Pingtung Kenting Jia'e Highway: A Classic Coastal Highway in Southern Taiwan

Introduction

The Jia’e Highway (County Route 200) connects Jialeshuei and Eluanbi, stretching about 25 km in total. Along the way, it passes scenic spots such as Longpan Grassland, Fengchuisha (Wind-blown Sand), Longkeng Ecological Protection Area, and Longluan Lake, making it the most iconic coastal cycling route within Kenting National Park. This article compiles a complete guide to riding it.

Route Basic Information

Item	Data
Starting Point	Jialeshuei
End Point	Eluanbi Lighthouse
Distance	25 km
Cumulative Climb	280 m
Difficulty	★★
Estimated Time	2.5–3.5 hr

Route Segments

Segment 1: Jialeshuei → Fengchuisha (6 km, 100 m climb)
Starting from Jialeshuei Scenic Area, head south along County Route 200 on gently rolling terrain. The route features spectacular sea-eroded landforms along the east coast.

Segment 2: Fengchuisha → Longpan Grassland (5 km)
This segment is the most magnificent scenic area on the Jia’e Highway. Fengchuisha is a natural sand-dune formation where the winter northeast monsoon blows sand onto the road, creating a unique landscape. Longpan Grassland is a rare plateau-grassland landscape in Taiwan, offering expansive views.

Segment 3: Longpan Grassland → Eluanbi (14 km)
Continue along County Route 200 past the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area and the Kenting Forest Recreation Area junction, finally arriving at the Eluanbi Lighthouse. Eluanbi is the southernmost point of Taiwan, and the century-old lighthouse is a must-photograph spot.

Must-Visit Attractions

Attraction	Location	Highlights
Jialeshuei	Starting Point	Sea-eroded landforms, unique rock formations
Fengchuisha	6K mark	Natural sand dunes, monsoon landscape
Longpan Grassland	11K mark	Grassland with sea views, sea of clouds
Longkeng Ecological Protection Area	17K mark	Advance reservation required, native vegetation
Eluanbi Lighthouse	End Point	Southernmost point of Taiwan, century-old lighthouse

Seasons and Wind Direction

Season	Wind Direction	Recommendation
Spring	Southerly winds	★★★★
Summer	Southwesterly winds	★★★
Autumn	Strong northeast winds	★★
Winter	Strong northeast monsoon	★

When the northeast monsoon blows in autumn and winter, riding the Jia’e Highway from south to north means heading straight into the wind, which is extremely draining. It is recommended to instead ride from north to south (Eluanbi → Jialeshuei) to enjoy a tailwind.

Supplies Along the Way

• Jialeshuei: Convenience stores and food stalls at the starting point
• Longpan Grassland, 6K mark: No supplies available; bring your own
• Eluanbi: A shopping street and restaurants near the lighthouse

It is recommended to carry 1.5L of water and 2 energy bars; staying hydrated is crucial under the scorching heat of southern Taiwan.

Recommended Itineraries

Short Version (Half Day): Jialeshuei → Eluanbi one-way (25 km, return via Kenting shuttle bus)

Classic Version (One Day): Hengchun Old Town → Jialeshuei → Eluanbi → Kenting Night Market (60 km)

Advanced Version (Two Days): Fangshan, Pingtung → Kenting Jia’e → Eluanbi → Manzhou → Return

Practical Tips

• Best Season: March–May and October–November, avoiding summer heat and typhoon season.
• Gear: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a neck gaiter—UV radiation in southern Taiwan is extremely intense.
• Bike Rental: Numerous rental shops in Hengchun and along Kenting Street; regular bicycles cost NT$200–400 per day.
• Return Trip: You can take the Kenting shuttle bus to carry your bike back to Hengchun.
• Combining Attractions: Pair the ride with a seafood meal at Houbihu or the Kenting Street night market.

Conclusion

The Jia’e Highway is not a training route—it is a visual feast. When you ride across the plateau of Longpan Grassland, with the boundless Pacific on your left, green grassland on your right, and the Eluanbi Lighthouse in the distance—this scene is one of the most iconic images among Taiwan’s cycling routes. Next time you visit Kenting, don’t just head to the beach. Give the Jia’e Highway a day, and you will take home memories far more profound than those from the sand.

Related Reading

• Kenting Jia’e Highway and Longpan Grassland: A Riding Guide to Southern Taiwan’s Sea Winds and Downslope Winds
• Kenting Peninsula Loop: A Complete Guide to Southern Taiwan’s Winds and Coastline
• Pingtung Hengchun Peninsula Loop: A Complete Guide to a Long-Distance Route Through Southern Mountain and Sea Landscapes
• Pingtung Kenting Peninsula Route: Southern Taiwan Scenery from Fangliao Along the Coast to Eluanbi