🚢 Cijin Island Day Trip Guide: Kaohsiung’s Tropical Escape

#chinatravel ### **Why Visit Cijin Island?** 1. **Black Sand Beach**: A rare 1.5km stretch of volcanic black sand, perfect for sunbathing and surfing (swimming allowed outside winter) . 2. **Historic Charm**: Home to Taiwan’s oldest **Mazu Temple** (1673) and Japanese-era **Cihou Lighthouse** with panoramic harbor views . 3. **Seafood Paradise**: Feast on grilled squid, oyster omelets, and bubble tea at **Cijin Old Street** . --- ### **Top Attractions** #### **1. Cijin Beach** - **Unique Sand**: Formed from eroded volcanic basalt, the black sand absorbs heat—wear sandals in summer! . - **Activities**: Surfing (rent boards at **Cijin Surf Bar**), beachcombing, and sunset photos . #### **2. Rainbow Church & Shell Museum** - **Instagram Spots**: The colorful **Rainbow Church** (art installation) and giant seashell sculpture . - **Shell Museum**: Thousands of marine specimens (closed Mondays) . #### **3. Cihou Fort & Lighthouse** - **History**: Built in 1875, offering harbor views and underground tunnels . - **Free Entry**: Lighthouse reopened in 2024 with a café overlooking the sea . --- ### **How to Get There** - **Ferry from Gushan Pier**: - **Cost**: NT$20 (EasyCard) or NT$30 (cash); departs every 10 mins (5:00 AM–2:00 AM) . - **Scooters/Bikes**: NT$40–80 extra . - **From KW2 Pier**: Snoopy-themed ferry (NT$80, weekends only) . --- ### **Pro Tips** - **Rent a Bike**: Explore coastal art installations (NT$100/day) . - **Avoid Crowds**: Visit on weekdays; arrive early for sunrise at the beach . - **Try Local Eats**: **Dried fish market** and **Cijin Sunset Bar** (happy hour 4–6 PM) . **#cijinisland #kaohsiungtravel #blacksandbeach**