Love River Introduction
The Love River, which spans the entire Kaohsiung urban area, is the city's most iconic tourist destination. The neatly paved riverside promenade, the beautiful waterfront scenery, the enchanting night views, and the cafes and weekend markets along both banks make it a great place for locals and tourists to stroll and relax. However, the most classic itinerary is to take a boat ride on the Love Boat or gondola to enjoy the riverside views under the night sky. The Story of the Love River The Love River originates from Bagualiao in the Renwu District of Kaohsiung. After flowing into the urban area, it is crossed by bridges such as Jhongjheng Bridge, Qihsien Bridge, and Kaohsiung Bridge, ultimately flowing out to sea at Kaohsiung Port. Initially, the Love River was just a shallow stream used for ferry transport. During the Japanese colonial period, it was dredged to become a canal, playing an important role in transportation at that time and was named "Kaohsiung River," marking its first official name. However, people still commonly referred to it as "Kaohsiung Zhen" or "Kaohsiung Canal." Do you know how the Love River got its name? In 1948, a "Love River Boat Service" was established for people to row boats on the river. Couples would often row while expressing their love, and through word of mouth, it acquired this charming name—Love River—thus becoming the most romantic industrial canal. The Love River's Splendor Shines at Night Once plagued by pollution and weathered by time, the Love River has now regained its glory. The night scenery, water activities, and Left Bank cafes are must-see classics. As the lights come on, the dreamy neon lights enhance the Love River's dazzling beauty, reflecting Kaohsiung's vibrant nightlife on the water. From the upstream Love River Heart and Light Tower to the downstream True Love Pier, the romantic night ambiance along the way invites travelers to savor. Experience an unforgettable night tour of the Love River by riding a gondola! Gondolas are a unique means of transportation in Venice, where the gondolier stands at the back of the boat and rows. When the gondolier sings while rowing, it adds to the romance that Venice is known for, and now you can enjoy it without spending money to travel abroad! Operators have specially imported million-dollar gondolas from Venice to sail on the Love River, offering a romantic experience filled with exotic flair. Currently, only the Love River offers this unique experience in Taiwan. If you want to ride the Love River's exclusive gondola, the boarding location is at the intersection of Hede Road and Minsheng Road. A round trip takes about 25 minutes, allowing you to see the reflections of city lights along both banks, including the main lantern from the 2001 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival, "The Aohuo Dragon Rises," and the distant Kaohsiung Music Center. As the boat passes under the Wufu Bridge, there is a little-known secret: beneath the bridge, there are zodiac lights where you can find your zodiac sign. As the boat sways by, the gondolier's habit of singing also comes to life in the Love River. Listening to the gondolier sing beautiful songs, you might feel as if you are in romantic Venice. A New Song by Lo Ta-yu, "Love River in the World," captures the memories and the new appearances of Kaohsiung, expressing his profound feelings for this land.
