(Image credit: Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications) If you've ever visited Hengchun and Kenting, you’re likely familiar with places like Hengchun Night Market, Kenting Street, Nanwan, and Xiaowan. Along the picturesque Ping-E Highway, every view is worth savoring. This time, why not opt for cycling? At a comfortable pace, take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Kenting, Taiwan's premier vacation destination!
The route we’re sharing today is very straightforward. No need for driving—you can explore Kenting effortlessly by bike. For those traveling south, take the Kenting Express from Kaohsiung's Zuoying Station and alight at Hengchun Transfer Station. Why not stop directly at Xiaowan, the final stop? That way, you’d miss the chance to admire the beautiful ancient town of Hengchun! Near the Hengchun Transfer Station, you can rent bicycles or use YouBike. If you're bringing your own bike, remember to use a bike bag on public transport!
Route details: Hengchun Transfer Station - Ping-E Highway - Nanwan - Xiaowan - Chuanfanshi - Banana Bay - Eluanbi (return along the same route)
Route length: Approximately 40 km
Cycling time: 2-3 hours
(Route map along the coastline, offering stunning sea views) The author recommends starting at around 2-3 PM. Although the sun may be intense at the beginning, as you enter Kenting's coastal road, you'll witness two different landscapes: the deep blue sea on the way out and the sunset painting the sky and sea on your return. These sights will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The entire Ping-E Highway is mostly flat, making it a relaxed and family-friendly cycling route!
Hengchun Transfer Station, where you can rent bicycles or YouBikes. (Image credit: Bone) After arriving at Hengchun Transfer Station, assemble or rent your bike, and you’re ready to go! From the bus drop-off point, you'll see the "South Gate," the main transportation hub of Hengchun Town. Built during the Qing Dynasty after the Mudan Incident, this centuries-old fortress is a second-class historic site. The East, West, and North Gates are also worth visiting if you have the time and an interest in historical landmarks!
The historic South Gate, over a century old, remains an important traffic hub in Hengchun. (Image credit: Bone) Heading in the direction of the South Gate, you’ll soon reach Taiwan Provincial Highway 26 (Ping-E Highway)! This straight and flat road may have heavy traffic, but the dedicated slow lane ensures a safe ride for cyclists. It’s about 4 km to Nanwan, where you can pick up speed and enjoy the refreshing breeze.
The straight Ping-E Highway offers a warm southern vibe. (Image credit: Bone) Along the early part of the route, you'll see go-kart tracks, haunted houses, and paintball fields. If you’re staying in Hengchun for a few days, these dynamic activities are great options too! As you enjoy the streetscape, you’ll unknowingly enter Kenting’s Coconut Avenue. The amusement parks give way to tropical coconut trees, signaling that the ocean is just around the corner!
Coconut Avenue heading towards Kenting feels like a journey through an island paradise. (Image credit: Bone) Entering Kenting, the endless ocean views will undoubtedly leave you in awe. After a brief series of gentle uphills and downhills, you’ll arrive at the first beautiful beach, "Nanwan." This area boasts the most water activities in Kenting, including surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking. If you’re driving, parking is available at the nearby recreational area, but cyclists can ride directly to the beach.
For water activities, Nanwan is the place to go! (Image credit: Bone) Opposite Nanwan, there’s a row of European-style buildings featuring international cuisine, gastropubs, and more. These are popular dinner spots for visitors wrapping up their water adventures, and the author highly recommends trying them out.
Be sure to try the restaurants or gastropubs near Nanwan if you have the chance! (Image credit: Bone) Leaving Nanwan and continuing south, be cautious on the dual-lane Nanwan Road, where traffic tends to move faster. Stick to the right and avoid riding side-by-side to ensure safety. As you proceed along Coconut Avenue, the constant sea views to your right are truly soothing. In just 3-4 kilometers, you’ll encounter signs for Kenting National Park and Kenting, signaling your arrival at Kenting Street!
