Kaohsiung Lighthouse

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Kaohsiung Lighthouse

lighthouse

The Kaohsiung Lighthouse, also known as Cihou or Cijin Lighthouse, stands on the hill above Cijin Island and overlooks the Port of Kaohsiung; visitors come for the historic tower, port views and adjacent colonial-era buildings.

Kaohsiung Lighthouse TainanKaohsiungChiayi CityYu ShanLiuqiu IslandKenting National ParkAli Shan ShanmoKaohsiung Lighthouse

Kaohsiung Lighthouse essentials

Address: Cijin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Perched atop Mount Cihou on the southern side of the harbour, the Kaohsiung Lighthouse (also called Cihou or Cijin Lighthouse) is a red-brick lighthouse dating to the late Qing and Japanese periods of Taiwan’s history. British engineers built an early lighthouse here after the harbour opened to foreign trade in the 1860s; the current form dates from rebuilding and renovations during the 1910s with a Baroque-influenced base.

The site is a compact complex of the tower and adjacent historic buildings; the tower provides sweeping views over the Port of Kaohsiung, the channel and the Kaohsiung skyline. One of the restored buildings houses a café, and the grounds are used by visitors for short walks and photography.

Designated a historical building in 1985, the lighthouse is open to visitors at times but facilities and access can vary, so check locally before you go. The setting on a small hill means a short uphill walk from the Cijin waterfront and good vantage points for sunrise or sunset if the weather is clear.

  • Panoramic harbour views: The hilltop position gives wide vistas across the Port of Kaohsiung, shipping channel and the city skyline.
  • The historic lighthouse tower: The red-brick tower and its Baroque-style base reflect the site’s 19th-20th century rebuilding and renovation.
  • Colonial-era buildings and café: Restored keeper’s buildings beside the tower include a café in one of the historic structures (check opening times locally).
  • Cijin waterfront and seafood street: Combine a visit with a stroll along Cijin’s waterfront and its seafood restaurants and market area.
  • Sunrise and sunset photography: The elevated site is popular with photographers for golden-hour light on the harbour and ships.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kaohsiung Lighthouse#

Kaohsiung has a tropical savanna climate with a dry, pleasant late-autumn to winter and a very wet summer. Aim for the drier months for the clearest harbour views.

Winter (best)
November - February · 15°C - 26°C (59°F - 79°F)
Drier, cooler and generally the clearest period for harbour and skyline views with lower rainfall and humidity.
Spring / Early summer
March - May · 18°C - 30°C (64°F - 86°F)
Warmer and more humid than winter with increasing chances of showers toward May; still good for visiting outside heavy rain days.
Monsoon / Typhoon season (avoid if possible)
June - September · 24°C - 32°C (75°F - 90°F)
Frequent heavy rain, high humidity and occasional typhoons make this the wettest period and less reliable for outdoor visits.

Weather & Climate near Kaohsiung Lighthouse#

Climate

Kaohsiung Lighthouse's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1846 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 66 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberDecemberJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 15° - 22° 18° 19 mm partly cloudy 76% 3.4 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
February Excellent 16° - 23° 19° 26 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.2 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
March Excellent 18° - 25° 22° 40 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 21° - 28° 25° 73 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.3 m/s 1.8 very high 12.6h
May Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 205 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.4 m/s 2.0 very high 13.1h
June Good 25° - 31° 32° 383 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
July Good 26° - 32° 34° 369 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
August Good 25° - 31° 33° 434 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.8h
September Very Good 24° - 31° 31° 212 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.8 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Excellent 23° - 29° 26° 56 mm partly cloudy 76% 3.0 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 20° - 26° 23° 16 mm partly cloudy 76% 3.0 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
December Ideal 16° - 23° 20° 13 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.2 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kaohsiung Lighthouse#

The lighthouse is on Cijin Island, off the coast of Kaohsiung. The nearest airport is Kaohsiung International Airport; major train connections arrive at Kaohsiung’s main railway stations, and high-speed rail passengers use Zuoying before transferring onward.

From central Kaohsiung take the short ferry across to Cijin (frequent services run from the Gushan/Cijin ferry area), then follow the signs and a short uphill route or take a local shuttle/taxi up to the lighthouse; the last stretch is a short but sometimes steep climb on foot.

Tips for Visiting Kaohsiung Lighthouse#

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk from the Cijin ferry pier; parts of the route are steep.
  • Bring water and sun protection - the hill has limited shade on hot days.
  • Check local notices for opening days and access, as public access can change for conservation or maintenance.
  • Combine the visit with Cijin’s waterfront, temples and seafood street to make a half-day outing.
  • For quieter photos, aim for early morning on clear days rather than midday when ferries and crowds increase.