Cijin Island (旗津島) is a beautiful little island just a 5-minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung’s Gushan Ferry Pier Station. While it’s the second smallest district in Kaohsiung, it packs a punch with its mix of historical sights, quirky outdoor installations, sweeping views, epic black sand beaches, and legendary sunsets.
If you’re looking for a fun day out exploring a truly laid-back spot in Kaohsiung or simply after some beach vibes, Cijin is just the place for you! It’s one of my absolute favorite places in Taiwan, and I visit it every time I’m in Kaohsiung.
In this guide, I will cover all the top things to do on Cijin Island. Plus, how to get there, where to rent a bike, and all my insider tips to help you plan a perfect day trip from Kaohsiung.
Ready to discover all this little island has to offer? Grab a bubble tea and jump right into my Cijin travel guide!
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Before You Go to Cijin
Cijin Island (also spelled Qijin) is pretty small, and you can easily see all its attractions in a day. Before you head out, though, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- Bring an Easy Card (Taiwan’s transport card) to tap and go on the ferry and get the discounted rate.
- Some street food vendors and restaurants in Cijin have English signs or menus. But download Google Translate (set to Traditional Chinese) just in case.
- It’s highly unlikely you’ll get lost on the island, but you’ll need Google Maps to navigate from one attraction to another. Ensure you’ve got it on your phone, and see my blog post on other useful travel apps for Taiwan.
- Southern Taiwan is generally much warmer than the rest of Taiwan, even during winter. Along with the tips in my Taiwan packing list, bring plenty of sunblock and remember to stay hydrated. Oh, and don’t forget your sunglasses and camera!
How to Get to Cijin Island
Getting to Cijin Island is quite straightforward, especially if you’re already in Kaohsiung. (If not, check out my guide on how to get to Kaohsiung from Taipei).
Qijin is just off the coast of Kaohsiung, and there are several ways to access the island. If you’ve got a car, you can access the island from the mainland via the Cross Harbor Tunnel, an underwater traffic tunnel.
If that’s not an option, the easiest way to get to Cijin is by ferry. Most people recommend catching a ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier Station (鼓山輪渡站), but I’ll let you in on a little secret! You can also catch a ferry from KW2, just around the corner from Pier 2 Art Center. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about each ferry.
Catching the ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier Station
Duration: 5 minutes | Cost: TWD 20-30 | Closest metro stop: Hamasen Station
The most popular route to Cijin Island is hopping on a ferry at Gushan Ferry Pier Station in Gushan District, Kaohsiung. Ferries leave for Cijin Ferry Terminal every 10 minutes between 5 am and 2 am, and the journey only takes about 5 minutes. (Just remember the metro only operates until midnight). A single journey ticket costs TWD 30. However, I recommend paying with your Easy Card as it will be cheaper, TWD 20.
Gushan Harbor is a 10-minute walk or 4-minute bike ride from Hamasen Station (formerly Sizihwan Station), accessible via either the KMRT orange line or the LRT green line. (See metro map and routes here.) Hamasen is terminal station for the orange line, but I’ve noticed that Google Maps still marks it as Sizhiwan. So, if you need the stations’ codes, they are O1 for the subway and C14 for the light rail. From the station, take Exit 1 and walk for 9 minutes to the ferry terminal.
If you have already picked up a bike at the YouBike Station outside the KMRT station or rented a scooter in Kaohsiung, you can take it on the ferry. You need to queue up next to the terminal. (Don’t worry—there are signs, and it will be hard to miss the long lines of motorcycles waiting in line). Once you get to the front, simply tap your Easy Card and ride onto the ferry. If you don’t have an Easy Card, ensure you have the exact amount (TWD 30) to throw into the payment box, because you can’t get any change here.
If you’re visiting Cijin on foot, you must go inside the terminal, queue up, and pay. It’s the same process as above: drop your coins into the box by the turnstile or tap your Easy Card.
Catching the sea bus from KW2
Duration: 15 minutes Cost: TWD 80 | Closest metro stop: Hamasen Station
If you want to check out Pier 2 Art Center before heading to Cijin, another option is to take the adorable Snoopy Ferry from Kaohsiung Warehouse No.2 (KW2). Note that this is a passenger-only ferry, and it doesn’t sail as often as the ones from Gushan Ferry Terminal. However, it’s a good option if you’re in the area and don’t feel like going all the way to Gushan.
The Snoopy Ferry only operates between 13:00 and 16:30 on weekdays and 13:00 and 19:30 on weekends and holidays. A single journey ticket costs TWD 80 and is payable onboard. Make sure you have the exact change, or use your Easy Card. See the latest ferry schedule and deets here.
To get to KW2, take the orange metro line to Hamasen Station. Take Exit 2, and walk for 7 minutes. Alternatively, take the LRT green line to Penglai Pier-2 Station (stop C13) and walk for 4 minutes.
