Last Updated on 2025 年 11 月 26 日 by 総合編集組
Kaohsiung 2026: The Ultimate Travel Guide – New Landmarks, Top Attractions & Where to Stay
Get ready for the biggest travel boom in southern Taiwan! Kaohsiung is set to explode in 2026 with brand-new iconic landmarks, massive free water parks, and its classic attractions still drawing millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking for romance, an Instagram influencer, or a budget backpacker, Kaohsiung in 2026 has something perfect for you.
Two Game-Changing New Attractions Opening in 2026
1. Kaohsiung Ocean Museum – Taiwan’s Tallest Urban Aquarium (48 Floors!) Opening in 2026 near Aozihdi MRT station, this 48-story masterpiece combines a world-class aquarium, shopping mall, luxury hotel, and sky-high jungle waterfall atrium under the theme “Urban Oasis”. Imagine walking through transparent tunnels with sharks above you, then heading up to rooftop restaurants with panoramic city views. It’s conveniently located next to Love River and Concourse Forest Park – perfect for a full-day adventure.
2. Brule Valley Water Park – 8,000㎡ Completely FREE Water Playground Located beside Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (Light Rail C8), this massive upgraded waterfront park opens in summer 2026. Expect giant slides, splash zones, water mist forests, swings, food markets, and huge lawns for picnics. Parents can relax while kids go wild – and best of all, entry is 100% free!
Top Classic Attractions Still Breaking Records in 2025–2026
These timeless favorites continue to attract millions annually:
- Pier-2 Art Center – 6.55 million visitors: Street art, weekend markets, cafés, exhibitions
- Love River – 4.87 million: Romantic boat rides, stunning night lights
- Cishan Old Street – 4.32 million: Banana candy, traditional snacks, heritage buildings
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum – 3.24 million: Majestic architecture and peaceful gardens
- Lotus Pond – 3.43 million: Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, lakeside cycling
- E-Da Theme Park – 2.76 million: Greek-style amusement park + huge outlet mall
- Cijin Island – 2.97 million: Beaches, seafood, bike trails, sunset views
Where to Stay in Kaohsiung 2026 – From Luxury to Budget
Luxury (NT$3,500+)
- Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel (near HSR Zuoying) – modern rooms, amazing breakfast
- InterContinental Kaohsiung – heart of Sanduo shopping district
- H2O Hotel – famous infinity rooftop pool with city views
Stylish Mid-Range (NT$2,000–3,000)
- HOTEL dùa – design hotel right at Formosa Boulevard MRT
- Hotel Yamagoya / Park Lees Hotel – great service, new facilities
Budget & Hostels (NT$500–1,800)
- Numerous clean hostels and guesthouses near Ruifeng Night Market and Light Rail stations
Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Express Route Morning: Pier-2 Art Center → Lunch at Yancheng District → Afternoon: Brule Valley or Ocean Museum → Sunset at Love River → Night market dinner
Two-Day Relaxed Trip Day 1: Pier-2 → Love River boat ride → Brule Valley Water Park → Ruifeng Night Market Day 2: Fo Guang Shan → Lotus Pond cycling → Cijin Island seafood & beach
Practical Tips for International Visitors
- Excellent MRT + Light Rail system covers almost everywhere
- YouBike public bikes available at most attractions
- English signage widely available in tourist areas
- Night markets (Liuhe, Ruifeng) are safe and incredibly fun
- Book hotels early – especially for summer 2026 when new attractions open!
Kaohsiung in 2026 is undoubtedly becoming one of Asia’s most exciting city-break destinations. With its perfect mix of modern developments, cultural heritage, delicious food, and friendly locals, you’ll fall in love with this vibrant southern Taiwanese port city the moment you arrive.
