Following the light rail track, we walked towards Pier-2 Art Center, which is set against the industrial backdrop of Kaohsiung Port. Once a cluster of abandoned warehouses, this waterfront district has been transformed into one of Taiwan’s most dynamic cultural spaces.
One of Pier-2’s biggest charms are how much of it happens outdoors. Scattered across open plazas and along the waterfront are large-scale sculptures, playful installations that invite interaction and temporary artworks that change with seasons and festivals.
Tucked within the heart of the Pier-2 Art Center is Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway. It sits on the very site where Hamasen Station once stood and where freight and passenger trains used to roll through Kaohsiung’s port area. Inside, curated displays and interpretive boards walked us through the evolution of rail technology, the role of railways in Kaohsiung’s port history and stories of stations, engineers and everyday commuters.
One of the museum’s most beloved features is a miniature train ride, enjoyed by families with children.
Inside one of the warehouses was a pop-up event featuring Gundam.
As the sun lowered, Pier-2 took on a different mood. The warehouses glowed in warm light, shadows stretched across open squares, and the harbour reflected shades of orange and gold.
After dark, subtle lighting highlighted sculptures and walkways, while nearby cafes and event spaces came alive.
Spanning the waters between Pier-2 Art Center and Kaohsiung Music Center, the Great Harbor Bridge is more than just a way to cross the harbour. It is notable for being Taiwan’s first horizontal rotary pedestrian bridge. Instead of lifting up, the central section rotates sideways to allow large vessels to pass through the harbour channel during scheduled times.
Walking further down the waterfront, we arrived at Kaohsiung Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心). Its bold architecture immediately sets it apart. The building resembles waves, reefs, and flowing water, echoing the movement of the sea just metres away. Some structures sit on land, while others appear to float above the harbour, creating a dynamic skyline that changes with light and weather.
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