Klook.com
How to Get Around Cijin
Because Qijin is relatively small, it’s easy to explore by foot, bike, or rickshaw. However, I highly recommend renting a bike. It’s by far the easiest (and most fun) way to navigate the island and see all its main points of interest.
While exploring the island on foot is still fun, you risk missing out on several of the Cijin’s top attractions. Places like Rainbow Church and the Shell Museum are a 25-30 minute walk from the ferry terminal. I can almost guarantee you it’s not going to be fun walking there in the heat of the day, especially during summer!
Renting a bike in Cijin Island
There are dozens of bike rental shops in Cijin, and as soon as you exit the ferry terminal, you’ll already spot several by the 7-11. Some bikes are a bit questionable, so test the brakes first! Rentals go for TWD 100 a day; you’ll need some form of ID to rent one.
Renting a bike on the mainland
I’m not really a fan of the bike shops on Cijin, so I always grab a bike on the mainland before getting on the ferry. If you’ve already registered your Easy Card (you need a local SIM or a credit card), you can grab a YouBike outside Hamasen Station.
Another option, especially if you want to support local small businesses, is to rent a bike at the small bike shop on Penglai Road. The owner is just lovely and speaks excellent English. Bike rentals cost TWD 100 a day. Note, you’ll need to leave your ID/ ARC with him to guarantee you’ll return the bike.
Things to do in Cijin Island
Below, I’ve listed all my favorite things to do on Cijin Island, Kaohsiung. It’s a rough itinerary that starts at the major sites along the coast, then moves on to the lighthouse and fort before rounding off your day at Old Street (or Sunset Bar), but feel free to customize your day as you see fit.
Cijin is a really fun day trip destination. Whether you’re coming to see all the quirky art sculptures, eat your way through Old Street, hang out at the beach, or see the legendary sunset, it will be a fantastic day out!
Cijin Tianhou Temple
Follow the crowds through the Old Street toward the beach until you reach an impressive temple on your right.
While there are dozens of temples in Cijin, Tianhou Temple (旗津天后宮) really stands out. This beautiful temple was built back in 1673 by a group of fishermen. It’s dedicated to Mazu, the renowned sea goddess, and was actually the first Mazu temple on the island.
Today, it is the oldest temple in Cijin and is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are interested in religious sites. Even if you’re not, it’s still worth a quick stop to admire the colorful rooftop with its intricate details.
Rainbow Church
Head toward the beach and follow the Cijin Coastal Path south to Rainbow Church.
Despite its name, Rainbow Church (彩虹教堂) has nothing to do with religion. Instead, it’s a brightly colored outdoor art installation that is seriously popular. If you’re into the gram or love colorful attractions, don’t skip this one!
Just a heads up, this place is always busy! I visited on a weekday and had to wait about 15 minutes to snap the pic above. If you’re going to go at sunset (which you should, it’s so pretty), you really need to get there early and mentally prep yourself to stand in line for quite some time.
Cijin Shell Museum
Just a little further south, is another cool attraction: the Shell Museum (旗津貝殼館). This neat little museum houses thousands (yes, you read right!) of shells and other rare sea specimens. The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 9 am to 5 pm.
While you could easily spend hours browsing the shell collection, save some time to see the Cijin Sea Pearl Shell a little further south. It’s an awesome art installation resembling a giant seashell and stands 10m high. You can walk right through the shiny shell, and it’s a really fun photo stop.
Windmill Park
Continue down the coast to the next stop on my list of things to do, the Cijin Windmill Park (旗津風車公園). The park isn’t very big but houses some cool mini wind turbines and cute mosaic sculptures, making it a fun photo spot. The coastal views here are also really pretty, so I won’t blame you if you want to kick back and soak it all in.
Once you’ve had your fill of the park and the views, turn around and head back north to discover the rest Qijin has to offer.
Cijin Beach
If you’ve got your swimsuit and feel like a quick dip in the ocean, then Cijin Beach (旗津海水浴場) is the place to be. This 1.5km Taiwan beach features soft black sand and is the perfect spot to bake in the sun, join a game of volleyball, or swim (currents and seasons permitting). Surfing is a thing here, too, so if you’re into that, you can rent a surfboard or even sign up for a lesson at one of the surf shops. There are a couple along the beach, but Kaohsiung Cijin Surfer Inn (高雄旗津衝浪客棧) has the best reviews.
While there used to be a sand sculpture festival (similar to the one at Fulong Beach up north) in summer, there isn’t any recent information about this event online. If it’s there when you go, let me know!
Cijin Sunset Bar
If you’ve been exploring Cijin Island’s coast for a while, you’re probably craving a bite to eat and an ice-cold beer or two. I totally get it! I have the perfect spot for you!
