By KHT Staff. Images via KH City Tourism Bureau.
KAOHSIUNG — Two 35-meter whale kites will make their Taiwan debut at this year’s Cijin Kite Festival, which opens Saturday at Cijin Beach, the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau said.
The 2026 Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park will be held July 25 and 26 and Aug. 1 and 2 near Love Gate (鍾愛之門) at Cijin Beach.
The bureau said this year’s festival will feature the two giant whale kites alongside ocean-themed kites shaped like rays, octopuses, sea turtles, and other marine animals.
Nighttime kite displays will also be held, while fire dance performances are scheduled for both Sunday evenings.
A DJ show will be held on July 25, and the Aug. 1 program will include an interactive children’s music performance and bubble show.
Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said the festival is one of Kaohsiung’s major summer events and one of Taiwan’s few large kite events that runs from daytime into the evening.
Kao said visitors are encouraged to stay overnight in Cijin and explore the district’s beaches, food, ferry rides, and harbor views.
The inflatable water park will include four water-based inflatables, two large inflatable play structures, and three mechanical amusement rides, for a total of nine attractions.
The bureau said families can also join side activities, including DIY pinwheel making, cardboard animal photo activities, and bumper bubble balls. Advance registration is available through the FUN Cijin (FUN旗津) Facebook page.
On July 25, families wearing clothing with marine animal elements can join a challenge activity and receive a limited-edition water gun after completing the tasks.
On Aug. 1, visitors who take photos at three designated Cijin locations can redeem one of 400 Cijin Awesome Vouchers (津讚券), which can be used at local food businesses.
The festival will also link with 20 shops and restaurants in Cijin and Hamasen, including seafood restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and snack vendors, which will offer limited-time discounts during the event.
The Tourism Bureau encouraged visitors to take the MRT or light rail and transfer to the ferry to reach Cijin, saying the festival can be combined with a two-day summer trip in Kaohsiung.
