About Cijin Island 旗津
Cijin Island is a small yet charming island located just off the coast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and fresh seafood. The island offers a nice contrast to the bustling city of Kaohsiung, providing visitors with a tranquil escape while still being easily accessible.
Cijin Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beach is a favorite spot for both relaxation and water sports, especially during the warmer months. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the coastal views.
Cijin Island is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kaohsiung city. With its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere, there’s something for everyone on this charming island. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or by boat, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy local culture, and take in the island’s natural beauty.
Best Things to Do in Cijin IslandCijin Island in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and local culture that makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore historical landmarks, or indulge in delicious food, there’s plenty to do. Here are the best things to do in Cijin Island:
Relax at Cijin Beach
Cijin Beach is one of the main attractions on the island, where visitors can unwind by the sea. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the coastal views. The soft sand and gentle waves make it a popular spot for families and beach lovers. During the summer months, you can also enjoy water activities like kayaking and windsurfing.
Visit Cijin Lighthouse
Cijin Lighthouse, built in 1883 during the Qing Dynasty, is a historic landmark that offers breathtaking views of Kaohsiung Harbor. From the lighthouse, you can see the Kaohsiung skyline, the harbor, and the surrounding areas. The lighthouse itself is a charming and important piece of Taiwan’s colonial history, making it a must-see for those interested in history and photography.
Explore Cijin Old StreetCijin Old Street is a bustling area where you can experience the local culture and sample some of the best street food in Kaohsiung. From grilled seafood to stinky tofu, the street is filled with vendors selling local delicacies. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the island’s lively atmosphere.
Visit Cijin Fort (Qijin Old Fort)
The Cijin Fort, also known as Qijin Old Fort, was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century during their occupation of Taiwan. The fort has been restored and now serves as a historical site where visitors can learn about Taiwan’s colonial history. The fort also offers fantastic views of the harbor and the island itself.
Rent a Bicycle and Explore the Island
Cijin Island is relatively small, making it perfect for exploration by bike. You can rent a bicycle and cycle along the island’s scenic routes, visit local parks, or ride along the coastline. There are many bike paths around the island, and cycling allows you to enjoy the area at your own pace while taking in the beautiful sights.
Stroll Along the Seaside Promenade
Take a leisurely walk along the seaside promenade on Cijin Island, where you can enjoy the fresh air, views of the sea, and watch fishing boats come in and out of the harbor. The promenade is a peaceful place to relax and unwind, especially in the evening when the sunset provides a stunning backdrop.
Visit the Cijin Shell Museum
For those interested in marine life, the Cijin Shell Museum is a fascinating stop. The museum showcases a collection of seashells, corals, and marine-related exhibits, offering visitors insight into the rich marine life around the island. It’s a small museum, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re keen on learning more about the sea.
Take a Boat Ride Around Kaohsiung HarborWhile on Cijin Island, you can hop on a boat tour to explore Kaohsiung Harbor and enjoy views of the island from the water. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the harbor’s bustling port and the beautiful coastline. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Cijin Island is famous for its fresh seafood, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than at one of the local seafood restaurants or food stalls. You can dine at a waterfront restaurant and sample dishes like grilled oysters, steamed crab, and fish soup. The island’s seafood is considered some of the best in Kaohsiung.
Catch the Sunset at the Western Coast
The western coast of Cijin Island is one of the best spots to catch a sunset. You can enjoy stunning views as the sun sets over the ocean, with the harbor in the background. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to end your day on the island.
Opening Hours
Cijin (Qijin) Beach:
Monday to Friday: 09:30 – 18:00
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit Cijin Island
Mild and Comfortable Weather
The best time to visit Cijin Island in Kaohsiung depends on the type of experience you’re seeking, but overall, the ideal time to visit is when the weather is pleasant, and the island is not overcrowded. The best time to visit Cijin Island is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be quite hot and crowded, especially around the beach areas.
These two seasons offer mild, comfortable weather, with moderate temperatures (around 20-30°C or 68-86°F) and lower humidity, making it the best time for outdoor activities like cycling, sightseeing, and visiting the beach. Spring is particularly lovely with blossoming flowers and a fresh atmosphere, while Autumn brings cooler breezes and clear skies, perfect for exploring the island. These seasons are generally considered the shoulder seasons, meaning you will experience fewer crowds compared to peak summer or holidays.
