Cijin Star Tunnel
Step into a galaxy of art and ocean vistas at the Cijin Star Tunnel, a unique passage on Taiwan's scenic island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Cijin Star Tunnel
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a galaxy of art and ocean vistas at the Cijin Star Tunnel, a unique passage on Taiwan's scenic island.
"Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel with artistic murals and ambient lighting, feeling like you're in another galaxy."
🚲 Rent a bike on arrival
Bikes are readily available at Cijin Island and are the best way to explore beyond the tunnel.
✨ Embrace the tunnel's art
Enjoy the unique murals and lighting that create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere inside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cijin Star Tunnel
Cijin Island
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel with artistic murals and ambient lighting, feeling like you're in another galaxy.
Ocean Views from the Tunnel Exit
Other end of the Star Tunnel
Emerge from the tunnel to a dramatic cliffside view of the crashing waves and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Island Biking Adventure
Cijin Island
Rent a bike and explore the island's scenic coastal paths, beaches, and historical sites at your own pace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a bike on arrival
Bikes are readily available at Cijin Island and are the best way to explore beyond the tunnel.
✨ Embrace the tunnel's art
Enjoy the unique murals and lighting that create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere inside.
🌊 Feel the sea breeze
The tunnel offers a cool respite, and the ocean views at the exit are breathtaking.
🚶♀️ Walkable, but bike is better
The tunnel is a 20-min walk from the ferry, but biking makes seeing more of the island easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a bike on arrival
Bikes are readily available at Cijin Island and are the best way to explore beyond the tunnel.
✨ Embrace the tunnel's art
Enjoy the unique murals and lighting that create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere inside.
🌊 Feel the sea breeze
The tunnel offers a cool respite, and the ocean views at the exit are breathtaking.
🚶♀️ Walkable, but bike is better
The tunnel is a 20-min walk from the ferry, but biking makes seeing more of the island easier.
📸 Insta-worthy shots
Capture stunning photos inside the tunnel and at the ocean viewpoints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cijin Star Tunnel's unique artistic ambiance and the refreshing sea breeze. The stunning ocean views from the tunnel's exit are a major highlight, offering a dramatic contrast to the enclosed passage. Many find it a perfect, easily accessible spot for photos and a pleasant escape from the city.
"As soon as you stand in front of the tunnel, you can feel the strong cool sea breeze in your face. It's an awesome feeling. They have beautiful murals painted inside, as well as lights in the middle. As you walk through, you feel like you are travelling through time. We saw some Crabs on the rocks at the other end"
William Lin
"It was a tunnel from the beach through the other side of the mountain. We went on an afternoon so it was pretty hot but the refreshing breeze makes up for it. The place is beautiful."
Recursiaon
"The tunnel was about 20 minutes on foot from the ferry pier, with clear signage, so easy to navigate. It was shot and led to the cliff with nice view to the ocean. Could combine it and a visit to Qihou Fort for a daytrip to explore Cijin."
Lê Quang Kiệt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the MRT to Sizihwan Station (or Yanchengpu Station) and walk to Gushan Ferry Pier. From there, take a short ferry ride to Cijin Island. The Star Tunnel is a walkable distance from the ferry terminal, or you can rent a bike.
Yes, signage is clear from the ferry terminal, guiding you towards the tunnel. It's about a 20-minute walk.
Yes, you can bring your bicycle on the ferry to Cijin Island. This is a popular option for exploring the island.
Renting a bicycle is highly recommended for exploring Cijin Island. You can rent them near the ferry terminal or at various points on the island.
The ferry ride to Cijin Island is very short, typically only about 5-10 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Cijin Star Tunnel is free. You only need to pay for the ferry to Cijin Island and any bike rentals.
The tunnel is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor attraction, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there's natural light.
There is no entrance fee for Cijin Island itself. The main cost is the ferry ride and any activities you choose to do on the island.
While the tunnel has lighting, it's best experienced during the day to appreciate the murals and the ocean views at the exit. Visiting at night might limit visibility and the overall experience.
No, there are no age restrictions for entering the Cijin Star Tunnel. It's a family-friendly attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
The tunnel itself, with its unique lighting and murals, is highly photogenic. The exit offers stunning ocean vistas. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tunnel's expanse. For the ocean views, a standard lens works well. Consider a tripod for low-light shots inside if you visit during dimmer hours.
Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you avoid the peak crowds and get clearer shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone near the tunnel or other coastal areas on Cijin Island.
Look for the artistic murals and the interplay of light and shadow within the tunnel for creative photography.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk through the tunnel itself is relatively short, perhaps 5-10 minutes. However, the walk from the ferry to the tunnel entrance adds about 20 minutes.
At the other end, you'll find a beautiful cliffside with stunning views of the ocean and crashing waves. You might also spot crabs on the rocks. +1
The tunnel has a plank walkway, which should be manageable for strollers. However, the terrain on Cijin Island can be uneven, so check accessibility for specific areas.
Nearby attractions include Cihou Fort, Cihou Lighthouse, and the Cijin Lighthouse. Renting a bike makes it easy to visit these.
While there's a beautiful ocean view, swimming directly from the cliffs near the tunnel exit is not recommended due to strong currents and rocky shores. There are beaches on Cijin Island for swimming.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Rent a family-friendly bike or a four-wheeled pedal cart to explore the island. The beaches offer space for kids to play, and the relatively calm waters at designated swimming areas are suitable for younger ones. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as it can get warm.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the dramatic ocean views from the tunnel's exit, especially during the golden hour. The Cihou Lighthouse and Fort also offer picturesque backdrops. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the tunnel and a telephoto lens for capturing distant details of the coastline and city skyline.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bike rentals are also affordable, offering a cost-effective way to see the island. You can find delicious and cheap seafood at local eateries. Pack your own water bottle to refill and save on drinks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cijin Island by Bike
With a bike, you can easily navigate the island's coastal roads, visit the Cijin Star Tunnel, the Cihou Lighthouse, and Cihou Fort. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, and the scenic routes offer constant ocean views. Don't forget to stop by the local seafood restaurants for a delicious meal.
Some travelers suggest that while walking is possible, a bike significantly enhances the experience, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy the island's diverse attractions without feeling rushed.
The Magic of the Cijin Star Tunnel
+1As you walk through, the cool sea breeze is a welcome sensation, especially on a warm day. The tunnel leads you through the mountain to the other side, where you're greeted by a dramatic cliff face overlooking the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. It's a moment that truly captures the raw beauty of the coastline.
Many visitors describe the tunnel as a journey through time or a portal to another dimension, thanks to its artistic design and the contrast between the enclosed space and the expansive ocean view. It's a relatively short walk, but the visual and sensory impact is significant.
Beyond the Tunnel: Cijin Island's Coastal Charm
+1Food is another highlight. Cijin is famous for its fresh seafood. You'll find numerous restaurants and stalls offering a variety of local delicacies. Don't miss trying the grilled squid, oysters, and other ocean catches.
For those looking for a more active experience, consider exploring the Cijin Black Sand Beach, which is unique due to its dark volcanic sand. The island's relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal day trip destination from Kaohsiung.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit