Located at Taiwan’s southernmost tip, Pingtung County is blessed with a tropical climate and stunning coastline. Renowned for attractions such as Kenting National Park and the offshore island of Xiaoliuqiu, it is also Taiwan's principal chocolate-producing region. Whether savoring sunshine and sandy beaches or indulging in fresh seafood and chocolate, Pingtung stands as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recommended Itineraries and Experiences
Visiting Taiwan’s Chocolate Heartland
Did you know Taiwan grows cocoa? Pingtung’s climate is ideal for cocoa cultivation, and its chocolates have won multiple international awards. Visit the Pingtung Cocoa Park to learn about Taiwan’s chocolate production, or explore farms such as Joy Cacao Coffee Plantation, Cocosun Leisure Farm, and A-Shin Chocolate Farm for guided tours and hands-on experiences.
At Joy Cacao Coffee Plantation, they adopt a tree-to-bar production model, with every step—from cultivation and harvesting to crafting the final chocolate—handled entirely on-site. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about cacao trees at their source and even make their own chocolate, enjoying a rare origin-based experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the world.
In-Depth Fishing Village Tours
Donggang stands as a hub for Taiwan's fishing industry, renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood. Every summer, the bluefin tuna season draws countless visitors to Donggang Huaqiao Market. For those looking to explore local culture more deeply, consider joining the "Tropical Rainforest by the Coast" experience, where locals introduce Donggang’s signature rice soup, which you can prepare and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, venture into the fishing villages of Linbian Township to make overnight-dried threadfin and try crab fishing, gaining firsthand insight into Pingtung’s rich cultural heritage.
Book tours:
Tropical Rainforest by the Coast
Giant Groupers and Whole-Fish Utilization
Fangliao, a key stop en route to Kenting, is one of Pingtung’s main mango-growing regions and a major center for cultivating giant grouper. These fish can reach over 100 kilograms, with firm, elastic flesh ideal for steaming or stewing. In Xinlong Community, discarded fish scales are turned into high-quality collagen for food and skincare products, while bones are ground into flour to make noodles. This demonstrates how local fishing villages practice full utilization of every part of the fish.