Good to know
Good to Know
- Most of Kaohsiung's industrial coastline limits beach access, so the two main beaches listed above are the primary developed urban beach options.
- Bring sun protection and water—Kaohsiung sun is intense even in late afternoon, especially at exposed beaches.
- If Sizihwan main beach is crowded, quieter rocky coves can be found further north through the National Sun Yat-sen University campus toward Chai Shan district.
- Formosan macaques inhabit Shoushan Mountain overlooking Sizihwan; they are intelligent and may attempt to grab food or bags—keep items secure and avoid feeding them.
- Ferry to Cijin Island runs regularly (5 minutes). Budget 2–4 hours for exploring the island by bicycle. Renting a bike on arrival is convenient.
- Sunset viewing at Sizihwan is best along the long breakwater near the entrance to National Sun Yat-sen University (officially listed as one of Kaohsiung's Eight Wonders).
- Parking at Sizihwan can be challenging during peak times (weekends, summer); arriving early or using public transport (MRT + Sizihwan Tunnel walk) is recommended.
Beaches
Sizihwan (Xizi Bay) Beach
- Best Time
- Summer (May–September) for water activities; sunsets year-round but especially dramatic November–April
- Crowd Level
- Moderate to busy in summer and peak seasons; quieter outside peak hours
- Pet Friendly
- Yes
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance To City Center
- ~3 km; 10-minute walk from Hamasen MRT Station (Orange Line terminus) via Sizihwan Tunnel
- Access Note
- Beach primarily accessed through Sizihwan Sunset Beach Resort (may involve small fee) or via free alternative route through parking lot. Swimming restrictions officially posted but not consistently enforced.
- Description
- Black sand beach located at the southwestern edge of Kaohsiung City within the Sizihwan Bay Scenic Area. Known for stunning sunsets officially listed among the Eight Wonders of Kaohsiung, clear blue waters, soft sand, and coconut palm groves. Surrounded by Shoushan Mountain and overlooks Kaohsiung Harbor and port activity.
- Wildlife Note
- Formosan macaques common at adjacent Shoushan Mountain; do not carry food or plastic bags visibly
Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty
- Public restrooms
- Parking (limited, paid during peak times)
- Visitor center
- Viewing deck
- Hiking trails
- Restaurants and cafes nearby
- Beach volleyball courts
Activities
- Sunbathing
- Swimming (conditions dependent)
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Volleyball
- Biking
- Walking/strolling
Designation
- family
- quiet
- full-service
Cijin Beach (Qijin Beach)
- Events
- Qijin Black Sand Festival held annually in summer
- Best Time
- Autumn and spring for comfortable biking conditions; evenings for sunset and dining at beachside venues
- Crowd Level
- Moderate; can be busy during peak travel seasons and weekends
- Pet Friendly
- No
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance To City Center
- ~2 km by ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier; ferry accessible from Sizihwan area
- Access Note
- Ferry access only; ferries allow bicycles and pedestrians. Bicycle rentals available on Cijin Island.
- Description
- Long black sand beach on Cijin Island forming part of Kaohsiung Port. Accessible via 5-minute ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier. Features a lively boardwalk, food vendors, cycling paths, and the Qijin Coastal Park with play areas and fishing spots.
Amenities
- Coastal park boardwalk with seating
- Food vendors
- Cijin Sunset Bar (beach bar with craft beers, cocktails, fresh fruit smoothies)
- Cijin Old Street (seafood restaurants)
- Cycling path to Cijin Windmill Park
- Fishing facilities
- Surf shops (northern end)
- Cihou Fort (historic site)
Activities
- Swimming (weather-dependent)
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Biking
- Sightseeing and sunsets
- Dining/nightlife at beach bars
Designation
- family
- full-service
- party
General Notes
- Best Season
- November to April offers ideal temperatures (20–25°C (68–77°F) / 68–77°F air, 23–26°C (73–79°F) / 73–79°F water). Summer is busy but hot.
- Access Via MRT
- Orange Line serves both main beach areas (Hamasen Station for Sizihwan; ferry connection to Cijin from Gushan area).
- Water Quality Caution
- Water quality near sewage outflows can be affected in certain areas; swimmers should avoid polluted sections, particularly near industrial harbor zones.
- Swimming Note
- Most Kaohsiung beaches have seasonal swimming restrictions due to current patterns and weather conditions. Cijin Island typically allows swimming on favorable days; Sizihwan has official restrictions but enforcement is inconsistent. Always check current conditions before visiting.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Kaohsiung
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.