A must-read for summer vacationers this year: 8 “free” photogenic spots in Pingtung

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Summer means heading to the beach—when the long break gets boring, skip staying home and go on a sunny, sandy, bikini-filled trip to Pingtung instead.ETNEWS has handpicked 8 free attractions in Pingtungwith stunning scenery, perfect backdrops for photos, and most importantly—no admission fees. Students can enjoy a carefree fun getaway without breaking the bank.

▲ Known as Taiwan’s version of the Maldives, Kenting’s Little Bali Island is famous for its beautiful seaside views and often attracts hordes of visitors. (Photo / Netizenchu_555provided. Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Little Bali Island
Located near Kenting’s Houpihu, Little Bali Island offers a feeling of “finding a hidden paradise” compared to the nearby Water Outlet. With its vast ocean vista, just looking at it brings instant healing. When temperatures soar, it becomes an ideal spot for water activities during the peak of summer. Many people are seen playing in the shallow waters while enjoying the beautiful southern Taiwan scenery and staying cool. It's listed by many travel enthusiasts as a must-visit hotspot in Kenting.

Location: Daguang Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County (near Kenting’s Houpihu)

▲ Stepping into Kenting’s Shenshan Waterfall feels like entering a hidden paradise. (Photo / Reporter Cao Yuehua)

Shenshan Waterfall
Shenshan Waterfall is located in Wutai Township, Pingtung County, and got its name because it lies beneath the Shenshan community. Legend says the Rukai tribe considers this place taboo, forbidding members from standing at the top of the waterfall and looking down into the pool below. It’s said that seeing your own reflection in the pool will bring bad luck, hence the nickname “Eye of Hell.” Though the waterfall itself isn’t very big, the pool at its base is remarkably clear and transparent, with the stones at the bottom clearly visible. While wading near the shore, the water level is about knee-high for women, but as you go further in, the current gets stronger and the rocks are slippery due to moss—so it’s not recommended to venture too deep.

Wutai Township, Pingtung County; entrance at km 39 on Provincial Highway 24

▲ A white torii gate stands atop the hill. (Photo / Netizenryuchen26provided. Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Koshu Mini Shrine
Located in Mudan Township, Pingtung, Koshu Mini Shrine was restored by Japanese Shinto priest Sato Kenichi as a gesture of gratitude for the support Taiwan showed Japan after the 311 earthquake. The restoration cost 10 million yen (approximately 2.56 million NTD) and took over a year, bringing this abandoned 70-year-old Japanese-era shrine back to its traditional appearance. Since Manzhou Township isn’t a well-known tourist spot, not many people come here—but that makes the tranquil atmosphere even more special, highlighting how the Koshu Mini Shrine and its white torii gate seem to exist apart from the world.

Address: Koshu Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County

▲%剂?凸?熬痈吡傧拢?闯鋈サ姆缇俺?睹馈＃ㄍ迹?G@ting851204、angel_wenwenprovided. Please do not repost or reproduce without permission)

Longpan Park
Located on the eastern coast of Kenting, Longpan Park boasts a vast grassland landscape. From its elevated position, you can also gaze at the Pacific Ocean—on clear days, you might even see Orchid Island. With minimal light pollution, it’s also a famous stargazing spot. The blue skies and green fields are breathtaking in the day, and under a starry night sky, it feels like a fairyland.

Address: No. 946, Provincial Highway 26, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County

▲ Sulin Green Tunnel is known as “Pingtung’s Most Beautiful Green Tunnel.” (Photo / IG@barret0817provided. Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Sulin Green Tunnel
The 1.2-kilometer-long “Sulin Green Tunnel” is hailed as Pingtung’s most beautiful green tunnel. The overlapping canopies of 500 small-leaved fig trees act like a giant umbrella, sheltering pedestrians in this lush green world. Paired with the surrounding pastoral scenery, it attracts many for photo shoots and is especially beloved by joggers and cyclists. Walking through the tunnel, you can enjoy the scent of grass and trees. The over 500 small-leaved fig trees create a cool environment that feels warm in winter and cool in summer, offering both sun protection and a refreshing breeze—making it a new favorite walking spot for Pingtung residents.

Address: Lane 802, Chaozhou Road, Chaozhou Township, Pingtung County

▲The 3D painted artworks on the Pingtung Wanluan Suspension Bridge create various fun photo scenarios. (Photo provided by netizen jajalee0109. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Wanluan Suspension Bridge
Located in Pingtung, the Wanluan Suspension Bridge gained popularity earlier this year after being transformed by artists into a vibrant 3D graffiti attraction. Fearsome sharks and fire-breathing dragons come to life, delighting visitors who enjoy taking themed photos while crossing the bridge. Spanning the confluence of Jiaping and Donggang Creeks, the approximately 168-meter-long bridge offers views of the North Dawu Mountain landscape and serves as a great cycling route for sightseeing. However, after the local Wanluan Township Office invited a 3D painting team to give it a major makeover, the striking and adventurous artwork quickly became a hot topic, drawing large crowds of tourists to this once-quiet bridge. The combination of 3D paintings and the swaying bridge offers an exhilarating experience.

Address: Chongqing Road, Liuhuang Village, Wanluan Township, Pingtung County

▲The colorful tunnel made from repurposed shipping containers at Pingtung County’s youth innovation hub is a popular photo spot. (Photo provided by netizen ig, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.) qq___0117 Provided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid infringement.

I/o studio Pingtung County Youth Innovation Hub
Opened at the end of 2016, the Pingtung Youth Innovation Hub was created under the Pingtung County Government’s “Urban Window Highlight Plan” and “Youth Camp Live, Charge, and Ignite Plan.” It consists of a total of 53 large shipping containers transformed into a vibrant space where young people can connect, gather, and express their creativity. The colorful containers have been repurposed into buildings ranging from one to three stories on a large expanse of lawn. Unlike the typical heavy industrial feel of containers, these rainbow-hued structures have brought a fresh wave of energy to Pingtung, attracting many visitors to explore.

Address: No. 77, Shengli Road, Pingtung City, Pingtung County
Phone: 08-766-9177
Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00, closed on Mondays

▲Mudan Elementary School is covered in “LOVE” signs, even featured in travel books by Cai A’ga. (Photo provided by Cai A’ga, published by Gao Bao)

Mudan Elementary School
Located at the foot of Chishan in Pingtung, Mudan Elementary School is a quaint yet colorful school. Though it has a small student body, the campus is expansive, featuring large “LOVE” signs in rainbow colors that create both a cute and romantic atmosphere—perfect for couples to take photos or share sweet moments. Surrounded by mountains, it’s also a recommended spot for wedding photos.

Address: No. 93, Mudan Road, Mudan Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County
Opening Hours: After 5:00 PM on weekdays, all day on Saturdays and Sundays