Kaoshiung
Kaoshiung
Kaohsiung is a city located in southern Taiwan. Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second largest city (at 1.5 million inhabitants) and largest port. The city has high concentrations of heavy industry including steel works, shipbuilding, and other exports which have led to Kaohsiung's noticibly higher level of air pollution (though the situation has improved in recent years). Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung is a planned city with wide streets and slightly less traffic congestion. In recent years the city has made great strides in transforming itself from a primarily industrial city to a modern metropolis with several new city beautification initiatives and new infrastructure. The city is often known as Taiwan's "Harbor Capital" because of it's close connection and heavy reliance on the ocean and maritime transportation.
Attractions
The Chijin District is located on a slender island in Kaohsiung harbor which serves as a natural breakwater for the harbor. The district is filled with seafood restaurants selling freshly caught seafood which can be prepared right after you pick it out. Chijin is connected to the rest of Kaohsiung City by underwater tunnels, but the transporation of choice is one of the many ferries that traverse the harbor.
Currency
Taiwan's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
