Love River

Overview

Love River (Ai He) is a 12-kilometre urban waterway that flows through the heart of Kaohsiung before emptying into the harbour. Once heavily polluted, it was transformed in the early 2000s into a landscaped riverside promenade with public art, cafés, and illuminated bridges.

Highlights

• Riverside Walk: The tree-lined promenade between Wufu Bridge and Zhongzheng Bridge features sculptures, open-air stages, and café terraces.
• Night Illumination: After dark the bridges and waterside buildings are bathed in colourful LED light, creating a romantic atmosphere.
• River Cruise: Small flat-bottomed tour boats operate between Gushan and Lingya, offering a 25-minute narrated ride.

History

Love River acquired its name from a nearby lovers' lane in the Japanese colonial era. Post-war industrialisation severely polluted the waterway; by the 1980s it was an urban eyesore. A comprehensive cleanup begun in 1998 restored water quality, and a 2001 landscaping project turned the banks into Kaohsiung's most popular evening strolling area.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walk the river after sunset when the LED bridges create the best atmosphere.
• Tip 2: The river cruise (NT$150) is most scenic in the evening.
• Duration: 45–75 minutes.