By KHT Staff. Images via Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau.
KAOHSIUNG — More than 100,000 people visited Cijin during the opening weekend of the 2026 Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park, after the event’s original July 25-26 opening was canceled because of typhoon-related weather, the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau said.
The event was held Aug. 1-2 at Cijin Beach and is scheduled to continue Aug. 8-9.
The bureau said large crowds visited Cijin Beach, Cijin Old Street, and nearby attractions during the first weekend, with restaurants, snack vendors, drink shops, and souvenir stores reporting stronger business.
This year’s festival features two 35-meter whale kites, which the bureau said are making their Taiwan debut. Other activities include ocean-themed kites, night kite displays, fire shows and nine inflatable water attractions.
Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin said the event drew families, young visitors and tourists from other cities.
She said many visitors also spent time at Cijin Old Street and nearby attractions, including Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Rainbow Church and Cijin Star Tunnel.
The city is also offering a “Cijin x Hamasen Midsummer Discount Coupon” through Aug. 30 to encourage spending in Cijin, Hamasen, and Shinhamachō Cuisine Hub.
Visitors can receive a location-based NT$30 coupon by taking a ferry to Cijin Ferry Station from Gushan Ferry Station or KW2, attending concerts at the Kaohsiung Music Center, staying at participating hotels or inns in Cijin and Hamasen, or spending at least NT$100 in one transaction at Shinhamachō Cuisine Hub.
The coupon can be used at participating businesses, with a NT$30 discount available for every NT$100 spent in a single transaction.
The Tourism Bureau said the festival’s final weekend will include daytime kite displays, night kites, DJ performances, and fire dance shows.
The bureau encouraged visitors to use public transport and ferries during the event period.
