Cijin Island

Overview

Cijin Island is a narrow, 11.3 km barrier island sheltering Kaohsiung harbour from the open Taiwan Strait. Reached by a five-minute ferry from Gushan, this densely packed fishing community is famous for its seafood street, historic lighthouse, and relaxed beach atmosphere.

Highlights

• Seafood Street: The main lane from the ferry terminal is lined with vendor stalls grilling squid, shrimp, and fresh sashimi at rock-bottom prices.
• Cijin Lighthouse: An 1883 British-built beacon on the island's northern hilltop, offering sweeping harbour views.
• Cijin Beach: A long stretch of black sand on the west coast, popular with surfers and sunset watchers.

History

Cijin was the original settlement of Kaohsiung—fishermen from Fujian province established a community here in the 17th century. The island's Tianhou Temple, built in 1673, is the city's oldest place of worship. During Japanese rule (1895–1945) the harbour was fortified, and tunnels can still be explored near the lighthouse.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Take the cross-harbour ferry from Gushan Ferry Terminal (NT$40 with EasyCard) rather than driving—traffic is limited on the island.
• Tip 2: Budget time for a slow seafood lunch on the main street before climbing to the lighthouse.
• Duration: 3–4 hours (half-day trip).