On the Pingtung County government’s youtube channel, there is a ten-year old documentary called “心留在滿州,” or “My heart stays in Manzhou”, featuring specialties and travel in Manzhou Township.
Let’s watch this documentary together, add comments and references where possible, and see if the information shown ten years ago about Kenting’s “Wild East” is still up to date and delve more deeply into this fantastic place.
First block of the documentary starts with a host., and who says:
The beautiful pastoral scenery before us, is reminiscent of the classic landscapes of Australia, with its rich natural wonders and exquisite beauty. Which foreign land could this be? It’s none other than Manzhou Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan, known for its abundant mountains and waters.
In fact, yes, those hayrolls are really kind of specialties and sceneries of Manzhou Township. Besides the eagles (which is a famous Migratory Bird Watching Activity in Kenting) , which are presented in various places in township logos and designs, these hayrolls will be another one. If you go to several homestays, resorts, or parks in Manzhou, such as Ocean Day By Day Park, Kenting Summerland Garden Resort, and some cafes – they all will have these haystacks and hayrolls to take a photo on them. Take a look at the Virtual Tour in Ocean Day By Day Park – which is mainly created to resemble the “pastoral scenery” that the documentary talks about.
Virtual Tour in Ocean Day By Day Park in Manzhou Township
However, while the documentary says it resembles Australia, I tend to agree with those who say that Manzhou is a little Switzerland instead.
Host goes on saying, that: Manzhou Township is located in the northeastern Pacific region of the Hengchun Peninsula, boasting a rich marine culture and ecosystem. Within its boundaries, diverse cultures like Minnan, Hakka, and indigenous elements blend, giving rise to a unique local cultural charm through the fusion of various ethnic groups.
While listing to this, we are shown these buffalos – most likely those are from Nanren Lake Ecological Reserve.
The host then goes on to say that, With its rich historical, cultural, and ecological heritage, Manzhou has shaped a distinctive way of life, showcasing the diversity of both nature and culture.
When you come here, you’ll discover much more than just water activities, cherry blossom viewing, and bird watching; many other things are waiting for you to uncover. They say there are fifty-one states to explore (五十一州).
Next block of the documentary, while host says “we can feel the charm and beauty of local traditional folk songs. The lyrics also showcase the unique local culture. Traditional folk songs are closely intertwined with the lives, leisure activities, and customs of the people in Manzhou.”
As video footage, we see a really famous person in Manzhou – local folk singer Zhang Rui Gui – we have a special article on our resource devoted to Zhang RuiGui, and these folk singers:
Zhang Rui Gui
Pay close attention; the spontaneous lyrics of the singer are filled with the region’s natural landscapes, adds the Host.
After that, the host turns our attention to grasslands in Manzhou, which are all filled with Pangula Grass:
Pangula Grassland in Manzhou
Host explains, and asks: But have you ever wondered why the region values these grasslands so much? The reason is that the northeast monsoon becomes very strong after October, and with the strong winds, ordinary crops cannot be cultivated.
So, they switch to cultivating grass, and when the grass turns yellow from drying, it takes on a cylindrical shape, creating a unique and beautiful landscape in the region.
Now host is turning to water activities, saying that: Manzhou is a coastal township with a rich reputation for water activities on the Hengchun Peninsula.
In video we see this footage:
Surfers in Gangkou beach
Speaking of surfing in Kenting, and particularly in the Manzhou area, you will often hear that surfing takes place in Jialeshui. While this is close to the place where surfers go, a more exact place for you to go, if you want to go surfing in Manzhou, is not in Jialeshui itself, but in Gangkou beach, near Yucun park. This is where so-called “Jialeshui Surfing” really takes place.
This is also where the surfers footage in the documentary were taken, if you wish to have a virtual tour in Gangkou beach, here you are:
Host then says that, here, it belongs to the South Pacific, south of the Tropic of Capricorn, and the water temperature here averages around 23 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it a very comfortable environment for surfing. This place is a secret surfing paradise for foreign surfers.
Welcome everyone to Manzhou!
Next we are introduced to Gangkou Suspension Bridge: The Gangkou suspension bridge, stepping onto the red suspension bridge, not only gives you a fresh feeling of swaying up and down on the bridge but also allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the creek flowing into the sea. It truly showcases the unique natural landscapes of the area.
But guess what – currently this bridge is not open now for the public, and AT LEAST 2 years since I am writing this, I have been coming to it just to see if they reopened it – and no, it is still closed.
The Jialeshui Scenic Area is perhaps the most renowned scenic spot in Manzhou. Located on the eastern coast of the Hengchun Peninsula, mountains surround it and faces the Pacific Ocean. The area features a coastal landscape dominated by lychee sandstone erosion, shaped over time by tectonic movements, strong winds, and the relentless impact of ocean waves. The region boasts various unique rock formations, and the natural beauty of these rocks resembles a natural geological museum.
