Shoushan and Sizihwan in Kaohsiung
Part of the Kaohsiung travel guide — see every topic in All Kaohsiung Guides.
Shoushan is a forested limestone hill on the west side of Kaohsiung, right above the harbour. It is part of Shoushan National Nature Park, the first national nature park in Taiwan, and it is home to wild Formosan macaques. Below its southern end lies Sizihwan, a small bay famous for its sunsets. Together they make an easy nature escape that you can reach by MRT.
Shoushan National Nature Park
Shoushan rises steeply between the city and the sea. Its forest grows on old coral limestone, with caves, cliffs and rocky paths. Shoushan National Nature Park was set up in 2011 to protect this hill and nearby areas. A network of trails climbs through the trees from several trailheads on the city side. Most walks take one to three hours. The paths are often steep, with steps and roots, and can be slippery after rain. Good shoes, water and insect repellent are important. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat.
The Formosan macaques
Shoushan is well known for its Formosan rock macaques, a monkey found only in Taiwan. Large troops live on the hill and are often seen near the trails. They are wild animals. Do not feed them, as feeding is against the law and can bring a fine. Keep food and plastic bags out of sight, and do not carry snacks in your hand. Do not stare at the monkeys or get close to young ones. If a monkey comes near, stay calm and walk away slowly.
Views from the hill
From the higher parts of Shoushan you can see the whole of Kaohsiung harbour, Cijin Island, the city skyline and the Taiwan Strait. Several lookout points along the trails have open views. On clear winter days you can see a long way along the coast. The colonial-era former British consulate building sits on a smaller hill above the harbour entrance and also has a fine viewpoint. It is a short walk from Sizihwan and is busiest at sunset. Bring a light jacket in winter, as the hilltop can be windy.
Sizihwan bay
Sizihwan is a small bay at the foot of Shoushan, next to the campus of National Sun Yat-sen University. A sea wall and walkway curve around the water. The bay faces west, so it is one of the best places in Kaohsiung to watch the sunset. In the evening locals sit on the sea wall to watch the sun go down behind the ships waiting outside the port. There is a small beach, but swimming is often restricted, so follow the signs. The Gushan ferry to Cijin is nearby.
Planning a half day
A good plan is to take the Orange Line to Sizihwan station, its last stop. Walk a morning trail on Shoushan, then rest during the hot middle of the day. In the late afternoon, return to the area for the former consulate viewpoint and the Sizihwan sea wall at sunset. You can also take the ferry to Cijin Island and watch the sunset from the beach there instead. Small restaurants and cafés near the station serve simple meals and cold drinks.
Shoushan and Sizihwan at a glance
| Getting there | Sizihwan MRT station, end of the Orange Line |
|---|---|
| Hours | Trails open in daylight; the sea wall is open all day |
| Cost | Free; the former consulate charges a small fee |
| Best time | Early morning for trails; sunset for Sizihwan; November to April |
| Allow | Half a day |