Xiziwan Beach

A perfect spot for a southern Taiwan sunset is Kaohsiung’s popular Xiziwan. Many people will gather here along the beach and coastline to see the ships going to and from the port and the sun setting above the ocean. If you’re lucky (or not), you’ll also see some monkeys along the road.

When I went, immediately after the sunset a guard signaled that the beach and viewing area would close and that people needed to leave the parking lot. Not sure if this is always the case, but it’s something to pay attention to.

If you do have a chance, you can also continue up the coast a bit and see other sunset spots like the Secret Coast (秘境海岸). There is a spot near here right along the road where you can see a different sunset from that one at sea level down at Xiziwan – here you are looking down at the water rather than across it, through trees, which gives you something to frame the sun against (map link below). This spot is right next to Monkey Mountain (壽山), and there’s a good chance you will see Formosan rock macaques along the road. If you go hiking up the trails, you’ll definitely see them there, too. Note: keep your bag zipped and your snacks out of sight.

Or head in the other direction to see the sunset from the port at KW2 (see writeup here). Another great option is to make the very short trip to Qijin Island and watch the sunset from there (see writeup here).

You can get to Xiziwan by car – there’s a big parking lot at and along the beach, but pay attention to any notice about the last time you can leave before the parking lot closes. You can also take the Kaohsiung MRT to Sizihwan Station and walk about 15 minutes to the beach. If you’re going further up the coast for the higher sunset, you can walk another 10-15 minutes.