Soaring in Cijin! 35-Meter Giant Whale Kite Makes Its Debut at 2026 Cijin Kite Festival Starting July 25 – Invite You to Have Fun This Summer and Stay Overnight

The most anticipated summer seaside event for families is about to take flight! The Kaohsiung City Government's Tourism Bureau will host the '2026 Cijin Kite Festival & Inflatable Water Park' from July 25 to August 2, on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays, around the Zhong'ai Gate at Cijin Beach. Two 35-meter giant whale kites will make their first-ever appearance in Taiwan, soaring across the sky. The event features various ocean-themed kites, nighttime illuminated kite displays, fire dance performances, DJ parties, family interactive activities, and a 9-attraction inflatable water park. The public is invited to take the MRT, light rail, and ferry to plan a 'stay one night, play two days' summer micro-trip to Cijin and fully enjoy the harbor vibes and summer fun.

Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-Lin stated that Kaohsiung has recently been recognized by international travel platforms such as Agoda, Klook, and Expedia as one of Asia's most cost-effective and charming cities. Cijin, with its beaches, ocean views, local cuisine, and ferry rides, is a beloved coastal resort destination for both domestic and international tourists. The 'Cijin Kite Festival,' a signature summer event in Kaohsiung, is one of the few large-scale kite festivals in Taiwan that runs from day into night. During the day, visitors can enjoy spectacular ocean-themed kites and the inflatable water park; at night, dreamy luminous kites, thrilling fire dances, and DJ music performances light up the sky. The bureau sincerely invites everyone to slow down and stay overnight in Cijin to experience the harbor's charm at different times of day.

The inflatable water park features nine attractions, allowing families to cool off and have fun in the water. This year's biggest highlight is the debut of two 35-meter giant whale kites—the first of their kind in Taiwan—accompanied by manta rays, octopuses, sea turtles, and other marine creature kites, creating a spectacular oceanic sky show. Each Sunday evening will feature exciting fire dance performances. On Saturdays, themed events will be held: on July 25, a lively DJ party will take place on the beach at Zhong'ai Gate; on August 1, Candy Planet Sister will bring singing, dancing, and a fun bubble show to entertain kids and adults alike during summer vacation. Additionally, the inflatable water park will launch simultaneously, featuring four water play mats, two large inflatable play structures, and three mechanical rides—nine attractions in total—designed to let children burn off energy while parents relax and join in the fun.

The Tourism Bureau added that on July 25, participants wearing ocean-themed attire can join a family challenge game and receive a limited-edition water gun upon completion. On August 1, a Cijin food打卡 (check-in) campaign will be launched: visitors who take photos and check in at three designated spots can redeem one of 400 limited 'Jin Zan Vouchers' to enjoy local Cijin delicacies. On-site family activities include 'DIY Pinwheel Making,' 'Sea Creature Cardboard Photo Booth,' and 'Bubble Ball Bumping Games.' Registration is now open via the 'FUN Cijin' Facebook fan page—spots are limited and will close once full.

To encourage deeper exploration of Cijin, the '2026 Cijin Kite Festival' will partner with 20 local specialty stores in Cijin and Hamasen, including Xinbin町 Ocean Kitchen, Moon Yue Li Bay Scenic Café, Xian'an Handmade Italian Ice Cream, Ya Jiao Fresh Seafood, Dawan Gong Ice Shop – Cijin Branch, Sun David Fried Snacks, and Haizhongjin Restaurant, all offering time-limited promotions. The Tourism Bureau welcomes visitors from across Taiwan to stay overnight in Kaohsiung, play for two days, and plan a delightful Cijin bay getaway to fully experience the summer charm of Kaohsiung’s harbor, cuisine, and scenery. For more travel information, visit the Kaohsiung Tourism website, official Facebook, Instagram, or the 'Kaohsiung GO!' app.

The inflatable water park features four water play mats, two large inflatable play structures, and three mechanical rides—nine attractions in total—designed for families to enjoy water play and beat the summer heat. (Photo credit: Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)