Spend a relaxing day at Lotus Pond in the Zuoying District, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung.

Surrounded by willow trees, Lotus Pond is a man-made lake covering an area of approximately 75 hectares. The pond is named after the fragrant lotus flowers which bloom every summer.

Walk or bike around the lake. Explore the beautiful sceneries and the more than 20 temples and pagodas. Start from the southern end of the lake at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and be sure to enter via the Dragon’s mouth and exit via the Tiger’s for good luck. At the lake’s northern end is the Confucius Temple, the largest Confucius temple in Taiwan. Stay until sunset and see beautiful reflections of pagodas on the lake.

Location

20 Minutes’ Drive

1435 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung
+886 7 582 1602

Sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, cycling, and fresh seafood galore make Qijin Island a favorite day trip destination.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of Sizihwan from the Baroque style Qijin Lighthouse dating back to 1883. See vibrant wood carvings of historic figures at Tianhou Temple, Kaohsiung’s oldest temple, built in 1673. Stop at Seafood Street for lunch and savor a wide variety of freshly caught seafood. Then, take in beautiful sunset views of Kaohsiung’s skyline from Qihou Fort dating back to the 19th century.

Getting to Qijin Island from Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung is easy, approximately 20 minutes’ drive via the Cross Harbor Tunnel. Or, get to the Gushan Ferry Pier near Sizihwan Metro Station, a 10-minute car ride or two metro stops away. From there, take a ten-minute ferry ride to reach Qijin Island.

Location

20 Minutes’ Drive

Qijin District, Kaohsiung

Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre to experience traditional Taiwan and Buddhism on a grand scale.

Enjoy a sense of calm and inner peace as you explore the 100-hectare monastery grounds. Built in 2011, the memorial center features the island’s tallest Buddha (36 meters/98 feet),large shrines, art galleries, libraries, meditation halls, gardens, ponds, vegetarian restaurants, and tea houses. The highlight is the main shrine, where you will find three imposing Buddha statues (7.8 meters/26 feet),with 14,000 smaller statues lining its four walls.

For those who wish to learn more about Buddhism and basic meditation techniques, tours led by resident nuns are available.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre is a 40-minute drive from Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung. Plan to get there early and try a Taiwanese vegetarian lunch for a change.

Location

40 Minutes’ Drive

1 Tongling Road, Tongling Li, Dashu District, Kaohsiung
+886 7 656 3033