Welcome to Taiwan’s premier vacation destination, Kenting! (Image credit: Bone) Passing the forest recreation area, you’ll spot Sheding Park in the distance. For those up for a mild challenge, cycling towards Sheding Park is highly recommended. (Image credit: Bone) After passing the entrance to the forest recreation area, you’ll reach Kenting Street. With its afternoon vendors yet to open, you can look forward to exploring it on your way back!
Kenting Street, not yet bustling—hold on, I’ll be back later! (Image credit: Bone) After Kenting Street, you’ll immediately see the renowned Caesar Park Hotel and Howard Beach Resort. Nearby Xiaowan is popular on holidays due to its proximity to these two major hotels and Kenting Street. If you want to experience Kenting’s resort lifestyle, camping here is an excellent option. Fun fact: Howard Beach Resort serves as the venue for the annual Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in October, with Xiaowan and Ping-E Highway included in the race routes!
Howard Beach Resort across from Xiaowan offers direct access to the beach for guests. (Image credit: Bone) Xiaowan is a popular spot for water activities and part of the Ironman triathlon course. (Image credit: Bone) After Xiaowan, it’s about 7 kilometers to Eluanbi. On the way, you’ll pass several stunning beaches. Keep pushing forward—the wide roads and lush trees on both sides make for a particularly pleasant ride.
Just 7 kilometers left to Eluanbi—enjoy the ride! (Image credit: Bone) Two kilometers later, you’ll arrive at Chuanfanshi Beach. In the distance stands the towering Chuanfanshi Rock, believed to have formed when a cliff edge eroded and collapsed due to long-term weathering. It’s a unique sight, perfect for a quick photo stop!
Compared to Nanwan and Xiaowan, Chuanfanshi Beach is quieter, ideal for enjoying the sea breeze. (Image credit: Bone) Take a walk to the beach for a closer view of Chuanfanshi Rock and feel its immense scale. (Image credit: Dapeng Bay Visitor Center) Not long after passing Chuanfanshi, you’ll come across a small beach, Banana Bay, known for its ecological reserves and perfect snorkeling spots. Further ahead lies Shell Beach at Shadao, a 220-meter-long ecological reserve. While entering the beach is prohibited, you can explore the nearby Shell Sand Exhibition Hall, enjoy the sea view, and learn about the unique shell sand. From Shadao, it’s only 1.5 kilometers to Eluanbi!
Although access to Shell Beach is restricted, its beauty can still be admired from the exhibition hall. (Image credit: Bone) The sun sets gently as you near your destination. (Image credit: Bone) Congratulations on reaching the southernmost point of Taiwan—Eluanbi! Here, you’ll find the beautiful Eluanbi Park and its iconic lighthouse. If you wish to explore the park, check the opening hours in advance. If, like the author, you arrive at sunset, you can take the small path near the 7-11 down to Eluanbi Fishing Harbor for a romantic view of the setting sun.
Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point and the endpoint of the Twin Tower Challenge. (Image credit: Bone) Eluanbi Fishing Harbor, accessible via a small path, is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. (Image credit: Bone) Mark these landmarks on your cycling map to ensure you don’t miss any beautiful scenery along the Hengchun-Kenting route. Don’t forget to gear up with Bone’s Bike Tie Pro 5. This universal phone mount fits devices from 4.7 to 7.2 inches and works great with YouBike, making it easy to explore Kenting by bike!
A cycling trip isn’t complete without Bone’s Bike Tie Pro 5! (Image credit: Bone) On your way back, treat yourself to delicious food in Kenting Street or Hengchun City—your hardworking legs deserve it! Beyond this classic route, there are many other stunning trails in Hengchun, to be covered in the next installment. Stay tuned!
The orange hues of the sunset make the return trip along Ping-E Highway extra special. (Image credit: Bone) Stop by bustling Kenting Street on your return for a well-deserved feast! (Image credit: Bone)