2-5 Shoushan Zoo & Gushan & Cijin

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 How to get there ?

Transportation Guide

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Shoushan Zoo
The Starting Point of Happy Memories
Address:
No. 350, Wanshou Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5215187

Our park is located in the Gushan District of Kaohsiung City, adjacent to Shoushan (Monkey Mountain) Natural Park.

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𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Shoushan Zoo 𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤

𓆉𓃗𓅇Shoushan Zoo – A Happy Paradise Stepping into a New Era

Established in 1978 in Siziwan, the zoo was relocated to its current site at Shoushan in 1986. In 2021, architect Chiu Wen-Jie envisioned a new blueprint for the zoo, leading to the launch of a major revitalization project in 2022. This marked the beginning of a large-scale animal welfare reform. The newly upgraded Shoushan Zoo offers an entirely refreshed visitor experience and promotes more animal-friendly habitat designs. The zoo features open and panoramic spaces, incorporating transparent viewing angles, natural lighting, and ventilation design. These elements are thoughtfully integrated with the animals' natural behaviors and welfare needs, creating an environment that closely mimics the wild.

𓆉𓃗𓅇Immersive Exploration — A Unique Zoo Experience
🍄 Skywalk Promenade
A light and winding elevated corridor that weaves above animal habitats, allowing visitors to observe animals from unique perspectives. Whether it's peeking through concealed mesh from above or viewing through large glass panels at eye level, the experience encourages visitors to rethink the relationship between humans and animals—the act of seeing and being seen—creating a truly unique and interactive encounter.

🍄 A Paradise for Families and Children
The former water plaza has been transformed into a sunken play area with four themed zones: Dryland Spring, Animal Jungle, Misty Chimney, and Tidal Pool. Children can run free and play joyfully in this nature-inspired environment, filling the air with laughter and wonder.

🍄 A Haven of Freedom for Animals
With its tall, mountain-shaped enclosures that allow natural light and breeze to flow freely, the space offers animals a more comfortable and weather-protected habitat. Chimpanzees will be relocated to a more spacious outdoor area—no more traditional cages, only natural boundaries shaped by the environment. A specially designed "Reverse Cage Experience" invites humans to step inside the enclosure, gaining a new perspective on the lives of animals and creating a space rich in reflection and educational value.

Skywalk Promenade

A Paradise for Families and Children

A Haven of Freedom for Animals

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Shoushan Zoo Park Map & Service Hours

Shoushan Zoo Park Map

🍄 Service Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM

🍄 Visitor Guidelines

- Pets of any kind are not allowed in the zoo.
- Dangerous items or weapons are strictly prohibited.
- Do not feed the animals.
- Do not throw plastic bags, paper cups, drink cans, food wrappers, or any other objects into the animal enclosures, as animals may ingest them and become ill or die.
- Do not tease or harm animals using sticks, stones, metal objects, or other means. Avoid inappropriate behavior such as banging on railings or glass, or shouting at animals.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the zoo.
- Bicycles, children's tricycles, scooters, and inline skates are not allowed in the zoo.

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Animals at Shoushan Zoo

A Grand Courtship Stage

Every year from March to April, it's peafowl mating season. Male peacocks fan out their magnificent tail feathers and call out in dazzling displays of affection, each trying to win the heart of a potential mate. The lively and colorful spectacle turns the zoo into a vibrant scene of romance and competition.

(Shou Shan Zoo FB)

Too fat to flip over? No worries, Little Taro can flip back

on its own!

(Shou Shan Zoo FB)

Little Sin, who spends half a day before getting off work (Shoushan Zoo FB)

Palawan Peacock Pheasant's rare call! The male displays its tail feathers to court during mating season. (Shoushan Zoo FB)

Children's Day Special

Animal Baby Collection

🍼 What type of animal is your little one?

(Shoushan Zoo FB)

Herbivore Zone – Capybara

Shoushan Zoo has introduced capybaras and mixed them with other herbivores like alpacas and mini donkeys. Visitors can observe their daily behaviors, such as eating, sleeping, and playing in the water, either from above or by walking to the exhibition hall for a closer view.

Carnivore Zone – Tiger

The white tiger, originally kept at Guangzhou Siangjiang Safari Park, was gifted to the zoo in 1997 by the Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress during a visit by the former speaker of the Kaohsiung City Council. The zoo will hold conservation education activities to raise public awareness about white tigers and genetic diversity, aiming to highlight the importance of conserving wild feline species.

Herbivore Area -

Formosan Sika Deer

The Formosan sika deer is a subspecies unique to Taiwan. It has white spots on its body, with a light chestnut coat in summer and dark brown in winter. Once roaming the plains, it went extinct in the wild by 1969 due to overhunting.Today, it survives through captive breeding. Males grow antlers at age two and compete for mates during breeding season. Their white spots stay for life, helping them blend into the environment and avoid predators.

