From the sandy beaches of Kenting National Park to the lovely dishes of the night markets, Pingtung is definitely worth exploring. The county faces the Pacific Ocean, and it’s surrounded by some of Taiwan’s most beautiful mountains. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience real Southern vibes. In order to help you out on your trip, here are the top ten things to do in Pingtung.
1. Kenting National Park
It’s the first national park in Taiwan, and many refer to it as paradise. Kenting National Park will fulfil your dream vacation with its exotic beaches, lush forests, and coral reefs. At the botanical garden, you won’t just see thousands of tropical plants, but also birds, butterflies, and reptiles. Autumn and winter are the best seasons for spotting gray-faced buzzards, Chinese goshawks, cattle egrets, and many other migratory birds.
As for the beaches, you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the blue water or go surfing and jet skiing. If you’re a certified diver, then make sure you check out the underwater world. Kenting has a wide variety of colorful corals and fishes, making it a perfect scuba diving spot. Eluanbi is another famous attraction in the park, and you will find out more about it in the next entry.
Kenting National Park
Address: 596, Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Price: from 5 USD adult; 2 USD child
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Sundays)
Contact: +88688861321
Website: Kenting National Park
2. Eluanbi Park
Eluanbi Park is well-known for its lighthouse, which is 21.4 meters (70.2 feet) high. It’s also called the Light of East Asia because of its strong luminous intensity. See the white cylindrical structure up-close and visit the exhibition room to learn more about its history. Afterwards, you can just relax on the grass or take photos of the natural gems surrounding the park.
Eluanbi Park
Address: 301, Eluan Rd., Hengchun Township, Pingtung County 946, Taiwan
Price: from 1 USD
Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Contact: +88688851101
3. Hengchun Old Town
The town was established during the Qing Dynasty period, and its 13-meter-high (42.6 feet) and 2.5-km-long (1.5 mile) wall is considered as one of the most well-preserved in Taiwan. Visit Hengchun Old Town and be mesmerized by the historic structure, which was built to prevent enemy attacks. Relive the past as you enter the wall gates and head to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of Hengchun.
Hengchun Old Town
Address: Hengchun Township, Pingtung County 946, Taiwan
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Contact: +88688338100
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4. National Museum Of Marine Biology And Aquarium
Witness the true beauty of the sea on your visit to the National Museum Of Marine Biology And Aquarium in Checheng. It’s divided into several sections, all of which will enlighten you about the wonders of the underwater world. The Waters Of Taiwan simulates the landscapes beneath the Taiwanese seas, and is home to a wide variety of fish. At The Coral Kingdom, there’s an 80-meter-long (262.4 feet) tunnel that provides a close look at the different coral reefs of the South China Sea. You will also see cownose rays, moray eels, and lionfish roaming around. The Waters Of The World is a 3D theater that shows how the oceans were formed during the early days of earth.
National Museum Of Marine Biology And Aquarium
Address: 2, Houwan Rd., Checheng Township, Pingtung County
Price: from 15 USD (adult); 8 USD (child)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Contact: +88688825678
5. Liudui Hakka Cultural Park
This park in Neipu Town will bring you closer to the rich culture of the Hakkas. Liudui Hakka Cultural Park opened in 2011, and it can be reached by bus from Pingtung Station. The most famous attractions are the steel umbrella pavilions with solar panel roofs. Under these umbrellas are restaurants, souvenir shops, and a lovely water playground. You can also visit the park’s Exhibition Hall to see the wide collection of Hakka handicrafts made by the most talented local artists. There’s even a DIY section where you can try making your own Hakka artwork. At the Performance Hall, you will have an opportunity to witness traditional dance shows and plays. Other areas include the Multimedia Exhibition Hall, Jiuxiang Bagong Area, Tobacco Building, Countryside Area, Wooden Passage, Huling Machines, and Poolside Stage.
Liudui Hakka Cultural Park
Address: 588, Xinyi Rd, Neipu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact: +88687230100
6. Donglong Temple
The temple was originally built in 1706 during the Ching Dynasty era, but was reconstructed and relocated in 1894 after a devastating tsunami. Donglong Temple in Donggang is dedicated to Marshal Wen, a deity who travels the world to get rid of evil forces and diseases. When you visit the temple, you will be greeted by a huge golden gate with dragon sculptures. Admire the Chinese architecture and then, head to the courtyard to see the sculptures that depict Marshal Wen’s sea expeditions. Donlong temple also organizes the Donggang King Boat Ceremony, which is held once every three years. The burning of the boat is the highlight of the ceremony, and it’s believed that it will drive away evil spirits and sickness.
Donglong Temple
Address: 21-1, Donglong St, Donggang, Pingtung County
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Contact: +88688322961
7. Wanjin Church
Wanjin Church in Wanluan is the oldest Catholic Church in the country, and it was declared as the Holy Cathedral of Mary by Pope John Paul II. Inside, you will see the statue of the Holy Mother, which is carried through the streets of the county on the second Sunday of December. The bell on top has been used for centuries, and it still works properly today. If you visit during the holiday season, you will see a huge Christmas tree outside that shines bright at night. There are also 3D light shows, making the holidays even more joyful.
Wanjin Church
Address: 24, Wanxing Rd., Wanluan Township, Pingtung County 923, Taiwan
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Contact: +88687832005
8. Bada Forest Paradise
Bada Forest Paradise on Chaozhou Road will give you a one-of-a-kind theme park experience. Apart from the exciting rides, it’s also popular for its fairy tale-like forest, which is perfect for the whole family. Admire the beauty of the flowers and mahogany trees and then, see the butterflies, parrots, peacocks, and orangutans. The Rose Stage is where you can watch traditional South Pacific dance performances while the Lily Stage holds the magic shows featuring sword swallowing, flame throwing, and more. If you’re hungry, there’s an outdoor food court that serves different types of dishes from hotdogs to noodles. Each part of Bada Forest Paradise is based on beloved local fairy tale characters, which adds to its charm.
Bada Forest Paradise
Address: 800, Chaozhou Rd., Chaozhou Township, Pintung County
Price: from 13 USD (adult); 10 USD (child)
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Contact: +88687898822
9. Nature Fire
Geothermal activity in Taiwan has lead to the formation of natural gas, which causes flames to rise up from the cracks. You will witness this natural phenomenon at Nature Fire in Hengchun. Flames randomly emerge from the ground, making it look like you’re watching a dance show. Obviously, the best time to visit is at night, where you can relax by the campfire and bond with your friends or family. You can also cook your own meals or light up the night with fireworks.
Nature Fire
Address: Hexing Rd., Hengchun Town, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Contact: +88688898112
10. Kenting Street Night Market
The two-km (1.24 miles) long Kenting Night Market is considered one of Southern Taiwan’s biggest night markets. Located in Hengchun, locals and tourists come here to shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife. If you’re hungry, then head to the food stalls to try out some of the best Taiwanese, European, Indian, Italian, Thai, and Korean dishes. For the party people, there are pubs and bars offering different kinds of beers and cocktails. You can also visit the shops selling affordable artifacts, souvenirs, clothes, swimsuits, and water sport equipment.
Kenting Night Market
Address: Kending Rd., Hengchun Township, Pingtung County 946, Taiwan
Opening Hours: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Visit Pingtung anytime
It always feels like spring time in Pingtung, thanks to its subtropical location. Enjoy the warm atmosphere as you check out the many attractions of this Southern gem. If you prefer a milder climate, then winter is the best time to visit. Whatever the season, Pingtung will quench your thirst for adventure.