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KAOHSIUNG — The long-awaited transformation of Cijin’s coastline officially began this week as the city launched the core construction phase of its flagship beachfront redevelopment project, a key component of Kaohsiung’s broader bay-area revitalization plan.
The project is backed by NT$4.78 billion in funding from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Administration (交通部觀光署) under its “Major Corridor Enhancement Program.” The goal is to link the Love River Bay (愛河灣), Asia New Bay Area (亞洲新灣區), and Cijin (旗津) into a seamless international-level tourism corridor.
A New Coastal Gateway by 2026
The design-build project, now underway, is scheduled for completion in December 2026. It covers a full upgrade of the Cijin Beach core area and extensive improvements along the surrounding coastline, marking a major milestone in Kaohsiung’s effort to elevate its coastal tourism infrastructure.
City officials say the plan will significantly improve visitor flow, safety, and overall recreational capacity while creating a more unified, low-carbon waterfront experience.
Lightweight Architecture, Integrated Landscape
Architect Chiu Wen-chieh (邱文傑) designed the new development with inspiration drawn from sand dunes, oases, and the sea. Old structures will be removed and replaced with two low-rise buildings featuring green-slope roofs that blend naturally into the landscape.
Building A will include a visitor center, the new Sunset Bar, shower facilities, and restrooms.
Building B will house a lifeguard station, commercial operating space, and additional shower/restroom facilities.
The design aims to create a lighter, more open beachfront that reduces artificial boundaries and brings people closer to the shoreline.
Upgraded Trails, Museums, and Low-Carbon Routes
The renovation extends beyond the beach itself, creating a larger coastal belt from Cihou Mountain (旗後山) in the north to Windmill Park (風車公園) in the south. Planned improvements include:
- Comprehensive upgrades to the Cijin Beach environment
- Enhanced nodes along the Margaret Trail (馬雅各步道)
- Revitalized surroundings of the Shell Museum (貝殼館)
- Expanded pedestrian, cycling, and tricycle-friendly routes
City officials emphasize that the improvements will boost accessibility and promote low-carbon tourism across all major Cijin attractions.
Future Cijin: Connected, Walkable, and International
Upon completion, key destinations — the Shell Museum, Ocean Pearl (海珍珠), Coastal Park (海岸公園), and Windmill Park — will be interconnected, allowing visitors to explore the entire coastline by foot or bicycle.
From daytime beach activities to sunset views at Sunset Bar, officials say the improved environment will feel more international, more comfortable, and more aligned with global coastal tourism standards.
Designing for All Visitors
The city has incorporated Muslim-friendly, gender-friendly, and smart-tourism elements throughout the design. Visitor centers, shower facilities, and travel routes are all being planned to accommodate diverse groups of travelers.
Officials noted that modern tourism requires not only attractive scenery but also thoughtful, user-centered design.
“A Warmer Interpretation of a City That Lives by the Sea”
Local observers say the project represents more than an upgrade of physical infrastructure. For Kaohsiung residents, Cijin is a place of memory; for travelers, it is often their first impression of the city.
The redevelopment aims to present “a warmer, more human interpretation of Kaohsiung’s maritime lifestyle,” allowing visitors to experience the city’s coastline in a deeper and more meaningful way.
