The Love River Water Carnival / 愛河水上嘉年華
As the Love River has been successfully renovated, it has attracted many Kaohsiung residents as well as out-of-town visitors who can stroll along the banks of the river drawn by the water and the fabulous scenery. People like to smell the aroma of coffee along the banks of the Love River and to see many boats sailing on it. Due to the renovation, it can now fully satisfy every visitor. The rebirth of the Love River has proclaimed its success. Last year, as the sun beat down on the Love River, we could see water bicycles and sailboats. It was a memorable moment for many to cherish. Along the Love River in near future, one will be able to experience many more water sports to suit every taste.
This January, the first winter sports sailing camp was begun in this marine capital. The visitors took many photos of the many kinds of boats sailing on the Love River, such as sailboats, canoes and rowing boats. Due to the citizens of Kaohsiung, the Mayor's vision of creating the city into a marine capital has materialized. The smiles of pleasure on the faces of the participators as they enjoy the winter camp facilities indicate their appreciation of this unique experience.
The Mayor also proposed a three-year sailing sport development project, during his speech at the first national sailboat contest in August last year. Mayor Hsieh indicated that since Kaohsiung is known as a harbor city, there should be plenty of water sports available, such as sailboats, cruises and canoes. He therefore sets up a further three-year project to encourage more water sport events to be held in the city of Kaohsiung, hoping that it will provide even more appreciation for having fun in the sun. The varying water levels all along the Love River provide a safer environment when holding water activities in Cijin or Hsitzuwan Beach. In comparison, other cites face the geographical challenges of cliffs or strong blowing winds. Therefore, Kaohsiung can safely welcome the national and international water activities to be held here.
It is also hoped that the atmosphere of Paris can be created by the introductions of special tourist boats which available for sightseeing. These glass sighted boats will pass the Museum of Fine Art, the Music Hall and then on to the Kaohsiung Municipal Film Archives. At the present time, the Love River with many cafes along its banks offers an appreciation for people to relax and drink a cup of coffee while watching the colorful sailboats as pass by on their way down river.
經過整治的愛河，親水怡人的景觀成為民眾假日休閒的主要選擇，最近愛河畔飄起了咖啡香，還可以看到船影點點的繽紛景色，帶給民眾百分百的新鮮感，獲得一致的好評。去年，豔陽下的愛河，我們曾看到有水上腳踏車、西式划船和國際風帆的身影，讓民眾感受到滿滿的歡笑，未來的愛河畔，將帶您體驗休閒與觀光兼具的水上活動。
今年一月，海洋首都帆船運動冬令營在愛河首度登場，雷射型帆船、ＯＰ帆船、風浪板、獨木舟馳騁破浪，河畔遊客紛紛拿起相機捕捉這一幅歐美國家才看得到的河川美景。高雄市長謝長廷的「海洋之子航向海洋」願景，就在整治後的愛河上，築夢踏實了！
冬令營學員們愛河揚帆御風，歡樂驚叫聲不絕於耳，駐足欣賞這難得一見的景象，遊客們莫不讚嘆愛河的全新風貌與生命力。
謝市長在去年八月主持第一屆全國帆船比賽致詞時即宣布高雄市政府將訂定「三年帆船運動發展計畫」的話語，言猶在耳，短短半年，在市府團隊的同心努力下已然兌現。
謝市長表示，高雄是一個海港，應該有更多帆船的海上活動，這是他所期待的，去年八月舉辦過第一屆全國帆船賽之後，他就希望市府能訂定三年計畫，鼓勵更多水上及海洋活動在高雄市舉行，並鼓勵在內海與內河有帆船、獨木舟或是輕式遊艇的水上活動，讓高雄成為一個更多元、更好玩的城市。
因為高雄市的海及河，水差都很小，而且和都市很接近，其他縣市有些地方是峭壁、有的則是風浪太大，但是高雄市很少有這些限制，地利環境因素，讓水上活動在旗津及西子灣進行時，會比其他地方更安全、更好控制，歡迎全國性和國際性的水上活動都能在高雄市舉辦。
除了媲美巴黎塞納河的水上活動之外，未來愛河還將有以玻璃圍幕、圓弧式取曲線造型設計的觀光船航行愛河流域，將行經美術館、音樂館、電影圖書館等藝文展演場館。今日的愛河，除了增加許多咖啡人潮外，也增添了一波波的運動和歡笑...