Birds Area -

Formosan Firecrest Pheasant

The Formosan Firecrest Pheasant is a subspecies unique to Taiwan, found in the foothills and grasslands from central to eastern Taiwan. The male has a red face, a crest on its head, and a white neck ring, while the female is light brown with spots on its back. These pheasants are excellent runners and can fly short distances. They prefer to forage on the ground and roost on trees at night.

Primate Area - Orangutan

The Orangutan is found in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a diurnal, arboreal animal with reddish-brown fur and no tail. Male orangutans develop a throat pouch that extends to their chest and grow extra skin on their faces when they reach adulthood. They have a calm temperament, with the female leading the group, while the male only mates during the breeding season. At night, they build nests, using each nest only once.

Amphibian & Reptile Area - Aldabra Giant Tortoise

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the three largest tortoises in the world, ranking second in size. It is native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, Africa. The tortoise has a round-shaped shell and a long neck that allows it to reach leaves high in the trees. It forages in the early morning and evening. In high temperatures, it cools down by soaking in water. With a lifespan of over 100 years, its exact age is difficult to determine.

𓅇Shoushan Zoo Visitor Services

Shoushan Zoo provides many convenient services for visitors. The service center at the zoo entrance offers announcements for lost persons, facility rentals, and more. Additionally, the zoo features a nursing room, a water play area, and a sightseeing train, ensuring that you and your family can enjoy a wonderful day here.

🍄 Zoo Park Mini Train - ZOO ZOO BUS

Shoushan Zoo has launched the electric ZOO ZOO BUS, equipped with a voice guide. The stations and vehicles are designed in the shape of cute animals, making them a popular photo spot. The electric vehicle is energy-efficient and produces no noise pollution, making it ideal for visitors to observe wildlife and nature with ease.
Operating Hours: Each ride lasts 15 minutes. On weekdays, the bus departs after reaching full capacity, while on weekends and holidays, a bus departs every 20 minutes.
Children under 2 years old can ride for free when held by an adult. Children under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.

🍄 Hydrophilic Plaza

The Hydrophilic Plaza in the park is an outdoor water play area.
With brand new water play features, it offers a refreshing way for families and children of all ages to cool off and enjoy fun in the water during hot weather.

🍄 Light is Café

Formerly the home of chimpanzees, Light is Café now offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth of nature and light while enjoying delightful meals.
The indoor seating area serves light dishes such as pasta, brunch, and coffee beverages. A souvenir shop is also available, allowing you to take home beautiful memories from the zoo.

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Gushan Ferry Terminal

༄༄༄The City Ferry is one of the most important transportation options for traveling from downtown Kaohsiung to Cijin. Experiencing a ride on the historic ferry has become a unique tourist feature in Kaohsiung. In addition to ferrying passengers to and from Cijin, the ferry is also a convenient mode of transport for visitors to enjoy seafood cuisine and explore ancient streets and historic sites. The Gushan Ferry Terminal is a key transportation hub connecting Gushan and Cijin, making it one of Kaohsiung's distinctive sightseeing spots.

༄༄༄By taking the Ci-Gu (Cijin and Gushan) Ferry, passengers can enjoy close-up views of the First Ship Canal Yacht Dock, Shaochuantou Park, and the beautiful Kaohsing Harbor. The journey lasts approximately 10 to 20 minutes. This is the only sea transport in Taiwan capable of carrying motorcycles, bicycles, and passengers at the same time. Particularly during sunset, the shimmering sea surface creates a mesmerizing scene, making it a must-visit experience to enjoy the harbor city charm of Kaohsiung.

༄༄༄༄ How to get there ?

Gushan Ferry Station
Address:
No. 1, Binhai 2nd Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5514316

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Religious Culture - Hamasen Daitian Temple

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Hamasen Daitian Temple

Address: No. 27, Gupo St., Gushan District, Kaohsiung

Phone: 07-5518801

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༄༄༄The Daitian Temple in Hamasen, Kaohsiung, was built in 1951. The main deities worshipped in the temple are the Five Royal Lords (Wufu Ciansui), whose incense was brought from the Nankunshen Daitian Temple. Other deities enshrined include Lord Chi (Chifu Ciansui), Master Cingshui, and Guanyin, among others.

༄༄༄In front of the temple stands a splendid ceremonial archway, and the temple itself is built in the traditional Southern Chinese architectural style—majestic and resplendent. The interior features colorful paintings and intricate carvings that depict traditional folk tales such as the Feast at the Jade Pool, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Grand Gathering of Immortals. The ceramic figures are vivid and lifelike, each with unique expressions and poses.

