Pingtung is Taiwan's southernmost county and includes the best beaches, the best outer island, some of the best mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, and also interesting historical and cultural sites. It should definitely be on your list on your next visit to Taiwan.
When to go: Pingtung is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and the heavy rain season last from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. Winters are windy and colder, but the water is still warm enough to swim in. Winter is a better time for activities like hiking and surfing. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it becomes Pingtung, or if in a car you can take National Freeway 3. Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. By Bus: You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. By TRA Train: There are many TRA stations in Pingtung which makes this a convenient option. You can book tickets to Pingtung via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Plane: There are direct shuttle buses to Pintung from Kaohsing's Xiaogang (KHH) Airport. You can search for cheap flights in Taiwan here. Where to stay: Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Pingtung, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, or Klook here for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. How to get around in Pingtung: 1. Rent a scooter - the best way to see Taiwan. Electric scooters that do not require a license are also readily available. For better range and speed, rent a gas scooter. You can search for scooter options here or here, and you can check out our scooter rental guide here. 2. Rent a car - more expensive than a scooter but may be more suitable for a large family. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 3. Take the bus - cheap but slower than your own transportation, and it doesn't stop everywhere. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 4. Cycle - you can rent a bicycle or bring your own. This is a great way to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 5. Hire a taxi - more expensive than a rental car but perhaps more convenient. You can also search for a car charter service here or here. Tours and Activities in Pingtung: There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Pingtung on Klook here or KKday here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: See below for a map of places we will cover in this blog: List of places we will cover in this blog:
Now let's get this list started! Xiaoliuqiu Island 小琉球 
Xiaoliuqiu (aka Little Liuqiu, Lamay Island, or Lambai Island) is a small island paradise off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The island is known for its clear water, amazing coral reefs, white sand beaches, and quiet laid back atmosphere. Only a short half hour boat ride from the Taiwan mainland, the island is easily accessible. In addition, the island is small enough that you can round the entire island by scooter in a matter of minutes.
You can read our entire guide to Xiaoliuqiu here. You can also check out our guide to Taiwan's outer islands here. Kenting 墾丁 
Yes, you should go to Kenting. Kenting has some of the best natural scenery in Taiwan, from beautiful white sand beaches that are warm year round to limestone mountains with hundreds of caves and waterfalls to explore. Although it may not be a world class beach resort destination yet, it should definitely be on your list on your trip to Taiwan.
There are so many places to see in Kenting that we have made a separate guide, and we will not cover Kenting any further in this blog. See our full guide to Kenting here. Donggang Huaqiao Seafood Market 東港華僑魚市場 
Donggang's Huaqiao Seafood Market is a popular place to shop and eat in Dongang Township of Pingtung. It is also right next to the ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island) which is just a few kilometers offshore. Because of this, the seafood market is usually packed with people. Popular foods here include sashimi, fried fish balls, oyster omelets, and crab cakes. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung, or on the way to Xiaoliuqiu.
See our full guide to Huaqiao Seafood Market here. Dapeng Bay 大鵬灣 
Not far from Huaqiao Fish Market in Dongang, a little further down the coast you can find Dapeng Bay Scenic Area which includes a beach (Tujiacuo Beach 塗家厝海灘 pictured here) and also wetland areas to explore. You can also see the amazing Dapeng Bay Bridge pictured in the background above.
On a clear day, you can also see Xiaoliuqiu Island across the water here. It is also a great place for watching the sunset.
Taiwanese Indigenous People's Cultural Park 台灣原住民族文化園區 
The Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park in Machia Township of Pingtung is a large area in southern Taiwan that has traditional aboriginal villages, museums, exhibitions, live performances, artwork, and indigenous cuisine, as well as amazing mountain scenery. If Taiwan's biggest tourism draw is indigenous culture, then this place is a must stop on your trip to Taiwan.
See our full blog to Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park here. Checheng Zhenan Temple 車城鄉統埔村鎮安宮 
Checheng Zhenan Temple is an important place for Taiwanese folk religion and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Checheng Township of Pingtung. It is dedicated to Guanyu, a deified military general from the Eastern Han Dynasty of China. It is the most prominent landmark on highway 199 from Taitung to Pingtung.
