Just a 5-minute ferry ride away, Cijin Island is an easy and fun Kaohsiung day trip. You can cycle along the coastal path past rainbow art installations, walk through a colourful tunnel of flashing lights, climb to a lighthouse with sweeping harbour views, and eat incredibly fresh seafood on the beach. It’s got this laid-back island vibe that feels worlds away from Kaohsiung city, even though you can literally see Kaohsiung’s skyscrapers across the water.
The island has interesting history too. Back in the 1600s, a fisherman named Hsu Ah-hua took shelter here during a storm and liked it so much he came back with families from the Fujian province of China to settle permanently. They built Taiwan’s first Mazu temple in 1673, and the island became the original heart of what’s now Kaohsiung. The Japanese later used it as a military base, carving tunnels through the mountains that are now psychedelic light shows for tourists.
With so many things to do in Cijin Island packed into its narrow 8.5km length, you can easily spend a whole day here cycling between the Rainbow Church, exploring the historic lighthouse, wandering through the old street, and lounging on the black sand beach. The whole island is super compact, so you can see everything without feeling rushed. And honestly, the seafood here is incredible, we’re talking fresh grilled squid and lobster right on the beach.
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Cijin Island Essentials
- Public restrooms are located in Cijin Shell Museum + Cihou Lighthouse
- Bring cash for bike rental and street food vendors
- Pack the sunscreen as there is limited shade on the route
- Bring your EasyCard to conveniently pay for your ferry to Cijin
Cijin Island Hotel
In Young Hotel is the only hotel on Cijin Island. Designed by award-winning Linli Su Architecture Studio, rooms are bright and modern, many have ocean views. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. The on-site restaurants serve seafood and Chinese dishes while the bar serves American-style dishes.
How To Get From Kaohsiung To Cijin Island
Cijin Island is just a short 5-minute ferry ride away from Kaohsiung. You can pay both ferries with an EasyCard or cash, but sometimes they don’t have the correct change.
You can catch the ferry to Cijin Island from two ports:
- Gushan Ferry Pier – NT$40, about a 7-minute walk from Hamasen MRT Station. Ferries run every 10 -20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Get this one if you are bringing a car or motorcycle.
- KW2 Pier – NT$80, about a 20-minute walk from Hamasen MRT Station. This is more a tourist ferry, it’s call a “seaboat”. Ferries run from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (weekdays) and 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM (weekends and holidays). This ferry is passenger and bicycle only no cars or motorbikes allowed.
Alternatively, you can also join this full day tour of southern Kaohsuing that includes Cijin Island, Pier-2 Art Center, and sunset at Sizihwan Bay.
Getting Around Cijin Island
The best way to get around Cijin Island is by renting an electric bike. You can rent a 2 or 4 seater. They are powered by a motor so there is zero effort required on your behalf. They go a relaxing 20-30 km/h, you, it works with a key, and then you use the bike brakes to accelerate.
There are bike rentals once you get off the ferry and more along Cijin Old Street. Renting these bad boys costs NT$400 for 2 hours, you will need to give your ID as deposit and then they will gve you a map of the route. You are not allowed to use them on the main roads, we didn’t realise this and accidentally went on them for a few minutes. We felt stupid, but didn’t get into any trouble.
Another benefit to getting around Cijin island this way is the electric bikes have a roof on them, giving you some much needed shade.
You can also rent a motorbike but you must keep to the main roads, you are not prohibited to drive the coastal route as this is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Can You Walk Around Cijin Island?
Yes, you can walk around Cijin Island, and actually many visitors choose to explore on foot. The main attractions are concentrated in the northern part near the ferry terminal, making them easily walkable within a few hours.
However, if you want to reach the southern attractions like Cijin Windmill Park, it’s a 45-minute walk each way, so renting a bike is more practical for covering the full island.
Best Things To Do In Cijin Island
Cijin Tunnel
Cutting through Cihou Mountain is the trippy Cijin Tunnel, also know as “tunnel of stars”. Formerly a military tunnel for the occupying Japanese, it served as access to the Cihou Fort. Today, a colourful mural covers the tunnel’s interior as well as lights that flash and change colour as you walk through the 88 metre passage.
As you emerge on the other side you’ll be greeted with dramatic coastal views, where you can watch waves from the Taiwan Strait crash against a large coral reef cliff. It’s prohibited to walk along the pier as the waves can be rough, but there is a waist high safety fence you can stand behind.
You are not allowed to cycle through here, you can leave your bikes just a few metres from the entrance.
Rainbow Church
One of Kaohsiung’s most Instagrammable locations. There is no church here, instead you can find three art installations that are perfect for posing alongside. The sweeping coastal background also adds to the picture perfect setting.
The best one is the “Rainbow Church”, it’s a vibrant rainbow coloured frame with 13 pillars painted different colours. When framed correctly you can get a nice photo.
The other two installations aren’t as great, in my opinion. They are two rusted and weathered looking structures that require a lot of imagination.
Expect to queue for your photos, it’s super popular and people tend to take their time to get their shot.
Shell Museum
This cool little museum is home to over 3,000 shells from all around the world. It displays facts about all the different shells along with their evolutionary process.
Museum is free to enter and they have AC if you need to cool down.
Further south is their large 10 metre white and gold shell sculpture that you can walk through, it’s so impressive. It was even sparkling against the sun when we visited.
