One of the earliest developed regions in Kaohsiung Lingya became rundown due to the construction of oil storage tanks and a warehouse wharf in the district. When the Hanshin Department Store opened in 1995 on the Chenggong and Sintian Intersection, the surge of consumers brought in by the department store and hotel led to the development of nearby restaurants and fashion outlets. The ocean view suites at the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel are particularly sought after. The construction of the Splendor Kaohsiung Hotel in the Tuntex Sky Tower extended this shopping area southwards to Haibian and Singuang Roads. In the East the shopping area links up with Talee-Isetan Department Store, New Jyuejiang and Yuansu Plaza to create a ring-shaped commercial district. Photos: