Buzz
Cijin Island boasts fresh and cool air, resembling a green oasis of Taiwan. This island will bring you a sense of tranquility and peace. Upon arrival, all your worries seem to vanish. There are plenty of impressive man-made structures on the island for you to explore and check-in. Let's discover what this ancient land has to offer!
Introduction to Cijin Island
Cijin Island has a long and narrow shape, located to the west of Kaohsiung. This area was discovered in the 17th century by fisherman Hsu Ah-hua. He stumbled upon this place while seeking shelter from a storm. Previously, this island was connected to the mainland in the southern area but was later severed.
This island stretches 8.5 km in length and 400 meters wide. It is also the second smallest district in Kaohsiung. Despite its small size, it offers plenty of interesting attractions, making tourism flourish here. During peak season, the island attracts a large number of visitors.
Known as the tropical paradise, the green gateway of Taiwan (Image Source: Collection)
Cijin Island is one of the earliest developed urban areas in Kaohsiung. It's truly a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature. Besides, you can enjoy delicious fresh seafood. Getting to Cijin Island This destination not only appeals to tourists but also has a charm for the locals.
How to get to Cijin Island
Traveling to Cijin Island is not overly difficult or complicated. It just requires traveling more segments than usual. But it's definitely worth experiencing. Here, Mytour will suggest how to travel, a method favored by many travelers!
1. Travel to the ferry terminal
To reach Cijin Island, you'll need to take a ferry there. To get to the ferry terminal, you can choose the subway, taxi, or rent a scooter. If you're traveling in a group, taking a taxi can be convenient. This method is both quick, convenient, and allows for better time management. Plus, you can split the transportation cost among group members.
Alternatively, you can rent a scooter to ride to the ferry terminal. From the central area of Kaohsiung city to the ferry terminal, it's only about a 30-minute ride. The distance isn't too far, enough for you to drive yourself. However, when traveling this way, you should be careful while navigating. Also, watch out for getting lost!
The Formosa Boulevard MRT Station is also an architectural masterpiece of Taiwan (Source: Collection)
If you're taking the high-speed rail, follow the information below. Starting from downtown Kaohsiung, take the red line MRT. Alternatively, you can walk to the Formosa Boulevard station. Then, take the orange line MRT to the last station, Sizihwan. Exit the station through gate number 1. From here, it's just a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Gushan Ferry Terminal.
2. From the ferry to Cijin Island
The Gushan Ferry will take you to Cijin Island. The ferry fee is about 20 NTD per person for a one-way trip, equivalent to 15,000 VND. Remember to prepare coins! If you're using an Easy Card, just swipe it when boarding the ferry. There's no need to swipe again when getting off. The Easy Card is a prepaid card commonly used in Taiwan.
The ferry operates from 5 am every day. Each trip takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. But you don't need to leave too early because bike rental shops on Cijin Island don't open until 9 am. So, you can relax and plan your schedule accordingly.
The ferry taking tourists to Cijin Island (Source: Collection)
Don't miss the fleeting moments while sitting on the ferry! Step outside onto the deck to admire the surrounding scenery. You'll see a bustling scene as passengers arrive at the ferry terminal. Around you, there are boats of all sizes and the city of Kaohsiung in the distance.
Popular modes of transportation on Cijin Island
Upon setting foot on the island, you'll find plenty of bike and electric scooter rental shops. Cijin Island is quite large, with attractions spaced about 2 to 3 km apart. So, it's best to get around by vehicle to save time and energy. The coastal road is beautiful and flat, perfect for leisurely strolls.
You can rent an electric scooter for convenient transportation. The rental price is 200 NDT per hour, which is approximately 150,000 VND. Or if you rent for 2 hours, it'll be 300 NDT. If you plan to visit only 4 or 5 spots, you'll likely need just 2 or 3 hours.
The covered scooters are very convenient for your sightseeing trip (Source: Collection)
Walking along the old street, you'll find many convenience stores and seafood stalls. On the beach, some people are surfing. At the beach area, there are bars, palm trees, and small huts. You'll experience this more vividly while riding around the island.
Some prominent attractions on Cijin Island
When traveling to Taiwan, allocate a day to explore Cijin Island. This island boasts numerous fascinating attractions for you to visit. Each place has its own unique colors and shapes. Let's see what they are and plan your itinerary right away!
1. Cihou Mazu Temple
The Mazu Temple has a history of over 300 years. This temple is considered the sacred guardian deity of Cijin Island. Locals believe that Mazu always protects and shelters the seafarers' children. Therefore, incense smoke is always thick here. Fishermen about to set sail often come here to burn incense sticks and pray for safety.
