Explore Kaohsiung via Light Rail: A Full Transit Guide

Save

Share 0

Kaohsiung travelKW2 Kaohsiung

【Attraction Tickets】Pure Garden Farm Ticket

Book tomorrow before 23:59

HKD 47 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Kaohsiung Jack Fun Park: Indoor Go-Karting · Indoor Shooting Battlefield

Book tomorrow before 08:00

HKD 55 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Kaohsiung Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket

Book today before 18:00

HKD 137 Start

Book now

When planning a trip to Southern Taiwan, many travellers immediately think of the bustling art markets at Pier-2 Art Centre, giant bowls of shaved ice at Cijin Island, or peaceful afternoon strolls alongside Lotus Pond. However, Kaohsiung has evolved into a dynamic modern metropolis that offers far more than traditional sightseeing. The city's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system seamlessly connects the historic harbourfront, vibrant cultural districts, and contemporary architectural landmarks, making urban exploration remarkably effortless.

Navigating the harbour city via light rail allows you to take in sweeping views of Asia New Bay Area, historic warehouse conversions, and coastal scenery at a leisurely pace. Whether you are seeking immersive 5D entertainment, historic railway heritage, or scenic sunset cruises, this comprehensive guide highlights the essential stops and attractions along the Kaohsiung Light Rail route.

C5-C7: Modern Entertainment and Innovation

The section spanning stations C5 to C7 anchors the modern waterfront development of Asia New Bay Area, offering premier shopping, immersive visual arts, and flight simulation experiences.

Dream Mall Ferris Wheel (C5 Dream Mall Station)

Spanning an impressive floor area, Dream Mall stands as one of the region's premier shopping and entertainment complexes. The primary highlight sits atop the complex: the famous Ferris wheel, known locally as the Eye of Kaohsiung. Riding the Ferris wheel offers sweeping, panoramic vistas across the bustling port city and urban skyline.

* Address: No. 789, Zhonghua 5th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City

* Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00–22:00; Friday 12:00–22:30; Saturday 10:30–22:30; Sunday 10:30–22:00 (Final boarding 15 minutes before closing)

* Phone: +886-7-8135678

Adjacent to the shopping complex, visitors can explore the No. 5 Canal walkway. Featuring wooden boardwalks, cycling paths, and open riverside spaces, it provides a pleasant atmosphere for scenic strolls right along the water.

Schumann's Silk Life Aesthetics - Time City (C5 Dream Mall Station)

Located near Dream Mall within the TSC Kaohsiung Logistics Park, this site features a massive 3D street art installation created by renowned artist Artist Long. Covering an impressive 1,200 ping across combined ground and wall canvasses, this giant painted installation transports visitors into a grand visual world anchored by a striking, oversized dragon figure.

* Address: 6F, No. 4, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City

* Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00 daily

* Phone: +886-800-580-001

i-Ride KAOHSIUNG Flying Theater (C7 Software Park Station)

Situated inside the Brogent Group Headquarters, i-Ride KAOHSIUNG offers an advanced 5D flying theater experience. By combining realistic motion simulation with sensory atmospheric effects—including wind, water mist, and authentic scents—the ride takes passengers on a simulated flight over iconic landmarks and scenic flight paths across Taiwan.

* Address: No. 9, Fuxing 4th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City (Brogent Group Headquarters)

* Opening Hours: Individual and group bookings available; refer to official platform for session schedules

* Phone: +886-7-537-2858

C8-C10 & Love River Area: Scenic Riverfront and Harbour Vistas

Connecting the commercial hub with the historic Love River district, this area offers unique transportation options to view Kaohsiung from different vantage points on land and water.

Kaohsiung Open-Top Double-Decker Bus (Near MRT O4 City Council Station)

Operating along key coastal paths including the Xizihwan and New Bay lines, the open-top double-decker bus provides an unobstructed panoramic perspective of the city's day and night cityscape. Passengers can enjoy open-air views while traveling between major waterfront landmarks.

* Boarding Location: Opposite No. 176, Hedong Road, Qianjin District (Love Boat Ambassador Station)

* Service Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00

* Phone: +886-968-825-135

Love River Solar-Powered Love Boat (Near MRT O4 City Council Station)

Operating Asia's largest fleet of solar-powered vessels, this clean-energy water tour navigates through the main stretches of the Love River and extends out towards the modern developments of Asia New Bay Area.

* Boarding Location: Opposite No. 176, Hedong Road, Qianjin District (Ambassador Station)

* Operating Hours: Daytime service 08:00–18:00 (+886-7-335-9909); Evening service 18:00–22:30 (+886-7-281-1313)

Love River Gondola (Near MRT O4 City Council Station)

For a taste of European charm on Southern Taiwan's waterways, visitors can board romantic gondola boats along the Love River. The gentle river ride offers unique viewings of urban lights along the banks, reminiscent of Venetian canals.