༄༄༄The temple’s Sanchuan Hall showcases guardian door gods and deity sculptures created by renowned artist Pan Lishui. These dignified and exquisite artworks are considered rare artistic treasures. Daitian Temple serves as both a spiritual center and a community gathering place for the residents of Hamasen. The temple square is famous for its variety of tasty local street foods and is often crowded with pilgrims, making it one of the best places to experience the local folk culture of Kaohsiung.

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Cijin's famous foods

༄༄༄After visiting the Daitian Temple in Gushan, you can take the ferry from the Gushan Ferry Terminal to Cijin Old Street to recharge and enjoy some local snacks!

❉A Different Kind of Pork Thick Soup

Bu Yi Yang Pork Thick Soup Store is located on Cijin Old Street. From a distance, you can spot the long lines of people and the eye-catching sign with white background and red letters. Unlike the usual boiled version, this meat soup uses fried meat, which enhances the aroma and gives it a more chewy texture. Whether served with rice, noodles, or rice noodles, it’s a refreshing dish. The broth is thick and rich, and for those who love spice, don’t forget to add some of the house-made chili sauce!

📍 Address: No. 56, Miao Cian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
📞 Phone: 07-5715543

❉Peng Sao Sweet Potato Balls

Peng Sao Sweet Potato Balls

Located near the Cijin Tianhou Temple, a thick, round, and fluffy sweet potato ball can be enjoyed for just a coin! The golden, crispy outer layer wraps around a sweet peanut sugar syrup filling—it's a snack that anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to love!

Address: No. 40, Tongshan Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City

Phone: 07-5715543

❉Cijin Seafood Restaurant

Cijin Seafood is very famous for its reasonable prices, fresh ingredients, and excellent culinary skills. When it's crowded, you can order set meals for a great variety, and when there are fewer people, ordering individual stir-fried dishes is also a great value.

📍 Address: No. 35, Miao Cian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
📞 Phone: 07-5718771

❉20-Year Cijin Seafood Institution – Grilled Squid a Must-Try!

20-Year-Old Grilled Small Squid Shop Steam rises from the charcoal grill as the small squids sizzle and crackle. Only fresh, well-prepared squids are used, brushed with a secret homemade sauce and slow-grilled over charcoal. The result is a mouthwatering aroma, chewy texture, and a rich, savory flavor that makes you crave more. Local residents and food lovers alike swear by it, and it's definitely worth a try!

📍 Address: No. 9, Miao Cian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
📞 Phone: 07-5718771

❉Cijin Handmade Soda

Cijin Handmade Soda & Grilled Baby Squid – A Perfect Local Duo

To complete your meal, enjoy a refreshing handcrafted soda—a local favorite made with natural ingredients. Whether you crave fruity, herbal, or a classic soda taste, this fizzy drink pairs perfectly with the savory grilled squid.

📍 Address: No. 1100, Cijin 3rd Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
📞 Phone: 0977393153

❉Zhongzhou Scallion Pork Pie

Zhongzhou Scallion Pork Pie – A 60-Year Old Tradition

For over 60 years, this local gem has been serving crispy, soft scallion pork pies, known for their delicate filling and perfectly crisp exterior. Carefully drained of oil, the pies have a clean, light texture that makes them irresistible. A classic Taiwanese snack with a nostalgic taste, it’s the perfect choice for a mid-afternoon bite before heading off to explore Cijin. Affordable, delicious, and highly recommended by locals, it’s a true taste of tradition. For an extra boost of flavor, pair the pie with soy sauce and spicy chili sauce.

📍 Address: No. 116, Zhongzhou 2nd Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
📞 Phone: 0912013916

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Cihou Gun Platform

༄༄༄ After a satisfying meal and drink, let’s head to the Cihou Fort and explore the history of Cijin!

Cihou Fort

Address: Cihou Mountain, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Phone: 07-2225136

༄༄༄Cihou Fort once served as a strategic military stronghold guarding the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor. Standing atop the fort, you can enjoy an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the stunning harbor. Located on Cihou Mountain in Cijin District, Kaohsiung, the fort was built during the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu period and features an architectural style blending both Chinese and Western elements. It is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Taiwan’s national heritage sites. The fort’s red brick walls are adorned with traditional motifs, such as the double happiness symbol and bats, showcasing its historical grandeur. The area is divided into three sections: the training ground, cannon area, and command area. From this elevated position, the fort offers breathtaking views of Kaohsiung Harbor and Siziwan, with the sunset being especially captivating. Nearby, you can also visit the Cihou Lighthouse and enjoy the region’s delicious seafood, making it a popular tourist destination that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The fort’s entrance is inscribed with the phrase "Wei Zhen Tian Nan" (威震天南), which corresponds with the phrase "Xiong Zhen Bei Men" (雄鎮北門) at the guard ship station, symbolizing the fort's historical significance. During the Bitter Winter War (乙未戰爭), the fort was bombarded by Japanese warships, and you can still see traces of battle damage on its structure today.

