Ziguan Kecailiao Fishing Harbor is a near-shore fishing port in Kaohsiung's Ziguan District, named after the area's early history of oyster farming; the current harbor was completed in 1988 and is known for its dockside direct-sale seafood market and century-old fishing village streets, having been named one of Taiwan's Top 10 Charming Fishing Harbors.
The current Kecailiao harbor facility was completed in 1988; the name 'Kecailiao' derives from the area's earlier oyster-farming history. Main catches include swordfish, Spanish mackerel, and ribbonfish, common species along Taiwan's southwestern coast, and the harbor has been named one of Taiwan's Top 10 Charming Fishing Harbors. (Sources: Takao Magazine, Kaohsiung Travel)
Highlights of Ziguan Kecailiao Fishing Harbor
The name Kecailiao (蚵仔寮) traces back to the area's history of oyster farming; today the harbor focuses primarily on near-shore fishing, with catches including swordfish, Spanish mackerel, ribbonfish, and other species common in the southwestern waters of Taiwan. The harbor retains its traditional fishing village street layout, with old brick buildings standing alongside fishing nets and gear — a rewarding setting for documentary photographers capturing a way of life that is increasingly rare.
The harbor area has direct-sale points where freshly landed fish are sold from dawn through mid-morning at transparent prices with no compromise on quality. On weekends, a seafood market expands the number of stalls to include a range of prepared seafood dishes and preserved fish products. Watching the live bidding at a fish auction is a rare opportunity to experience the workings of a Taiwanese fishing harbor firsthand.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & hours
- Driving is the most practical option — turn off Provincial Highway 17 in the Ziguan section toward Kecailiao; public transport connections to the area are infrequent, so driving is recommended.
- The direct-sale stalls operate mainly from dawn through mid-morning; for weekend market hours, refer to announcements from the Ziguan District Office or local community groups.
Nearby connections
- Heading north about 20 minutes by car brings you to Yong'an Fishing Harbor for a day trip along Kaohsiung's northern coastline.
- Heading south about 20 minutes reaches Gangshan city center, where you can try Gangshan honey cake, mutton hot pot, and other inland specialties — a satisfying contrast of sea and land flavors in one day.
Sources: Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau fishing harbor information; Wikipedia entry on Kecailiao Fishing Harbor. Photos pending Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to visit Kecailiao Fishing Harbor?
Early morning through mid-morning, when boats return and the fish auction is liveliest; weekends add an expanded seafood market.
Where does the name Kecailiao come from?
It comes from the area's early oyster-farming huts, with 'liao' referring to the simple sheds used for aquaculture.
What are the main catches here?
Mainly swordfish, Spanish mackerel, and ribbonfish, common species along Taiwan's southwestern coast, sold fresh at dockside stalls each morning.
Sources
- 百年漁村的海海人生 蚵仔寮漁港前世今生 — 高雄市政府新聞局高雄畫刊
- 潮旅梓官（蚵子寮漁港） — 高雄市政府觀光局官方旅遊網