Cihou Lighthouse Kaohsiung
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic Kaohsiung Harbor views, especially stunning at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Cihou Lighthouse Kaohsiung
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic Kaohsiung Harbor views, especially stunning at sunset.
"Awesome views over Cijin Island and of Kaohsiung skyline. It's a bit of a walk up but not too long."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the harbor.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring water and wear a hat; it can get hot with limited shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cihou Lighthouse
Qijin District, Kaohsiung City
Iconic 1883 lighthouse offering panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the city skyline.
Sunset Views
Cihou Lighthouse and Cihou Fort area
Witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky over the harbor, a truly magical experience.
Shoreline Coffee & Roaster
Near Cihou Lighthouse
Enjoy a coffee with a view, perfect for relaxing before or after exploring the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Best Views
Getting There and Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the harbor.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring water and wear a hat; it can get hot with limited shade.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for a Walk
E-bikes aren't allowed all the way; expect a short, steep walk up.
☕ Coffee with a View
Stop by Shoreline Coffee & Roaster for drinks and great scenery. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the harbor.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring water and wear a hat; it can get hot with limited shade.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for a Walk
E-bikes aren't allowed all the way; expect a short, steep walk up.
☕ Coffee with a View
Stop by Shoreline Coffee & Roaster for drinks and great scenery.
📜 Stamp Tour Fun
Collect stamps at the lighthouse for a unique souvenir.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Cihou Lighthouse, especially during sunset, and appreciate the historical significance of the site. The nearby cafe and the opportunity for a stamp tour add to the enjoyable experience. Some note the walk up can be steep and hot, recommending water and hats.
"Came here with local tour and it was really good! The view was great and there is a small cafe and souvenier shop at the top. You can buy a postcard and do the stamp tour around the lighthouse as well. There are two routes or more to go up! With stairs or slope, choose which one you prefer because it will connect to the fort and make a round. Currently there is a museum exhibit in the lighthouse but I don't know when it will end. Lighthouse is still operational~"
Alicia the Penguin
"A fine place to visit, it wasn't that high up the mountain but it is a bit of a walk. lovely and beautiful scenery is the reward for working your way up to the lighthouse and the view points in the area. You can see the whole Cijin city from here and then you may notice how color the city structures are."
Luke L'sk
"Awesome views over Cijin Island and of Kaohsiung skyline. It's a bit of a walk up but not too long. There is a cafe and toilets was up the hill to the Lighhouse area. Excellent place to see both contrasting sides and it's beauty. It can be quite hot up there and there is not much shade. It's also interesting to read about the Lighthouse's history"
William Lin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the MRT to Sizihwan Station, then walk to Gushan Ferry Pier. From there, take a short ferry ride to Cijin Island. Once on Cijin, you can walk or rent a bike to reach the lighthouse.
Yes, Cijin Island is quite walkable and bike-friendly. You can rent bicycles near the ferry terminal. However, e-bikes are not permitted all the way to the lighthouse itself, so be prepared for a short uphill walk.
The most popular and scenic way is by ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier. It's a quick and affordable ride that offers nice views of the harbor.
No, public transport like buses doesn't go directly to the lighthouse. You'll need to take the ferry to Cijin Island and then proceed on foot or by bike.
The journey typically involves MRT, ferry, and then walking/biking. Expect around 45-60 minutes depending on connections and your pace on Cijin Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Cihou Lighthouse grounds and the exterior is generally free. There might be a small fee for specific exhibits or if there are special events inside.
The lighthouse grounds are usually accessible throughout the day, but the interior and any cafes or shops might have specific operating hours, often closing around 9 PM.
The lighthouse itself and the surrounding fort area are typically free to enter. You can explore the grounds and enjoy the views without any admission charge.
While the lighthouse might be lit up at night, access to the interior and the immediate grounds might be restricted after closing hours. However, the night view from nearby areas can still be beautiful.
Yes, there have been museum exhibits inside the lighthouse detailing its history and other lighthouses worldwide. It's worth checking for current exhibitions.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most stunning light for photography, casting a warm glow on the lighthouse and harbor.
Drone usage regulations can vary. While some videos show drone shots, it's best to check local rules before flying a drone in the area to avoid any issues.
You can capture panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor, the city skyline, the lighthouse itself, and the surrounding Cihou Fort. Sunset shots are particularly popular.
Weekends can be busy, but the area is spacious enough that you can usually find good vantage points. Weekday visits will offer fewer people in your shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of ships. An iPhone is also perfectly capable of capturing great shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe, Shoreline Coffee & Roaster, located near the lighthouse offering drinks and snacks. You can also find various food options on Cijin Island.
Cijin Island offers a range of local Taiwanese cuisine, including seafood, beef noodles, and street food. Don't miss trying some local ice cream or bubble tea.
While seafood is prevalent, you can often find vegetarian dishes like vegetable stir-fries or noodle soups at local eateries on Cijin Island. It's good to ask.
Shoreline Coffee & Roaster provides a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage with views of the harbor. For full meals, explore other eateries on Cijin Island.
Popular choices include coconut ice cream, fresh seafood, and local Taiwanese snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a family-friendly bike on Cijin Island to explore more of the area before or after visiting the lighthouse. The coastal paths and beaches offer additional fun. The historical aspect of the lighthouse and fort can also be a good learning opportunity, making the visit both enjoyable and educational for younger travelers.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive harbor views and the sweeping coastline. Telephoto lenses can be useful for framing the lighthouse with interesting foreground elements or capturing details of ships. Don't forget to experiment with different angles from both the lighthouse and the nearby Cihou Fort for varied perspectives. The colorful buildings on Cijin Island also offer vibrant street photography opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cihou Lighthouse and Fort
+1Many visitors enjoy combining their visit to the lighthouse with a stop at the Shoreline Coffee & Roaster, a charming cafe located nearby. It's the perfect spot to relax with a drink and soak in the scenery, especially during the late afternoon as the sun begins to set. The cafe's proximity makes it a convenient stop before or after exploring the historical sites.
+1When visiting, remember that while the paths are generally well-maintained, there's a short, steep incline to reach the lighthouse and fort. Bringing water and wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended, especially during warmer months. The sea breeze offers some respite, but direct sunlight can be intense.
The Magic of Sunset on Cijin Island
+1The panoramic views from the lighthouse and fort provide an unobstructed vista of the sun dipping below the horizon, often accompanied by the sight of ships sailing into the port. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic and memorable scene. Many visitors find this to be the highlight of their trip to Cijin.
+1To make the most of the sunset, aim to arrive at the lighthouse area at least an hour before sunset. This allows ample time to explore, find a good spot, and perhaps enjoy a coffee from a nearby cafe while waiting for the main event. The experience is truly magical and a must-do for anyone visiting Kaohsiung.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit