Known for its bustling port and maritime history, Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second-largest city and ranks an impressive Top 20 in our overall Livability index, reflecting its elevated quality of life and dedication to sustainable future-focused urban development. The city’s skyline is blooming, blending modern skyscrapers with expansive parks and offering residents an attractive balance between urban convenience and natural beauty.
Kaohsiung is also a city committed to growth, driven by significant investments in green energy and sustainability. By 2031, Kaohsiung will have completed its light rail transit system, with three additional lines adding to the first already operational, dramatically improving eco-friendly transport options. This ambitious project is part of Kaohsiung’s broader green initiative to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality (already ranking an impressive #23). Kaohsiung is also developing its nascent reputation as a hotspot for global events, with a variety of concerts and festivals featuring Ed Sheeran and Super Junior drawing both local and international visitors. No wonder tourism is booming, with more than 60 million visitors arriving in 2023 alone. Kaohsiung’s tourism board has ambitious plans to grow the US$97 billion in GDP that the city generated in 2023, while the #19-ranked Fortune 500 companies provide the ballast for a balanced economy going forward.