Xiaogang Dalinpu Coast is one of the oldest fishing settlements on Kaohsiung Harbor, with roots tracing back to 1661 when Fujianese migrants arrived under Koxinga's forces; hemmed in on three sides by industrial zones and adjacent to the runway threshold of Xiaogang Airport, it's known as Kaohsiung's premier close-range plane-spotting coast, and the community now faces a government relocation plan tied to port expansion.
The Dalinpu settlement traces its origins to 1661 (the 15th year of the Yongli era), when Fujianese migrants from Zhangzhou arrived with Koxinga's forces; a 1719 Fengshan County map already marked the nearby 'Fengbi' headland, and a 1756–59 Qianlong-era Taiwan map recorded the village as 'Dalinpu Zhuang.' Due to its location beside coastal industrial zones and harbor expansion plans, the Kaohsiung City Government has in recent years pushed a relocation plan covering roughly 20,000 residents of Dalinpu and Fengbitou.
Highlights of Dalinpu Coast
The Dalinpu settlement's history can be traced to the Qing dynasty, with deep-rooted fishing culture. Its temples and traditional architecture preserve the spatial fabric of an old fishing village. The community is hemmed in on three sides by the Linyuan Industrial Zone and Kaohsiung Harbor port facilities, making it one of Kaohsiung's rare urban-fringe fishing village landscapes. The temple square and old shophouses are the main spaces for experiencing local daily life. In recent years, community development has drawn public attention due to proposals related to port expansion.
The southern end of Xiaogang Airport's runway is just north of Dalinpu; aircraft are at very low altitude on approach, making them clearly photographable from the coastal road. On clear days the outline of Xiaoliuqiu Island (about 30 kilometers away) can be seen from the coastline — one of the vantage points from Kaohsiung's mainland where you can spot Xiaoliuqiu. Fishing vessels moored at the nearby pier provide a lively local harbor scene.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- From MRT Xiaogang Station (R4), ride a YouBike or take a taxi to Dalinpu — about 10 to 15 minutes; walking takes about 25 minutes.
- The coastal road is open all day with no admission fee. Heavy industrial vehicles pass frequently; pedestrians should watch traffic conditions.
- The best plane-spotting positions are not formally designated facilities. Check aviation enthusiast community posts for recommended spots before visiting.
Nearby Connections
- Take the ferry to Cijin (return to Gushan Pier first) to connect with Cijin Peninsula's beach and Cihou Lighthouse.
- Xiaogang town has traditional breakfast and seafood dining options. Scheduling Dalinpu for the afternoon allows you to eat in the Xiaogang commercial area first.
Source: Dalinpu settlement historical survey materials and local cultural history documents from Xiaogang District Office. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Dalinpu settlement?
It traces back to 1661, when Fujianese migrants arrived with Koxinga's forces — one of Kaohsiung Harbor's oldest fishing villages.
Why is Dalinpu good for plane spotting?
The settlement sits right beside Xiaogang Airport's runway threshold, where aircraft fly at very low altitude and can be clearly photographed from the coastal road.
What issue does Dalinpu currently face?
Due to nearby industrial zones and harbor expansion plans, the Kaohsiung City Government has recently pushed a relocation plan covering about 20,000 residents.
How do you get to Dalinpu?
From MRT Xiaogang Station (R4), it's about 10 to 15 minutes by YouBike or taxi.
Sources
- 大林蒲 - 維基百科 — 聚落開墾歷史年份
- 高雄近2萬人遷村案啟動！鄰近重工業的大林蒲幾十年前長怎樣？ - 城市學 — 遷村規模與背景