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The Love River, stretching across the entire Kaohsiung metropolitan area, is the city's most representative tourist attraction. The neatly paved riverside promenade, the scenic waterfront along the way, the enchanting city lights after dark, and the coffee shops and weekend markets set up along both banks make it an ideal destination for locals and tourists to leisurely stroll and explore. The most classic tour route is to visit the dock and take a cruise on the "Love Boat" or the gondolas to fully appreciate the riverside views and to wander in the soft night air. **The Story of the Love River** Originating from Bagua Niao in Renwu District, Kaohsiung, the Love River flows through the city intersecting with Jianshe Bridge, Qixian Bridge, Zhongzheng Bridge, and Kaohsiung Bridge, eventually exiting into Kaohsiung Harbor. Initially, it was merely a shallow stream used for ferry crossings. During the Japanese colonial period, it was dredged into a canal and became a vital transportation artery for the time. It was formally named "Kaohsiung River," marking the first official designation of the Love River. However, locals still commonly referred to it as "Kaohsiung Shanzhen" or "Kaohsiung Canal." Do you know how the Love River got its name? In 1948 (37th year of the Republic of China calendar), the establishment of the "Love River Touring Boat Place" allowed people to row boats along the river. Couples frequently rented these boats to share romance and affection, and the name "Love River" gradually emerged from word-of-mouth. It then became regarded as the most romantic canal in the manufacturing city. **The Love River's Splendor Blossoms Under Nightfall** Once plagued by pollution and the harshness of time, the Love River has now been restored to its former glory. Night views, waterfront activities, and the riverside cafes are essential experiences. As the lights dim and the lanterns illuminate the river, the romantic glow reflects the bustling urban night of Kaohsiung. From upstream attractions like the Love Center and Light Tower down to the "True Love Pier," the entire route presents an enchanting journey for travelers to deeply savor. **Night Cruise on Gondolas for an Unforgettable Experience** Gondolas are uniquely Venetian water vehicles operated by gondoliers standing at the stern. The gondoliers sing romantic melodies while rowing, embodying the essence of Venice’s charm. Now, you can enjoy this without leaving the country! Local companies have imported expensive gondolas from Venice, featuring Italian style and design, creating an exotic and romantic experience exclusively available in the Love River and currently unique to Taiwan. To board the gondolas, passengers gather at the intersection of He Dong Road and Minsheng Road. Each round-trip cruise takes about 25 minutes, gliding on the Love River’s surface to admire the reflections of city lights on the water, including the 2001 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival's main lantern "Ao Yue Long Xiang," as well as the distant view of Kaohsiung's Music Center. A hidden secret lies beneath Wufu Bridge—many travelers may not know—numerous zodiac constellation decorations are hung below the bridge. Search for your constellation as you sail by! This tradition of gondoliers singing while rowing has been preserved in its original form at the Love River. Listen as the gondoliers sing melodic songs, offering an immersive feeling akin to being in romantic Venice. **Ruo Da Yu’s New Composition: The Love River Humanity** This newly composed song captures Ruo Da Yu's memories of the past and Kaohsiung's contemporary transformation, expressing profound emotions toward this place.