TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung's Cijin Kite Festival will return over two consecutive weekends from July 25 to Aug. 2, featuring giant marine-themed kites, inflatable water attractions, and family activities.
The festival's highlight this year will be the debut of two giant 35-meter whale kites soaring above Cijin Beach. They will join other ocean-themed kites shaped like marine creatures.
Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said the festival is one of the few large-scale events in Taiwan that visitors can enjoy from daytime into the evening. He encouraged tourists to spend the night, per a press release.
Kao said that Kaohsiung has been ranked as one of Asia's most cost-effective and charming tourist cities by international travel platforms.
The kite festival is designed to increase visitor numbers and benefit surrounding businesses, including local vendors and restaurants. Previous festivals attracted around 70,000 visitors over two days. In 2023, due to strong demand, the event was expanded to three weekends.
In addition to kite displays, the festival will feature nine inflatable water attractions, including four inflatable aqua play areas, two large inflatable playground structures, and three mechanical amusement rides. The attractions are designed to provide families with ways to cool off during the summer heat.
Sunday evenings during the festival will feature fire dance performances, while Saturday events will include activities such as a DJ performance at Cijin Love Gate Beach on July 25 and a bubble show on Aug. 1.
The Tourism Bureau said visitors wearing marine-themed clothing on July 25 can participate in a family obstacle course and receive a limited-edition water gun after completing the challenge.
On Aug. 1, a food-themed photo challenge will be held in Cijin. Participants who take photos at three designated locations can redeem one of 400 limited-edition "Cijin Specialty Vouchers" for local delicacies, per the press release.
Other family activities include DIY windmill making, animal-shaped cardboard box games, and bubble ball competitions. Registration is available through the Fun Cijin Facebook page and will close once capacity is reached.
Kaohsiung City Government is encouraging visitors to use public transportation, including the MRT or light rail, and then transfer to a ferry to reach Cijin. During the festival period, ferry services will operate more frequently, while shuttle buses and traffic controls will be arranged in Cijin District to reduce congestion and improve visitor access.
