Hengchun

Hengchun is located at the southernmost tip of Taiwan in Pingtung County, celebrated for its mild, tropical climate throughout the year, which earned the town its name Eternal Spring. The town holds great historical significance as one of the best-preserved walled cities from the Qing Dynasty, with its four original city gates still remarkably intact today. Hengchun serves as the primary administrative and logistical gateway to Kenting National Park, Taiwan's oldest national park, famous for its diverse coral reefs and white sand beaches. The regional geography is characterized by rugged coastlines, limestone caves, and unique geological features like the Chuhuo natural gas fires. Culturally, Hengchun has a rich heritage of folk music, particularly centered around the Yueqin (moon lute), an instrument deeply embedded in the local social fabric. Over recent decades, the town has evolved from an agrarian society into an international tourism destination, attracting surfers, divers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The urban landscape blends historical architecture with modern cafes and boutique guesthouses. Hengchun also remains a focus for biodiversity conservation, hosting numerous endemic plant and animal species.

Nearby cities

Chaozhou

A vibrant township in southern Taiwan, famous for cold shaved ice and fried spring rolls.

Donggang

A major fishing port in Pingtung County, famous for bluefin tuna and temple festivals.

Xiaoliuqiu

Taiwan's only coral island, famous for its high density of green sea turtles and year-round warm waters.

Pingtung

A tropical city in the south, characterized by a rich agricultural culture.

Maolin

A nature lover's paradise, famous for the winter migration of millions of Purple Crow butterflies.

Orchid Island

A remote volcanic island, home to the indigenous Tao people, known for flying fish and traditional underground houses.

Zhiben

East Taiwan's premier hot spring destination, nestled in lush forests and steeped in indigenous Puyuma culture.

Taitung

A relaxed coastal city in eastern Taiwan, strongly influenced by indigenous cultures.

History & landmarks

Kenting National Park

A popular national park located at the southern tip of Taiwan, known for its white sandy beaches and tropical climate.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

A massive Buddhist temple complex and museum that houses a significant tooth relic of the historical Buddha.

Pier-2 Art Center

Former abandoned warehouses in Kaohsiung transformed into a vibrant hub for modern art and design.

Lotus Pond

An artificial lake in Kaohsiung, surrounded by numerous colorful temples, pavilions, and statues.

Chimei Museum

An impressive private museum in Tainan, exhibiting European art, musical instruments, historical weapons, and natural history.

Nature

🗺️

Alangyi Coast

One of Taiwan's few remaining pristine coastlines, famous for its round pebble beaches.

Gaoping River

The Gaoping River is the longest river in southern Taiwan and supplies water to a large agricultural plain.

More places

Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant

Taiwan's third nuclear power plant, located at the southernmost tip of the island.

Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and offers white sandy beaches and tropical coral reefs.

Dajianshan

A distinctive rocky peak in Kenting National Park, often referred to as the Matterhorn of the South.

Eluanbi Lighthouse

One of the few armed lighthouses in the world, located at the southernmost point of Taiwan.

Beidawushan

Taiwan's southernmost 3,000-meter peak, famous for its dense seas of clouds.

Linyuan Petrochemical Park

One of the most important centers for petrochemical production in southern Taiwan.

E-DA Theme Park

A Greek-inspired theme park in Kaohsiung with numerous rides and entertainment options.

Weiwuying Metropolitan Park

A massive park in Kaohsiung on a former military base, ideal for walks and nature observation.