Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Erin Donahue

As someone who has spent years extensively documenting Manhattanhenge in New York City, photographing Kaohsiunghenge was always on my list. Having traveled extensively throughout Taiwan over the years, and being half-Taiwanese myself, I’ve always felt a particular pull toward documenting the lesser-known phenomena in my second home. What makes Kaohsiunghenge particularly fascinating is that it happens during the same months as Reverse Manhattanhenge, just on the opposite side of the world. Here’s everything you need to know to photograph it yourself.

What Is Kaohsiunghenge?

Kaohsiunghenge occurs when the setting sun aligns precisely with the east-west streets of Kaohsiung’s city grid in Taiwan. It’s the same phenomenon as Manhattanhenge in New York City, with one key difference: Kaohsiung’s main alignment street, Qingnian 1st Road (青年一路), runs at a different angle from true west than Manhattan’s 29° offset. It’s the same concept, but a completely different location on the other side of the world.

When Does Kaohsiunghenge Happen?

Kaohsiunghenge occurs during the winter months, from November through January, at sunset. The exact alignment dates and times shift each year slightly — check local astronomy resources or the Kaohsiung city tourism bureau.

Where To Photograph Kaohsiunghenge

Between my first visit to Kaohsiung in 2018 and my return in 2025, the city has developed significantly. New buildings have gone up all over town, which affects sightlines in some areas. That said, the harbor district is the best spot to align the sun with architectural landmarks. Conveniently, it’s also home to some of Kaohsiung’s best photography spots in general. The waterfront around the Exhibition Center and Cruise Terminal is surprisingly open, with wide spaces that give you room to position yourself. Here are the three spots worth scouting.

Kaohsiung Cultural Center (高雄市文化中心)

Back in 2017-2019, when Kaohsiunghenge was popular, the best vantage point to see the alignment was from the Kaohsiung Cultural Center because the Kaohsiung City Government would close Qingnian 1st Road (青年一路) between Mincyuan 1st Road and Weiren Street, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the sight safely. The elevated ground gives you a view straight down the street corridor toward the setting sun, and it’s the spot the city used for its official viewing events.

However, when I visited in 2025, my local Kaohsiung-based driver scoped the area for me and reported that the view is blocked by trees. Whether they were planted over the years or whether there’s a translation issue with the exact location, I can’t say for certain, but the Exhibition Center and Cruise Terminal below are safer bets.

Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (高雄展覽館)

This is where I accidentally rediscovered Kaohsiunghenge when I was staying at TAI Urban Resort, which is a few blocks away, and one of my favorite hotels in Taiwan. During a January visit to Taiwan to see the Purple Crow Butterfly migration in Maolin National Scenic Area (茂林國家風景區), I randomly caught the sun dipping behind the Exhibition Center’s façade. The curvilinear architecture creates a completely different compositional frame than a straight grid shot. It’s a less conventional take on the alignment, which is what makes it so cool!

Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal (高雄港旅運中心)

When I returned to Taiwan in November of the same year to see the Purple Crow Butterfly again, I had time to photograph the alignment at the Port Cruise Terminal. I first saw this building in 2018 when construction had just started. Returning in 2025, I found it completed. In person, it looks like a massive whale to me. The building’s design, with a towering chimney, makes for a dramatic silhouette against a setting sun.

Camera Settings for Kaohsiunghenge

These are recommended settings to start with when photographing the sun. As always, experiment on your own depending on the environment and lighting conditions. Also, since you’re dealing with the literal sun, DO NOT look directly into it!!

• Aperture: f/8-f/11⁣⁣⁣
• Shutter speed: 1/250+⁣⁣⁣
• ISO: 100⁣⁣⁣
• ⁣⁣⁣ND Filters & Tripods: optional but useful

Read about the camera gear I use to photograph the sun, or browse my storefront on Amazon.

The Curious Silence of Kaohsiunghenge Since 2020

Despite Kaohsiunghenge’s past popularity in Taiwan and on social media, I’ve noticed no one’s posted about it online in recent years. If you have recent intel on what happened, leave a comment!

Map of Kaohsiunghenge Photo Spots

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FAQ About Kaohsiunghenge

What is Kaohsiunghenge?
Kaohsiunghenge is a solar phenomenon when the setting sun aligns precisely with the east-west streets of Kaohsiung’s city grid in Taiwan. It’s the Taiwanese equivalent of Manhattanhenge in New York City.

When does Kaohsiunghenge happen?
Kaohsiunghenge occurs from November through January, at sunset. The exact alignment dates and times shift each year slightly. Check local astronomy resources or the Kaohsiung city tourism bureau for confirmed times closer to your visit.

Where is the best place to photograph Kaohsiunghenge?
The three best spots are the Kaohsiung Cultural Center, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal.

How is Kaohsiunghenge different from Manhattanhenge?
Both events occur when the setting sun aligns with a city’s east-west street grid. The key difference is geometry. Kaohsiung’s main alignment street runs approximately 19° from true west, compared to Manhattan’s 29° offset. Kaohsiunghenge also happens at sunset in winter, whereas Manhattanhenge is a summer sunset event.