Welcome to Kaohsiung, Taiwan! (super love this place. soooo clean and the people are so nice!) This vibrant southern city offers a great blend of culture, nature, and delicious food making it an ideal destination for families and first-time visitors. To help you explore Kaohsiung with ease, I’ve put together a kid-friendly three-day itinerary packed with fun and memorable experiences.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our Airbnb was walking distance near Zuoying Station so all trips start from there.

Day 1: Zoo Animals, Sparkling Lights, and Night Market Delights

• Morning (Animal Adventures): Start your day with a visit to Shoushan Zoo. Getting there is part of the adventure! From Zuoying Station, hop on the convenient Light Rail to Wunwu Shengdian Station. Enjoy a short walk along the main road before turning right onto Gushan 1st Road. At the Taipower Station, catch bus number 56, which will take you directly to the zoo. Shoushan Zoo is home to a variety of animals and offers engaging exhibits that kids will love.

  

  • BEWARE OF THE WILD MONKEYS. They are scattered all over the zoo but most of them are at the main entrance. Keep your bags close and DO NOT give them food.

• Afternoon (Eating Time haha): Head back towards Zuoying Station Take the Red Line on the MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station. Here, prepare to be mesmerized by the Dome of Light, a breathtaking public art installation made of colorful stained glass, right inside the station! After soaking in the beauty, exit via Exit 2 to immerse yourselves in the lively atmosphere of Liuhe Night Market. This night market comes alive around 5 pm and offers a wide array of Taiwanese street food. We like this place cause the food choices are diverse. Tables and chairs are available per stall. Try the fried beancurd and oyster mushrooms! The cilantro peanut ice cream is also reaaally good.

Day 2: Ghibli Style Forest Trip (Day Trip to Alishan)

• • Morning (High-Speed Rail and Mountain Views): Embark on a scenic day trip to the famous Alishan Forest Recreation Area. Start your day bright and early by taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) from Zuoying to Chiayi (book your tickets in advance via platforms like Klook). The journey is a quick 30 minutes. Note that children 5 years and under can ride for free if they sit on your lap. We booked the 8am ride so we still have time to eat breakfast at the station. Upon arrival at Chiayi THSR Station, locate the bus terminal. You can store your luggage in the lockers available beside the Family Mart. Take Bus 7329A towards Alishan. (NT $120) The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours and departure starts around 10 am. Pay at the bus using your EasyCard. Kids ride free!

    

    Once you arrive at the Alishan Bus Terminal, purchase your park entrance ticket (NT$ 150, present your bus ticket for a discount!). From the terminal, you can either walk or take a charming forest train to explore the various scenic spots within Alishan. Don’t miss Chaoping Park for its stunning natural beauty.

    

• P.S. Bring a jacket. It was 18 degrees when we visited. Ang lamig haha.

• Late Afternoon (Return Journey): Head back to the Alishan Bus Station, conveniently located near the recreation area’s gate. Inside the 7-Eleven, you’ll find a counter selling bus tickets, or you can pay directly on the bus using your EasyCard. Take the bus from Alishan to Chiayi TRA Station. The fare is NT$ 120 for adults (kids 5 and under are free). Aim for the 4:10 pm or earlier bus because it can get crowded!! and allow ample time for travel back to Kaohsiung. Don’t forget to book via Klook your Chiayi HSR to Zuoying ride.

Day 3: Dragon Pagodas, Artistic Vibes, and Temple Serenity

• Morning (Lotus Pond Exploration): Start your day with a leisurely walk (very near Zuoying Station) to the Lotus Pond. Here, you’ll find the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, where you can walk through the dragon’s mouth for good luck! Explore the Autumn and Spring Pavilions and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the pond. Bring water! It can get so hot in the morning.

  

  

• Afternoon (Art and Culture): Head back towards Zuoying Station and take the local train to Gushan Station. From there, it’s a pleasant walk to the Green Line (Gushan to Penglai Pier 2) on the Light Rail. Take the Light Rail to Penglai Pier 2 and immerse yourselves in the creative world of the Pier 2 Art Center. This former warehouse district has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art exhibitions, installations, and quirky shops.

• Evening (Temple Visit and Another Night Market Option): From Pier 2, walk to the Yangchengpu Station and enter via Exit 1 to catch the Orange Line. Ride to Cianjin Station and exit via Exit 4. A short walk will lead you to the serene Sunfong Temple, offering a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese religious practices. For dinner, you have the option of revisiting the popular Liuhe Night Market or exploring other night markets in the Cianjin area for a different culinary adventure.

Navigating Kaohsiung: Tips for First-Timers and Families

• EasyCard: Purchase an EasyCard upon arrival. This rechargeable card can be used for most public transportation (MRT, Light Rail, buses) and even for purchases at some convenience stores, making travel incredibly convenient. Kids 5 years old and below ride free in the mrt and buses.
• Public Transportation: Kaohsiung has an excellent and efficient public transportation system, including the MRT (subway) and Light Rail. Buses are also plentiful.
• Kid-Friendly Amenities: Taiwan, in general, is very family-friendly. You’ll find baby changing facilities in many public restrooms, and people are generally accommodating to families with young children.
• Food Adventures: Be adventurous with the local cuisine! Night markets are a fantastic place to try a variety of delicious and affordable Taiwanese snacks and meals.
• Stay Hydrated: Especially during warmer months, remember to drink plenty of water. Bring your own bottle and you can refill at the train stations for free.
• Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases: While many people in tourist areas speak some English, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases like “hello” (你好 – nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (謝謝 – xiè xie), and “excuse me” (請問 – qǐng wèn) can be helpful and appreciated.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, so make sure everyone has comfortable shoes.
• KAOHSIUNG is stroller friendly so bring a stroller if you have a kid! You will be walking everywhere so this is a must.
• DO NOT FORGET TO REGISTER YOUR FLIGHT at the Taiwan raffle for tourists at least 24hrs before your flight for a chance to win NTD 5000. (pro tip: register daw after 12 midnight for a higher winning chance. https://5000.taiwan.net.tw/index_en.html

Kaohsiung is a welcoming and exciting city with something to offer everyone. We hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable and stress-free trip for your family! Enjoy your adventures in this beautiful corner of Taiwan!