Love River

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The Love River or Ai River (Traditional Chinese: 愛河; Simplified Chinese: 爱河; pinyin: Ài Hé) is a river in southern Taiwan. It originates in Renwu Township, Kaohsiung County, and flows 12 kilometers (8 miles) through Kaohsiung to Kaohsiung Harbor. Love River is the spine of Kaohsiung, playing a similar role to the River Thames of London. It is of great cultural significance to the people of Taiwan and also plays an important role in its economy and tourism industry.

Love River was once heavily polluted, but recent efforts of the city government have eliminated the pollution and smell, and the Love River Park now runs along the riverside in downtown Kaohsiung. A night market operates in the park, and there are three outdoor cafés, often with live bands. Boats which hold about fifteen people take tourists up and down the river. The scenery is enhanced by attractive city structures near the river, such as the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Kaohsiung Bridge, and the Kaohsiung District Court. Cultural events such as concerts and Lantern Festival are often held by the river.

[edit] External Links

• Wilma Chou, Kaohsiung City's Love River brought back from the dead, Taiwan Journal, August 23, 2002