooter here as well. Might be the best way to explore this city
ahhaha why do you always have to blur your face?? LOL so secretive. Nice post =D Will be reading back for more. Btw, will be heading to bangkok in august. So i'm reading through your bangkok posts now. =D Hope to find some good places to visit.
This is really nice place to spend vocations, all the pictures are very nice, I also like the Hello Kitty stuff these are so cute.
Hi Stanley,
hahaha... I just want to keep my privacy intact, that's all.
Wow! The place looks so nice! Sunny and clean! Great job you did showing it to us!!
Wow, mabuti di ka sinita for taking photos at the luggage carousel. At the JFK arrivals in New York and some other cities, even using a cellphone is prohibited!