The Cijin Peninsula, located between Gushan in Kaohsiung and the open sea, has been used as a place for ships to dock and cross since ancient times. The Cihou Lighthouse at the northern end of the sandbar has watched over the harbor islands for over a hundred years, while the nearby ferry station connects with the Kaohsiung Port area, transporting crowds with frequent sailings.

In 2024, our small team assisted the Kaohsiung City Ferry Company in implementing the ‘From Gushan to Cijin – Gushan-Cijin Ferry Service Local Revitalization Project.’ With a community-oriented outlook, we redesigned and renovated the interior space of the Cijin Ferry Station, inviting local businesses such as ‘Dulcinea Coffee,’ a local self-roasting coffee shop, and ‘Harbor CC,’ a local organization empowerment unit, to move in and operate. On May 1 (Wednesday), we held the opening ceremony for Dulcinea Coffee’s second store and the ‘Monchii Chen’ illustration exhibition to celebrate the reopening of the ferry station.

We are delighted to witness the Cijin Transportation Station, through the collaboration of numerous teams, integrate multiple functions including a youth innovation base, arts and cultural exhibitions, and food services, serving as both a starting point for in-depth travel in Cijin and fertile ground for returning youth to find their roots again.

The Cijin area was once the core of Kaohsiung’s development, nurturing generations of residents through shipbuilding, fishing, and aquaculture. After economic transformation, its tourism industry was fully developed; however, the concentration of tourist hotspots in the Cijin commercial district has led to relatively slower economic development in the Zhongzhou area.

Therefore, when planning the operation of the Cijin Ferry Station, our team envisioned this space as a future base for youth business development for Zhongzhou and surrounding areas, aiming to connect local artisan brands with tourism resources to drive the regeneration and creation of local value.

Through our public benefit rental model, we have invited local businesses and organizations to move in, including ‘Dulcinea Coffee,’ a local self-roasting coffee shop, and ‘Harbor CC,’ which focuses on empowering local youth organizations. Their enthusiasm and creativity will continue to breathe vitality into the Cijin Ferry Station.

The ferry station opening tea party also served as a celebration ceremony for the opening of Dulcinea Coffee’s second shop. The carefully prepared beverages and refreshments from the shop were the highlight of the event, and will continue to welcome travelers from around the world to the Cijin Peninsula with the rich aroma of coffee.