35-Meter Giant Whale Kite Soars for First Time in Cijin — 2026 Cijin Kite Festival Kicks Off with Excitement

Kaohsiung's popular summer event, the '2026 Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park,' officially kicked off today (1st) at the Gate of Love in Cijin Beach. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, city officials, legislators Chiu I-ying and Hsu Chih-chieh, city councilors Lee Chiao-ju and Chien Huan-tsung, and local representatives jointly launched the festivities.

The highlight of this year's event is the debut of two newly crafted 35-meter giant whale kites, soaring above Cijin alongside various large-character kites, attracting large crowds eager to experience the vibrant summer atmosphere of this harbor city.

In addition to the giant kite displays, the festival features family-friendly activities such as interactive games, windmill DIY workshops, beach bubble ball games, and an inflatable water park, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages. Nighttime events include luminous kite displays, DJ performances, and fire dance shows, transforming the coastline into a non-stop daytime-to-nighttime carnival.

Mayor Chen emphasized that Cijin is a key harbor tourism destination in Kaohsiung. In recent years, the city government has advanced the 'Bay Area Mega Port – Cijin Leads' initiative, investing nearly 500 million NTD to enhance landscapes, improve public spaces, and upgrade tourism services, aiming to create a more comfortable and enjoyable harbor tourism experience.

This summer also marks the debut of the 'Cijin × Hamasen Summer Coupon,' linking businesses, accommodations, and attractions in both Cijin and Hamasen. The campaign encourages visitors to take the MRT and light rail to transfer to ferries, promoting 'Stay One Night, Play Two Days' deep tourism experiences. Mayor Chen also recommended exploring Cijin Old Street, sampling local specialties such as grilled squid, swordfish sausages, and various ice treats, while enjoying the cultural charm and harbor-side cuisine.

Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-ling stated that the Cijin Kite Festival has become a signature summer coastal event in Kaohsiung. This year’s specially crafted 35-meter whale kites—the first of their kind in Taiwan—are designed to deliver a fresh visual spectacle. Combined with the inflatable water park, family activities, and nighttime performances, the festival offers diverse entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The Tourism Bureau also encourages visitors to explore nearby attractions such as Cijin Tianhou Temple, Rainbow Church, Kaohsiung Lighthouse, and beach bars, enjoying scenic harbor views and a relaxed summer vibe, experiencing Cijin’s distinct daytime and nighttime atmospheres.

Due to weather conditions, the event originally scheduled for July 25 has been postponed to August 1, running for two consecutive weekends. The inflatable water park will be open exclusively on August 1 and 2. Ferry services to Cijin will be increased during the event, and fuel-powered motorcycles will be restricted from entering the area on Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation and ferries for a seamless harbor summer experience.

Additionally, Kaohsiung’s summer lineup includes the Kaohsiung Coffee Festival, a series of family-friendly amusement events, and multiple large-scale concerts. The city government is also offering various tourism discounts, inviting visitors to make the most of summer by exploring Kaohsiung and experiencing the city’s vibrant harbor tourism appeal.

Themed kites of all kinds will fill the skies over Cijin, creating stunning sea-and-sky photo opportunities. The kite festival will run on two consecutive weekends starting today—come enjoy your summer vacation in Cijin. (Photo: Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau)