[CenturyHotel Xizi Bay] @ 高雄世紀旅店

Xizi Bay

Xizi Bay is perched on the sea at the western edge of Kaohsiung City, just southwest of Mt. Longevity, with the Qijin Peninsuna stretching southward. Its main feature is a swimming beach known for its clear blue water, the beauty of its sunsets, and its natural reef. The atmosphere and the scenery here change from morning to night; each time of the day has its special attraction, but the brilliant colors of the sunset are unparalleled in their beauty. The long breakwater here is the landmark of Xizi Bay, and basking in the sea breeze on the breakwater gives the most pleasant and comfortable sensation imaginable.

The vessels both large and small scattered like stars on the surface of the sea are entertained by the intermittent sound of foghorns; and as the day darkens and the air of romance deepens, pairs of lovers stroll along the breakwater listening to the waves and watching the lights of fishing boats on the sea. From the parking lot at the entrance to the bay you can also get a good view of Kaohsiung Harbor. National Sun Yat-sen University is situated within the Xizi Bay Scenic Area, adding a bit more of a cultural flavor; here you will also find, in addition to the swimming beach, a salt-water aquarium, Seaside Park, and National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall. The swimming beach has fine, soft sand and a grove of stately coconut palms, filling the area with the flavor of the South Seas. In the summer this is a perfect place for enjoying the water, playing beach volleyball, and sunbathing, and in peak seasons the crowds are dense and the activities intense. Lounging under a palm tree and basking in the soft cool breeze as the sun goes down is an experience that lifts you out of the mundane world.

Information: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002121

Photo: Google

Former British Consulate

The consulate was built in 1865 with more than a hundred years of history. It is now the most antique western building preserved in Taiwan, which is listed as the second-class historic spot. It was the western building designed by a British engineer and built by Chinese craftsmen, and it is the most meaningful ancient building of Chinese modern history with graceful and elegant proportion. Semicircle arches are rhythmically arranged in order with considerably rhyming. At the corner, the circle arch is smaller and the wall pillar is bigger, which has reinforced function in dynamics. It is the Baroque typed building of the Renaissance era. It emphasizes on the stylish regular pattern and its hollow pattern railings were built with excellent bricks. Harmonious sense of beauty is shown at every turn. Among the existing western style buildings in Taiwan, it provides an excellent example of technique and style and that possesses the value of historical architecture study and conservation value. The building brick and mortar used all continue using the traditional method of Fukien and Taiwan. Some parts are even filled with clay and soil, while wooden truss is built with complete western style. It is the building that has double function, administrative and residential function, and its style also lies in between them. It is the portrayal illustration of modern Chinese and Western cultural communication, and also the first formal consulate built by foreigners in Taiwan. The occurrence of consulate opened up the development of western architecture for Taiwan in the future.

Transportation

Nat'l Hwy 1 → Kaohsiung Interchange (Take the exit toward Zhongzheng Rd.) → Zhongzheng 1st Rd. to Zhongzheng 4th Rd. → Dagong Rd. → Gushan 1st Rd. → Linhai 3rd Rd. → Linhai 1st Rd. → Linhai 2nd Rd. → Shaochuan St. → Lianhai Rd.

Public
wAir:
1. From Taipei International Airport fly to Kaohsiung on Mandarin Airlines.
2. From Hualien Airport fly to Kaohsiung on Mandarin Airlines.
Kaohsiung International Airport
wTrain:
1. THSR Zuoying Station → Kaohsiung MRT Sizihwan Station → Kaohsiung Bus (Orange 1) to Xiziwan stop.
2. TRA Kaohsiung Station → Kaohsiung MRT Sizihwan Station → Kaohsiung Bus (Orange 1) to Xiziwan stop.