The Nanzihkeng facility is the 11th operational sports center out of a planned 15 for Kaohsiung. Beyond the pool, additional facilities include multi-use courts, multi-function classrooms, and a fitness center.

Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said that East Kaohsiung has a rich ecology, diverse cultures, and local craft traditions, and called on visitors to use the summer to explore the area at a slower pace.

The bridge had been expected to open by the end of June. The bureau said rain from the outer bands of Typhoon Mekkhala (米克拉) delayed some important work at the site. Officials said the bridge is now expected to be fully open to traffic by mid-July if work proceeds smoothly, adding that safety and construction quality would take priority.

The 2026 Pingtung Summer Carnival (屏東夏日狂歡祭) opened Friday night at Pingtung County Citizens Park (屏東縣民公園), launching nearly two months of children’s activities, play equipment, and themed performances.

For the long term, Lai said the city should evaluate a 24-hour offshore airport near the waters off the Nansing Project Area (南星計畫區). He said an offshore site could reduce the effect of nighttime takeoffs and landings on urban neighborhoods while supporting international cargo and long-haul routes.

Several markets are also planned in Pingtung City. The “Ping Hua Yang” market will run from July 3 to 5 under the railway bridge corridor on Wancang Street (萬倉街), with flowers, food, and cultural-creative vendors. Shengli Star Village (勝利星村) will host markets built around beer and taro themes, a secondhand goods market on Aug. 15, and a NEKO MARKET event later in August featuring pet-friendly activities, crafts, and street performances.

There has also been growing cooperation between expat groups in northern and southern Taiwan. Te’Qin Windham, chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (CanCham), told KHT she was looking forward to this weekend’s event and was pleased to work with the American Chamber of Commerce in Kaohsiung to help bring Canada Day activities to southern Taiwan.

Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong (林欽榮) previously said the site would include a rope climbing system, bouldering area, balance-bike and inline-skating practice areas, a parkour practice zone, and a pump track: a looping course with bumps and banked turns for balance bikes, scooters, and other small-wheeled activities.

An environmental group has criticized the project, saying the sites were originally tree pits and that trees would provide better cooling than umbrellas. The group said the shades block sunlight but do not lower urban temperatures.

If hikers encounter a bear, they should remain calm, keep their distance, and slowly back away while facing the animal. They should not approach the bear or try to get closer for photos, the agency said. Officials said hikers should not play dead or climb trees.