Sunset Bar (旗津沙灘吧) is one of my favorite hangout spots in Cijin. It’s an awesome beachfront bar with pretty views over the ocean and an amazingly laid-back vibe. They have a wide selection of light snacks and platters to share, but they also serve things like salads, burgers, ribs, quesadillas, and pasta. But if I can give you a tip, try the calamari — it’s melt-in-the-mouth stuff! Of course, the drinks menu is just as fab. They have all the usual things like sodas, teas, and beers, but they also have some great boozy cocktails! Try the mojito; it always hits the spot!
If you’re following this list of things to do as a set itinerary, you have a tough call to make, my friend! Hanging out at Sunset Bar is such a vibe! You could easily spend the rest of the day sipping boozy drinks, watching the waves roll in and out, and catching that gorgeous sunset Cijin is so famous for! But if you’re feeling recharged and ready to tick off the rest of the must-see sights, let’s go! (Psst, you can always come back again later!)
Insider tip: Sunset Bar gets super busy on weekends, and sometimes, they host special events like the SaffaFest or live DJ nights. If you want to come for drinks at sunset on a Friday or a Saturday, I suggest arriving a little earlier or phoning ahead to reserve a table. If it’s too packed, you can always find a spot on the beach or along the boardwalk. (And yes, if you’re wondering, you can get take-out drinks at the bar).
Cijin Star Tunnel
Head toward Cihou Mountain for the next stop on this list, the Star Tunnel (旗津星空隧道).
It’s a cool (somewhat psychedelic) tunnel with glow-in-the-dark murals that cuts right through Cihou Mountain. It was built during the Japanese Occupation and originally served as a military tunnel, providing access to the fort above it.
It’s not the longest tunnel, so you can easily bike or walk through it in a couple of minutes. The path leads to pretty coastal views, another popular sunset spot, Cijin Sunset Viewing Point, and the Coral Reef Cliff lookout. Just head’s up; it can get a bit windy here, so hold onto your hat!
Kaohsiung Lighthouse
Follow the track around the coast to the small parking lot at the base of the mountain (use Google Maps). You’ll need to leave your bike here and start the uphill trek to the lighthouse on foot. It’s quite steep, so bring some water with you!
The Kaohsiung Lighthouse (旗後燈塔) sits on top of Cihou Mountain and has a fascinating history dating back to 1883. It offers lovely views over the entire harbor and the colorful houses of Cijin. If you’re into history, pop into the small museum for a quick browse. Adjacent to the lighthouse, there is also a super cute cafe with dreamy views called Shoreline Coffee & Roaster.
Cihou Fort
After you’ve seen all there is to see at the lighthouse, follow the small path to Cihou Fort (旗後砲台), which was built in 1986 to safeguard the entrance of the Kaohsiung harbor. It’s a cool spot to wander around the battery and check out all its nooks and crannies. If you’re up to it, I highly recommend taking the staircase to the rooftop for some truly special views of the island, ocean, and mainland.
Cijin Old Street
Before you leave Cijin, take one last stroll through the Old Street (旗津廟前路) for some obligatory snacking. Like all old streets in Taiwan, it’s all about food, and you’ll find a good mix of mom-and-pop style restaurants and street food stalls here. While there’s lots to choose from, the real star in Cijin is seafood, so bring your appetite!
Where to Stay
Although there are a few accommodation options on the island, the best place to base yourself is in Kaohsiung. If you want to stay near the harbor area, The Watermark in Gushan District is a fantastic mid-range option with pretty views. For something more luxurious, try TAI Urban Resort — an amazing 5-star hotel with an insane infinity pool overlooking the city and harbor!
If you don’t mind traveling and looking for a more central location in Kaohsiung, try one of these:
- Papo’a Hotel, just a few steps from Kaohsiung Main Station, features earthy interiors and clean, spacious rooms.
- FX Inn, near City Council Station, is a fun and modern 4-star hotel offering excellent value for money.
- Just Sleep, near Formosa Boulevard Station, is a trendy 4-star property just a few minutes walk from Liuhe Night Market and the Dome of Light.
What to do in Cijin in Conclusion
With its laidback vibes, gorgeous sunsets, yummy seafood, and fun things to do, Cijin Island is undoubtedly one of Taiwan’s best islands! I hope you find this guide helpful when planning your trip to this little gem in Kaohsiung!
Remember to check out my other Kaohsiung guides for more insider tips. Do you have any questions about planning a trip to Cijin Island? Share them in the comments below!
want to check out other cool spots in southern taiwan? here’s some inspo:
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I loved Cijin and found it to be the most interesting part of Kaohsiung! It seriously felt like being a world away from the city with the vibe of a surfer’s paradise. I missed the Rainbow Church but it totally fits in with all the other quirky and cool art in the metro area. This post definitely made me nostalgic!
Glad to hear this brought back great memories for you! Cijin is really a little gem in Kaohsiung.