The Donggang festival is held once every three years and is recognized as an important national folk custom. It is one of Pingtung County’s largest religious events. The wooden King Boat measures almost 47 Taiwanese feet, or about 14 meters, and cost approximately NT$13.8 million, the county government said.

The nearby light rail crossing adds another complication. Drivers said trips that would normally take about 10 minutes have taken more than 30 minutes during peak periods when vehicle queues coincide with passing light rail trains and traffic signals.

The site is expected to reopen in September if work proceeds smoothly. The renovation period is expected to take about 45 to 60 days.

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.