Reviving the "Eyes" of Gangshan: Challenges and Strategies for Attracting Tourists

Can careful renovations and strategic planning bring back the crowds to the iconic Gangshan Eye viewing platform in Taiwan?

The Gangshan Eye, a scenic viewing platform in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, once drew an impressive 730,000 visitors annually. However, after the pandemic, the number of tourists plummeted, and the platform is currently closed for renovation. City Councilor 黃秋媖 (Huang Chiu-ying) points to the disrepair of the "Hero Hill" path, a key access point to the attraction, as a significant factor in the decline in visitors.

While the Kaohsiung City Government has invested in renovations, public concern remains regarding whether these measures will be enough to boost tourism. 黃秋媖 (Huang Chiu-ying) suggests that the city consider a strategy similar to that used at Maokong in Taipei, creating a network of connected attractions. "After all, nobody wants to travel a long distance just to see the Gangshan Eye," she noted.

The Tourism Bureau has stated that the renovation project will include remodeling the entrance area of the first platform, rebuilding the ticket booth, constructing new public restrooms, and updating the signage. The plan is to operate the platform with a brand-oriented approach, leveraging private sector resources to revitalize the area. The Bureau also intends to promote the Gangshan Eye through themed campaigns, showcasing it on the Kaohsiung Travel Network, and linking it with nearby attractions to enhance the overall visitor experience.