Author: kht-root
On January 1, 2026, Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (衛武營國家藝術文化中心) turns New Year’s Day into a full-day cultural itinerary: an outdoor live broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert, plus an evening hall concert led by Golden Melody winner ABAO Abao
Focus 13 (高流商場 Focus 13) is a new waterfront lifestyle mall set inside Kaohsiung Music Center’s Coral Reef Cluster (珊瑚礁群). After earlier “trial opening” expectations for 2025 Q1, the company now points to late December 2025 for opening
Taiwan currently operates about 25 desalination plants, most of them on outlying islands, with others serving industrial use or emergency backup.
Kaohsiung City’s “station front” makeover moves from concept to contract, with a three-tower, mixed-use redevelopment designed to turn foot traffic into long-term commercial gravity.
The city said more than 100,000 people attended the first night, with crowds spilling into nearby shopping areas as officials stepped up security and traffic controls.
Kaohsiung is tightening enforcement of Taiwan’s local amusement tax as year-end dining demand rises. After a city website update on Dec. 15, 2025, and Finance Ministry guidance on Dec. 19, restaurants offering karaoke and TV or projection screens may be treated like KTV venues for tax purposes.
Kaohsiung’s Transportation Bureau has set traffic controls for the city’s 2026 New Year’s Eve show at Dream Mall, with phased road closures starting 3 p.m. Dec. 31, no car parking on site and extended late-night service on metro and rail to move crowds quickly.
Industry sources in Kaohsiung have confirmed the latest rumors, saying the proposed hotel brand has been upgraded to Le Méridien, which sits in Marriott’s Premium tier. However, the group that owns the property has so far declined to officially confirm any brand partnership.
Coast Guard officers boarded the vessels with a K-9 unit and discovered hidden compartments filled with undeclared cigarettes, including both traditional and heated tobacco products.
Mayor Chen said the city will conduct a tabletop security exercise on Dec. 23, followed by a full-scale field drill on Dec. 29, to ensure readiness for large public gatherings, including New Year’s Eve celebrations and holiday activities across the city.
