A visit to Kaohsiung City, the second largest city in Taiwan, is not complete without a stop at the prominent Love River (愛河). Apart from being the city’s most important river, it is also a place where travelers can learn about and witness how much the city has developed in the past few decades.
The history behind Kaohsiung's Love River
Despite the eye-catching name that it possesses, Kaohsiung’s Love River was formerly not the tranquil and favored spot that it is today. The city, until this very day, is well known as a business site in Taiwan. Numerous factories based themselves around the area, and it was not long until environmental issues arose. The Love River did not escape the impact of this development, and for many years it was one of the most polluted spots in the city. This was until the government along with the people of Kaohsiung decided that things had to change.
After going through urban development, the Love River has gained a better image among locals and travelers. The riverside is now decorated with plants and lights along with bicycle and pedestrian paths, coffee shops are available for those who want to watch the sunset, and national events, such as the Lantern Festival, are held annually at the river. In short, the river has become a new haven where people can get together and enjoy the city.
Things to do at the Love River
As the river is a public spot, travelers do not have to pay a fee to be there. One can simply walk around the riverfront, capture photographs and enjoy the majestic skyline of the city. Coffee shops and food stalls are on both sides of the river. There are boat services and gondolas at the river as well, but it will cost around 80 NTD – 300 NTD (approximately 3–9 USD). Many other famous sites of the city are located near the Love River such as the Pier 2 Art Center, the 85 Sky Tower (Taiwan’s second tallest skyscraper) and the Xinguang Ferry Wharf.
Getting to Kaohsiung's Love River
Kaohsiung’s Lover River stretches for 12 kilometers (7 miles) from the southern to the northern part of the city. However, the most favored and recommended spot is on Wufu Road, which has a bridge to the other side of the river. Travelers can take the MRT train and get off on the orange line at Yanchengpu station. From there, it is possible to walk along Wufu Road towards the river. It will most likely be a 10-minute walk from the station. The best time to visit the river would be around sunset, as travelers can get a glimpse of the city during both day and night time.
Make your way to the Love River in Kaohsiung!
The Love River in Kaohsiung is an ideal spot for any type of traveler. The atmosphere is quite relaxed, but there are still a variety of things to do and places to visit in its surroundings. If you are a traveler heading to Kaohsiung, don’t forget to stop by and enjoy the city’s Love River! Happy travels!
History
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