Guanshan Sunset Viewpoint
關山
A coral reef hill about 152 meters above sea level on the west side of the Hengchun Peninsula. It was named one of the world's twelve best sunsets by CNN and overlooks the Taiwan Strait and the Hongchaikeng fishing village.
Guanshan sits on the west coast of the Hengchun Peninsula, between Houbihu and Hengchun. It is an uplifted coral reef plateau about 152 meters above sea level, originally called Gaoshanyan. It is famous as “Sunset at Guanshan,” one of the Eight Scenic Views of Hengchun, and in 2007 CNN named it one of the twelve most beautiful sunset viewing spots in the world. At the summit, beside the Fude Temple at Gaoshanyan, a viewing platform called Feilai Rock and the Sea-View Pavilion offer a 180-degree view of the Taiwan Strait, Hongchaikeng Fishing Harbor, Longluan Lake, and the whole Hengchun valley. As the sun sinks into the sea, the sky and water turn orange-red, and the lights of the fishing village below slowly come on. It is Kenting's most classic sunset scene.
The park admission is NT$60, including parking. From the entrance, it's about a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint. The platform has benches and vendors. Crowds start gathering an hour before sunset, so on busy weekends arrive early to get a good spot. The summit also has a huge coral rock called Feilai Rock and a Guanyin Temple you can visit.
Suggested plan: Guanshan makes a good finale to a half-day west-coast tour. Come over from Houbihu or Baishawan in the afternoon, and after sunset, go to Hengchun town for dinner. If you're short on time, Baishawan offers a free alternative for watching the sunset over the sea.
Getting there: about 25 minutes by scooter from Kenting Street, or take the Kenting Street Car Blue Line (Route 102) to the “Guanshan” stop, then walk uphill for about 15 minutes.
Notes: The road down from the summit has no streetlights after sunset, so ride carefully. Winds are very strong at the summit during the autumn Mountain Wind season. The park closes around 6:30 p.m. (adjusted for sunset time), so head down soon after taking photos.
Opening hours
approx. 08:00–after sunset (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Hengchun Sisal Industry Exhibition Area
- Baisha Bay
- Longluan Lake
- Houbihu
- Wanlitong
- Maobitou (Cat's Nose Cape)
- Nanwan (South Bay)
- Hengchun Old Town