Pingdong County, which can be found in the southern part of Taiwan and is bordered on three sides by the ocean, epitomises what it means to be one with the natural world. Pingdong County was formerly thought of as an agricultural county; but, due to its enormous natural resources, that perception has altered in recent years. A traveller will fall head over heels in love with the county almost immediately due to its unparalleled hinterland, jaw-droppingly magnificent beaches, and appealing mountains. Leisure pursuits, water sports, and fishing are guaranteed to be enjoyed to the fullest to the county of Pingdong’s serene and azure seashores.
Pingdong County’s municipal administration has made significant efforts, with the assistance of public-private partnerships, to investigate potential economic development avenues in the area. The agricultural, fishing, and livestock raising sectors are the most important contributors to the county’s economy. The county’s abundance of natural resources has made it popular as a vacation destination for people from all over the world. Residents that have a deep appreciation for the natural world and a warm hospitality contribute to the unforgettable journey of a visitor. In addition, Pingdong is home to a number of well-known national parks, museums, art galleries, temples, and theatres, all of which showcase an amazing blending of culture and the natural world.
Main Tourist Attractions of Pingdong County, Taiwan
Szechung River Hot Springs
The Szechung River Hot Springs are widely regarded as some of the most well-known hot springs in Taiwan. These springs may be found on the banks of the Szechung River. The waters of the spring are very alkaline and transparent, and they contain a significant amount of sodium carbonate. Because of the stunning natural beauty of the area, including the presence of towering mountains, going there is not only delightful but also exhilarating and calming.
Maopitou (Cat’s Nose Tip)
Maopitou, which literally means “Cat’s nose tip,” is an attraction that should not be missed. It is widely acknowledged to be one of the top locations on the Hengchun peninsula. The mountains and rocks that may be seen in this area are the products of continuing geological erosion as well as the outcomes of tectonic movements. The Maopitou peak was given its name because of the form of the rock that can be seen from a distance, which resembles a cat in a squatting position. It is possible to view distant mountains and seas when you stand on the very edge of this rock.
Nanlen Lakes
There are three natural lakes that go by the name Nanlen lakes, and they are located in the mountains that are surrounded by a lovely rainforest. These lakes get their water supply from the runoff of precipitation that occurs higher up in the highlands. The mountain streams that feed the lakes ensure that they are always well supplied with water. There are around 2,200 different kinds of plants and other kinds of vegetation that may be found in the area around the lakes.
Sheting Natural Park
Corals that have been growing there for aeons may be seen at the Sheting Natural Park. The park is home to a diverse population of butterflies as well as verdant greenery, all of which contribute to an authentic sense of being surrounded by nature. Caves that include stalactites and stalagmites formed in a variety of sizes and forms may also be explored. In the fall, this region plays host to a large number of migrating birds that are making a pit stop along their journey.
Kenting National Park
The only national park in Taiwan that has tropical vegetation is the Kenting National Park, which was established in 1984. It has the highest population density while having the smallest land area, with just 82,200 acres. There are around 17 places of interest to see while you are in the park, some of which are the weeping Banyan trees, silver dragon and fairy caverns, and the looking-glass tree. You will get a glimpse of Taiwanese country life at its purest if you go to the park.
Kenting Beach
The beach known as Kenting may be found at the most southern portion of Taiwan. The fact that people may visit this beach at any time of the year is without a doubt the feature that attracts the most people to it. You have the option of engaging in activities such as swimming and snorkelling, or just unwinding on the beach. The ocean is a paradise for those who like fishing and diving since it has a diverse population of fish as well as an abundant coral reef.
Sai Chia Amusement Park
The year 1987 saw the beginning of operations at the Sai Chia Amusement Park. In Taiwan, you may visit a park that offers a genuine sense of excitement by going here. The park’s proximity to the water makes it an ideal location for a wide variety of air sports and activities, including hand-gliding, boy scouts, camping, hot air balloons, and many more. At addition, aspiring hand gliders get instruction in this park so they may improve their skills.
Taiwan Aboriginal Cultural Park
This park first opened its doors to the public in 1987 and has a total area of 204 acres. Yenanshi, which is located in close proximity to Fookoo Bay, is where it may be found. The history and culture of the many Taiwanese tribes are shown here in a stunning manner for your viewing pleasure. Traditional homes from nine different Taiwanese ethnic groups may be seen inside the park’s cultural village. In addition to the cabins decorated in the manner of several tribes, there are also exhibition and multimedia areas. he wax figure area is a fascinating portion of the theme park.
