The Love River flows through the heart of Kaohsiung city; the stretch between Zhongzheng Bridge and Zhongshan Bridge known as the 'Love River Heart' is famous for its large heart-shaped water body and nighttime light installations. After dark, the river-surface reflections of the lights interweave with the riverside promenade to create the most iconic nighttime walking corridor in Kaohsiung, and the installation scale grows even larger during the annual light festival.
Highlights of Love River Heart
The Love River runs approximately 12 kilometers in total; it was once severely polluted by industrial discharge, but has undergone multiple remediation efforts since the 1990s and has now recovered its clarity to become a leisure corridor for residents. The Love River Heart section takes its name from the near heart-shaped water body formed where two tributaries converge; large decorative light installations are set up here at night, with colorful lights reflecting on the river surface, making it a popular night photography spot in Kaohsiung. The riverbank features a promenade, plazas, and boat facilities.
The riverside promenade allows a leisurely walk connecting multiple bridge views; during festivals (Valentine's Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Light Festival), the river bank light installations are expanded and draw large crowds of residents. On ordinary evenings the atmosphere is quieter, suitable for a relaxed stroll. Bicycle rental stations are nearby, and it is possible to ride along the riverbank cycling path and extend the journey downstream to the section near the mouth of the Love River where it meets the sea.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & hours
- Take the MRT Orange Line to City Council Station (O7) or Central Park Station (O6) and walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the Love River Heart.
- The light installations are open year-round and free of charge; the riverbank is safe with good lighting day and night.
- Roadside parking in the area is hard to find on holidays; MRT or YouBike is recommended.
Nearby connections
- A walk brings you to the Kaohsiung Museum of History (the former City Hall) and Yanchengpu, where you can feel the texture of old Kaohsiung.
- Continuing downstream along the river leads to Pier-2 Art Center and the Kaohsiung Harbor area, completing a full evening harbor waterfront walk in Kaohsiung.
Sources: Kaohsiung City Water Resources Bureau Love River remediation achievement data and Tourism Bureau guide materials. Photos pending Dio's own shots.