Cijin boasts abundant tourism resources and cultural heritage, making it a top destination for domestic and international visitors. To showcase the diverse charms of Cijin, the Bureau has specially designed the “Cijin Mini Tours,” running from September 7 to November 16. The program features four themed itineraries — “Shipbuilding Secrets,” “Fishermen’s Cuisine,” “Historic Tales,” and “Architectural Aesthetics” — covering shipbuilding craftsmanship, fishermen’s lifestyles, history, and architecture. A total of ten guided sessions will be conducted by local experts, including Professor Yi-Chih Lee from Sun Yat-sen University, offering visitors an in-depth experience of Cijin’s rich historical context.
Through infrastructure and landscape improvements, the goal is to create a green recreational route in Cijin. Cijin marks the origin of Kaohsiung’s history, from the Qing-era coastal defense fort, to the medical and missionary work of Scottish doctor James Laidlaw Maxwell, and later the thriving fishing and shipbuilding industries—all leaving behind unique cultural imprints.
In response to recent shifts in travel trends, visitors increasingly enjoy exploring local history and lifestyles through guided tours. The “Cijin Mini Tours” have therefore been designed around four themed routes— “Shipbuilding Secrets,” “Fishermen’s Delicacies,” “Historical Chronicles,” and “Architectural Aesthetics.” With the concept of “going deeper into local culture and meeting people,” and guided by Professor Li Yi-Chih from Sun Yat-sen University and his team, participants will gain a profound understanding of Cijin’s local life and maritime heritage.
According to the Tourism Bureau, the four themed routes of the “Cijin Mini Tours” offer different perspectives for exploring Cijin. The “Shipbuilding Secrets” route takes visitors to the Fishermen’s Association Building to learn about the history of the fishing industry, followed by a visit to a shipyard to witness time-honored shipbuilding craftsmanship and discover how the industry has supported Kaohsiung’s development; the “Fishermen’s Delicacies” route leads into village kitchens to taste the freshest catches and authentic local cuisine, while also understanding how the stories of fishermen have shaped Cijin’s food culture.
The “Historical Chronicles” route focuses on military sites such as Cihou Fort from the World War II period. Guided by instructors offering poetic narration, participants can reflect on the value of peace while revisiting the memories of wartime. The “Architectural Aesthetics” route invites visitors to stroll through the alleys, appreciating buildings that blend Minnan, Baroque, and modern styles, and to visit the First Public School (the predecessor of Cijin Elementary School) as well as the medical practice sites of Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell, experiencing Cijin’s rich heritage as a place where diverse cultures converge.
The “Shipbuilding Secrets” route will be held on September 7, 14, and 21; the “Fishermen’s Delicacies” route on September 28 and October 12; the “Historical Chronicles” route on October 19 and 26; and the “Architectural Aesthetics” route on November 2, 9, and 16. Online registration is now open, and everyone is welcome to join and explore the attractions of Cijin!
Tourism Scope 