Cijin (Qijin) Island is a long, thin sandbar stretching between Kaohsiung Harbor and the open sea, and a classic half-day escape steeped in old fishing-port atmosphere and home to Kaohsiung's oldest Matsu temple. A short 5-10 minute ferry from Gushan Pier gets you there, and uniquely you can board alongside scooters and bicycles. Packed into the narrow island are the British-built 1883 Cihou Lighthouse, a red-brick fort, a lantern-lit 'star tunnel,' a black-sand beach, and rows of seafood stalls.
Cihou Lighthouse: a white Baroque-style lighthouse built by the British in 1883, offering sweeping views over Kaohsiung Harbor from the hilltop
Cihou Fort: a red-brick fortress from the 1720s and a national historic site, with the best harbor panorama on the island
Star Tunnel: a former Japanese-era military air-raid tunnel reborn as a coastal walkway with lights and murals
Cihou Tianhou Temple: Kaohsiung's oldest Matsu (sea goddess) temple, with origins dating to 1673
Cijin Beach and seafood stalls: dark-sand beach, freshly grilled and fried seafood, and bike rentals to loop the island
Good to know
CautionBeware the seafood 'market price' (時價) at restaurants, a common source of tourist overcharging disputes. Always ask the price per gram or per piece before ordering, watch the seafood being weighed, and pick well-reviewed, long-established shops.
SafetySome viewpoints at Cihou Fort and around the lighthouse have unfenced edges with a fall risk. Step back from the edge when taking photos, and note the many stairs on the lighthouse path, which can be tough for the elderly or strollers.
SafetyCijin Beach has rip currents and steep drop-offs, posing a drowning risk. Swim only during the official season (roughly April-October), within lifeguard hours and safety-flag zones, and stay out of the water otherwise or during high winds and warnings.
CautionBike and e-scooter rental touts near the pier can be very pushy. Confirm the rate, return time, and deposit before renting, and check requirements (e.g., an international driving permit) for scooters. Verify prices and info yourself rather than trusting hard-sell touts.
MannersTianhou Temple is an active place of worship over 300 years old. Stay quiet in the main hall where incense and worshippers are present, avoid photographing deity statues or blocking the censer, and dress modestly.
RulesCars cannot board the ferry; only pedestrians, bicycles, and scooters may. To bring a car onto the island you must use the Cross-Harbor Tunnel. Confirm current fares and schedules before you go.
Practical info
The Gushan-Cijin ferry costs roughly NT$20 by smartcard (EasyCard/iPASS) or about NT$40 cash for foot passengers, with scooters charged separately (about NT$40 cash). Fares and frequency can change, so verify the latest. Gushan Pier is about a 7-minute walk from Sizihwan Station on Kaohsiung MRT's Orange Line.
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