Hengchun , Taiwan: The 8 most amazing attractions!

The landscapes of Hengchun

When we think of a trip to Taiwan , most of us imagine the capital city of Taipei , or even the colorful streets of Jiufen . But a short distance south lies one of the most beautiful areas: Hengchun It is a historic town surrounded by white beaches, stunning waterfalls for swimming, and beautiful nature. Hengchun It is the perfect place to experience authentic Taiwanese culture and enjoy incredible nature and tranquility. So what to do there and how do you even get there?

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Table of Contents

How to get to Hengchun

It's quite simple to get to the town, whether it's by public transportation or renting a car. Here are all the ways to get there:

Bus ride from Kaohsiung

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Hengchun is by bus from Kaohsiung. A two-hour journey will take you directly to the town center. Comfortable buses depart frequently from major stations in Kaohsiung, including City Council Station. It is recommended to check the schedules on local apps or ask at the Kaohsiung tourist information center.

Car rental in Taiwan

If you prefer complete flexibility in your trip, renting a car in Taiwan is a wonderful solution. Driving in Taiwan is a fairly comfortable experience, with accessible roads and English-language signs. From Taipei or Kaohsiung, you can reach the town in two to three hours of fun and beautiful driving, through green nature and blue sea. It is best to compare car rental offers with RentalCars to find the most affordable offer.

Recommended places to stay in Hengchun

If you are planning to stay in the town center, here are four highly recommended accommodations for every budget:

Hengchun Mountains Inn

A cozy and sweet hotel with a view of the mountains and the ancient wall of Hengchun The prices are affordable and the owner of the place is especially charming.

⭐ Rating of 8.8 on Booking.com
✅ Spacious and cozy rooms
✅ Mountain view
✅ TV and air conditioner

Book now:

sunshine

A stunning hotel that is really friendly to families with children. Affordable prices and a quiet place, run by a lovely family.

⭐ Rating of 9.6 on Booking.com
✅ Large and comfortable rooms
✅ Suitable for families
✅ Excellent breakfast option

Book now:

flower garden

A three-star hotel with spacious and luxurious rooms. The hotel is located in a quiet area but close to the main attractions.

⭐ Rating of 9.5 on Booking.com
✅ 3 star hotel
✅ Suitable for couples and families
✅ Balcony and kitchenette in the room

Book now:

All the best attractions of Hengchun

In this fun town, it's also fun to just walk around, enjoy the temples and food, or take a stroll around the area and enjoy the beaches, waterfalls, and stunning nature! So what to do in Hengchun?

Hengchun Ford Palace

A historic building from ancient times, it showcases traditional architecture that combines Taiwanese and Chinese styles. The palace is surrounded by manicured gardens and maintains an atmosphere of tranquility. It is especially recommended to come at night and see it illuminated!

palace Hengchun
Ford Palace at night

Hengchun Night Market

The market takes place every Sunday and starts at around 5pm. It’s a paradise for street food lovers. Here you can sample local delicacies like stinky tofu (which is really stinky), Chinese soups and sweet Taiwanese desserts. A personal recommendation from me – if you’re planning on eating food you haven’t tried before, it’s best to have it relatively close to the restrooms.

gate Hengchun

Deer Paradise

A magical nature experience with free-roaming deer roaming alongside visitors. You can feed the deer, pet them, and learn more about their lives. The place is perfect for families and children, and provides a rare encounter with animals in a protected and well-kept environment.

Deer in Hengchun

Ecological Park

A wonderful place for nature and animal lovers! Here you can see capybaras up close, learn about their lifestyle, and connect with their ecological world. Very suitable for families!

Qikong Waterfall

These waterfalls are a hidden and magical gem of the area. The place is famous for the basalt rocks that surround its amazing natural pools. Each pool has a short climb up the mountain, which ends with a jump into perfect pools! In Chinese, the place is called: 七孔瀑布(停車場).

Pool at Qikong Falls

Jialeshui Falls

Inside the Jialshui Reserve you will find a path along the sea, waterfalls, giant rocks and maybe even monkeys. The walk from the parking lot takes about half an hour, during which you will see amazing views!

Nature Reserve in Hengchun
The views from the trail
Waterfalls in Hengchun
Jialshui Falls

Small Beach

A small, quiet beach that offers a peaceful spot to relax. A great choice for those looking to experience Taiwan's sandy landscapes without the hustle and bustle of the big tourist beaches. However, during the summer season (June to September), it can get busy on weekends.

Small Beach Hengchun
Small Beach

Kenting Baishawan

Among the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan and a perfect place to swim and relax. The beach is a fifteen-minute drive from Hengchun.

Kenting Beach
Kenting Beach
Diving in Hengchun

On a snorkeling trip, you will get to know the marine environment in the area, with a guide and equipment that make the experience truly comfortable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔️ Scuba diving or snorkeling
✔️ All diving equipment included
✔️ Includes insurance

Reserve your spot now! ↓

Where should you eat in Hengchun?

Throughout the town you will find mostly Taiwanese food. There are very cool restaurants and bars and delicious food.

春酩 Bar HengChun

A unique and beautiful bar with specialty cocktails and snacks. It is located inside a shop downstairs, in a sort of basement. 

bar Hengchun
bar Hengchun

Lazy Cat Croffle

A cafe with amazing food and full of cute cats took over the place, which is not a rare thing to see in Taiwan.

Coffee Kroppel
Lazy Cat Kroppel

SO FAR! so good brunch

A wonderful place for breakfast and lunch. Their omelette sandwich is a must!

Omelette in Hengchun
Omelette sandwich at So Far!

圓囍肉夾饃 - SMALL STALL NEAR SO FAR

Just 30 meters after So FAR, there is a small stand that serves crispy dough with chopped chicken/pork and fried with hot pepper and onion. Very tasty!

Crispy dough stuffed with chicken
Crispy dough stuffed with chicken

Dojubistro

A bar-restaurant with excellent pizzas and great cocktails.

Cocktail
Delicious cocktail at Dujobistro
The ancient wall of Hengchun
Ancient gate in Hengchun

Why do I recommend Viator?