According to legend, the Mazu Temple was built in 1763 by Hsu. During a sea voyage, he encountered a severe storm and was washed ashore here. He believed that this land was his protector, sheltering him from harm. Therefore, upon returning, he came back here to build the temple.
The Mazu Temple with its distinctive architecture (Source: Collection)
The Mazu Temple is elegantly and intricately designed. You will see many meticulously carved dragon motifs in various colors. The altars here are mostly adorned with gold. The mirrors placed around the temple are colorful. The walls inside the temple are finely inscribed with Chinese characters.
In the courtyard, there is a bell dating back to the 19th century and a boat. Inside the temple area are wooden sculptures depicting historical and mythological figures. On major holidays like Mazu's Birthday, the atmosphere here is lively and bustling. Many people participate in these festivals, including locals and tourists.
2. Cijin Shell Museum
A must-visit attraction on Cijin Island is the Cijin Shell Museum. Located on the second floor of the Cijin Seaside Center, this museum is known as the largest shell museum in Southeast Asia. It features a wide variety of shellfish species.
The museum's large shell-shaped facade stands out (Source: Collection)
From clam shells to ivory shells, and colorful fossilized shells, you'll have the opportunity to admire a wide range of shell varieties. Additionally, the museum exhibits over 200 species of crabs, each with its own unique characteristics. It's a world full of fascinating discoveries waiting for you.
3. Cijin Lighthouse and Fortress
Next stop on your Cijin Island exploration journey is the Cijin Lighthouse and Fortress. These two attractions are quite close to each other, so you can visit the lighthouse first and then head to the fortress. The lighthouse was constructed by a British architect in 1883, originally serving military purposes. The path to the lighthouse is quite steep, so it's accessible only by foot.
An image of the striking white lighthouse against the sky backdrop (Source: Collection)
Over time, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations. There's a charming café and live music venue at the lighthouse, where you can relax, enjoy the sea view, and soak in the pleasant atmosphere. It's a gentle yet worthwhile experience to try out.
From the fortress, you can take in the entire panorama of the island (Source: Collection)
The Cijin Fortress, on the other hand, was built earlier, around 1720. Although the structure of this fortress is not particularly remarkable, its location is prime. Standing here, you'll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful Cijin Island in its entirety. However, the original fortress was destroyed during wars. Therefore, the current fortress is a reconstruction dating back to 1991.
4. Cijin Rainbow Church
The Cijin Rainbow Church is a well-known landmark on the island. It's a popular attraction that many tourists are familiar with. The church is built based on the concept of bridging the land part of the island with the sea. Anyone who enjoys Instagrammable spots will be delighted with this location.
The statue of two seashells is a popular photo spot beloved by tourists (Source: Collection)
Adjacent to it is an ancient residential area and the statue of two seashells facing the sea. From afar, it looks like a pair of lovebirds gazing at the sea. This is a monument symbolizing love between couples. The wonderful things here will add more colors to your Cijin Island exploration journey.
5. Street Food District on Cijin Island
Don't worry if you feel hungry during your tour. On Cijin Island, there's no shortage of delicious food to serve tourists. You can head to the ferry area to buy seafood. It's a street food market with a wide variety of delicious dishes.
Delicious seafood at the seafood market (Source: Collection)
The market area is quite long, making you feel like you're walking endlessly. Here, you can find popular Taiwanese dishes. If you're a food enthusiast, this market will surely delight you. Another special thing is that the seafood here is considered the best in Kaohsiung.
6. Wooden Walkway Along the Coastline
Whether you're riding an electric bike or a bicycle on Cijin Island, it's very safe. Because there are designated lanes for these vehicles on the island. From the ferry terminal, go down a bit, and you'll reach the wooden walkway along the coastline. If you come at the right time, you'll have the chance to admire the swaying cacti in the wind.
The coastal walkway with incredibly spacious surroundings (Source: Collection)
The sand here is black in color. Although not suitable for swimming, the atmosphere is truly amazing. You can admire the serene scenery of clouds and water. Quietly watch people come here to fish. These simple moments make you feel strangely peaceful.
Cijin Island is truly an ideal tropical paradise for your trip. This place will add color to your Taiwan travel journey. There are many places here for tourists to stop and explore. Taiwan has long been an ideal tourist destination for travel enthusiasts. To book a tour to Taiwan, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book your tour!
