Kaohsiung City offers a lot of different attractions for different kinds of travelers. For those who love good hikes, enjoy photography, or are simply looking for a place to relax, head to Kaohsiung’s Martyrs’ Shrine and Shoushan Love Observatory. These are attractions that do not really get enough publicity but are very much loved by both locals and international travelers. It is an attraction that not only offers history, but also a great view of Kaohsiung City both during the day and in the evening. Interested in visiting? Scroll down to read more about it!
Martyrs' Shrine at Kaohsiung
Located in the south of Shoushan (also known as Monkey Mountain), Kaohsiung’s Martyrs’ Shrine is a site that was built when the Japanese occupied Taiwan. The architectural style resembles a Chinese palace with decorative sculptures and colored paintings. It was formerly known as Takao Kotohira Shrine, which was constructed in 1910 to honor the Omononushi-no-Mikoto and Emperor Sutoku. Throughout the years, this shrine was relocated several times with the purpose of remembering the fallen soldiers during the war. Now, after going through a 6-year reconstruction, the shrine stands on Shoushan as if it is watching over the city.
Shoushan Love Observatory
Shoushan Love Observatory, located just in front of the Martyrs’ Shrine, was officially opened recently in 2012. It is a tranquil resting spot at the mountain and offers a magnificent view of the port, the buildings, and the mountains in Kaohsiung. It is open all year round and does not require any entrance fee. This site is also very famous as a picture location, such as for graduation and pre-wedding pictures. There is a gigantic ‘LOVE’ sculpture, made from steel, that completes the whole backdrop of Taiwan’s port city and also a 3-meter (9.8-foot) observatory. Both international and local travelers love to visit this site to relax and enjoy the sight of the city from uphill.
How to get there
Getting to both the Martyrs’ Shrine and the observatory can be done by public transportation. Take the MRT Orange Line to Sizihwan Station and then take a 20-minute walk. The distance is about a kilometer (0.6 miles) away, but the trail goes uphill; it is not an extreme hiking path, though, so it is also accessible for beginner hikers. An alternative is to take a short taxi ride from the MRT station to the shrine; the cost should be around 100 TWD (approximately 3 USD) but the price depends on your departure point.
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Enjoy the splendid view of Kaohsiung City!
The Martyrs’ Shrine and Love Observatory is a great attraction for those looking for a way to hike and enjoy a gorgeous view of the city. You can either enjoy it with your friends, family, travel buddies, or just unwind by yourself if you love going solo. This location is also perfect for budget travelers since it does not cost a lot of money to get here and is accessible by public transportation. So, what are you waiting for? Be sure to make your way up to Shoushan on your next trip to Kaohsiung City!
History
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