Kaohsiung | Cijin Beach & Starry Sky Tunnel—Black Gold Sand, Deep Blue Sea, and a Storytelling Mountain Tunnel 🌊✨

#SeptemberDestinations2025 Come to Cijin by boat or bike. First, admire the black-gold sand and the vast blue sky at the beach. Then, walk along the wooden boardwalk to the Starry Sky Tunnel and experience the ruggedness and romance of this port city all at once. • Name: Cijin Beach/Starry Sky Tunnel • Location: Cijin District, Kaohsiung City (the beach is located in the Cijin Coast Park area; the Starry Sky Tunnel is located in the heart of Cihou Mountain, connecting the mountain to the outer coast) • Admission: Free outdoor areas and free entry to the Starry Sky Tunnel; special events are subject to on-site announcements. • Open: The beach is open all day; the Starry Sky Tunnel is illuminated at night and may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or maintenance. • Transportation: • Gushan Ferry Station ⇄ Cijin Ferry Station (the most authentic harbor-style access to the island) • Alternatively, enter the island via the "Harbor Tunnel" by motorcycle or car; bicycles and electric scooters are available for rent on the island. • Recommended Stay: 2.5–4 hours (playing in the sand on the beach + strolling + visiting the tunnel + sunset) Background: From a small sandbar to a Kaohsiunger seaside living room Cijin was originally a long and narrow sandbar island, acting as a natural breakwater to protect Kaohsiung Harbor. During the Qing Dynasty, a fort was erected on Cijin Mountain to defend the harbor. During the Japanese colonial period, the harbor was expanded, and lighthouses and military facilities were built. The opening of the cross-harbor (undersea) tunnel in the 1980s allowed vehicles to reach Cijin directly, accelerating travel time. The renovation of the beach and coastal park transformed Cijin from a "seaside settlement" into a seaside living room for residents. The Starry Sky Tunnel, formerly a mountain tunnel used for military purposes, has been revitalized in recent years with lighting and landscaping. By day, it's like a window overlooking the sea, and at night, it's like transporting the starry sky into the mountains. I visited on a beautiful sunny day: the sky was a washed blue, the sea breeze was crisp, and the waves were rhythmic. The photo of the black-gold sand, the cliffs, the plank road, and the tunnel entrance is proof that I spent my afternoon as a celebration. ⸻ How to Enjoy the Route ① Beach Opening: Black-Gold Sand and Two Thatched Umbrellas After getting off the ferry, I rode straight to the coastal park. The view of the beach was unobstructed; the sand was a tinge of black, a rare "black-gold beach" in southern Taiwan. I dropped my bag under the thatched umbrella, slipped off my shoes, and stepped onto the sand—the sea breeze blew away all the noise, no filters needed. ② Seaside Monuments and Cliffs Walking north, the rock face seemed to carve a corner into the coast. Waves crashed against the base of the rock, and the spray shimmered in the sunlight. Using the railing as a horizon, minimalist compositions were easy to create. ③ Coastal Boardwalk Then I ascended the boardwalk. Plants gently waved on either side, and a perfect perspective line stretched ahead. This section was particularly tranquil: the only sounds were footsteps and the sea breeze. ④ Ship-Watching Beach Back on the open sea, I could see cargo ships lined up in the distance on the offshore channel. This scene combines the ruggedness of a port city with the gentleness of a seaside—this is what Kaohsiung is all about. ⑤ Starry Sky Tunnel Finally, head up Qihoushan and follow the signs to the tunnel entrance. During the day, the green-blue hues of the tunnel resemble reflections of the sea; at night, lights and reflective rocks create a "galaxy of stars." As you exit the seaside exit, you're greeted by the vast expanse of open sea and the sound of the wind. I often linger for three extra minutes just to listen to the waves. ⸻ 10 Reasons I Recommend This Tunnel 1. The incredibly blue sky and sea: On a clear day, the view is breathtaking; on a cloudy day, it creates a sense of depth. 2. The unique black-gold sand: It's smooth and non-sticky, making it perfect for captivating close-up photos. 3. The friendly trail: The wooden plank road and gently sloping path make it easy for both adults and children. 4. The storytelling power of the Starry Sky Tunnel: From military installations to landscape art, walking through the tunnel is like turning a page in the history of the port city. 5. A stunning harbor view: Cargo ships at sea, a lighthouse on the shore, and a skyline of cranes in the distance. 