population: 2.77 million

extension: 2,952.57 square kilometers

Museums

One museum you could visit near Kaohsiung is the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, which features both international and Taiwanese art. Another option is the National Science and Technology Museum in nearby Sanmin District, which offers interactive exhibits on science and technology.

If you're interested in more museums, you could also consider visiting the National Museum of Taiwan History in Tainan or the Chimei Museum in Tainan City, both of which are within driving distance from Kaohsiung.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to eat in Kaohsiung according to locals include:

1. Beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) - a hearty soup with tender beef, noodles, and flavorful broth.

2. Scallion pancakes (蔥油餅) - crispy pancakes made with scallions and served with dipping sauce.

3. Oyster omelette (蚵仔煎) - a savory pancake made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables.

4. Bubble tea (珍珠奶茶) - a sweet tea-based drink with tapioca pearls.

5. Gua bao (割包) - a steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled vegetables, and peanuts.

6. Danzi noodles (擔仔麵) - a local specialty of thick noodles served in a light broth with minced pork and garlic.

7. Pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥) - a sweet pastry made with pineapple filling.

8. Salt and pepper chicken (鹽酥雞) - crispy fried chicken seasoned with salt and pepper.

9. Taiwanese hot pot (台灣火鍋) - a communal meal where diners cook their own meats, seafood, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.

10. Iron egg (鐵蛋) - hard-boiled quail eggs that have been stewed in soy sauce and spices until they turn dark and chewy.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people like in Kaohsiung:

1. Visit the Liuhe Night Market for a taste of local street food.
2. Take a ferry to Cijin Island and enjoy seafood at its famous seafood market.
3. Explore Lotus Pond, a scenic area featuring temples and pagodas.
4. Check out Pier-2 Art Center, an area filled with art installations, galleries, and cafes.
5. Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, a large Buddhist temple complex with beautiful architecture and gardens.
6. Take a trip to Monkey Mountain (Shoushan), which is popular for hiking and offering panoramic views of the city.
7. Enjoy a relaxing day at Sizihwan Beach or Meinong Hot Spring, both located just outside of Kaohsiung.