Things to see and do South

Founded by the Japanese in 1906, it constitutes a centre for the preservation of the exotic flora, comprising both native plants and species imported by the occupant. The botanical garden now contains more than 1 200 species. From the Visitor's Center to Tanzihwan, paved roads go round the area, in the forest or along the coast. More steep roads lead to a 100 m long tunnel tunnel, the Fées cave, or other deep gorges. In addition to this, the chaotic tropical forest of old trees with impressive foothills roots is added.

The Lac de la Pureté is surrounded by a 7 km marked path that allows you to walk along the city's sumptuous golf course, a few residential areas where time seems to have stood still and admire beautiful panaromas. Around the lake, the Chengching Youth Activity Centre offers accommodation and activities. An oceanographic museum is also open along the south bank. Chunghsing Pagoda is surrounded by islands and bridges. The walk is very pleasant, even if the weekend crowds can be dense.

On the lake float bridges, pagodas and pavilions in bright colours. The ensemble surprises by its excessiveness and takes on the appearance of legendary sets in the evening. The Temple of Confucius in the north is the largest in Taiwan. Another temple, the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, is dedicated to Guanyin. The Tiger and Dragon Pagodas are reached by crossing the Nine Corners Bridge and entering the statues representing a tiger and a dragon. It is around the lake that the Moon Festival (September/October) is in full swing, with beautiful fireworks.

Just after the entrance to the park, this valley formed by the Zhuokou River owes its name to the countless purple butterflies that spend the winter there. But these lepidoptera are not the only attractions of this nature reserve. Hiking trails that wind through the mountains, thick forests, waterfalls at the bend of a path... This is undoubtedly one of the best preserved areas to discover the wilderness of Taiwan. Count at least two days on site.

On the right after the entrance to the park, this waterfall (one of the many in the region) is of great beauty, in a natural setting, which young couples in the area love. Continuing the road to Dona, the Snake Head and Dragon Head Mountains are curiosities that are the pride of the inhabitants of the valleys in the area (although they are more mounds than mountains), as is the Dona suspension bridge.

About 1 hour east of Pingtung, the Aboriginal Community Cultural Park offers a glimpse into the lives of Taiwan's native tribes. The sixteen tribes of the archipelago are all represented, with their customs and crafts (all with explanations in Chinese and English): a good opportunity to discover their traditional habitat and way of life. Traditional dance and music shows are regularly organized.

By taking Highway 200 from Hengchun, you will soon arrive at Chuhuo, which marks entry into the national park. The road is then littered with wonderful landscapes, including the waterfall of Chikung, about five kilometres further, turning on the left. The particularity of Chuhuo lies in its natural gas leaks on the surface, with eternal flames that arise in the middle of sand and rocks. The effect is spectacular, except in summer, when the rain sometimes causes small mudslides that obstruct the openings temporarily.

In the southwest of the island, this beach is by far the most beautiful of Petit Liuqiu. At the end of a path, with only a small fisherman's temple (as found everywhere) as its only building, it is a real little corner of paradise lost in the middle of the greenery. We don't want to leave. However, be careful of the reefs if you swim there, coral reefs can be dangerous, especially in case of strong currents. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a scuba mask on site.

Just east of the Baishawei ferry landing stage, this fine sandy beach is the busiest on the island, and as a result, it is far from being the cleanest. That said, the municipality and the inhabitants have set up a waste collection system; a real Sisyphean task since the rising tide and currents throw plastic debris out every night. We walk there from Baishawei, more for the panaroma than the idleness. For swimming and sunbathing, it is best to prefer the beaches in the south of the island.

In the south-east of the island, over several hundred meters, these rock formations are a photographer's delight. The road itself makes a chicane to preserve the site, and in this sense is an attraction in its own right. When the sea allows it, some beautiful diving spots can be admired. Unfortunately, depending on the currents, the beach can become covered with plastic waste, even if the inhabitants clean the beach regularly.