Over the last three centuries

Kaohsiung has grown from a humble trading village into Taiwan's busiest harbor.

As a shipping and industrial powerhouse,

Kaohsiung has had a gritty past

but today a fresh wind is blowing, creating a modern, creative and highly livable city.

That still honors its hard working beginnings.

Just a short ferry ride from the city’s downtown is the narrow island of Cijin.

The place with a city meets the sea.

This district serves as the harbor’s natural breakwater,

and has been home to Kaohsiung’s fishing families for generations.

Times slow down here and the best way to experience the island's rhythms is by foot or bicycle.

Visit Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the goddess Matzu, the protector of sailors and fishermen.

Follow dramatic coastal paths then make a short climb to the lighthouse and fort for commanding views over the city.

When it's time to swap sea for mountain, head back to the mainland to monkey mountain.

Meet the forests furry resident and pause for tea.

as you climb ever upward for more great views

wherever you go in Kaohsiung

you'll be reminded that this is a city with water in its veins.

The love River runs right through the heart of the city.

Once little more than a neglected drain,

the river’s transformation reflects the city, awakening to its natural beauty.

But if the love river is the city's mirror

Lotus Lake is the city’s soul.

From the remains of the Old Wall of Fengshan,

explore the lake in a clockwise direction.

At the dragon and tiger Pagodas, entering through the dragon's mouth

and exiting from the tigers' is said to transform bad luck

into good fortune.

At the Spring and Autumn Pavilions,

pay your respects to the goddess of mercy and the god of war.

While further around the lake, a towering statue,

the mysterious warrior Xuan Wu rises from the water

Lotus Lake is surrounded by more traditional temples, too.

such as Taiwan's largest Confucian temple.

and the extraordinary Tien Fu Palace.

The area is filled with food stalls,

so enjoy a snack as the sun sets.

and the lake lights up in all its heavenly glory.

After a busy day with the gods,

follow your nose to the Liouho Night Market, one of Asia's largest.

Drift along with the human tide,

through a canyon of neon-lit stalls serving up all the fruits of the sea.

It's a moment like this,

We realize cities are like oceans, too.

each has its own currents, its own moods.

So what are you waiting for?

Come and dive into Kaohsiung.

Taiwan's best kept secret by the sea.