A Day Out Discovering Cijin Island, Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Taiwan is often thought of as a destination of metropolises. Visit Taichung or Kaohsiung in the south, and you’d find that hard to argue. Sprawling and home to wide avenues carving between ultra modern skyscrapers, the centre of Kaohsiung is very much an urban jungle. But it’s also possible to escape the city atmosphere of Kaohsiung quite easily by journeying out to Cijin Island.

Just off the coast of Kaohsiung, Cijin island trades in skyscrapers and neon lights for beaches and seaside vibes. It’s one of many spots ideal for outdoor adventures in Taiwan. Alternatively spelt Qijin and Cijin, this long skinny island stretches for kilometres along the coast and honestly needs to be on any good Kaohsiung itinerary. Read on to learn what you can expect to see on a day trip from Kaohsiung whiling away in the tranquil embrace of Cijin Island.

Before we get to the island itself, lets talk about getting there. Although there is a tunnel at its southern end, the easiest and most likely way to reach Cijin is by ferry. Departing from the Gushan Ferry Pier, it’s a gentle cruise across the harbour to Qijin Town at the island’s northern tip. Costing just TWD$40 each way for passengers and taking a little over 5 minutes, this ferry also takes cars and bikes. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).