Experience the best of Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is Taiwan's largest port and one of its biggest cities, on the south-west coast, built around a deep harbour of container ships and ferries. The Love River runs through the centre, its banks lined with cafés and walkways, and the Pier-2 Art Center occupies old harbour warehouses. The 85 Sky Tower, a tall building said to resemble the first Chinese character of the city's name, rises over the centre.

Lotus Pond, in the north, has dragon and tiger pagodas rising from the water and temples along its shore. Cijin Island, a short ferry ride from the harbour, has a beach, a lighthouse and a street of seafood stalls. Fo Guang Shan, a large Buddhist monastery with a vast Buddha statue, lies in the hills to the north-east, and the Hakka town of Meinong, known for paper umbrellas, is farther inland.

Night markets such as Liuhe and Ruifeng serve oyster omelettes, grilled squid, fish balls and papaya milk, and seafood is fresh from the harbour. The climate is tropical, with hot, humid summers and heavy rain in the typhoon months, while the mild, dry winter is the most comfortable time.