A rural destination on Taiwan’s southern tip, Checheng Township is surrounded by national parks and alluring beaches overlooking the Bashi Channel. Checheng Township is ideally positioned near hot springs and nationally-recognised museums, while the region’s Qing Dynasty history flows from its temples to its houses.

Things to do

Don’t miss visiting the nearby National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, where you can see native Taiwan marine life, including Japanese eels, nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays. Discover the world’s ancient Precambrian oceans before getting up close to blacktip reef sharks, lionfish, beluga whales and cownose rays. There’s even a theatre for watching 3D movies on the ocean’s deepest secrets.

Looking for some rest and rejuvenation? Venture slightly north to Sichongxi Hot Springs Park. It’s surrounded by beautiful native scenery and features a range of free bathing pools with mineral-rich water. Considered one of Taiwan’s premier hot spring areas, Sichongxi Hot Springs Park promotes circulation for relieving sore muscles.

Learn more about the local history at the Shimen Historic Battlefield, where you can explore the site where Japanese invaders fought the Paiwan resistance. You’ll find numerous other ancient sites scattered around the region, including the Hengchun Old Town East Gate, a well-preserved defensive wall and gate that features street performers nearby.

Nature lovers should venture down to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first-ever national park. It hugs the idyllic southern coastline and features hiking trails, sandy beaches and an abundance of native wildlife. You can also swim at White Sand Bay, a peaceful beach dotted with laid-back waterfront bars.

Getting around

Checheng Township is about 15 minutes’ drive from Hengchun Airport, which offers domestic flights. The best way to get around Checheng Township is by renting a car from the airport or Kaohsiung City, located about two hours’ drive away.