Taiwan Food Atlas

Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area

Taiwan's largest inner-bay lagoon — from naval base to water recreation paradise
📍 Pingtung · Donggang Township · Dapeng Bay📷 Landmark🔖 Inner bay lagoon, lakeside cycling route, sailing and water sports

Dapeng Bay is the largest inner-bay lagoon in Taiwan, with a water area of about 530 hectares. Separated from the Taiwan Strait by a natural sandbar, it forms a calm, enclosed body of water as flat as a mirror. Originally a naval seaplane base, it was designated a national scenic area in 1997 and water recreation facilities were subsequently developed; it is now one of the most important sailing and water sports promotion bases in southern Taiwan.

Highlights of Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area

The Dapeng Bay water area is calm and little affected by offshore wave conditions, making it suitable for sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boating, and various other water sports. The lakeside cycling route is about 13 kilometers in total, circling the lagoon; along the way you can enjoy mangrove forest ecology, aquaculture fish ponds, and the distant ridgeline of Dawu Mountain — a rare low-lying lakeside cycling experience on Taiwan's southwestern coast.

On the northeastern side of the bay there is a marina where various sailboats and yachts are moored. Some military structures are preserved in the surrounding area, such as the seaplane hangar, now used as an exhibition and creative culture space. Dapeng Bay is close to Donggang, making it easy to combine with Donggang seafood and the bluefin tuna season (April to June) — an important node on the Pingtung coastal itinerary.

How to make the most of your visit

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Cycling around the lakeThe lakeside cycling route is flat and easy to ride; the full circuit is about 13 km. Setting off in the morning is recommended to avoid the heat of the afternoon; rest stops are available along the route.
Water sports experienceSailing, kayaking, and other activities require advance reservations; course times and fees vary by operator. Compare and confirm weather-dependent availability before setting out.
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Observing mangrove ecologyAlong the cycling route there are stands of Kandelia candel mangroves; during the migratory bird season in autumn and winter (November to March of the following year), various heron-family waterbirds can be seen roosting.
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Combining with Donggang bluefin tuna seasonApril to June each year is the bluefin tuna season; related events are held in Donggang Township. Dapeng Bay and Donggang are about 10 minutes apart by car — easy to combine.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • There is no direct public transport. Self-driving or taking a taxi from Donggang is recommended; the journey from Donggang town to Dapeng Bay takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The scenic area is open all day; water sports operators have their own operating hours. Water activities may be suspended during strong winds or rainy season — confirm in advance.
  • In summer, high temperatures make it advisable to be active between 8 and 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.; sun protection is essential.

Nearby connections

  • Donggang Gongrong Market is about 10 minutes from Dapeng Bay by car; you can buy bluefin tuna sashimi, grey mullet roe (wuyuzi), and other fishing port specialties there.
  • To take the ferry from Donggang to Xiao Liuqiu, you need to go to Donggang pier; please check the latest schedules from official sources or the ferry companies.

Sources: Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Administration official website. Water sports are affected by weather; for actual operating conditions, please confirm with on-site operators. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.