༄༄༄The cannons rely on their elevated position to gain better potential and kinetic energy; thus, the location of the fort offers exceptional views. Visiting Cihou Fort allows you to explore the layout of late Qing military architecture and enjoy panoramic vistas, including the breakwater extending into the open sea at the primary harbor, the popular Cijin Beach, and the urban skyline of Kaohsiung. You can also witness the unique sight of large vessels entering the harbor. Filled with the marks of time, Cihou Fort is one of Cijin's most representative historical sites. It not only bears witness to the peninsula's historical changes and coastal defense development but also serves as an important cultural landmark connecting the past and the present.

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Cijin Beach

༄༄༄If the sun is scorching that day, you can head to Kaohsiung's top summer retreat—Cijin Beach—to cool off and enjoy the water!

Cijin Beach

Address: No. 1, Miaoqian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City

Phone: 07-5714876

Aerial View of the Azure Bay

༄༄༄Cijin Beach, located in Kaohsiung City's Cijin District, was established during the Japanese colonial era and is one of Taiwan's oldest beaches. The beach stretches for several kilometers, featuring fine sand and clear waters. Adjacent to Cijin Coastal Park, it is open year-round (weather permitting) and offers comprehensive lifeguard and public facilities, making it popular among families and water sports enthusiasts.

༄༄༄A highlight of the year is the "Cijin Black Sand Arts Festival," held every summer since 2015. This event combines music, sand sculptures, street performances, and competitive activities, attracting numerous visitors and invigorating local tourism.

Beyond water activities, the park features a seaside promenade, ecological zones, and off-road areas. The sunset views over the sea are particularly enchanting, making it an ideal spot to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy romantic and family moments.

Cijin Beach is renowned for its fine black sand, offering a soft and comfortable texture.

Sunset

Harvest Square – The "Wind Harvest, Bountiful Harvest" sculpture, the Goddess of Harvest,

༄༄༄Harvest Square – The "Wind Harvest, Bountiful Harvest" sculpture, created by artist Liang Renhong, features the Goddess of Harvest. This 9-meter tall stainless steel installation spins with the wind, resembling a sea goddess waving her arms. It symbolizes the gathering of sea breeze and abundant catch, conveying the meaning of Cijin as a starting point for dreams and a symbol of happiness. This piece is a representative landmark of the area.

Installation Art

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Cijin Tianhou Temple

Cijin Tianhou Temple

Address: No. 93, Miaocian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5712115

༄༄༄Cijin Tianhou Temple, also known as Cihu Tianhou Temple or Cijin Mazu Temple, was established in 1673 during the Ming Dynasty's Yongli period. It is the earliest Mazu temple in Kaohsiung, boasting a rich history and deep cultural significance. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Mazu, the Sea Goddess, reflecting the close relationship between the local community and the sea.

༄༄༄Main Deity: The principal deity of the temple is Mazu, also known as Tian Shang Sheng Mu. The main altar houses seven statues, collectively referred to as Mazu, including the Zhen Dian Ma, Kai Ji Ma, Er Ma, San Ma, Si Ma, Wu Ma, and Mei Zhou Ma.

Visiting this ancient temple offers insight into the enduring faith and cultural heritage of the Cijin community.

𓆉𓃗𓅇𓄃𓆤 Cihou Lighthouse

Cihou Lighthouse

Address: No. 34, Cisia Lane, Cihou Village, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5715021

Kaohsiung Lighthouse

(Cijin Cihou Lighthouse)
༄༄༄Located at the top of Cihou Mountain, the Kaohsiung Lighthouse was built in 1883 and is the only white octagonal brick lighthouse in Taiwan. The tower body transitions into a cylindrical shape towards the top, with a balcony offering a stunning view of the harbor. From the lighthouse's top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kaohsiung City.

༄༄༄Kaohsiung Harbor, being the main gateway in southern Taiwan, greatly benefited from the construction of the Kaohsiung Lighthouse, which played a key role in ensuring the safety of merchant ships for trade. During World War II, despite being shot at by machine guns, the lighthouse continued to protect the shipping lanes, making it an important historical symbol.

༄༄༄The lighthouse stands alongside the Cihou Battery, witnessing the development of Kaohsiung Harbor. Now decommissioned, it has transformed into a popular tourist attraction. The white-walled office in front of the tower displays lighthouse artifacts, and the lawn features a sundial and a unique Chinese character directional wind vane. With well-maintained facilities, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of Kaohsiung city and the Taiwan Strait during the day, and stunning sunsets and nightscapes in the evening, making it a cultural and tourist hotspot that blends history, scenic beauty, and a romantic atmosphere.