Jiuqutang Old Street
A charming island escape with a bustling old street, fresh seafood, and scenic coastal views, easily accessible by ferry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Jiuqutang Old Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming island escape with a bustling old street, fresh seafood, and scenic coastal views, easily accessible by ferry.
"It's the perfect quick getaway from the city buzz, packed with color, flavor, and personality."
🚲 Rent a Bike or Scooter
Explore the island with ease! Renting a bike or e-scooter is highly recommended, especially for reaching the lighthouse.
😋 Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss the green tomato platter and fruit shaved ice! Seafood is also a must-try here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cijin Old Street
Main street near the ferry terminal
A vibrant strip packed with seafood restaurants and local snack stalls. Perfect for a culinary adventure.
Cijin Lighthouse & Fort
Hilltop overlooking the island
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and Kaohsiung Harbor. A must-visit for photographers.
Cijin Beach & Coastal Park
Along the western coast
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic beachfront, with art installations and sea breeze.
Mackay Cycling Trail
Circumnavigates Cijin Island
A 17km path offering stunning ocean views, passing by landmarks like the lighthouse and various parks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ferry Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike or Scooter
Explore the island with ease! Renting a bike or e-scooter is highly recommended, especially for reaching the lighthouse.
😋 Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss the green tomato platter and fruit shaved ice! Seafood is also a must-try here.
💰 Watch Restaurant Prices
Restaurant prices along the old street can be high. Inquire about prices before ordering to avoid surprises.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
The black sand beach is just a short stroll from the ferry pier. Enjoy the local vibes along the way.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike or Scooter
Explore the island with ease! Renting a bike or e-scooter is highly recommended, especially for reaching the lighthouse.
😋 Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss the green tomato platter and fruit shaved ice! Seafood is also a must-try here.
💰 Watch Restaurant Prices
Restaurant prices along the old street can be high. Inquire about prices before ordering to avoid surprises.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
The black sand beach is just a short stroll from the ferry pier. Enjoy the local vibes along the way.
📸 Capture the Views
The lighthouse and coastal park offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cijin Old Street for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious seafood, and unique local snacks. The island offers a relaxed vibe, perfect for leisurely exploration by bike or on foot. While some find restaurant prices high and food options repetitive, the overall experience is considered a charming and worthwhile half-day getaway from Kaohsiung.
"This old street has a cool, chill vibe that's perfect for wandering around. Grab a bike and cruise down the lane, soaking up the atmosphere. The colorful buildings and lively stalls create a unique charm. It's easy to spend a whole afternoon just exploring the shops and trying the street food. Definitely a must-visit spot for a relaxed and fun experience."
Jey Arul
"🚢Qijin Island 🏝️A Mini Adventure From Ferry Pier to Black Sand Beach
Qijin (旗津) might look small on the map, but once you hop off the ferry at Qijin Ferry Pier, it’s like stepping into a charming little island world. From the old street (旗津老街), you can easily stroll straight to the famous black sand beach in just a few minutes—but the real fun is to take it slow and soak in the local vibes.
Along the way, the streets are filled with tempting snacks and local treats. Don’t miss the famous green tomato platter (綠蕃茄切盤)—a surprisingly refreshing salty-sour snack that’s a Qijin classic. And if the weather’s hot (which it often is), grab a bowl of fruit shaved ice (水果刨冰) loaded with seasonal fresh fruit.
For seafood lovers, Qijin is heaven. There are many seafood stalls and small restaurants offering fresh grilled squid, oyster omelets, fried seafood platters, and clams stir-fried with basil—all at very local, wallet-friendly prices.
Once you reach the black sand beach, you can feel the peaceful charm of this little island escape. It’s the perfect quick getaway from the city buzz, but still packed with color, flavor, and personality.
⸻
🚢 How to get there:
• By Ferry:
From Gushan Ferry Pier (鼓山輪渡站), take the ferry to Qijin Ferry Pier. The ride takes just about 5 minutes, and you can bring your bike or scooter on board.
