Kaohsiung is well-known for its harbour which is the largest in Taiwan. The busy Port of Kaohsiung is the 4th largest container port in the world. It is also ranked 13th in 2016 in terms of cargo handled at a volume of 10.46 million twenty-foot equivalent (TEU). A view of the Port greeted us as our aircraft descended into the city.
With the development and expansion of the Port, some of the older warehouses are now converted into commercial areas.
Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2 used to be an old railway warehouse. This year it had a make-over into a hip mall with dining, retail and exhibition all under one roof.
I spent a few of hours shopping here over 2 days, to escape from the heat outside and for the shopping experience. The items on sale are varied and interesting. The shopping experience is refreshing since it is quite different from Singapore malls where you see similar shops almost everywhere. From food stuff, clothing and accessories to educational products and art works sold at individual stalls over 2 floors, the range is wide.
Meal times at Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2 tends to be crowded with queues forming outside the F&B units. Food choices range from Western, Chinese to Japanese. There are also cafes and dessert stores for short breaks and refreshments. I had a meal of steaming hot Taiwanese beef noodles with winter melon tea at one of the noodle shop.
You can even hop onto a ferry to Cijin, a small nearby island known for its seafood and attractions. The island is a mere 10 mins ferry ride away from Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2. I did just that and my visit coincided with the island’s annual Black Sand Festival. Read more about my visit in Cijin Black Sand Festival (旗津黑沙玩艺节).
Next to Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2 is Banana Pier, which used to be a warehouse for bananas that Kaohsiung exports. Now it is also transformed into a mall with restaurants and retail outlets. There is a permanent exhibition within Banana Pier. Named the ‘Banana Story House’, it tells the history and story of Taiwan’s banana industry.
Many varieties of bananas are grown in Taiwan. During the years of Japanese rule (1895 to 1945), the Japanese planted lots of bananas in central Taiwan for export to Japan. After 1967, Taiwan has 50,000 hectares of land cultivating bananas, exporting over 400,000 tons of the fruit per year! The Japanese consumers’ preference for Taiwanese bananas earned the island the title of ‘Banana Kingdom’. (source: Council of Agriculture, Taiwan)
The banana story is told entirely in Chinese though with items linked to the ‘banana story’ displayed .
A replica of a train that was used to transport bananas.
If you are keen on anything bananas, do visit the ‘Banana Story House’ shop. Their offerings include banana confectionary, baked goods, dried bananas and even banana noodles! I am, unfortunately, not so adventurous when it comes to food.
Or even bring home a young banana plant of different variety.
Getting to Fisherman’s Wharf & Banana Pier is convenient, just a 10-15 minutes walk from Sizihwan MRT Station and close to Pier II Art Center.
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Read about my trip itinerary and the places visited in Taiwan – City of Kaohsiung Itinerary 2018 .
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