Kaohsiung Shoushan and Cijin Bikeway: A Leisurely Urban Cycling Route Plan

Introduction

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s harbor city, has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure in recent years, making it one of the most bike-friendly major cities in Taiwan. YouBike (Smile Bike) stations are scattered throughout the city, with dedicated bike lanes stretching along the Love River, Lotus Pond, and the foothills of Shoushan, eventually connecting to the Cijin Ferry and entering that bay island preserving Japanese-era architectural charm.

For out-of-town riders visiting Kaohsiung, or locals looking for a relaxed weekend ride, the Shoushan-to-Cijin route offers an excellent experience combining urban scenery, ocean views, and historical atmosphere.

Route Overview: Shoushan Coastal Ride to Cijin

The core of this route follows the west bank of Kaohsiung Harbor, starting from the foot of Shoushan National Nature Park, heading south to Gushan Ferry Station, taking the ferry to Cijin, then cycling a loop around Cijin Island.

Urban Riding Around Shoushan

Shoushan (also known as Dagou Mountain) is Kaohsiung’s most important natural landmark. Although the shaded mountain trails prohibit bicycles, the harborfront bike path at its foothills is an excellent choice for urban riding.

Starting from Shoushan Zoo and heading south through the Hamasen historic district, you can admire the Japanese-era railway architecture ruins and the red-brick buildings of the British Consulate at Dagou. This stretch preserves Kaohsiung’s oldest urban fabric—cycling through it feels like a time-travel journey back a hundred years.

Recommended stops around Shoushan:

• British Consulate at Dagou hilltop (requires walking uphill)
• Hamasen Railway Cultural Park
• Sizihwan Beach (sunset viewpoint)

Cijin Island: Sea Breeze, Old Streets, and a Lighthouse

Taking the ferry to Cijin feels like crossing into another world. This narrow peninsula island, about 12 kilometers long and no more than 200 meters wide, runs parallel to Kaohsiung Harbor.

The cycling route on Cijin Island is almost entirely flat, suitable for riders of all fitness levels:

Cijin Island Loop Route (approx. 9km)

• Cijin Ferry Station→Cijin Old Street: Enjoy seafood or shaved ice (Cijin seafood is renowned)
• Cihou Lighthouse: One of Taiwan’s oldest lighthouses; climb up for a panoramic view of Kaohsiung Harbor
• Cijin Beach: Sandy riding area with spectacular summer sunsets
• Cijin Windmill Park: Giant windmills paired with ocean views—a popular Instagram photo spot

Connecting the Kaohsiung Harborfront Bike Paths

Kaohsiung’s bike path system extends beyond Cijin, with a continuous network around the entire harborfront:

• Love River Bike Path: Connects both banks of the Love River, running through downtown Kaohsiung, approximately 13 kilometers long
• Lotus Pond Loop: Around Zuoying’s Lotus Pond, passing attractions such as the Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
• Weiwuying Park Route: An emerging cultural park with spacious, comfortable bike paths

By combining these routes, you can design a full-day urban cycling exploration of Kaohsiung.

Practical Tips

• YouBike stations are available at all major Kaohsiung attractions; for short rides you can rent directly without bringing your own bike
• The Cijin Ferry allows bicycles on board (for an additional fee), with frequent daily departures for convenient travel
• Kaohsiung summers are hot; it’s recommended to ride between 6–10 AM or 4–7 PM. An evening ride to Cijin to watch the sunset is the most popular itinerary
• Cijin Old Street has numerous seafood restaurants; having lunch there is part of the complete experience
• The Kaohsiung City Government provides the “Kaohsiung City Bicycle Map” (available free at tourist information centers), marking all bike paths and attractions

Conclusion

Cycling in Kaohsiung makes you feel how this city is rediscovering itself in new ways. Harbor, lighthouse, old streets, modern parks—these elements are linked together by the bike path network, forming a complete urban experience. Whether it’s the morning breeze on Shoushan, midday seafood in Cijin, or the evening sunset over Kaohsiung Harbor, this city presents its best self to you at cycling speed.

Related Reading

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