* Boarding Location: Intersection of Hedong Road and Minsheng Road, Qianjin District

* Operating Hours: 16:30–23:30 daily (Closed during Dragon Boat Competition and Lunar New Year's Eve)

* Phone: +886-908-103866

C11-C14: Creative Hubs and Port Heritage

The historical western edge of the rail loop represents the cultural heart of Kaohsiung, where former industrial infrastructure and cargo yards have been revitalised into design hubs and public parks.

Pier-2 Art Centre (C12 Dayi Pier-2 Station)

Positioned directly along the waterfront, Pier-2 Art Centre is Kaohsiung's premier creative enclave. Converted from former port warehouses, the district hosts design exhibitions, independent craft boutiques, public art installations, and cultural events, serving as a primary link between local art communities and international design trends.

* Address: No. 1, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City

* Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00–18:00; Friday to Sunday 10:00–20:00

* Phone: +886-7-521-4899

Hamasen Railway Cultural Park (C14 Hamasen Station)

Formerly the Kaohsiung Port Station, this historic site now operates as the Takao Railway Museum. The indoor museum carefully preserves the operational environment of Taiwan's 1960s and 1970s freight rail golden age. Outside, expansive green lawn fields showcase public art installations and historic steam locomotives, making it a popular location for relaxation and photography.

* Address: No. 32, Gushan 1st Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City

* Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays)

* Outdoor Track Area: Open 24 hours daily (Caution required near active light rail tracks)

* Phone: +886-7-531-6209

Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway (C13 Penglai Pier-2 Station)

Located inside Warehouse B7 and B8 of the Penglai Warehouse Cluster, this museum features dynamic HO-scale rail models. Over 30 classic train models run continuously across more than 200 meticulously detailed miniature scenes. Outside, visitors can ride the miniature Pier-2 Line train, running on a custom 5-inch fixed track layout that loops around the Penglai warehouse grounds for an eight-minute ride.

* Address: No. 99, Penglai Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City (Penglai Warehouses B7 & B8)

* Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00–18:00; Friday to Sunday 10:00–19:00 (Closed Tuesdays)

* Phone: +886-7-521-8900

KW2 - Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2 (C13 Penglai Pier-2 Station)

Situated at Kaohsiung Port's No. 2 Pier, KW2 was originally constructed during the Japanese colonial era for sugar export storage. After undergoing historical restoration, the grand warehouse now houses local craft brands, lifestyle retail, and dining venues. On the harborfront exterior, a white vintage carousel stands as a iconic romantic landmark against the open port background.

* Address: No. 17, Penglai Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City (End of Qixian 3rd Road)

* Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00–21:00; Friday and Saturday 10:00–22:00

* Phone: +886-7-531-8568

Gold Stack Harbour Cruise (C13 Penglai Pier-2 Station)

Departing late afternoon from the waterfront of KW2, this scenic harbour cruise routes past the Love River estuary, 85 Sky Tower, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, Horizon City Marina, Asia New Bay Area, and Kaohsiung Music Center. Passengers can observe the working port city while enjoying sunset views over the water.

* Departure Location: No. 17, Penglai Road, Gushan District (KW2 Pier)

* Schedule: Asia New Bay Area Route departs Sundays at 14:40; Sunset Route schedules vary monthly (check official schedules)

* Phone: Weekdays +886-7-226-2888 ext. 607; Weekends +886-909-762-017

Shoushan Zoo (C14 Hamasen Station)

Shoushan Zoo features dedicated exhibition zones including native Formosan animal areas, a children's farm, avian pavilions, an educational centre, and interactive water plaza areas. It provides a convenient natural retreat located close to the urban core.

* Address: No. 350, Wanshou Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City

* Transit Note: Accessible via Light Rail C14 or via Bus No. 56 from MRT O2 Yanchengpu Station

* Phone: +886-7-521-5187

Cijin Shell Museum (C14 Hamasen Station)

Located across the harbour on Cijin Island, the Cijin Shell Museum displays an impressive collection of over 2,000 shell specimens and roughly 200 crab species. The showcase display includes a massive bivalve specimen, alongside rare marine collections.

* Address: 2F, No. 887, Cijin 3rd Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City

* Transit Note: Requires ferry transfer from Gushan Ferry Pier near C14 Station

* Phone: +886-7-571-8920

Practical Tips

* Fare Payment: Kaohsiung Light Rail accepts contactless IC cards (EasyCard, iPASS) and single-ride ticket purchases at station kiosks. Always tap in upon entering the platform or train.

* Track Safety: When walking near tracks—especially at Hamasen Railway Cultural Park—always remain within designated pedestrian paths and watch out for approaching light rail vehicles.

* Ferries & Connecting Transit: To reach Cijin Island attractions from C14 Hamasen Station, take a short walk to Gushan Ferry Pier for frequent passenger ferry services.

* Operating Hours: Standard light rail services generally run throughout the day; check the official Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation website for exact first and last train schedules.