Houwan Village 後灣村

Houwan Village is located in Checheng Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Houwan Village is situated in the southwestern corner of the township, nestled between Guishan Mountain and Dapingding terrains along the coastal lowlands.

Houwan village boasts a picturesque coastline with sandy beaches, dense fringing reefs, and a backdrop of mountains facing the sea. The coastline is dotted with unique rock formations, and the clear waters offer a serene view of boats sailing in the distance.

Historically, the village holds significance as it was the site where the Japanese commander, Saigō Tsugumichi, set up camp and erected a monument during the Mudan Incident.

This monument still stands today. In 1989, the government decided to establish the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium near Guishan Pond near the Houwan village. This museum, covering an area of 97 hectares, is one of the largest marine biology museums in the world. It features various exhibition halls, including those dedicated to Taiwan’s waters, the Coral Kingdom, and more.

The museum also has a massive acrylic glass display window showcasing the fish migration in the eastern waters of Taiwan and an underwater tunnel, providing visitors with an immersive diving experience. One of the museum’s highlights is the “Beluga Whale” performance, which is particularly popular among children. You can also stay overnight in the museum, they offer sleeping places (but it is not private rooms). 

Houwan is a small fishing village located south of the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. It boasts a beautiful bay view and was one of the filming locations for the movie “Cape No. 7.”

Visitors can stroll along the Houwan Magpie Bridge (後灣鵲橋), listen to the waves, and wait for the sunset. As the sun sets, they can leave all their worries behind. This quaint fishing village near the southern side of the museum is where locals often enjoy the sunset in the evenings.

They walk their dogs on the embankment, jog, or exercise. The movie’s popularity has unveiled this hidden gem’s beauty and purity to the world. The contrast between the Houwan Bridge and the blue and white ocean makes this slow-paced fishing village stand out.

Here, the coral reefs and rocks are exposed. You can walk barefoot on the fine white sandy beach, step on the gentle waves, and explore the intertidal zone.

A few small boats sway on the water, and the serene environment feels like a world apart. Trees providing shade are planted on both sides of the seawall. You can find traces of the rare checkerboard tree from the Hengchun Peninsula.

Apart from the busy summers of Kenting itself, the Houwan seawall seems like a shy little girl blinking her eyes and giving a light smile. This charm attracts those in the know to visit Houwan Village.