4 HOURS IN... Kaohsiung

Take in the cultural sights and waterside attractions of Taiwan’s atmospheric southern port city

- JEREMY TREDINNICK

1 THE DOME OF LIGHT

Your exploration of Kaohsiung’s scenic points of interest begins in one of the city’s main metro stations. This may sound bizarre, but inside Formosa Boulevard station, the transfer interchange for the Red and Orange lines, the main concourse is roofed by a 660 sqm dome constructed from 4,500 individual pieces of stained glass – one of the world’s largest public art installations of its kind.

Supported by huge coloured pillars, it was created by Italian-born US artist Narcissus Quagliata and took nearly four years to complete. A kaleidoscopic panorama that stretches like a vast umbrella over commuters’ heads, the dome presents four themes – Water: the womb of life; Earth: prosperity and growth; Light: the creative spirit; and Fire: destruction and rebirth – meant to bring a message of love and tolerance. At the least, it certainly brings a ray of colourful light into the lives of all of those who pass under it.

2 LOTUS LAKE

Jump on the Red line heading north to Zuoying Metro station (R16). Either walk down Mingtan Road to the northern edge of Lotus Lake, or catch a bus to the southern end, where the lake’s best-known structures are located. Next to a shady park of ancient banyan trees stand the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – a little gaudy perhaps, but entering the dragon’s mouth and exiting the tiger’s maw is said to bring luck, and proves great entertainment for children.