Quando se fala de Kaohsiung, a maioria das pessoas pensa primeiro em pontos turísticos urbanos como o Rio do Amor, o Lago de Lótus ou o Edifício 85. No entanto, esta cidade portuária escondem histórias surpreendentes nas suas trilhas — desde túneis militares do período colonial japonês até abrigos da Guerra Fria, passando por formações únicas de calcário de recife de coral e uma diversidade ecológica de florestas tropicais de monções primárias. Embora Kaohsiung não esteja incluída nos oito principais parques nacionais de Taiwan, possui o primeiro "parque natural nacional urbano" de Taiwan — o Parque Natural Nacional de Shoushan, cujo valor reside nas suas camadas históricas e culturais, desde sítios pré-históricos até zonas militares controladas no pós-guerra, proporcionando uma profundidade superior a meras paisagens naturais.
O Parque Natural Nacional de Shoushan foi estabelecido em 2011, sendo o primeiro parque natural nacional de Taiwan Located within the urban area, covering approximately 300 hectares at an elevation of about 300 meters. This area was a military restricted zone during the martial law period, which limited public access and preserved its original natural topography and abundant wildlife resources. The park contains military tunnels, bunkers, and guard posts built during the Japanese colonial period, which now serve as important cultural assets showcasing Kaohsiung's military history.
Local Recomendado 1: Parque Natural Nacional de Shoushan (Shoushan)
Shoushan is Kaohsiung's most representative urban nature park and the best place to observe Taiwan's military heritage. The mountain has dozens of bunkers, tunnels, and guard posts built during the Japanese colonial period and the Kuomintang government era, with the military facilities along the "North Shoushan" trail being the most densely concentrated. Besides hiking, visitors can see weathered concrete bunkers, abandoned firing positions, and communication trenches dug by soldiers, which quietly tell the story of Kaohsiung's strategic significance during the Cold War era. Shoushan's limestone terrain is well-developed, with stalactite caves and coral reef fossils visible throughout, and Formosan macaques move freely through the forest, creating a unique urban wildlife landscape. After reaching the summit, you can overlook Kaohsiung Port and the 85 Building, witnessing the city's pattern of coexistence between mountains, sea, and urban areas.
Local Recomendado 2: Parque Natural da Montanha Banping
Banping Mountain is adjacent to Shoushan, with an elevation of about 230 meters, named after its rounded shape resembling a half screen. Its limestone geological structure is similar to Shoushan's, but with less human interference, making the ecology more pristine. Along the mountain trails, exposed coral reef rock layers and stalactite formations can be seen, serving as a natural classroom for understanding geological changes in southwestern Taiwan. The Banping Mountain trail is relatively steep, suitable for experienced hikers, but the summit offers open views overlooking Kaohsiung's urban area and coastline. At the mountain's foot, the Zuoying veteran village preserves some traditional buildings, forming a landscape where humanities and nature intertwine.
Local Recomendado 3: Área Turística de Cijin
Cijin is Kaohsiung's most representative coastal attraction, connected to the city center by ferry, with a one-way ticket costing only NT$30. It features kilometers of continuous beaches, sea-eroded礁岩, and well-preserved traditional settlements. Cijin's characteristic lies in its rich industrial history — once an important fishing port and coastal defense front, it has now transformed into a scenic area that balances tourism and culture. The Cijin Tianhou Temple was established during the Qing Dynasty and serves as the spiritual center for local residents; the temple architecture blends Fujian and Japanese colonial styles. Walking along the coastal trail, you can enjoy the sunset setting into the Taiwan Strait, and at night, you can see the lights of Kaohsiung Port area. Cijin Beach is open during summer with complete facilities, suitable for family water activities.
Local Recomendado 4: Chaishan (Lado Oeste do Parque Natural de Shoushan)
Chaishan is a popular hiking spot for Kaohsiung residents, with rich ecology and only about ten minutes' drive from the city center. The "One Climb" route is most popular among beginners, taking about 40 minutes to reach the summit one-way, with lush shade along the way and the air filled with the fragrance of tropical plants. Chaishan's special characteristic is its tropical monsoon forest on coral reef limestone, with complex and diverse vegetation. During the hike, you can often see Formosan macaques, squirrels, and various wild birds. There are several natural springs on the mountain with clear water, believed to have health benefits. Chaishan is also an excellent place to enjoy Kaohsiung's night view; the summit platform overlooks the entire Kaohsiung Port night scene.
Local Recomendado 5: Percurso Ciclável do Rio do Amor
The Love River is an ecological corridor in central Kaohsiung, with a designated bike path stretching about 20 kilometers, being the best way to understand Kaohsiung's urban development. The riverbanks are planted with rich vegetation, and nighttime lighting reflecting on the water creates a romantic atmosphere. Cycling from the Music Museum, you can pass historical buildings and modern skyscrapers along the river, feeling Kaohsiung's transformation from an old port city to a modern metropolis. Waterbirds often inhabit the river surface, making it a popular spot for urban birdwatching.
Informações Práticas
O Parque Natural Nacional de Shoushan está localizado na fronteira entre os distritos de Gushan e Zuoying em Kaohsiung, e pode ser accessed by taking the MRT to "Gushan Station" ou "Zuoying Station", e depois transferindo para um ônibus ou táxi. O parque é aberto durante todo o ano, 24 horas por dia, sem taxa de entrada. A Montanha Banping está localizada no distrito de Zuoying, e pode ser acessada a pé da estação MRT de Zuoying até a entrada da trilha. As balsas para Cijin partem frequentemente, com uma viagem de aproximadamente 15 minutos, ida e volta por NT$60. Chaishan tem várias entradas para trilhas, sendo a mais usada a "Entrada de Chaishan" localizada na Zhonghua Road. O percurso ciclável do Rio do Amor pode ser accessed em vários pontos de aluguel, com custos de aproximadamente NT$50-100 por hora.
Dicas de Viagem
Shoushan e Chaishan são áreas de restrição militar, e algumas áreas ainda têm tropas do exército estacionadas. Por favor, respeite os regulamentos relevantes e não entre em áreas restritas. Há mais mosquitos nas áreas montanhosas, por isso é recomendado trazer repelente. O verão em Cijin é quente, por isso tome medidas de proteção solar, e as balsas podem ter filas nos feriados. As fontes de água nas trilhas de Kaohsiung são escassas, então traga água potável suficiente. Recomenda-se usar sapatos de caminhada confortáveis, pois algumas trilhas são escorregadias.
