Last Updated on 12-30-2023
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city situated in the south of the island, has emerged as a vibrant and captivating hub for street art enthusiasts. Over the years, Kaohsiung has embraced street art like no other city in Taiwan, making it a haven for both locals and visitors who appreciate the creative and colorful expressions found throughout its streets.
The city council’s dedication to enhancing urban environments with colorful street art has resulted in blocks of artistic marvels that bring life and energy to even the most orthodox architecture. As a result, Kaohsiung stands out among all the cities in Taiwan for its profound embrace of street art, making it deserving of the title “street art capital of Taiwan.
The Pier2 Art Center
The Pier2 Art Center in Kaohsiung is located in the Yancheng District of the city. Through a series of planning efforts and collaboration with artists, the district has creatively repurposed idle warehouse spaces, giving the entire area a refreshing transformation. The emergence of the Pier-2 Art District has injected new vitality into the once declining area, filling it with various distinctive art and cultural spaces, adorned with numerous art installations. Visitors can enjoy the breeze and admire the scenic views of the harbor while exploring this vibrant district. Apart from being a must-visit destination for tourists coming to Kaohsiung, it is also a premium leisure and entertainment spot for the city’s residents.
How to go
If you are in the city, you can take the Metro to Sizihwan Station. From Sizihwan Station, it’s a short walk to the Pier-2 Art Center.
Weiwu MiMi Art Village
The Weiwu MiMi Art Village in Kaohsiung City’s Lingya District, adjacent to the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, was once an ordinary old neighborhood. However, in 2016, during the “Kaohsiung Lingya International Street Art Festival,” artists from various countries transformed the community with large-scale wall murals. Now, the entire community is adorned with vibrant colors, turning local homes into picturesque spots for visitors.The murals in the Weiwu MiMi Art Village encompass diverse styles and themes, from captivating 3D street art to colorful depictions of flowers and the underwater world. Each corner may reveal a stunning mural, immersing visitors in a colorful world of art that delights the senses.
How to go
Taking the Kaohsiung Metro to Weiwuying Station. After arriving at Weiwuying Station, exit from Exit 5, and you’ll be in close proximity to the vibrant art village.
Qianjin District Street Art
Although Qianjin District is the cultural and educational center of Kaohsiung City, many buildings here have a mix of old and new developments. In an effort to revitalize the area, the district office invited ten graffiti artists from six countries, including Japan and South Korea, to turn the old buildings and street walls into canvases for their artistic expression. Over the course of six days, these artists created refreshing graffiti works that breathe new life into the neighborhood.This initiative of inviting numerous artists to create on-site is considered groundbreaking in Kaohsiung, promoting original graffiti art and offering the public new sensory experiences through art.
How to go
If you are in the city, you can take the Metro to City Council Station. From City Council Station, it’s a short walk to Qianjin District Street Art .
The Imperial Japanese Navy Fongshan Wireless Communications Station
The historical significance of the “The Imperial Japanese Navy Fongshan Wireless Communications Station” is quite multifaceted. Not only does it bear witness to Taiwan’s strategic position during World War II, but it also marks the beginning of wireless radio technology in Taiwan. When visiting the Former Imperial Japanese Navy Fengshan Wireless Telegraphy Station, visitors can admire its fusion of Western architectural aesthetics and the characteristics of the Japanese Imperial era. Many visitors consider it an ideal spot for photography, capturing the visual delight that this building offers.The “Former Imperial Japanese Navy Fengshan Wireless Telegraphy Station” showcases different historical aspects, making it a rewarding experience for military enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
How to go
Take the Orange line of the Metro to Fongshan Junior High School, which is a 10-minute walk away.
Accommodations in Kaohsiung near the street art
Silks Club
Silks Club is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. The hotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary architecture and exquisite artistry from the Japanese Imperial era. While staying at Silks Club, guests can also explore the nearby arts district. TVisitors can immerse themselves in the local arts and culture by visiting the Pier-2 Art Center and Kaohsiung Music Center. These cultural highlights provide a unique and enriching experience for art enthusiasts. Additionally, guests can venture out to explore the Horizon City Marina and Glory Pier, offering activities like sailing and boat tours for a delightful maritime experience .
SAYO Hotel
SaYo Hotel is a three-star accommodation located in the charming and artistic Yancheng District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. The hotel offers a comfortable and stylish space with meticulous services, ensuring that both business and leisure travelers feel at home during their journey.One of the notable highlights of staying at Sa-Yo Hotel is its proximity to the renowned art district known as the “Pier-2 Art Center” . Within just an 11-minute walk from the hotel, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene of the area. The “Pier-2 Art Center” is a creative hub with various art installations, galleries, and exhibitions, making it a haven for art enthusiasts and those seeking cultural experiences.
Today, Kaohsiung stands as a beacon of artistic creativity, where traditional walls and structures have been transformed into masterpieces of modern street art. The city’s commitment to cultural development and public art has redefined its image, as it continues to blossom into one of Asia’s most exciting urban centers, drawing visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in its dynamic street art scene.