Best Time for Beach Activities
Summer (June to August) is the hottest season, with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F). While this can be hot, it is still a great time to enjoy beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so you may encounter more crowds, especially on the beach and at popular spots like Cijin Old Street. If you prefer a more lively, bustling atmosphere, summer is a good time to visit. Also, note that Taiwan experiences typhoon season during the summer months (from May to October), so it’s important to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Best Time for Scenic Views and Photography
For the best sunset views, head to the western coast of Cijin Island. The sunset over the ocean and harbor is stunning, with the golden light creating perfect photo opportunities. The Cijin Lighthouse and the Seaside Promenade are both ideal spots for capturing beautiful photographs, especially at sunset.
No matter when you visit, Cijin Island offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience, with each season bringing something unique to the table!
Eat and Drink at Cijin Island
Cijin Island in Kaohsiung is not only a beautiful destination but also a fantastic place to enjoy fresh seafood, local snacks, and traditional Taiwanese treats. The island is known for its lively food scene, particularly along the Cijin Old Street, where you’ll find a variety of delicious and unique dishes to sample. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink at Cijin Island:
Cijin Old Street
This is the heart of the food scene on Cijin Island. A stroll down the old street will take you past numerous food stalls, local eateries, and shops selling all sorts of local specialties. It’s the best place to sample fresh seafood and traditional Taiwanese street food.
Popular Eats at Cijin Old Street
Grilled Squid: A popular street food in Taiwan, grilled squid is often served on a skewer, brushed with a savory sauce and grilled to perfection. It’s a must-try when you’re on Cijin Island.
Seafood: Cijin Island is famous for its fresh seafood, including grilled oysters, shrimp, and clams. You’ll find many vendors offering seafood dishes right along the street or by the beach.Stinky Tofu: A traditional Taiwanese dish that’s definitely an acquired taste, stinky tofu is deep-fried and often served with pickled cabbage. It has a unique smell but a deliciously crispy exterior and soft interior.
Fish Soup: Local fish soup is made with fresh, locally caught fish, and is typically served with noodles or rice. It’s light, flavorful, and a great way to taste the island’s fresh catches.
Shaved Ice: A popular Taiwanese dessert, shaved ice is topped with various sweet toppings like red beans, fruit, condensed milk, and jellies. It’s especially refreshing during the hot summer months.
Seafood Restaurants
If you’re looking for a more relaxed sit-down meal with fresh seafood, there are several seafood restaurants on Cijin Island that offer a range of dishes made from freshly caught fish, shellfish, and other marine delights. Many of these restaurants allow you to choose your seafood directly from the tanks, ensuring ultimate freshness. These restaurant offers an array of dishes like stir-fried clams, steamed fish, and crab. The seafood is usually prepared simply to highlight its natural flavor.
Cijin Fish Market
For an authentic seafood experience, the Cijin Fish Market is a great place to visit. Here, you can buy fresh fish and seafood directly from the local fishermen. There are also small food stalls where you can sample freshly prepared seafood dishes right from the market.
Local Taiwanese Snacks
Peanut Candy: Cijin Island has vendors selling homemade peanut candy, a traditional Taiwanese treat made from roasted peanuts and sugar. It’s a delicious, crunchy snack that makes for a great souvenir.
Egg Cake: A popular Taiwanese breakfast snack, egg cakes are thin, savory crepes filled with scrambled eggs and various fillings. On Cijin Island, you’ll find vendors offering a variety of fillings, from ham to cheese to pickled vegetables.
Cijin Island is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from fresh seafood and Taiwanese street food to refreshing drinks and local snacks. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant Cijin Old Street, dining at a seafood restaurant, or enjoying a chilled drink at a café by the beach, the island’s culinary scene is sure to delight. It’s a perfect spot to indulge in the flavors of Kaohsiung while taking in the beautiful coastal views.
How to get to?
Transportation information
Ferry
The most common way to reach Cijin Island is by taking a ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier, which is located near Kaohsiung Harbor. The ferry ride is short (around 10 minutes) and offers beautiful views of the coastline and harbor.
By Bike or Car
Cijin Island is also accessible by bike or car, and you can cross a bridge that connects the island to the mainland. However, the ferry remains the most popular and scenic way to arrive.
Google Map: Cijin Island