For our full blog on Checheng Zhenan Temple, click here. Gaoping Old Iron Bridge 高屏舊鐵橋 
The Gaoping Old Iron Bridge (aka Lower Tamsui River Iron Bridge 下淡水溪鐵橋) is a disused railway bridge across the Gaoping River, formerly connecting Kaohsiung to Pingtung. The bridge was retired in 1987 in favor of a new electrified bridge, and the center section of the bridge was washed away during Typhoon Haitang in 2005. At the time of construction, it was the longest bridge in Asia and the first overland pathway created between Kaohsiung and Pintung. Originally planned to be torn down, it was saved by concerned residents on both sides of the river and now stands as a monument to the past.
For our full blog on Gaoping Old Iron Bridge, click here. Xuhai 旭海 
Xuhai Village is a place with amazing coastline in Mudan Township of Pingtung County. Due to its remote location, there are not many people and the landscape is mostly pristine. It may be the most beautiful stretch of coast on the main island of Taiwan...(read more)
Jiupeng Desert 九棚大沙 
The Jiupeng Desert (aka Jioupeng Desert 九棚大沙漠 or Gangzhi Desert 港仔大沙漠) is a row of sand dunes along the coastline near Jiupeng Village, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, and are the largest sand dunes in Taiwan. The area is not actually a desert but is formed from strong northeast winds along the coast, creating large dunes of sand despite the fact that Taiwan is a wet, tropical island...(read more)
Nanren Fishing Harbor 南仁魚港 
Nanren Fishing Harbor is known as the loneliest fishing harbor in Taiwan. It lies at the dead end of Nanren Road at the northern end of Kenting National Park, the end of the road along the east coast between it and Jialeshui. Here you can find pristine landscapes, an amazing shoreline, and more cows than people...(read more)
Ahou City Gate 阿猴城門 
Ahou City Gate (aka Aho City Gate, Aho Gate, East Gate, or Chaoyang Gate) is the last remaining gate from the old walled city of Ahou, which is now Pingtung City. It is one of the last remnants of the walls of the city built nearly 200 years ago during the Qing Dynasty. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung...(read more)
Pingtung Confucius Temple 屏東孔廟 
Pingtung Confucius Temple is a former Tutorial Academy dating back to 1815 that was nearly destroyed during the Japanese era but was moved to another location. The temple has also recently been refurbished and is one of the most beautiful historic Confucius Temples in Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung...(read more)
Pingtung Art Museum 屏東美術館 
The Pingtung Art Museum is the first municipal art museum established in Taiwan. Here you can enjoy art exhibitions as well as other events. In addition, there is a restored Martial Arts Hall from the Japanese era right next door...(read more)
Pingtung Martial Arts Hall 屏東武德殿 
The Pingtung Martial Arts Hall has been recently restored and opened to the public. This building provides a unique glimpse into Taiwan's former Japanese colonial history. In addition, it also has space for art exhibitions. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung...(read more)
Paratrouper Jumping Tower 傘兵高跳塔 
Just outside of Pingtung City is an awesome paratrooper training tower out in the open. It is a cool site to check out if you are in the city.
More photos of the paratrooper tower above.
Pingtung 1936 Tobacco Culture Base 屏菸1936文化基地 
Pingtung 1936 Tobacco Culture Base is a former tobacco factory dating back from the Japanese era that has been converted into a museum and art space. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung.
The Pingtung Sugar Factory was one of the largest sugar factories in Taiwan and has now been turned into a museum for the public to visit. The area includes a dessert shop, many old sugar trains, as well as a museum of interesting artifacts from the Taiwan sugar industry heyday. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung.
Wanjin Catholic Basilica 萬金聖母聖殿 
Wanjin Catholic Basilica (aka Wanchin Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) in Wanluan Township of Pingtung dates back to 1861 and was the first Basilica church and the oldest preserved church in Taiwan. It is also the beginning of Wanxing Road, a historic area in the town. Wanjing Night Market also lies on Wanxing Road; it's the most local night market you will ever find in Taiwan.