• By MRT + Ferry:
Take the Orange Line to Sizihwan Station (O1), then walk about 5-8 minutes to Gushan Ferry Pier.
• By Light Rail:
Get off at Hamasen Light Rail Station, then walk to the ferry terminal."
Bel Zi
"Idyllic street filled with (mainly seafood) restaurants and street vendors, this place gets real busy over the weekends or public holidays so be prepared! Watch out for the prices with the restaurants along this street too, they can get expensive you don’t put yourself forward to ask when you order."
bh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier. You can reach Gushan Ferry Pier by MRT (Orange Line to Sizihwan Station, then a short walk) or by Hamasen Light Rail. The ferry ride itself is only about 5 minutes and you can bring your bike or scooter. +2
Ferries run frequently, typically every 5-10 minutes. The ride is very short, around 5 minutes. The fare is approximately NT$20-30 per trip, and you can often pay with an EasyCard. +1
Yes, you can bring your bicycle or electric scooter on the ferry to Cijin Island, which is highly recommended for exploring the island. +1
Yes, Cijin Old Street is walkable from the ferry. For exploring further, renting a bike or electric scooter is the best option. Many rental shops provide maps.
The ferry ride is only about 5 minutes. The total travel time will depend on how you get to Gushan Ferry Pier from your location in Kaohsiung.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to enter Cijin Old Street itself. The main cost would be the ferry fare to reach the island and any food or purchases you make.
While the street itself is always accessible, many shops and restaurants on Cijin Old Street tend to close around 8 PM. It's best to visit earlier in the day, especially if you want to rent a scooter or explore fully.
Entry to Cijin Lighthouse and Fort is generally free, though there might be small fees for specific exhibits or areas. The main cost is getting to the island and potentially renting a bike.
Many shops and restaurants on Cijin Old Street close by 8 PM, so it's advisable to plan your visit accordingly if you want to experience the full range of offerings.
Cijin Beach is a public beach and does not have an admission fee. You can enjoy the coastline and the coastal park freely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Cijin Old Street for food, Cijin Lighthouse and Fort for views, Cijin Beach for relaxation, and the Mackay Cycling Trail for a scenic ride. +3
Cijin Old Street is famous for its fresh seafood, grilled squid, oyster omelets, and local Taiwanese snacks like green tomato platter and fruit shaved ice.
Absolutely! Cijin Island is very bike-friendly, with the Mackay Cycling Trail offering a dedicated path with beautiful scenery. Bike rentals are readily available.
Cijin's black sand beach has a peaceful charm. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere after exploring the old street.
Yes, the Cijin Coastal Park features art installations along the beachfront, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cijin Lighthouse and Fort offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The colorful buildings and street art on Cijin Old Street also make for vibrant photos. 
Late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, provide beautiful lighting for photos. Sunsets at the lighthouse are particularly spectacular.
Yes, Cijin Old Street has featured murals and street art, adding a unique visual element to the area.
You can expect coastal landscapes, ocean views, charming old street architecture, colorful buildings, and potentially street art. +1
Definitely! The Cijin Lighthouse provides elevated views that are highly sought after for photography, capturing both the island and the harbor. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of Cijin Old Street
Beyond the main dishes, the old street is lined with vendors selling a variety of other delights, including ice cream and bubble tea. Exploring the stalls and sampling the diverse offerings is a quintessential part of the Cijin experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic local flavors.
Exploring Cijin Island by Bike
Most bike rental shops provide maps, making it easy to plan your route and discover hidden gems. Whether you're heading to the lighthouse, the beach, or simply want to cruise along the coast, cycling provides a flexible and enjoyable way to experience the island's charm.
The Charm of Cijin Lighthouse and Fort
The historical significance of the fort adds another layer to the visit. While exploring the structures, you can imagine the past and appreciate the strategic importance of this location. The combination of historical architecture and stunning natural scenery makes the Cijin Lighthouse and Fort a highlight for many visitors to the island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit