Cijin Island
A charming island escape easily reached by ferry, offering black sand beaches, historic sites, and vibrant photo spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter ferry waits
Cijin Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter ferry waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming island escape easily reached by ferry, offering black sand beaches, historic sites, and vibrant photo spots.
"Without doubt, a must when visiting Kaohsiung. If I only had a day in Kaohsiung, this is indubitably the MUST see."
🎯 Rent an Electric Bike
Best way to explore! Rent outside the ferry for ~NT$200/2 hrs. :electric_plug:
⛴️ Ferry Ride Tips
Quick 5-10 min ride from Gushan Port. Use Easycard for ~NT$20 fare. :ferry:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cijin Black Sand Beach
Cijin Island
Unique black sand beach offering stunning sunset views and a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
Cijin Lighthouse & Fort
Cijin Island
Historic lighthouse and fort providing panoramic views of Kaohsiung and the surrounding sea.
Rainbow Church
Cijin Island
A vibrant, photogenic landmark perfect for capturing colorful memories on your island adventure.
Cijin Cycling Path
Cijin Island
Scenic path perfect for electric bike rides, connecting various attractions across the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Wait Times
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rent an Electric Bike
Best way to explore! Rent outside the ferry for ~NT$200/2 hrs.
:electric_plug:⛴️ Ferry Ride Tips
Quick 5-10 min ride from Gushan Port. Use Easycard for ~NT$20 fare.
:ferry:☀️ Sun Protection
Sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated!
:sunwithface:📸 Photo Spots Galore
Rainbow Church, windmills, and coastal views offer great photo ops.
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rent an Electric Bike
Best way to explore! Rent outside the ferry for ~NT$200/2 hrs.
:electric_plug:⛴️ Ferry Ride Tips
Quick 5-10 min ride from Gushan Port. Use Easycard for ~NT$20 fare.
:ferry:☀️ Sun Protection
Sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated!
:sunwithface:📸 Photo Spots Galore
Rainbow Church, windmills, and coastal views offer great photo ops.
:camerawithflash:💰 Bike Rental Prices
Compare prices at different rental shops for the best deal.
:moneybag:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cijin Island is a highly recommended day trip from Kaohsiung, praised for its easy accessibility via a short ferry ride and affordable exploration options like electric bikes. Visitors love the scenic black sand beach, historic lighthouse, and vibrant Rainbow Church, offering beautiful views and photo opportunities. However, some find the island can get very crowded, especially on weekends, and the sun can be quite intense even outside of summer.
"We took the ferry to Cijin, a short ride, but the waiting could be pretty long, especially on the weekend. The old street was, like any other old street in Taiwan, super busy. The views at the beaches were spectacular. The views from the ferry to the Gulshan Ferry Pier were beautiful."
Patrick Xu
"Kiting through Kaohsiung with the wind as our guide for playful vibes, Kites, color, and Cijin Beach magic."
shi NïNG
"An easy morning itinerary from Kaohsiung with convenient and cheap transportation to and fro. We dropped by to enjoy a cycle along the beach, but the sun was brutal even in early March. Overall, nice scenery with well marked cycling paths and wayfinding around, but otherwise nothing much to see besides the art installations for people to take photos with."
Darren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the MRT to Sizihwan Station (Orange Line) or Kaohsiung Light Rail to Gushan Ferry Pier. From there, a short 5-10 minute ferry ride will take you to Cijin Island. The ferry is convenient and affordable, costing around NT$20-30 per person, and you can often pay with an Easycard.
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) is the fastest option to reach Kaohsiung, arriving at Zuoying Station. From Zuoying, you can then take the MRT to Sizihwan Station to catch the ferry.
Yes, the best way to explore Cijin Island is by renting an electric bike or scooter. You can find rental shops right outside the ferry terminal.
The ferry ride from Gushan Port to Cijin Island is very short, typically taking about 5 to 10 minutes.
Yes, you can usually pay for the ferry to Cijin Island using your Easycard, making the process convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to Cijin Island itself. You only need to pay for the ferry ride and any activities or rentals you choose, such as electric bikes.
The ferry typically operates from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the latest schedule, especially if you plan to visit during holidays or late at night.
