Kenting National Park was established in 1984 as Taiwan's first national park, covering a total land and marine area of over 30,000 hectares. The Hengchun Peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides, where tropical coastal forests, coral reef ecosystems, and diverse wildlife coexist. The Luoshan wind (mountain-falling wind) that blows every autumn and winter is a distinctive natural feature of this land, shaping the local terrain and vegetation.
Highlights of Kenting National Park
The park spans Hengchun Township, Manzhou Township, and the southern part of Checheng Township, with diverse terrain including coral reef tablelands, sandy beaches, rocky reef shores, and tropical coastal forests. The marine area includes the Longken Ecological Reserve and the Houbihu Marine Resource Reserve, with over 1,000 species of coral reef fish. Every autumn, Chinese sparrowhawks and grey-faced buzzard-eagles pass through in large numbers; at Sheding, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of raptors in flight.
The land vegetation is dominated by tropical coastal forests and coral reef plant communities. Along the banks of Gangkou Creek, Taiwan's largest population of Aristolochia zollingeriana — a rare plant — still survives, making it an important habitat for rare flora. The Luoshan wind prevails from around October to March of the following year; at peak intensity it can reach typhoon-force winds, creating the distinctive wind-sheared tree shapes along the western coast of the Hengchun Peninsula. Sheding Nature Park has a trail system that allows visitors to explore the limestone terrain and forest landscape without disturbing the ecosystem.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- From Kaohsiung, the Kenting Express bus (Route 9188) runs directly to Kenting Main Street, with a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours. For schedules and fares, please check the official Pingtung Bus Company information, as services vary by season.
- The park covers a large area with considerable distances between attractions. It is recommended to bring your own scooter or rent a vehicle to avoid spending excessive time waiting for public transport.
- The summer holiday period (July–August) and public holidays are crowded, with limited accommodation and parking. Unless necessary, it is advisable to avoid the peak midday hours on weekends when visiting the main attractions.
Nearby connections
- Can be combined with Eluanbi Lighthouse (about 5 km) and Longluantan bird-watching (about 20 km) into a half-day or full-day itinerary.
- Hengchun Old Town is about 8 km from Kenting; on the way back in the evening, you can stop by the town gates and old street.
- Sichongxi Hot Spring is about 16 km from Hengchun Township, making it a relaxing hot-spring option after a Kenting trip.
Sources: Kenting National Park Headquarters official website; Ministry of Culture, Bureau of Cultural Heritage. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.