Cijin’s shell museum also has clean public toilets that are free to use on the ground floor. You don’t even need to enter the museum to use them
Cijin Windmill Park
The last stop on the Cijin Island coastal route before you turn around is the Cijin Windmill Park. Maybe this was named during an optimistic planning meeting but to call these windmills is a gross over statement. These windmills are a bit sad, to be honest, and appear to have been severely battered from bad weather.
It’s not worth going out this far just for the windmills so if you are tight on time it’s something to consider skipping.
Cijin Lighthouse
Also referred to as Cihou Lighthouse due to its location sitting upon Cihou Mountain. This charming lighthouse overlooks Kaohsiung Port and the island of Cijin. The views are spectacular at the top, especially the colourful houses of Cijin.
The square part of the 15.2 metre lighthouse was built back in 1883 by the British, while the octagonal tower was built by the Japanese in 1918. It’s actually the only white brick, octagonal lighthouse in Taiwan.
You can reach the lighthouse in two ways: one is all stairs, or enter on the fort path, which is about half stairs and half ramp. We climbed up the stairs which took about 5 minutes and wasn’t too difficult.
If you can, try and visit the lighthouse at sunset, the views are truly special.
At the top is Shoreline Coffee And Roaster is a cute coffee hatch with some outdoor seating. They even serve a Vietnamese Iced Coffee. When we visited they were blasting chill house music, that mixed with the views made it so vibey.
Cijin Beach
The main stretch of Cijin Beach runs along the western coast and is perfect for a relaxing break during your island exploration. The 1.5 kilometre beach is lined with palm trees, the unique black sand is soft, and while the waves can be strong, it’s a great spot to cool off or just enjoy the ocean views.
There are shaded areas and it’s easily accessible by bike from the coastal route.
Ready to catch some waves? Learn to surf at Cijin Beach with professional instructors and board rentals available
Cijin Old Street
Cijin Old Street is the island’s main strip and where everyone seems to congregate. The street is packed with vendors selling everything from fresh swordfish, lobsters and sharks to grilled squid, bubble tea and ice cream. It’s where most of the restaurants are located.
You’ll find a good mix of street food stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants all creating this laid back, holiday vibe. The day we visited it genuinely felt like everyone was on vacation.
Just be aware that everything closes by 8 PM, so don’t leave your eating too late if you want to try the local seafood specialties.
Cijin Sunset Bar
Cijin’s only beach bar is the perfect spot to unwind with ocean views and a proper beach vibe. Completely open-air with reggae music playing, they serve cocktails and IPA beers at reasonable prices.
Sunset hour (happy hour) runs from 4-6 PM daily with house cocktails and light beers for NT$99, and as the name suggests, this is the ideal spot to catch the sunset.
Open 12 PM to midnight daily, the bar also serves American-style food like tacos and ribs alongside curry, pasta, and risotto if you’re looking for a proper meal. Sounds like the ideal way to end your Cijin Island day trip.
Cijin Tianhou (Matsu) Temple
Cijin Tianhou Temple is Kaohsiung’s oldest temple, built in 1673 by Fujianese fishermen who first settled the island. The temple is dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of the sea and patron deity of fishermen, and holds the title of being Taiwan’s first temple to Matsu.
This small and peaceful temple showcases traditional south China style with colourful coiling dragons and Three Star Gods adorning the upturned-eaved roof. Another interesting design feature is that the temple steps are made from ballast stones from the fishermen’s original 1673 crossing. A three-story pagoda also stands alongside the main temple structure.
Cihou Market
Large market that mostly sells lot of dried seafood. Almost every stall sells the same products so there isn’t really much need to walk the whole length of it.
It’s open 8 AM – 8 PM Monday to Friday and 8 AM – 1O PM Saturday and Sunday.
Where To Eat On Cijin Island
Most of the Cijin Island’s restaurants are located on Cijin Old Street. This islands speciality is fresh seafood, it was founded by a fisherman after all.
Restaurants on the old street all close at 8 PM. These are a few I recommend.
- 旗后海產(Qihou): sashimi, Sichuan-style boiled shrimp, fried clams
- 島民烘焙(ISLANDER): trendy bakery with delicious pastries and good coffee
- 珠古早味碗粿: this stall has been around for 40 years, they specialise in traditional Wah Kueh (steamed rice bowl cake)
- daOnegong: a chain of shaved ice cafes, really love the variety of flavours. The mango one was my go to.
Is Cijin Island Worth Visiting?
With all these amazing things to do in Cijin Island, it’s genuinely so much fun. It’s the ideal Kaohsiung day trip that feels different to the rest of the city. While Kaohsiung is all concrete and busy streets, Cijin has this chill island vibe where everyone’s just cruising around on bikes. You go from dodging scooters in the city to cycling past palm trees and art installations by the beach. The whole pace just slows down – people are grilling squid, sipping beers at sunset bars, and taking their time with photos. It’s like being on holiday without actually leaving Kaohsiung.
FAQ Cijin Island Kaohsiung
4-6 hours makes for the perfect Kaohsiung day trip if you would like to cycle the coastal route, climb to the lighthouse, wander the old street and also go for food.
The people of Cijin speak Chinese, I also found street vendors and restaurant staff had good English.
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