Cijin is the sliver of land that shelters Kaohsiung's harbour, and the crossing is part of the pleasure. Passenger ferries leave from the Gushan side in a few minutes, and you arrive in a former fishing village of old streets, temples and seafood restaurants. Cijin Seaside Park offers a seawater bathing area, a trail for sunset views and the Shell Museum, which holds a large collection of shellfish. There is a lighthouse on the island, heritage sites from the harbour's colonial past and a long stretch of dark-sand beach that suits walking more than swimming. Rented bicycles, electric bikes and tricycles are the usual way to get around, and the evening fish market and restaurant street are the place for grilled and fried seafood. Entry to the island is free, and the ferry fare is low, so the whole excursion costs very little and fits nicely between a morning at Pier-2 and an evening cruise.
Getting there
Ferries run from the Gushan ferry pier, a short walk or taxi ride from Pier-2, and the crossing takes only a few minutes. A transit card normally works for the fare, though you should check at the pier. On the island, the main street leads from the ferry landing through the old village to the beach, and rental shops by the pier hire out bikes and tricycles by the hour.
Cijin can also be reached by a harbour tunnel for cars and scooters, but the ferry is the more memorable way across. Holidays and weekends bring long queues for the ferry and crowded lanes on the island.
What to do
Stroll the old streets and look at the temples, then walk or ride out to the seaside park and the beach. The park is open from morning until late afternoon on Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays, so check this if you plan to visit on a Monday. The lighthouse and its viewpoint are a good place for harbour views, and the Shell Museum is a quick, quirky stop for families.
Seafood is the main reason many visitors come, so plan to eat at one of the restaurants on the main street or buy grilled snacks from stalls. Swimming conditions vary, so heed any local flags and warnings.
Timing
Aim to arrive in the late morning, have lunch on the island and head back before the evening crush, or go later to catch sunset over the water from the trail. Midday summer sun is strong and shade is limited on the beach, so bring a hat, water and sunscreen. If you are staying near Yancheng, the ferry pier is only a short walk away. A simple plan is a morning at Pier-2, a ferry across at midday, lunch and bikes on Cijin and an early evening return for a Love River cruise.
What to expect
The experience
A short public ferry crossing to an island with old streets, a dark-sand beach, a lighthouse, a seaside park and a lively seafood street, best explored by bike.
Best time
Late morning for lunch and a ride, or late afternoon to catch the sunset from the seaside trail.
How long
Three to four hours including the ferry crossings, a meal and a bike ride.
Tips
Avoid Monday if you want the seaside park open, expect ferry queues on holidays, and bring a hat and water for the beach.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a cheap, easy escape with seafood, sea air and a bike ride.
- Families
- Flat and bike-friendly, with the Shell Museum and sandy play areas for children.
- Couples
- Sunset on the trail and a seafood dinner by the old fishing harbour.
- Pair with
- Pier-2 Art Center, the Love River cruise and the Former British Consulate.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day including the ferry crossing.
Good questions
How do I get to Cijin Island?+
Take the passenger ferry from the Gushan ferry pier, which takes only a few minutes. A transit card normally works for the fare, and the pier is close to Pier-2.
Is Cijin Island free?+
Yes, there is no charge to walk the island, the beach and the old streets. You pay only for the ferry, food, bike rental and any paid museum entries.
Is the seaside park open on Mondays?+
No, Cijin Seaside Park is closed on Mondays and open from morning to late afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday. Plan your visit around that closure.
Can I swim at Cijin beach?+
The park has a seawater bathing area, but the main beach is better for walking than swimming. Follow local flags and warnings on the day.
What should I eat on Cijin?+
Fresh grilled and fried seafood is the island's speciality, and the main street and evening fish market have plenty of options. Eat early to avoid the weekend crowd.
