【駁二藝術特區】Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Pier 2 Art Center iconic MRT station mural

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Kaohsiung's Pier 2 Art Center is a must-visit for travelers who love creativity, culture, and Instagram-worthy murals. Once an abandoned warehouse district, it has transformed into a lively art spot filled with murals, exhibitions, quirky shops, and interactive installations.

I first visited Pier 2 during my college winter break when my parents moved near the Love River. I instantly fell in love with its artsy atmosphere and hidden gems. Returning as an adult, the experience felt completely different — especially when I revisited with my partner during a typhoon! Rain or shine, Pier 2 remains a fascinating place to explore.

In this guide, I’ll help you navigate Pier 2 like a pro, including how to get there, must-visit spots, and the best tours and hotels to complete your trip!



about Pier 2 Art Center

Pier 2 Art Center colorful farmer statue seen from across the street

Originally built in 1973, Pier 2 was once a set of warehouses from Kaohsiung’s industrial era. When the area was abandoned, artists slowly began to move to Kaohsiung City and reclaim the area.

In 2006, the Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs and the city of Kaohsiung worked together to officially transform the abandoned warehouses into the art center it is today.

Today, Pier 2 is divided into three walkable sections:

  • Dayi (大義)

  • Dayong (大勇)

  • Penglai (蓬萊)

There’s so much to see in every corner, you can spend so much time getting lost here!

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how to get to Pier 2 Art Center

Getting to Pier 2 Art Center is super easy, thanks to Kaohsiung’s well-connected public transport system! Here are the best ways to reach this creative spot:

Kaohsiung LRT passing by Pier 2 Art Center’s creative district

The LRT passing by

🚆 By MRT & LRT

  • MRT

    Take the Orange Line and get off at Yanchengpu Station (02), then walk about 5–7 minutes.

  • LRT (Light Rail Transit)

    Hop on the Green Line and get off at C12 Pier-2 Station or C13 Penglai Pier-2 Station (I recommend C13 so you can start from one end and walk your way through).

💡 PRO TIP: If you’re planning to explore Kaohsiung for a few days, grab the Kaohsiung Metro Unlimited Travel Pass. It covers both MRT & LRT, making it super convenient to hop around the city without worrying about fares!

🚲 BY YOUBIKE

You can rent a YouBike 2.0 (bike-sharing system) with your EasyCard and get off at the closest YouBike station: Kaohsiung Light Rail Penglai Station 

🚌 BY BUS

Take Bus #99 and get off at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf (Gongyuan Rd. Intersection). From there, it’s just a 7-minute walk to Pier 2.

EasyCard in Taiwan

No EasyCard?

If you already have an EasyCard, you can tap and go on all public transport, including MRT, LRT, buses, and even YouBike rentals.

Not sure how EasyCard works? Check out my EasyCard Guide for everything you need to know before your trip!

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Pier 2 map + must-visit spots

 
Penglai Warehouse hospital clown exhibit showcasing global thank-you letters for bringing joy to children’s hospitals.

📍駁二蓬萊倉庫群
Penglai Warehouse

A collection of warehouses featuring rotating art exhibitions and outdoor sculptures.

One exhibit left me teary-eyed — an installation showcasing hospital clowns bringing joy to sick children. 🥹

Eslite Spectrum Kaohsiung storefront at Pier 2 Art Center

📍Eslite Spectrum

A must-visit bookstore-meets-lifestyle-concept-store with rare finds and a bathroom stop if needed!

vintage camera lens at Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung

📍大義倉庫
Dayi Warehouse Cluster

Perfect for mural lovers! The warehouse interiors also host art markets and indie shops.

TOOLS to LIVEBY shopping bag at Pier 2’s stationery store

📍禮拜文房具
TOOLS to LIVEBY

If you love stationery, you definitely have to check out this stationery shop located in the Dayi Warehouse section.

📍大義公園 Dayi Park

A spacious park behind the warehouses, filled with outdoor sculptures, kids playing, and chill vibes — best enjoyed on a sunny day. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos the first time I went, and the second time we went, it was pouring rain, so we didn’t get to go.

➡️ Want a deeper dive? Join this walking tour to learn more about the history of Kaohsiung!

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where to stay near Pier 2

TAi Urban Resort, a modern hotel near Pier 2 Art Center

TAi Urban Resort

From the rooftop infinity pool to themed restaurants on each floor, this hotel is an experience in itself!

➡️ Check out my TAi Urban Resort Review 

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where to dine

Oracle Coffee at Pier 2 Art Center with specialty coffee drinks

ORACLE Coffee

If you love minimalist cafés with museum vibes, this is a must-visit! Their pastries and lattes are worth every sip.

Zhang Men Brewery’s pizza, fries, and craft beer at KW2 Kaohsiung

棧貳庫KW2
KW2 Kaoshiung Port Warehouse

Located inside Kaohsiung Port Warehouse (KW2), Zhang Men Brewery serves Taiwanese-style pizza and unique drinks like passionfruit-flavored beer.

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know before you go!

Rainy day at Pier 2 Art Center’s outdoor creative space

heavy rain at Pier 2 Art Center

ADMISSION

Free! (Some exhibits may require tickets)

BEST TIME TO GO

Fall to Spring (weekends have more outdoor booths!)

DRESS CODE

Comfy and casual

PAYMENT

Cash & Card accepted

PERFECT FOR

Art lovers. Photographers. Explorers. Families. Couples. Friends.

PET POLICY

Not allowed

PUBLIC FACILITIES

Public restrooms available

ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION

2 - 3 hours

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plan your visit

VISIT

駁二藝術特區
Pier 2 Art Center

HOURS

Monday - Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday - Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

LOCATION

No. 1號, Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

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check out my Taiwan travel vlog

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11162024 12:20

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