Cycling in Southern Taiwan: Tropical Cycling Routes in Pingtung and Kenting

Pingtung County and Kenting, at Taiwan’s southernmost tip, offer a tropical atmosphere completely different from the rest of Taiwan. Coconut palms, betel nut groves, the blue Pacific Ocean, and coral reef coastlines—these elements combine to form an exotic picture of southern Taiwan. For cycling enthusiasts, Pingtung and Kenting provide Taiwan’s most tropical riding experience, a sensory delight entirely distinct from the mountain routes of the north.

Riding the Pingtung Plain

Route: Pingtung City → Donggang → Linbian → Fangliao (approximately 65 km)

The coastal plain south of Pingtung City is flat terrain, making it one of the few areas in Taiwan suited for leisurely, long, straight-line riding.

Starting Point: Pingtung City

Pingtung City is an important base for heading to Kenting, with numerous bicycle rental shops and complete amenities in the urban area. If taking the TRA train from Kaohsiung to Pingtung, it takes about 20 minutes.

Donggang (approximately 28 km from Pingtung)

Donggang is an important fishing port city in Taiwan, famous nationwide for bluefin tuna, shark, and mullet roe. The annual “Donggang Yingwang Peace Festival” in spring is one of Taiwan’s largest folk events featuring the burning of a king boat. Upon arriving in Donggang, be sure to taste the freshly caught sashimi and mullet roe.

Linbian and Jiadong (approximately 40 km from Pingtung)

Linbian Township is a major producer of wax apples. From winter to spring is the peak season, with roadside stalls selling wax apples everywhere. The sweet, crisp, and juicy Black Pearl wax apple is the most representative fruit of southern Taiwan.

Fangliao (approximately 65 km from Pingtung)

Fangliao is the southern end of the Pingtung Plain and the starting point of the South Link Highway. The Fangliao fish market offers abundant seafood; in the late afternoon when fishing boats return to port, the lively harbor scene is full of vitality.

Heading to Kenting: The Provincial Highway 26 Coastal Route

Route: Fangliao → Checheng → Hengchun → Kenting (approximately 75 km)

Heading south from Fangliao, follow Provincial Highway 1 and turn onto Provincial Highway 26. This route is the main passage into Kenting National Park, with magnificent coastal scenery along the way.

Fenggang to Checheng (approximately 30 km)

After passing Fenggang, the route enters the western side of the Pingtung Peninsula, and the vast expanse of the Bashi Channel begins to come into view. Checheng Township is home to Taiwan’s largest temple dedicated to the Earth God, attracting a steady stream of visitors. Checheng’s onions are also a renowned local specialty, and the onion season (April to June) draws crowds of tourists.

Hengchun (approximately 55 km from Fangliao)

Hengchun Township is the best-preserved Qing Dynasty walled town in Taiwan, with its four city gates still standing to this day. The old streets within the ancient walls are filled with nostalgic charm. The Hengchun folk song “Sixiang Zhi” originated here and is an important intangible cultural heritage of Taiwan.

Kenting National Park (approximately 75 km from Fangliao)

Arriving in Kenting marks the climax of southern Taiwan cycling. Kenting Night Market is one of Taiwan’s liveliest tourist streets, lined with night market snacks, water sports, and bars.

Kenting Peninsula Loop Ride

The Kenting Peninsula itself also offers a wonderful loop route:

Hengchun Peninsula Small Loop (approximately 50 km)

Hengchun → Eluanbi → Longpan Park → Jialeshui → Hengchun

This loop circles the southernmost tip of the Hengchun Peninsula, connecting Taiwan’s most important southern landmarks:

• Eluanbi: Taiwan’s southernmost lighthouse, built in 1882, one of the oldest lighthouses preserved in Taiwan
• Longpan Park: A coral reef tableland with strong sea winds; standing at the cliff’s edge, you can overlook the Pacific Ocean with an extremely expansive view
• Nanwan: Taiwan’s most famous bay for water activities, fully equipped with banana boats, sailing, and snorkeling facilities
• Jialeshui: A scenic area of sea-eroded rock formations on the east coast, with strangely shaped reefs that inspire awe

Climate and Riding Tips

Best Riding Seasons

• Autumn and Winter (October to March): Affected by the northeast monsoon, winter temperatures in Pingtung and Kenting still remain above 20°C, making this the region with the best winter riding conditions in all of Taiwan
• Spring (April to May): Wax apples and onions are in peak season, with comfortable temperatures
• Avoid Summer (June to September): Temperatures exceed 35°C, and typhoons are frequent

Beware of the Luoshan Wind

From October to March each year, the Hengchun Peninsula experiences a distinctive strong wind known as the “Luoshan Wind,” blowing southward from Hengchun with wind speeds often reaching force 7 to 8. When riding into this wind, forward progress is extremely laborious. It is recommended to check the wind direction and choose to ride with the wind at your back.

Sun Protection Preparation

Sunlight in southern Taiwan is intense, and even in winter the UV index is relatively high. Full-body sun protection is recommended while riding: sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), arm sleeves, neck gaiters, and sunglasses are all essential.

Must-Try Foods in Pingtung and Kenting

• Donggang Bluefin Tuna Sashimi: Peak season is May to June; a must-try
• Black Pearl Wax Apples: In season during winter and spring; freshest in Linbian
• Hengchun Onions: High sweetness and crisp texture; a top-tier ingredient
• Kenting Street Snacks: Grilled corn, papaya milk, and fried seafood—eating while strolling is the most authentic way
• Checheng Tofu: A roadside snack; tofu dishes are diverse and uniquely flavorful

The cycling experience in southern Taiwan is the most exotic chapter of bicycle travel in Taiwan. Pedaling under the tropical sun, watching coconut palms sway, smelling the salty sea breeze, and feeling the pulse of Taiwan’s southernmost land—this is a beauty that can only be understood through firsthand experience.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Cycling Around the Island Southern Section: Tropical Riding from Pingtung to Taitung
• Pingtung Kenting Peninsula Route: Southern Taiwan Scenery Riding Along the Coast from Fangliao to Eluanbi
• Kenting Peninsula Cycling Route: Coastal Riding Around Taiwan’s Southernmost Tip
• Pingtung Dapeng Bay Loop Route: Flat Bay Riding at Taiwan’s Southern End