Blending old-world charm with modern flair and stunning harbor views, Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District is a vibrant neighborhood where traditional markets, hip boutiques, and nostalgic local eats come together.
Yancheng's history gives it a distinct character. Once a salt-drying field, it evolved into a bustling trade port during Japanese rule. After World War II, it became a rest and resupply hub for U.S. military personnel and seafarers. The booming postwar shipbreaking industry gave rise to the famed “Hardware Street” on Gongyuan Road, lined with antique treasures and maritime tools. Today, Yancheng is a living museum of eras past, where vintage cityscapes meet bold new energy, each layer woven into the rise and fall of Kaohsiung Harbor.
To fully appreciate the sea breeze and enjoy the bay’s breathtaking sunsets, consider staying in South Kaohsiung near Yancheng. We’ve crafted a two-day, one-night itinerary to help you experience the unique allure of this historic district in just 48 hours.
DAY 1 Soak in Stunning Harbor Views
After arriving in Yancheng, check in and drop your bags at a MICHELIN-recommended hotel. Consider the boutique Hotel Dùa, located about 500 meters from Formosa Boulevard MRT Station and within walking distance of the famous Liuhe Night Market. It offers stylish design, spacious rooms, and excellent soundproofing, making it a serene escape from crowded tourist areas.RELATED: MICHELIN-listed Hotels in Taiwan that Exude Local Charm
For a more luxurious stay, the InterContinental Kaohsiung offers sea-view rooms perfect for watching the sunset from bed. Its expansive windows frame panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor, 85 Sky Tower, and the Kaohsiung Main Public Library.
Once settled, dive into the local food scene. A must-try is Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube (Yancheng), known for its savory, glutinous rice tubes and steamed egg soup, of which locals often order both. Can’t choose between Duck Zhen (Wufu 4th Road) and Cheng’s Noodles? Many visitors end up trying both: duck rice with a side of offal from Duck Zhen, and a comforting bowl of scallion oil-topped sliced noodles from Cheng’s.
Afternoon
After lunch, explore the port area. Book a cruise in advance with the Kaohsiung Cultural Yacht, choosing your preferred route. One highlight is the Harbor Cruise Tour, which departs from the Pier-2 KW2 terminal and lasts about an hour. You'll pass Banana Pier, see Shoushan Mountain, the (former) British Consulate at Takao, and the Cijin Lighthouse. The cruise crosses the main waterway into Port No.1 and gives you a view of the Asia New Bay Area, including the Kaohsiung Music Center. The historic KW2 warehouse, once bombed during WWII, has been transformed into a creative hub with more than 50 lifestyle brands — perfect for browsing and relaxing after your cruise.
Alternatively, head straight to Dagang Bridge, next to the Pier-2 Dayi light rail station. This is Asia’s longest rotating bridge and features a daily opening show at 3 p.m. Climb to the viewing platform in the middle of the bridge for a different perspective of the harbor — many visitors linger here to catch the sunset.
Evening
Next to Yanchengpu MRT Exit 1 is SKB Civilization Fountain Pen Kaohsiung, founded in 1955 and Taiwan’s first homegrown fountain pen brand. Its new location, transformed into a “Writing Memory Museum,” is a hidden gem for stationery lovers.
After a day of snacking on street food, change up the scene with dinner at Marc L³. This chef’s table offers a French-inspired seasonal tasting menu infused with Taiwanese ingredients. Chef Marc’s seemingly freeform creations are in fact deeply structured and artfully plated.
Don’t miss out on the local bar scene. LIL GAZ, a beloved speakeasy-style spot in Kaohsiung, is known for its moody basement setting and creative cocktails using Taiwanese ingredients. One of the city’s newest bars, Rumway, which opened in late 2024, focuses on rum-based cocktails. With a selection of over 30 rums and local fruit wines, it’s quickly becoming one of the hottest places to grab a drink in Kaohsiung.
Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.
DAY 2 Exploring Yancheng on Foot
Morning
Visiting a local market is like seeing the soul of a city. The First Public Retail Market, founded in 1949 and renovated in 2022, is one of Yancheng’s most iconic shopping spots. The redesign preserves its signature gabled wooden beams while introducing newer vendors, blending tradition with modern energy.
Start your morning as early as 7 a.m. to experience the lively hustle of buying fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Nestled among the market stalls are hip, artisanal eateries like YAMA ICHI Tempura, run by a family with four generations of expertise in fish products. Their handmade items, including swordfish cakes and fish balls, sell out fast, so arrive early or come back at 4 p.m. for their Taiwanese-style afternoon tea.
Nearby, House of TAKAO GINZA is located in what used to be Kaohsiung’s first department store and covered arcade. The café spans two floors, with a guest house on the third, and preserves old-school design features like mezzanine floors, ironwork windows, hand-painted signage, and terrazzo flooring.
Afternoon
Being in a port city means fresh seafood is a must. Chang Sheng 29 offers an omakase-style menu of hearty Taiwanese dishes like red yeast pork and clay pot fish soup based on daily ingredients. Chao Ming, meanwhile, is perfect for any group size, with home-style stir-fries and seafood cooked in various traditional styles — braised, pan-fried, or steamed.
After a satisfying meal, take a peaceful detour to Xiaoyao Garden, just a short walk from Exit 1 of Sinyi Elementary MRT Station. This Japanese-Western fusion villa, built in 1940, was once the retreat of Count Ōtani Kōzui, the 22nd head priest of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. The architecture combines traditional craftsmanship techniques — such as classic Japanese ichimatsu checkered patterns, boat-bottom-shaped ceilings, and clay reliefs of the Ōtani family crest — to recreate the refined aesthetic and lifestyle of Japanese aristocracy.