Shuangliou (Twin River) Forest Park
This woodland, which is located close to the southern highway, has recently been developed into a forest park with the assistance of Twin River. The sand dike, the white wood area, and the waterfall ambit are some of the subdivisions that make up this structure. The flora in the forest is typical of that seen in rain forests and is rather thick. The waterfall, which is 25 metres in height, is the most breathtaking feature of the woodland. When standing on the highest point of the forest, one has a view that encompasses both the vast Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait.
Shiuhai Hot Springs
The Peiwan people have called Shiuhai Village, where the Shiuhai Hot Springs reside, their home for generations. The settlement may be seen from a vantage point just across from the Pacific Ocean. These hot springs have an alkaline composition and contain a significant amount of salts, including sodium carbonate. There are instances when the temperature of the waters reaches as high as 43.5 degrees Celsius. At this point, it is possible to make out a distinct flow of water emerging from the earth.
Northern Dawu Mountain
At the farthest southernmost point of the central Alps is where you’ll find the Northern Dawu Mountain. This mountain is considered to be one of the top five most significant mountains in Taiwan. The mountain has an altitude of 10,144 feet and is recognised as the highest point in Southern Taiwan. Its height is 3,092 metres. Both the Rukai and the Paiwan tribes call the mountain their home and consider it to be their spiritual centre.
Henchuen Ignition
Henchuen Ignition is an ancient city that was established in 1873 under the Ching dynasty and was named for its founder. It is the kind of environment where you may experience the freshness of spring at any time of the year. You may also go and have a look at the city wall, which is around 2,700 metres long and is known for being the city wall that has been conserved the best throughout the whole of the nation.
Gangzhi Big Desert
The Hengchun Peninsula’s eastern coastline is home to a vast desert known as the Gangzhi Big Desert. The fact that this desert is spread out across a few hectares gives visitors the impression that they are in a really vast desert. You may go about in jeeps, which are available for hire here, and discover the surrounding desert landscape.
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
This museum is renowned for housing the most extensive collection of aquatic life in all of Asia, and it can be found in Checheng Village. The exhibit halls, such as “Waters of Taiwan” and “Waters of the World,” as well as other similar galleries, are the primary draws of the museum. The purpose of this museum is to educate visitors about the waterways of Taiwan as well as the ecosystem that they support.
Dapong Bay
On the southwestern coast of Taiwan is where you’ll find the salty lake known as Dapong Bay. This is Taiwan’s most significant inner bay in terms of size. A golf course, the red forest park, an artificially produced beach, a museum, and an aquarium are just some of the recreational opportunities that are available to you in this location. The Quingzhou Rest Area is the most notable component of the bay. You may also go to Ryuku Island, which is an island that is located close to the bay.
Swan Lake Waterfall
One of the eight marvels that may be seen in Derwin Village is the Swan Lake Waterfall. The lake was given its name, Swan Lake, because of its form, which resembles that of a beautiful swan. The height of the waterfall is about 39 feet, and it has the appearance of a swan’s neck that has been stretched out. There are a number of other locations inside the community that are worthy of your time, such as Valentine Lake and a Bayan tree with particularly enormous leaves that is known as the hanging tree.
Shadao Ecosystem Reserve
On the Henchuen Peninsula, where Shadao Beach is located, there is currently a reserve that has been established. It is stated that when the sun shines on the beach, the sand sparkles because it is entirely composed of shattered shards of coral and shells. It used to be a goldmine for those who worked in the jewellery industry, but now it is a reserve and is protected from development. A structure that provides information to visitors about the environment of Shadao may be found in close proximity to the beach.
Sisal Industry Historical Exhibition Center
During the time when Japan occupied Taiwan, one of the most important crops was sisal. During that time period, it was a significant contributor to the economy of Taiwan. As a way to honour the sisal plant and its history, the Pingdong County seat has recently been home to the Sisal Industry Historical Exhibition Center. The Center shows a variety of tools and machines that were used throughout the sisal processing industry.
Babao Princess Temple
Along the coast of Dawan Beach may be found an ancient temple known as Babao Princess Temple. According to urban legends, a single woman was the only passenger on board an American ship when it sank. It was speculated that the woman was carrying eight distinct valuables on her person at any one time. The name “Babao,” which literally translates to “eight,” was given to the temple because of these eight different things. A calligraphic inscription that has been preserved in the temple states that the woman in question was a princess from the Netherlands.