Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port city. Once a heavy industrial center, it has been transformed through revitalization into the most dazzling modern city in Taiwan. The city boasts specialty cafes, waterside parks, bicycle trails, cultural attractions, and monuments, as well as warm sunshine and a rich cultural atmosphere. Home to excellent museums, top art venues, popular jazz bars, and lively music festivals, Kaohsiung is a far cry from its industrial past.
Conference attendees interested in sightseeing in the vibrant city are strongly recommended to browse the following websites for a brief introduction to Kaohsiung’s history and tourist information:
Conference Tour
Date (9/3) | Activity: Fo Guang Shan Cultural Experience & Kaohsiung Tour | Note |
12:45 - 13:45 | From Yancheng District to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum | |
13:45 -15:30 | Guided Tour at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum | Introduction
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center (BMC) is a 100-ha complex built to enshrine the Buddha’s tooth relic, now housed in the Main Hall. The Fo Guang Big Buddha, which sits atop the Fo Guang Building behind the Main Hall, is the landmark of the BMC. Within the compound, there are art galleries, a theatrical auditorium, a children gallery, and souvenir stores. In addition, visitors can get to experience Tea Chan, sutra transcription, or join in festive celebrations at the Five Harmonies Pagoda. |
15:30 -16:30 | From Fo Guang Shan to Pier-2 Art Center | |
16:30 -17:00 | Leisure time at KW2 | Introduction KW2
The 104-year-old KW2 is a warehouse built in suburban Shinhamacho by the Japanese in 1914, to store and transport sugar. It was bombarded by the U.S. army during the Second World War and rebuilt by the nationalist government in 1962. Full of historical meaning, the gigantic building was listed as a heritage site by the Kaohsiung City Government in 2013. |
17:00 -18:30 | Kaohsiung Harbor Boat Tour | "Golden Sunset Harbor Tour" It takes everyone to witness the horizon sunset and the guardian mountains of Kaohsiung Harbor. The tour will sail directly to the foothills of Shoushan (Longevity Mountain) and Qihou Mountain, circling near the breakwater that regular ships cannot approach. From unique perspectives, you can admire the bustling activity of Kaohsiung Harbor. If you're lucky, you might catch the internationally renowned view of Kaohsiung Harbor—the sunset over the main shipping channel. The golden sunset shines from the open sea into the main channel of Kaohsiung Harbor, turning the entire harbor area and its waters into a magnificent golden hue. It's truly spectacular! |
* Due to the limited number of participants (maximum 120 people), the tour fee will be charged at USD 50 per person. Participants interested in participating in the conference tour are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Reference links:
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center: https://khh.travel/en/attractions/detail/460
KW2: https://khh.travel/en/attractions/detail/521
Kaohsiung Harbor Boat Tour (Mandarin website): https://kcs.fonticket.com/ticket/BWwv2ZLvwGXgnko8
★ RECOMMENDED CONFERENCE TRAVEL ITINERARY
- Brogent + Love Journey in Kaohsiung Port
- Brogent + Fo Guang Shan Buddha Meuseum (need extra one-hour round trip)
BROGENT
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Brilliant Midsummer, Love Journey in Kaohsiung Port (near the venue)
The "Kaohsiung Sunset Beauty" at the First Harbor Anti-slope Breakwater is comparable to New York's "Manhattanhenge." You can enjoy the sunsetview along with the sceneryof Cijin, Qihou Lighthouse, and Shoushan. Due to controlled air routes, a special application is required for this rare and exceptional journey. The entire tour will be guided and introduced throughout.
Route: Zhan 2 Warehouse Pier - First Harbor Anti-slope Breakwater - Qijin Fishing Harbor - Returnto Zhan 2 Warehouse Pier. The duration is approximately 60 minutes. Passing through Zhan 2 Warehouse Pier, the journey includes witnessing the sunset at Xizi Bay, visiting QihouLighthouse, and exploring the Red Hair Harbor Cultural Park.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Meuseum
By taking National Highway 10, you can reach the Buddha Memorial Center within half an hour. This is an architectural masterpiece that harmonizes the past and the present, blending elements of both traditional and modern, as well as incorporating influences from bothdomestic and international sources. It serves as an ideal destination for foreign tourists to experience Taiwan's Buddhist culture. The center fulfills functions of cultural and educational significance, promoting wisdom and spiritual practice. The construction of this center infuses society with goodness, beauty, and sincerity, contributing to social stability and harmony.
The Reclaimed Art and Cultureof Kaohsiung Pier-2Art Center (near the venue)
The predecessor of the Pier-2 Art Center was the Kaohsiung Harbor warehouses, built in 1973, which used to store fishmeal and sugar. With the transformation of industries, in the year 2000, the Kaohsiung City Government revived the old warehouses, giving them new life andwitnessing the prosperity, decline, resurgence, and transformation of Kaohsiung Harbor into an art and cultural creative district. Currently, the center has three sections, A, B, and C, each with its own distinctive theme.
Qijin's Enchantments
After taking a boat to Qijin, you can visit the historic Qijin Tianhou Temple, which has a history of over 300 years. Then, head to Qijin Old Street to savor local delicacies. Along the way, you can stop by the Marine Products Market and Tourist Market to purchase unique Kaohsiung seafood souvenirs. There are also the Rainbow Church and the Qijin Seashell Museum to explore on the journey. When you return, pass through the Starry Sky Tunnel, making the trip rich and exciting.
