been inaugurated on September 27, 2008, and serves as venue for the World Games Pre-Events later this month. In preparing for The World Games, construction, transport and a range of other services will all be brought to the highest international levels. I believe that the efforts we have devoted over the past years will prove our ability and determination to host successful events in international sports.

The World Games 2009 will be the largest event in the history of Kaohsiung. We extend the most cordial welcome to over 4,500 athletes and delegates from over 100 countries. Come and enjoy our maritime city in the highest of spirits!

Kaohsiung is the largest city in the southern part of our country and has the island’s biggest international port. Kaohsiung is surrounded by mountains and the sea. A beautiful coastline as well as the Love River meandering 17 kilometers through the heart of the city make Kaohsiung all the more attractive. The weather is warm year round.Kaohsiung City’s population exceeds 1.5 million. The citizens are straightforward, warmhearted and friendly. The economy revolves around the port and a diversified industry.

Kaohsiung has a modern face: the Tuntex Sky Tower, an 85-story high-rise, and the “Eye of Kaohsiung” – the giant Ferris wheel at the Dream Mall – are the new urban landmarks. Traditional Kaohsiung includes the Sanfongzhong Street, the Shinkuchan Shopping Center and the Liuhe Night Market. All of these sights contribute to a lively atmosphere in and around Kaohsiung City. Visitors can get close to untouched nature – even downtown. Chaishan, the banks of the Love River, Cijin, Sizihwan and the Lotus Lake are the residents’ preferred locations.

Kaohsiung takes particular pride in its superb transportation systems. The Siaogang International Airport connects the world with the port city; bullet trains link it with Taipei and other major destinations on the island. Impeccable highways take travelers to all towns and tourist sights nationwide. The Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit System (KMRT) services the entire metropolitan area with its two lines. The KMRT allows for convenient commuting between the World Games venues and brings the participants to every hot spot in town.

In the lead-up to The World Games 2009, the City Government has expanded significantly on infrastructure, made further improvements to its transportation network and promoted these advances in a context of sports. Kaohsiung intends to provide the most comfortable atmosphere to the participants and visitors from different countries around the world.

Kaohsiung is located Taiwan’s Southwestern region and is a long narrow stretch of land. Its total area consists of 154 square kilometers. Chianan and Pingtung plains are located on the north and east sides. The Taiwan Straits are located to the west and the Bashi Channel to the south.

Geographically it is in an ideal location. The large harbor makes it an important trade and commerce stop along the Northeast Asia / South Pacific passageway. This has quickly propelled the development of this international city.

Kaohsiung has an international airport with direct flights to a variety of Asian cities. Other international cities can be reached by transferring at C.K.S. International Airport in Taoyuan. There are approximately 50 flights a day between Taipei and Kaohsiung. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes. The Zihciang express train takes 270 minutes and inter-city buses 300 minutes.

Kaohsiung’s Port is located in the southwest end of the city. It is Taiwan’s largest international port, and the world’s 6th largest container port. The port is quite spacious. There’s also a long sandbank, which makes it a scenic natural harbor.

The port’s area is approximately 26.66 km2 and 18 kilometers of navigation channels. The harbor is organized into two parts (1st and 2nd port). The port can process large cargo ships of up to 100,000 tons. The Kaohsiung Port also plays an important role in the tourism industry.