Welcome to Day 4 of our Taiwanese adventure! Today, we’re taking you on a thrilling journey through Cijin Island, where serene beaches meet historical treasures, and then diving into the vibrant atmosphere of Raohe Night Market, a culinary paradise brimming with tantalizing street food.
This blog post will not only showcase the unique charms of these must-visit destinations but also provide you with insider tips and recommendations that will enhance your own travel experience in Taiwan. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample local flavors or a culture enthusiast seeking hidden gems, join us as we uncover the captivating stories and sights that make Taiwan an unforgettable destination!
1st Stop: Heading to Cijin Island
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we made our way to Kaohsiung Main Station and hopped on the Red Line to Formosa Boulevard. There, we switched to the Orange Line for Hamasen Station, formerly known as Sizihwan.
A brisk ten-minute walk later, we were at the Gushan Ferry Pier, ready for our day’s adventure. But first, lunch! We dropped by the local fish market right by the pier for an early feast of sashimi, clam soup, and sushi rolls.
Once our bellies were full, we boarded the ferry using our regular train/bus card—no extra ticket needed. The ferry ride to Cijin Island took about 10-15 minutes. Despite the scorching sun, the cool breeze and beautiful views from the ferry made the journey quite enjoyable.
Upon landing on Cijin Island, we immediately rented a tricycle right outside the ferry terminal, next to the 7-11. Opting for a tricycle at 1000NT for two hours seemed like the best way to zip around the island comfortably.
Our first stop was the Kaohsiung Lighthouse, where we soaked in stunning bird’s-eye views of the island and beyond.
Next, we hit Cijin Beach, notable for its fine, dark brown sand—clean and buzzing with local families enjoying their day.
As we pedaled on, we passed by the vibrant street market, reminiscent of a bustling night market, before stopping at the picturesque Rainbow Church for some quick snaps.
Continuing our journey, we explored the Big Shell sculpture, cycled up to a campsite, and admired a lone windmill before looping back. Surprisingly, we took a little longer than expected—about 2 hours and 20 minutes—but the shop owner graciously didn’t charge us extra.
Before catching the ferry back, we revisited the street market for a bit of souvenir shopping and even customized family tees. We also grabbed some snacks to recharge.
Though the sun was relentless, making the sunscreen absolutely essential—almost learned that the hard way with a slight burn on my arm—it was a fantastic day out, filled with exploration and family fun.
Raohe Night Market
After catching the evening ferry back, we made our way to Raohe Night Market, just a stone’s throw from Songshan Station on the Green Line (Line 3). The market was buzzing—huge crowds and even bigger energy. Despite the size, we couldn’t cover all the lanes; there was just too much to see!
To wrap up the day, we picked up a variety of street food—enough to fill a table—and headed back to our cozy hotel to enjoy our haul. Given the sweltering heat outside, it felt great to chill indoors with some tasty bites.
