Cijin Church. Cijin's strategic location at the mouth of the harbor made it the earliest developed area by Han Chinese in Kaohsiung, boasting the oldest streets, temples, and schools in the city. Cijin's strategic location at the mouth of the harbor made it the earliest developed area by Han Chinese in Kaohsiung, boasting the oldest streets, temples, and schools in the city. After the Second Opium War in 1865, Takao (Kaohsiung) Harbor was opened for trade. Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell, a missionary from the Church of Scotland, also came to this area to preach and established the Takao Church, which was the earliest and the first Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. In 1935, the church was rebuilt in a Romanesque architectural style. Its ancient and elegant ochre-colored terrazzo exterior walls provide a tranquil and peaceful corner amidst the bustling Cijin streetscape, serving as a shared memory for many who know Cijin. Due to structural damage from years of wear and tear, Cijin Church, established over a century ago, was renovated in 2013. The renovation preserved the old church's arches and window sills while adding Gothic-style spires, transforming it into a magnificent seven-story building. In response to the influx of tourists in Cijin, Cijin Church also promotes religious tourism, opening its doors for visits and providing water and restroom facilities. It offers diverse activities for people of all ages. Inside the serene church, visitors can view a model of the old church to reminisce and experience a moment of peace and beauty in a religious atmosphere.
Address: 高雄市旗津區廟前路13號
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Kaohsiung