85 Sky Tower is an 85-floor skyscraper in Lingya District, close to the Love River in Kaohsiung. Its two tall sections join into a central tower with a spire, which makes it easy to spot across the city. The observation deck on the 74th floor looks over Kaohsiung, the Love River and the harbour. The tower also holds a hotel, shops, a restaurant, a bar, a gym and a pool. Go at sunset to see the city by daylight and after dark.
Design and history
The tower was built between 1994 and 1997 by the same architectural firm behind Taipei 101. It was first known as the T & C Tower or the Tuntex Sky Tower, and it opened in 1997.
For several years it was the tallest building in Taiwan, until Taipei 101 was completed in 2004. It is now the second tallest building in Taiwan and the tallest in southern Taiwan. Some people also see it as a symbol of Kaohsiung's economic decline, as well as its modernity.
The tower reaches 347.5 meters to the top of the building. With its antenna, it stands 378 meters tall.
Shape and symbolism
C.Y. Lee designed the tower with a 'prong' shape. Two separate sections of 39 floors each rise and merge into one central tower that ends in a spire.
Below the point where the sections meet, the tower leaves an open space. The shape of this space was inspired by the first character of the city's name, 高. The building is often read as a symbol of the city's name as much as its skyline.
The observation deck
The deck sits on the 74th floor. Its views come through the windows, and from the deck you can see the city, the Love River and Kaohsiung Harbour.
Windows can be marked, and on hazy days the skyline is less sharp. Visit on a clear evening if you can, and bring a cloth for lens smudges if you plan to take photos.
A cafe on the deck serves food and hot and cold drinks, including local Kaohsiung beer. It is a place to sit down with a drink once you have seen the view.
Inside the tower
The tower combines a hotel, office space, residential apartments, a department store and an observation deck. The hotel rooms are spacious and have large marble bathrooms.
Guests can use the gym and the pool. The pool requires a swimming cap. Shops, a bar and a restaurant are also inside the building.
The lifts are fast. The fast elevator climbs at up to 600 meters a minute, so the trip to the observation deck is quick.
Getting there and nearby sights
The tower is reached by the MRT, and Sanduo Shopping District Station is the stop to use. A light rail stop is a short walk away, and the light rail runs to Pier 2.
Pier 2 Art Center, the Xinguang Ferry Wharf and other sites along the Love River are close by. Many visitors plan a walk along the river before or after the tower.
Perguntas frequentes
How tall is 85 Sky Tower?
The building reaches 347.5 meters to the top of the structure. With the antenna, it is 378 meters tall.
Which floor is the observation deck on?
The observation deck is on the 74th floor. It has views of the city, the Love River and Kaohsiung Harbour.
Do I need a swimming cap for the pool?
Yes. Swimming caps are required in the hotel pool, so bring your own if you plan to swim.
How do I get to 85 Sky Tower by train?
Take the MRT to Sanduo Shopping District Station. A light rail stop is a short walk from the tower, and the light rail runs to Pier 2.
Can I stay overnight in the tower?
Yes. The hotel inside the building has spacious rooms with marble bathrooms, and guests can use the gym and the pool.
