Over 30,000 Flock to Opening Day of Taiwan’s Largest Indoor-Outdoor Family Park, Kaohsiung Light Rail’s Kaizhan Wuchang Station Sees 20-Fold Ridership Surge

Kaohsiung welcomes a new landmark for family recreation. The former Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) Kaohsiung Depot has been revitalized into 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park,' Taiwan’s largest semi-indoor, free-access park, which officially opened today (August 8). On its opening day alone, over 30,000 people visited, with crowds flowing continuously and even three generations enjoying the space together. The adjacent Kaohsiung Light Rail 'Kaizhan Wuchang Station' recorded 4,000 daily entries and exits—about 20 times higher than usual—demonstrating the new attraction’s immense popularity.

30+ Free Play Facilities, Water Park, and Urban Water Slide Debut

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated that the former TRA Kaohsiung Depot spans 28 hectares and carries significant memories of Kaohsiung’s railway and industrial development. Through spatial revitalization, the once-walled site has been opened up, reintegrating the historic facility into citizens’ daily lives. The park preserves its high steel-frame structures, railway industrial architecture, and rich rail elements, while incorporating family-friendly recreational functions—transforming the former 'train hospital' into a shared playground for children and adults alike.

Mayor Chen emphasized that the park features over 30 age- and zone-specific indoor and outdoor free play facilities. These include Taiwan’s first 'Overhead Crane Cloud Net Play Structure,' combining existing crane frameworks with rope nets, cloud-shaped trampolines, bouldering climbing zones, parkour practice areas, a Pump Track cycling course, a mini soccer field, and foam ball pits. Designed to combine play, exercise, and exploration, the park enables children to safely expend energy in a diverse and secure environment.

To enrich summer family experiences, the city government will host a series of limited-time events over three consecutive weekends before August 23, including an outdoor inflatable water park, a 6-meter-high urban water slide, and meet-and-greets with popular children’s entertainment characters. From indoor play to outdoor attractions, from equipment to live performances, the park offers a one-stop family recreation experience.

The city government reported that over 30,000 visitors attended on opening day, reflecting strong public anticipation and generating significant foot traffic in surrounding areas. Notably, Kaizhan Wuchang Light Rail Station recorded 4,000 daily entries and exits—about 20 times the usual volume. With the park just a one-minute walk from the station, it has become a convenient transit option for families.

The city advises that popular facilities and events may involve queues during the opening period. Parents and children are urged to follow instructions from on-site staff and volunteers, queue orderly, and avoid pushing or crowding to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment.

The 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park' is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. It operates Wednesday through Sunday during regular periods and Tuesday through Sunday during school holidays. The park is adjacent to the Kaohsiung Light Rail 'Kaizhan Wuchang Station,' reachable within a one-minute walk.

To manage crowds during the August opening period, the city is providing a free shuttle service between 'Wenhuazhongxin Station' and 'Kaizhan Wuchang Station,' running every eight minutes. The public is encouraged to use the light rail, public buses, or the free shuttle to avoid traffic congestion caused by private vehicles and to enjoy a relaxed family outing during summer vacation.