Kaohsiung Shoushan and Sizihwan Bikeway: A Classic Short Ride on the Southern Taiwan Coast

Introduction

The bike corridor linking Shoushan and Sizihwan is Kaohsiung’s most iconic seaside leisure route. Starting from Lotus Pond, passing through the Love River, Pier-2 Art Center, Sizihwan University, and finally arriving at Cijin, it is the standard weekend route for Kaohsiung residents. This article compiles the complete itinerary and attractions along the way.

Route Basic Information

Item	Data
Start	Lotus Pond
End	Cijin Lighthouse
Distance	28 km (including ferry)
Cumulative Elevation Gain	120 m
Difficulty	★ (Leisure Level)
Estimated Time	3–4 hr

Route Segments

Segment 1: Lotus Pond → Love River (8 km)
Starting from the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, head south along the Love River bike path. Passing by the Confucius Temple, Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Heart of Love River, and Riverside Park, this is the cultural heart of Kaohsiung.

Segment 2: Love River → Pier-2 Art Center (5 km)
Head west from Zhongzheng Bridge into Yancheng District. Pier-2 Art Center is a must-stop attraction—a creative park converted from old warehouses, featuring abundant public art and coffee shops.

Segment 3: Pier-2 → Sizihwan (5 km)
Continue along Gushan 1st Road, passing the ferry terminal and Sihjhen North Gate, arriving at National Sun Yat-sen University and the Sizihwan seaside. Catch the sunset at Sizihwan, Kaohsiung’s most classic viewpoint.

Segment 4: Sizihwan → Cijin (10 km, including ferry)
Take the ferry from Gushan Ferry Terminal to Cijin (approximately NT$40 with bicycle). After landing, ride along Windmill Park, Cijin Beach, and the coastal promenade to Cijin Lighthouse.

Must-Visit Attractions

Attraction	Location	Highlight
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas	Lotus Pond	Kaohsiung landmark, enter through dragon, exit through tiger
Pier-2 Art Center	Yancheng District	Creative park, graffiti walls
Sizihwan	Gushan District	Sunset views, National Sun Yat-sen University
Cijin Windmill Park	Cijin District	Seaside windmill installations
Cijin Lighthouse	Cijin District	Century-old lighthouse, coastal vantage point

Food and Refueling

The Shoushan–Sizihwan route passes through Kaohsiung’s culinary highlights. Must-try stops along the way:

• Lotus Pond Area: Zuoying Fenyang Wonton, Guomao Community Chive Pockets
• Love River Section: Liouhe Night Market, Ruifeng Night Market (evening)
• Pier-2 Area: Ayong Sliced Noodles near the ferry terminal, Duck Meat Zhen
• Sizihwan: Sea Ice, Xinglongju
• Cijin: Seafood street, grilled squid, sliced tomato platter

Ferry Information

The ferry from Gushan Ferry Terminal to Cijin is a key part of the route:

• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
• Fare: Bicycle + rider approximately NT$40
• Hours: Daily 05:00–01:00 (24-hour operation)
• Note: Expect queues of 30+ minutes during peak season and holidays

Practical Tips

• Best Season: October–April, avoiding summer heat.
• Departure Time: Recommended to depart at 14:00, arriving at Sizihwan by evening for the sunset.
• Gear Needed: Casual clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses.
• Bike Rental: City Bike stations available at Pier-2, Sizihwan, and Cijin Ferry Terminal.
• Extended Route: Can connect to the Pingtung–Kenting route for a 3-day southern Taiwan coastal tour.

Conclusion

The Shoushan–Sizihwan bike path is more than just an exercise route—it is a “southern Taiwan cultural experience.” From the city lights along the Love River, the artistic atmosphere of Pier-2, the sunset at Sizihwan, to the sea breeze of Cijin, every stretch offers Kaohsiung’s unique charm. Next time you visit southern Taiwan, add this route to your itinerary, and you will discover that Kaohsiung is even more captivating than you imagined.

Related Reading

• Kaohsiung Sizihwan to Cijin Harbor Loop: The Most Beautiful Coastline Ride in Southern Taiwan
• Kaohsiung Shoushan to Cijin: A Versatile Training Route on the Urban Fringe
• Kaohsiung Shoushan and Cijin Bike Path: A Leisurely Urban Riding Route Plan
• Kaohsiung Love River and Cijin Loop: Harbor City Coastal Riding and Ferry Island Hopping