Kaohsiung shore excursion: Lotus Pond, art, and Qijin Island

Walk through a dragon's mouth, see the world's largest glass dome, then take a ferry to an island market

A private shore excursion from Kaohsiung cruise terminal covering four distinct stops in 6 to 8 hours: the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, contemporary art installations at Pier-2 Art Center, the Dome of Light glass artwork at Formosa Boulevard Station, and Qijin Island's beaches, lighthouse and seafood markets reached by ferry. Includes round-trip ferry tickets, travel insurance, an English or Chinese-speaking driver guide, and air-conditioned private vehicle transport. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, with alternative options at Kaohsiung HSR Station or Formosa Boulevard Station on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kaohsiung's highlights

• Visit Lotus Pond temples and pagodas
• Explore Pier-2 Art Center
• Take photo at Formosa Boulevard Station
• Ferry to Qijin Island
• Walk Qijin Old Street and lighthouse
• Enjoy seafood markets and beaches

The experience

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond are the centerpiece: you walk in through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, a ritual locals say brings good luck. The pagodas sit among temples, gardens and vibrant dragon sculptures that frame the water. From there, the route moves to Pier-2 Art Center, where contemporary installations and street performances fill the waterfront: a shift from the spiritual calm of Lotus Pond to Kaohsiung's creative energy.

Formosa Boulevard Station's Dome of Light is a photo stop: Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata designed this glass installation to span the entire station concourse, built from thousands of colored glass pieces. It is one of the world's largest glass artworks, and the station itself has become a cultural draw separate from its role as a transit hub. After that, a short ferry ride takes you to Qijin Island, where you walk sandy beaches, visit a lighthouse, and browse Qijin Old Street and the star tunnel. The seafood markets and food stalls line the waterfront: cash only, so the tour notes remind you to bring NTD or use the exchange machine at the cruise terminal before departure.

Your driver speaks English or Chinese and handles all transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle. The itinerary can shift if weather or traffic demands it. A moderate amount of walking is built into the day, and the total time includes travel between stops. Ferry tickets for the round trip to Qijin are included, as is travel insurance. You'll need to provide your full name, birthday, passport number and nationality when you book.

What’s included

• Round-trip ferry tickets to Qijin Island.
• travel insurance for all participants.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• English or Chinese-speaking driver guide.
• pickup and drop-off at Kaohsiung cruise terminal (or Kaohsiung HSR Station or Formosa Boulevard Station by request).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Justaiwantour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking at Kaohsiung Harbor and want a guide handling all navigation and transport between temples, art centers, and Qijin Island's market, rather than coordinating stops yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, and why do people walk through them?

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are ornate structures at Lotus Pond surrounded by temples and gardens. Visitors walk in through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, a tradition believed to bring good luck. The pagodas are part of a scenic complex that includes the Kaohsiung Temple of Confucius and Zuoying Yuandi Temple.

Can I pick up from somewhere other than the cruise terminal?

Yes. The tour offers pickup and drop-off from Kaohsiung HSR Station or Formosa Boulevard Station as alternatives to the cruise terminal. If you prefer a different location, contact the operator in advance. An additional fee may apply.

What is the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station?

The Dome of Light is one of the world's largest glass art installations, created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. It spans the entire concourse of Formosa Boulevard Station with thousands of colored glass pieces arranged in vibrant, intricate designs. The station has become a cultural attraction in its own right.

How do I get to Qijin Island, and what is there to do?

A short ferry ride takes you from Kaohsiung to Qijin Island. Round-trip ferry tickets are included. On the island, you can walk sandy beaches, visit a lighthouse, explore Qijin Old Street and the star tunnel, and browse seafood markets. Many food stalls sell fresh local snacks and seafood, though most take cash only.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved across the day's four stops. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you'll be on your feet at Lotus Pond, Pier-2 Art Center, Formosa Boulevard Station and around Qijin Island.

What should I bring or know before booking?

Bring cash in New Taiwan Dollars (NTD), as many food stalls accept cash only. An exchange machine is available at the cruise terminal. When you book, provide your full name, birthday, passport number and nationality for travel insurance. Tell the operator the name of your cruise ship so pickup can be arranged. The itinerary may shift due to weather or traffic. One standard luggage per traveler is allowed. Oversized luggage is not recommended.