Love River Heart is a heart-shaped scenic water feature on the middle-to-upper reaches of the Love River, near Boai 1st Road and Tongmeng 1st Road, formed by two artificial flood-retention lakes — East Lake and West Lake — connected by a skywalk and covering about 1.4 square kilometers. After dark, colorful lights are projected onto the lakeside water features and bridge, making it Kaohsiung's most iconic nighttime walking corridor.
Love River Heart covers about 1.4 square kilometers, formed by the shallower East Lake (an ecological pond) and the deeper West Lake (which also serves flood-retention and boat-mooring functions), joined by a skywalk that gives the site its heart shape, on the middle-to-upper Love River near Boai 1st Road and Tongmeng 1st Road.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Love River Heart get its heart shape?
It is formed by two artificial flood-retention lakes, East Lake and West Lake, joined by a single skywalk whose outline resembles a heart.
How large is Love River Heart?
About 1.4 square kilometers, made up of the East Lake and West Lake artificial flood-retention lakes.
Sources
- 愛河之心 - 交通部觀光署 — 面積約1.4平方公里、東西湖構造