Kenting National Park
Taiwan
Kenting National Park, established in 1984, is Taiwan's oldest and southernmost national park, located on the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County. Covering approximately 333 square kilometers of land and sea, the park showcases a diverse tropical monsoon climate with scenic mountains, coral tablelands, and pristine beaches. Its landscape is split by the Hengchun Longitudinal Valley Plain, featuring unique geological formations such as coral sea cliffs, limestone caves, sand rivers, and sand waterfalls. Kenting is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 15 mammal species, 310 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies. The park also protects marine ecosystems with sea turtles, sharks, and migratory whales historically frequenting its waters. Notably, the Eluanbi Lighthouse, built in 1883 and fortified for protection, stands as a rare example of a fortified lighthouse. Kenting is a vibrant tourist destination famed for its natural beauty, ecological reserves, and cultural events like the annual Spring Scream rock festival, attracting millions of visitors annually.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kenting National Park is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is warm and comfortable. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets and arrange accommodations in advance during peak seasons. Certain areas, such as the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area and Nanren Lake ecological zone, require prior permission or guided tours due to conservation efforts. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and group bookings. When visiting beaches like Nan Wan, be cautious of illegal water sports activities and strong currents. Exploring early in the morning or late afternoon offers pleasant lighting and fewer crowds.
Interesting facts
- •Kenting National Park is Taiwan's oldest national park, established in 1984.
- •Eluanbi Lighthouse is one of the world's few fortified lighthouses, built in 1883 to protect ships from frequent wrecks.
- •The park hosts the highest diversity of terrestrial crabs in a single area worldwide, with 26 species recorded.
- •Formosan sika deer were reintroduced into the park in 1994 after extinction in the wild.
- •Kenting is known for the 'falling mountain wind' (Luo Shan Feng), a strong seasonal wind unique to the Hengchun Peninsula.
- •The park's waters were once a major wintering ground for humpback whales, though whaling severely reduced their numbers.
- •The Spring Scream rock festival is an annual cultural event held in March, attracting music fans nationwide.
History
The name 'Kenting' originates from the Qing Dynasty era, referring to pioneers who settled the area.
The park was officially established on January 1, 1984, as Taiwan's first national park after post-war planning and advocacy dating back to the Japanese colonial period.
The Eluanbi Lighthouse, completed in 1883, was constructed under international pressure to prevent shipwrecks and is historically significant as a fortified lighthouse.
Over time, the park has evolved to protect diverse tropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, limestone formations, and tropical forests, reflecting Taiwan's unique southern coastal environment.
Place Guide
Eluanbi Lighthouse1883
A historic lighthouse completed in 1883, notable for being fortified with cannons and a ditch to protect against attacks during construction. It stands 21.4 meters tall with a light visible up to 27.2 nautical miles, making it one of the most powerful lighthouses in Taiwan.
Nan Wan (South Bay) Beach
One of Kenting's most famous beaches, known for its clear blue waters and fine sand. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing activities, with facilities including changing rooms and rental shops.
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area1968 (as recreation area)
A tropical forest park featuring over 1,200 plant species including coconut, rubber, and medicinal plants. It contains limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites and offers 17 scenic spots such as Silver Leaf Mangrove and Sea Viewing Tower.
Longluan Lake and Ecological Center
A vast lake formed in a fault valley, serving as a habitat for migratory and resident birds. The ecological center provides birdwatching facilities and educational exhibits on local flora and fauna.
Sheding Natural Park
A 128.7-hectare park adjacent to the forest recreation area, known for its coral reef plants, limestone caves, and a narrow 'One Line Sky' fissure. It hosts over 329 plant species and nearly 50 butterfly species, making it ideal for butterfly watching.
Longpan Park
Located between Eluanbi and the Wind-Blown Sand area, this park features uplifted limestone tablelands with cliffs, caves, and grasslands offering panoramic coastal views and excellent sunrise and star-gazing spots.
Contact
Phone: 08 886 1321