Love River in Kaohsiung

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The Love River runs through the middle of Kaohsiung and into the harbour. Decades ago it was badly polluted. A long clean-up turned its banks into green parks, walking paths and cafés, and today it is the city's favourite evening walk. Boats carry visitors along the river after dark, when the bridges are lit. The river is also the main site of Kaohsiung's Lantern Festival in the Lunar New Year season.

The riverside walk

Paved paths run along both banks of the Love River through the city centre. They are shaded by trees and dotted with benches, lawns and small plazas. The busiest section is near the river mouth, between the Kaohsiung Film Archive and the bridges of Zhongzheng Road. In the evening, families, couples and joggers fill the paths, and street performers sometimes play music. Bridges are lit in changing colours. Walking from the river mouth up to the city centre takes about an hour and is flat the whole way.

Boat rides

Small passenger boats run short trips on the river from piers in the central section. A ride takes about twenty to thirty minutes and goes under several lit bridges. Boats run mostly in the late afternoon and evening, which is the best time for the lights. Buy tickets at the pier. Times can change with the weather and the season, and boats may stop in heavy rain or typhoons. The trip is simple and slow, but it is a pleasant way to see the city from the water.

Love Pier and the river mouth

Where the river meets the harbour is Love Pier, an open waterfront area with seating, sculptures and views across the water. The light rail stops nearby, so it is easy to combine with Pier-2 and the Music Center. Yachts and small boats tie up along the quay. At sunset the light falls across the harbour toward the port terminal and the new buildings. On weekends there are often markets, music or small events here. It is a good place to start a riverside walk and work inland.

Kaohsiung Film Archive

On the west bank near the river mouth stands the Kaohsiung Film Archive. It collects and shows films, with a focus on Taiwanese cinema and on films made in or about Kaohsiung. The building has a small cinema, exhibitions and a library of films that visitors can watch. Many screenings are low-cost, and some exhibitions are free. Check the programme before you go. The archive also helps run film festivals in the city. It is a calm, cool stop on a hot afternoon walk along the river.

The Lantern Festival

During the Lunar New Year season, the banks of the Love River become the main site of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival. Large lantern displays, light installations and stalls line the river for several weeks. Many works are modern designs made with LEDs, and some float on the water. Crowds are very large in the evenings and on weekends, so take the MRT or light rail instead of driving. Dates change each year with the lunar calendar. Check the city tourism website for the current schedule.

Love River at a glance

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