Ligang Old Street 里港老街 
Ligang Old Street is a historical small town in rural Pingtung dating back to the Qing Dynasty. At one time it even had a city wall built around it. Here you can find historical buildings are religious sites without any other tourists bothering you. There is also a night market and morning wet market to explore. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung.
Please note this is referring to the old street in Pingtung. For the old street in Changhua, see our blog on Lukang Old Street here. Dajin Waterfall 大津瀑布 
Dajin Waterfall is a large waterfall in Gaoshu township of Pingtung County. The hike here is relatively easy along a paved path, and there are great views of Pingtung along the way. It is definitely a fun trip in the mountains that will not take too much time, and a great place to enjoy nature.
Saijia Recreational Park 賽嘉樂園 
Saijia Recreational Park is another great area to enjoy nature in Pingtung County. Here tourists can enjoy camping and outdoor activities at a resort.
Neipu Yangjiyuan Old Street is a historical street in the township of Neipu in rural Pingtung dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Here you can find a group of well preserved historical Hakka buildings and religious sites with very few other tourists around. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung.
Xi Sheng Old Street 西盛老街 
Xisheng Old Street (aka Wugoushui Xisheng Old Street) is a historical street in the township of Wanluan in rural Pingtung dating back over 300 years to the Qing Dynasty. Here you can find a group of well-preserved historical Hakka buildings that are religious sites with very few other tourists around. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Pingtung County.
Wutan Waterfall 武潭瀑布 
Wutan Waterfall (武潭瀑布) in Taiwu Township of Pingtung County is an easily accessible waterfall that is usually free of people. This area of mountains in southern Taiwan has almost unlimited swimmable waterfalls that are devoid of people. It is definitely a fun trip in the mountains that will not take too much time, and a great place to enjoy nature.
Xifangdao Temple 西方道堂 
I just happened to stop at Xifangdao Temple at sunset, and it is on this list because it offers one of the best views of Pingtung. There are also great views of the sunset over Kaohsiung City.
You can see more photos of the temple above.
Chaozhou Cultural Park 潮州日式歷史建築文化園區 
The Chazhou Cultural Park is a set of buildings that used to act as the dependents dormitories for the workers in the public road bureau during the Japanese Era. Now the buildings have been restored and it has become one of the major tourist attractions in the area.
Fangshan Giant Mango 枋山大芒果 
You know you are in Mango country when you drive south and come across the Fangshan Giant Mango that says "hometown of Mangos 芒果故鄉." In my mind, Fangshan is the Mango capital of Taiwan. All along the road here you will find many fruit stands selling mangos, custard apples, water chestnuts, onions, and more.
Koushe Waterfall 口社瀑布 
Koushe Waterfall (口社瀑布) near Koushe Village in Gaoshu Township of Pingtung is an easily accessible, swimmable waterfall right next to the side of the road. This area of mountains in southern Taiwan has almost unlimited swimmable waterfalls that are devoid of people. It is definitely a fun trip in the mountains that will not take too much time, and a great place to enjoy nature.
Maolin National Scenic Area 茂林國家風景區 
Maolin National Scenic Area stretches into Pingtung and includes Dajin Waterfall and Sandimen which are mentioned above.
Maolin District of Kaohsiung City is an amazing outdoor paradise and my favorite place in Taiwan. In this mountainous district of Kaohsiung, you can find waterfalls, streams, hot springs, butterflies, aboriginal culture, and great views, all by the roadside! Popular activities include swimming, hot spring bathing, river tracing, camping, and hiking. Please note I have also finished blogs about Maolin Village, Wanshan Village, Duona Suspension Bridge, and Duona Village (click the links to see each individual blog). Places we missed:
For more places to explore in Pingtung, I highly recommend checking out these two blogs: Out Recording and Taiwan Style. Don't forget there are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. You can find more tours of Pingtung on Klook here or KKday here. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our guides to Taiwan to come. You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.
1 Comment
Jonathan Cresswell
4/17/2024 02:09:50 pm
Stop telling everyone about Pingtung!! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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