KAOHSIUNG, OUR LATEST INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION, HAS A SPANKING NEW MRT LINE. SUSAN KENDZULAK HOPS ON AND OFF THE TRAIN TO UNCOVER COOL SHOPS, CAFES AND LARGER-THAN-LIFE ART
Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung – Taiwan’s second largest city – was without an underground mass railway system for years. So when the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KRT) north-south Red Line opened its doors in March this year, it was no surprise that the people were thrilled.
Spanning a length of 28.9km, the KRT network connects 24 stations. The new line carries passengers to the city’s three main transportation hubs, namely the High Speed Rail Terminal (HRT), the train station and the Kaohsiung International Airport. This is an impressive achievement for the city, since even Taipei – the nation’s capital – does not have the luxury of an airport MRT stop.
From end to end, the ride from Siaogang station to Ciaotou station takes approximately 45 minutes. While the KRT has made life more convenient, the stops along the way also offer perks that go beyond functional: a variety of shopping districts, restaurants and cafes to chill in, and public art in various shapes and forms for all to enjoy.
R4 KAOHSIUNG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The domestic and international The domestic and international airports are just within five minutes airports are just within five minutes of each other by foot, so tourists of each other by foot, so tourists and local travelers alike enjoy and local travelers alike enjoy cooling their heels here. cooling their heels here.
Attractions: Gaze at the exquisite
Gaze at the exquisite Emerald Laminata (pictured here), Emerald Laminata (pictured here), a public art installation comprising a public art installation comprising several sheets of glass, which several sheets of glass, which shimmers like a waterfall when the shimmers like a waterfall when the sunlight hits it. Whether you’ve just sunlight hits it. Whether you’ve just landed in Kaohsiung or are about landed in Kaohsiung or are about to fly off elsewhere, you’ll have this to fly off elsewhere, you’ll have this work-of-art as your first or final work-of-art as your first or final memory of the city. Don’t forget to memory of the city. Don’t forget to take a souvenir photo! take a souvenir photo!
R8 SANDUO SHOPPING DISTRICT
Next stop: shopping haven Sanduo. With the presence of several major department stores, you can expect to spend a lot of time – and moolah – here.
● Attractions: Fashionistas must hit Sogo, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Chien Tai Department Store in T&C Tower and FE21 Mega on Chungshan Road for great finds. The Sanduo shopping experience has been likened to Taipei’s classy east side, so go ahead and splurge. Pick up a new novel or two at the Eslite bookstore inside FE21 for your flight back. The bookshop boasts a wide range of English titles and magazines. In the mood for a makeover? Go for a new cut, curl or dye job at one of many avante-garde hair salons here. Cap your day off with a visit to the 75th floor observation deck of the Splendor Hotel and take in the city’s scenic view and a great meal at one of its fine restaurants.
R9 CENTRAL
With its 50m-by-50m aluminum canopy and the cascading waterfalls between the two escalators, Central wins the award for most photogenic KRT stop in our books. Credit goes to Richard Rogers, the renowned architectural name responsible for the Pompidou Center in Paris.
● Attractions: Whether you’re a poser, a people-watcher or the artsy type, you’ll get your fix at Central Park. Sit pretty or spy on trendy types while you enjoy a cappuccino at the outdoor café. But the highlight of the station is the showcase of public art at Urban Spotlight.
Come by in the evening – the illuminated flooring and sculptures will make you feel as if you are strutting down a psychedelic catwalk.
R11 KAOHSIUNG MAIN STATION
You’ll find an interesting mix of shopping and decent budget hotels to stay at near the heart of the business district.
● Attractions: Gadget girls and boys, head for Jianguo Road (or Computer Street) to juice up your PCs. Changming Street is a treasure trove for all things electronic: whether it’s a PDA, mp3 player or Nintendo Wii. Stroll Anning Street for fashion and shoe-shop on Dalian Road.
R10 FORMOSA BOULEVARD
This station is known for its public art, as well as fashion, food and great finds for brides-to-be.
● Attractions: Liouhe and Nanhua are two famous night markets here that offer fashion bargains and popular street food. Tuck into delicacies like squid on a stick, fresh papaya milkshakes, and bowls of fresh fruit and cream in crushed ice. Yum! Planning your wedding? Head to Jhong-shan Road (aka Wedding Gown Street), and Jhong-jheng Road (aka Wedding Cake Street).
Once the Orange Line opens this month, the station will also connect to the scenic Sizihwan Bay.
R17 WORLD GAMES
Look up and marvel at the largest glass artwork in the city which takes the form of a beautiful canopy over the station.
● Attractions: Made out of 600 pieces of glass, the Spirit of Half Cliff Mountain glass mural makes for a great reason to lift your head for a moment of reflection. It is a quiet station but only until next July, when it will plays host to the 2009 World Games (www.worldgames2009).
R23 CIATOU SUGAR REFINERY
Go on a sweet escape at Kaohsiung’s Go on a sweet escape at Kaohsiung’s historical sugar refinery! historical sugar refinery!
● Attractions: Built in 1900, the
Built in 1900, the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery ceased Ciaotou Sugar Refinery ceased operations in 1999, and has been operations in 1999, and has been transformed into a museum. Pack transformed into a museum. Pack a picnic basket, stroll around a picnic basket, stroll around the botanical gardens within the the botanical gardens within the compound, and then spread a mat compound, and then spread a mat under a shady tree. under a shady tree.
ZUOYING R16
This station leads into the futuristic hub of the HRT where there is a fun, sci-fi backdrop, perfect for quirky souvenir snaps you’ll love to show your friends back home.
● Attractions: Take your camera for pics of the city. Stroll towards the serene Lotus Pond and its quaint pagodas. Watch the temple-goers say their prayers at Confucius Temple, and then take a walking tour of the surrounding area’s historical buildings.
KRT INFORMATION
Tickets cost from NT20 to NT60 (PHP29 to 86.50) per destination. The I-Pass card, for NT200(PHP288), with a stored value of NT100(PHP144) deposit, can be used on transfer and shuttle buses. Trains run from 5:50am–11:55pm daily
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