歡迎光臨高雄市新聞局

Pier12, the "Pier of Love"
Text by Hsiu-li Lin　Photos by Jung-Hui Pao

In Kaohsiung, the Love River and the Port of Kaohsiung have long been known for nurturing this maritime capital's cultural vitality. Nowadays, the Love River has further become a not to be missed spot on the tourist's itinerary when visiting Kaohsiung. In order to enrich the waterfront landscape of Kaohsiung, the city government decided to enlarge the waterfront recreational space from the Lover River basin to the port area. Citizens of Kaohsiung City will soon be able to be closer to the ocean. They can watch ships entering the port, or take the pleasure boats plying their trade along the Love River in order to enjoy the evening scenery.

　　After its transformation, Pier 12, now also called the "Pier of Love", was reopened on Christmas Eve last year. Not only a good example of successfully restoring deserted areas, Pier 12 has also broke down the barriers between the city and ocean thus achieving a true integration of the two. Pier 12 provides Kaohsiung's citizens with a new facility for water recreation, making Kaohsiung a maritime city true to its name. 

　　The wing-shaped sails above the Pier 12 plaza symbolize the merge of the Love River and the port as well as the integration of Kaohsiung into the global village. The unique character of Pier 12 has created an artistic landmark in its design, uniting as it does landscaping with the giant sails, and creating a world-class recreational facility with its distinctive maritime appeal. Located at the mouth of the Love River, Pier 12 will definitely become the new landmark of the Love River basin.

　　After examining and discussing the pier reform program on the spot, the Council for Cultural Affairs has decided to build the International Pop Music Center in Kaohsiung. In March, the Fahion Show event will be held on Pier 12. Later, in July, the Kaohsiung International Music Festival is due to open on Pier 12. By that time, Pier 12 will be revealed to everyone as a brand new aspect of Kaoshiung's beauty.

　　This year, the Kaohsiung City Government aims to create a "Blooming Kaohsiung" in every aspect. Every weekend through January, in response to the theme of "Pier of Love", a series of activities will be held on Pier 12, providing people with a place to enjoy the incredible ocean and mountain views.

　　Pier 12 has now successfully transformed. Therefore, the 2006 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival, which started in the February, took place on both Pier 12 and Pier 13.

City and Port in One
　　In order to realize the integration of the city and the port, the reform plan, which covers Pier 1 to Pier 22, will be carried out in the hope of composing a fresh image for Kaohsiung city. Meanwhile, the city government would invite experts from government, industry and academia to participate in the Forum on Riverbank Development in Kaohsiung -a platform for everyone to become involved in changing the appearance of Kaohsiung City.