6. Flexible transportation: The ferry is as convenient as taking a bus; driving through the harbor tunnel is also smooth. 7. Unbeatable sunsets: The setting sun paints the sea golden, making the trip worthwhile. 8. Easy access to food and supplies: The old streets, tourist markets, ice cream shops, and seafood restaurants are all densely packed. 9. Excellent photography skills: A minimalist foreground + clean lines = any photo will look great. 10. Free & Relaxing: No entrance fee, no rigid routes, it's the perfect example of effortless ocean fun. ⸻ Photography cheat sheet (take photos with your phone) 📸 • Sea-to-sky: Squeeze the horizon into the lower 1/3 of the frame, leaving the sky exposed in the lower 2/3; EV -0.3 makes the clouds appear more three-dimensional. • Rock face close-up: Shoot the rock face texture and waves at a 45° angle, capturing both ruggedness and softness. • Plank Road Perspective: Stand at the center line, allowing the railing to form a vanishing point. Positioning the subject about 1/3 of the way up creates a more dramatic image. • Starry Tunnel Portrait: Position the subject at the intersection of the shadows at the entrance and the bright light outside, with their face facing the light source. For group photos, raise your hands to form a star or heart shape to complement the theme without being awkward. • Small Items: Grab a handful of black gold sand and add shells or driftwood in the foreground for a truly relaxing experience. ⸻ Super Practical Tips (Avoid Pitfalls)⚠️ • Water Safety: Avoid playing in the water on rough or windy days; pay attention to rip current signs. • Sunscreen and Hydration: The seaside is highly reflective, so don't forget a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. • Bicycles: The island trail has gravel sections, so drive slowly and courteously. Always turn on your headlights at night. • Tunnel Precautions: The surface can be slippery, so use grippy shoes. Do not climb or leave graffiti. • Take your trash with you: The strong sea breeze can easily blow light items overboard, so please leave the beautiful beach for the next person. ⸻ Half-Day Itinerary (copy directly from the original) Morning Blue Sea Version Gushan Ferry → Sandy beach at Cijin Beach → Stroll along the boardwalk → Starry Sky Tunnel → Lunch in Old Street → Photographing boats at the fishing harbor → Ferry back to Gushan Sunset Version Afternoon: Enter the island and rent a car → Beach until sunset → Watch the lights in the tunnel → Dinner in Old Street → Ferry back to the city for a night view ⸻ Review (with address!) • Hai Zhi Bing (Classic Large Ice Shop) Address: No. 76, Binhai 1st Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City I ordered: Mixed Fruit Ice + Passion Fruit Smoothie. After a scorching day, I had a bowl. The ice was just right, not too icy, and the sweet and sour flavor washed down the salty sea breeze. It was a great way to cool down. Recommended: Not far from the Gushan Ferry Terminal, convenient for the return trip, plenty of seating; the generous portions are a delight. • Banana Pier Seaview Restaurant (Enjoy the Harbor View and Enjoy Seafood) Address: No. 17, Penglai Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City I ordered: Fried Seafood Platter + Draft Beer. From the window seat, you can watch the boats come and go, and at dusk, the golden reflection of the sea is reflected in my glass. The flavors are unpretentious, but the freshness and scenery are what make it a great place. Recommended: Located near Pier-2 and Gushan, it's convenient for connecting with friends and family getaways. For a more authentic, freshly caught seafood experience: Each seafood store in the Cihou Tourist Market on the island has its own specialty. The best way to order is to check the fish availability on the day. However, with so many restaurants and a fast turnover, it's best to compare orders on site before departure. ——— My Real Feelings My favorite thing about Cijin is actually the wind. It smooths out frowns on the beach, lengthens shadows on the boardwalk, and propels echoes further in the tunnel. As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving only a hint of orange in the sky, we walked back at a leisurely pace—it seems travel doesn't need to be complicated; all it takes is a slice of blue to fill today. 👏🏻 Cijin Beach | Cihoushan Starry Sky Tunnel | Cijin Coast Park | Gushan Ferry Station | Banana Pier Seaview Restaurant (No. 17 Penglai Road) | Sea Ice (No. 76 Binhai 1st Road) #Kaohsiung #Cijin #Starry Sky Tunnel #Cijin Beach #Kaohsiung #Cijin #Black Sand Beach #Beach Walk #Sunset #Kaohsiung Harbor 🏖️🚲