Most natural attractions like the beach and lighthouse area are free to access. Some specific attractions or museums might have a small fee, but generally, Cijin Island is very budget-friendly.
Electric bike rentals typically cost around NT$200 for 2 hours, which is usually sufficient time to explore the island. It's recommended to compare prices at different rental shops.
Ferry tickets are usually purchased on-site at the Gushan Ferry Pier. Advance booking is generally not necessary for the ferry itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Cijin Black Sand Beach for sunset, the historic Cijin Lighthouse and Fort for panoramic views, the colorful Rainbow Church, and the scenic Cijin Cycling Path.
Popular activities include cycling along the coast, exploring the black sand beach, visiting historical sites like the lighthouse and fort, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Absolutely! Cijin Island is a perfect day trip destination from Kaohsiung, offering a relaxing escape with plenty to see and do within a few hours.
Yes, Cijin Island is very photogenic! The Rainbow Church, windmills, coastal landscapes, and the lighthouse offer numerous opportunities for great photos.
The island is relatively flat, especially along the cycling paths, making it easy to explore by bike. There are some uphill sections to reach the lighthouse and fort.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cijin Island is famous for its fresh seafood. You'll find numerous seafood restaurants along the old street. There are also options for snacks and local Taiwanese dishes.
While seafood is prevalent, you can often find vegetarian dishes at local eateries, especially if you look for vegetable-based stir-fries or noodle dishes. It's always good to ask.
Seafood is a must-try, from grilled fish to shellfish. Also, look out for local snacks and sweets sold along the old street.
Yes, Cijin Island offers a range of dining options to suit all budgets, from casual street food stalls to more formal seafood restaurants.
Yes, you can find various souvenirs, including dried seafood and local crafts, along the old street.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cijin Black Sand Beach, especially during sunset, offers dramatic shots. The Rainbow Church provides vibrant colors, and the Cijin Lighthouse area gives stunning panoramic views.
Definitely! The island offers diverse photographic opportunities, from natural landscapes and coastal scenes to unique man-made structures like the Rainbow Church.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. However, the colorful Rainbow Church is great for photos any time of day.
While some users have shared drone footage,
it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage in public areas and near sensitive sites before flying.Visitors often highlight the Rainbow Church, the windmills, and the views from the lighthouse and fort as prime photo locations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Cijin Island: A Seamless Journey
For those arriving in Kaohsiung via High-Speed Rail (HSR), the destination station is Zuoying Station. From Zuoying, you'll need to transfer to the MRT system to reach Sizihwan Station. This journey is well-connected and part of the charm of exploring Kaohsiung. The entire process is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that visitors can easily access this popular island escape.
Many travelers emphasize that the ferry wait times can be significant, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your visit and avoid long queues, it's highly recommended to plan your trip for weekdays or arrive early in the morning.
Exploring Cijin Island: The Joy of Cycling
The island features a well-developed Qijin Cycling Path that winds along the coast, connecting various points of interest. This path makes for a leisurely and enjoyable ride, allowing you to soak in the sea breeze and scenic views. The terrain is mostly flat along the coast, making it accessible for most visitors.
Key spots easily reachable by bike include the Cijin Tunnel, the iconic Rainbow Church, the Cijin Sea Pearl, Cijin Windmill Park, and the historic Cijin Lighthouse and Fort. The freedom of having your own transport allows you to stop at your own pace and discover hidden corners of the island.
Cijin Island's Natural Beauty and Landmarks
Beyond the beach, Cijin boasts historical and architectural points of interest. The Cijin Lighthouse and the adjacent Cihou Fort are significant landmarks that offer not only a glimpse into the past but also breathtaking panoramic views of Kaohsiung city and the surrounding ocean. The Rainbow Church is another must-visit, a vibrant and modern structure that has become a popular spot for photos and a symbol of the island's appeal.
For those interested in unique sights, the Cijin Windmill Park adds a picturesque element to the landscape. The island also features art installations and sculptures, particularly along the cycling paths, which enhance the visual appeal and provide fun photo opportunities. It's worth noting that Cijin is not just a tourist spot but also a residential area, giving visitors a sense of local life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit