Hengchun , Taiwan: among the most surprising destinations!
- Noa
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 is one of the most beautiful areas: Hengchun . It is a historic town surrounded by white beaches, amazing waterfalls for bathing and beautiful nature. Hengchun It is the perfect place to experience authentic Taiwanese culture and enjoy incredible currency and peace. So what do you do there and how do you even get there?
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Directions to Hangchon
It's quite simple to get to the town, whether it's by public transport or renting a car. Here are all the ways to get there:
Bus ride from Kaohsiung
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Hangchun is by bus from Kaohsiung. A two-hour drive will take you directly to the center of the town. 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 a tourist information center in Kaohsiung.
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 signs in English. 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 Hangchon
If you plan to stay in the town center, here are four highly recommended places to stay for every budget:
A pleasant 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.
A stunning and really friendly hotel for families with children. Affordable prices and a quiet place, managed by a charming family.
A three-star hotel with spacious and luxurious rooms. The hotel is located in a quiet area but close to the main attractions.
A simple but clean, cozy and comfortable hotel with a pool!
All the equal attractions of Hengchun
In this fun town it's also fun to just walk around, enjoy the temples and the food, or go for a walk in the area and enjoy the beaches, waterfalls and stunning nature! So what do you do in Hangchon?
Ford Palace - Hengchun Ford Palace
A historical building from ancient times, it presents traditional architecture that combines Taiwanese and Chinese styles. The palace is surrounded by manicured gardens and maintains an atmosphere of peace. It is especially recommended to come at night and see it lit up!
Hengchun Night Market - Hengchun Night Market
The market takes place every Sunday and starts at about five in the afternoon. This is a paradise for street food lovers. Here you can taste local delicacies such as stinky tofu (which is really stinky), Chinese soups and sweet Taiwanese desserts. A personal recommendation from me - if you plan to eat foods you haven't tried before, it should be relatively close to the bathroom.
Paradise of Deer
A magical nature experience with free deer that roam alongside the visitors. You can feed the deer, pet them and learn more about their lives. The place is perfect for families and children, and it provides a rare encounter with animals in a protected and well-kept environment.
Kenting Luer Island Capybara Ecological Park - Kenting Luer Island Capybara Ecological Park
A wonderful place for nature and animal lovers! Here you can see capybaras up close, get to know their way of life and connect with their ecological world. Very suitable for families!
Qikong Waterfall - 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, ending with a jump into perfect pools! In Chinese the place is called: 七孔瀑布(停車場).
Jialeshui Falls - Jialeshui Falls
Inside the Jialshui Reserve you will find a route along the sea, waterfalls, huge rocks and maybe even monkeys. The walk from the parking point takes about half an hour, along which you will see amazing views!
The small beach - Small Beach
A small and quiet beach, which offers a corner of peace to rest in. An excellent choice for those looking to experience the sandy landscapes of Taiwan without the hustle and bustle of the big tourist beaches. However, in the summer season (June to September), it can be busy on weekends.
Kenting Baishawan Beach - Kenting Baishawan
Among the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan and a perfect place to swim and relax. The beach is a quarter of an hour's drive from Hangchon.
It is worth taking a snorkeling trip where you will get to know the marine environment in the area, with a guide and equipment that make the experience really comfortable.
Where should you eat in Hangchon?
Throughout the town you will find mostly Taiwanese food. There are very cool restaurants and bars and delicious food.
春酩 Bar HengChun
A special and beautiful bar with special cocktails and snacks. It is inside a store downstairs, in a kind of basement.
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.
SO FAR! so good brunch
A wonderful place for breakfast and lunch. Their omelette sandwich is a must!
圓囍肉夾饃 - A SMALL STALL NEAR SO FAR
Just 30 meters after So FAR, there is a small stand that serves crispy dough with chopped and fried chicken/pork with hot pepper and onions. delicious!
Dojubistro
Bar restaurant with excellent pizzas and decent cocktails.