We have a virtual 360 degree tour to see these rocks, check it out:
. Additionally, the nearby restricted Nanren Mountain Ecological Reserve is home to rich flora and fauna, making it an important area for both tourism and research. To explore the local ecology, one often relies on the guidance of local experts. Today, we’re joining a local guide on an ecological journey to Lazy River.
Note: “懒人溪” (Lǎnrén Xī) translates to “Lazy River” in English.
Zheng Wenming, Nanren Ecological Reserve tour guide
Mr Wenming says, that:
Lanren river is located within the territory of Manzhou Township, and when you enter, you are within the boundaries of a national park!
It’s a clean and safe water area! Of course, with your equipment ready, if you can wear rain boots like mine, you’ll be better prepared for this wilderness journey.
Lanren River in Manzhou
if you can wear rain boots like mine, that way, you'll be better prepared for this wilderness journey.
Following Teacher Zheng into it, we also saw some rare and precious animals and plants that are not usually seen.
Green mountain snail
Diploderma swinhonis in Nanren reserve
After enjoying Lazy River, Teacher Zheng led us to another famous waterfall spot in Manzhou.
To experience such a rich diversity, how can you not stay here? Manzhou has many locally distinctive homestays, well-equipped and not expensive. In addition, large resorts with diverse recreational facilities and services are equally charming, satisfying your desire for a relaxing vacation. At night, there are many surprises waiting for us. Let’s experience Manzhou’s nighttime ecological journey together.
While talking this, we can see some footage om the screen from several Manzhou resorts and homestays, and the one which I think is very impressive – Star Villa in Manzhou.
In the footage you also see this resort:
This is called Kentington Resort, and we will have a deep dive review and virtual tour in it soon.
Night tours in Manzhou
Megacrania tsudai
In the midst of this precious and rare experience, we also witnessed many creatures during our rare nighttime observations. Teacher Zheng also reminded us of the attitude we should have when conducting ecological observations.
Chiromantes dehaani crab
Ocypode sinensis
As we’re enjoying these nighttime experiences now, in the future, our attitude should not just be about having fun and being excited, right? When these creatures approach us, it’s to protect them, and the most important thing is not to overuse their habitats.
Finally, we concluded this rich evening under the starry sky. Watching the sunrise is one of the most romantic chapters of the Manzhou ecological journey. We arrived at the seaside harbor suspension bridge, admired the beautiful sunrise scenery, and watched the sun rise from the Pacific Ocean, painting the sea with vibrant morning colors. After witnessing the sunrise, early in the morning, we followed our guide, Mr. Han, to the mountains to harvest wild bamboo shoots and experience some local life pleasures.
Harvesting bamboo in Manzhou mountains
If you want to read more about bamboo as a cultural and food element in the local culture, check out this article.
Mr. Han also introduced to us the unique local products of Manzhou, known as “Lovers Tears” and “Lai Gu.” These are cherished by the indigenous people.
Amazing Lovers Tears mushroom – I have written about it extensively before. You must try it, while in Kenting or Manzhou.
Manzhou, with its diverse resources and harmonious ethnic groups, naturally boasts a distinctive and unique culinary flavor.
Manzhou local flavour – guoshan shrimps
Manzhou Local flavour: green dragon spicy peppers
During a meal, the boss treated us to some fresh Manzhou red dragon fruit:
Manzhou specialty: red dragon fruit fresh juice
The meal was perfectly delicious and nutritious. After eating, don’t forget to sit down, have a cup of tea, and take a break. We received some tea too! Manzhou also has a famous tea product, Gangkou Tea.
Gangkou tea
Just reminding again, that the Three Wonders of Hengchun that grow in the downslope Kenting Wind are Onion, Sisal Hemp, and Gangkou Tea!
After enjoying the tea, why not experience the culture of Manzhou? Along the road to Hengchun, you can see a pavilion of revered deities, which can be considered a symbol of Hakka culture in this area.
敬聖亭 Pavilion of Revered deities in Manzhou
There’s also an excellent ancient mansion with unique craftsmanship and decorations that are worth visiting.
尤家吉厝 Ancient mansion in Manzhou
The sea of flowers in Manzhou, especially during the Chinese New Year, is a significant feature of the region.
滿州花海 Manzhou Sea of Flowers
The cherry blossom season from September to October each year is also ideal for experiencing the ecological landscapes.
Manzhou, facing the Pacific Ocean, is full of wild charm, diverse landscapes, and species that are worth exploring. While enjoying these beautiful natural landscapes, remember not to harm these valuable ecological resources casually!
Let’s protect this beautiful environment together to preserve it sustainably, allowing Manzhou to maintain its original and diverse beauty.