Kenting - Day 1: Pingtung County, Taiwan
I had planned to take the train and bus from Hualien to Kenting, but since a friend offered me a vehicle, I picked it up at Fangliao Station instead. The train ride from Hualien was long, but it gave me a chance to catch up on sleep.
My first stop was Fu’an Temple in Checheng, a historic Taoist temple built during the Qing Dynasty. It’s a well-known local site with snack stalls nearby selling regional treats, including the area’s famous salted duck eggs.
Next, I visited the Checheng Guishan Trail, a short but scenic hike offering panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The heat and humidity were intense, and I was drenched in sweat after the climb.
Around lunchtime, I drove to Houbihu Fishing Harbour, known for its fresh and affordable seafood. I had sashimi and seafood stir-fry with rice, then relaxed by the port before continuing on.
My next stop was Maobitou Park, meaning “Cat Nose Head” in Chinese. The rocky cape resembles a cat’s nose and is home to plenty of stray cats. It’s a small area, but the viewpoints are worth the visit.
After checking in and resting at my accommodation in Kenting, I finished the day at Guanshan, a popular sunset spot. There’s a small entrance fee now, supposedly for maintenance, though the trail and boardwalks seemed a bit neglected. Still, the sunset was breathtaking — the perfect way to end the day.
Highlights:
Fu’an Temple (福安宮) – A historic Qing Dynasty temple dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess, and an important local pilgrimage site.
Checheng Guishan Trail (車城龜山步道) – A short, steep trail with sweeping views of the ocean and coastal plains.
Houbihu Fishing Harbour (後壁湖漁港) – A lively port famous for fresh seafood and local sashimi stalls.
Maobitou Park (貓鼻頭公園) – A small coastal park known for its cat-shaped rock formations and scenic viewpoints.
Guanshan (關山) – One of Kenting’s best-known spots for sunset views over the Taiwan Strait.
Background
Kenting (墾丁), located at Taiwan’s southern tip in Pingtung County, is known for its warm climate, coral landscapes, and lush coastal scenery. Historically, the region was home to the Paiwan Indigenous people and later became an important hub for fishing and maritime trade. Over time, Kenting evolved into Taiwan’s first national park, established in 1984, and is recognized for its unique combination of tropical forests, beaches, and marine ecology. Today, it’s one of Taiwan’s top destinations for outdoor activities, offering everything from hiking and diving to scenic coastal drives.
Getting There
Kenting is located in southern Taiwan and is accessible by bus, train, or car. From Kaohsiung, take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail or TRA to Fangliao Station, then transfer to a Kenting Express Bus that runs directly to the main town. The trip from Kaohsiung takes around two hours in total. For those driving, Provincial Highway 26 offers a scenic coastal route with ocean views along the way.
Route Overview
Itinerary: Fangliao Train Station 枋寮車站 → Checheng Fu’an Temple 車城福安宮 → Checheng Guishan Trail 車城龜山步道 → Houbihu Fishing Harbour 後壁湖魚港 → Maobitou Park 貓鼻頭公園 → Guanshan 關山 → Accommodation in Kenting
Distance: 82.1 km from Fangliao Train Station
Duration: 6 hr (Driving time + Sightseeing)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Hualian Station → Fangliao Station — NT$565
Food: NT$488
Souvenir: NT$500
Entrance Fee: Guanshan — NT$60
Parking: Hotel — NT$200
