Explore Taiwan's nightlife — bars, clubs, and late-night entertainment.
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During the Lunar New Year holiday in Kenting, you can watch the sunset at Dawan and South Bay, or take romantic photos at Maobitou. But if you want to experience a different kind of Kenting Lantern Festival, you have to wait until dark.
Kenting's Lantern Festival isn't like those urban displays with stacked lanterns—it's the entire beach town lit up during the Lunar New Year. The nightlife at beach bars, the glowing lights of night market vendors, the warm glow of fishing village homestays. If you're a young traveler who loves beach parties and fun-seeking, this guide is for you.
The True Face of Kenting During Lantern Festival
During the day, Kenting folks are busy surfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding (SUP), but that's not the main point. The real action starts after 7 PM when South Bay Beach begins to fill with young people from all over Taiwan—lights, music, and laughter blending into one. Rather than calling it a "Lantern Festival," it's more like a Southern Taiwan carnival during the Lunar New Year.
According to recent Taiwan travel data, consumption at southern coastal tourist areas during the Lunar New Year increased by over 35% year-on-year, with Kenting reaching 45%. Restaurants, accommodations, and water activity operators all launch limited-time services and special packages during the Lantern Festival—this is the golden period for travelers seeking the best value.
Five Must-Visit Spots
1. South Bay Beach—The Heart of Beach Parties
Location: No. 100, South Bay Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
South Bay is packed during the day during the Lunar New Year, but the real soul comes after sunset. After dark, various lanterns and bonfires light up the beach, and young travelers host impromptu beach parties here. Many F&B vendors set up tent bars right on the beach, with beers and cocktails costing NT$150-200—becoming the reason young people gather. During the Lantern Festival, South Bay sometimes features live band performances or DJs, with official events typically running from 8-11 PM. The waves aren't too big, making it perfect for drinking while watching the sea.
Price Range: Drinks NT$150-250, BBQ/snacks NT$100-300
2. Kenting Street—Night Market Food & Bar Street
Location: Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
When Taiwanese go to Kenting, some come for the ocean views, while others specifically for the street's night market and bars. During Lunar New Year, the main street is completely jammed, with vendor numbers increasing by 1.5 times. All kinds of food are available, from traditional oyster omelets and fried seafood to creative snacks. Must-try specialties: Houwan oysters (freshest), Afu Fresh Oysters, taro ice, and freshly grilled beach fish. Bars on the street operate from 6 PM until 2-3 AM, with many attached to hostels—having a more lively atmosphere than upscale bars.
Price Range: Food NT$50-200, bar drinks NT$120-250
3. Houwan Fishing Village—Local Seafood & Serene Lights
Location: Houwan Village, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
If you've had enough of the main street's hustle and bustle, Houwan is another option. This traditional fishing village also lights up during Lunar New Year, but the style is completely different—the warm yellow lights of homestays and small eateries, the rustic beauty of fishing village homes. Seafood restaurants in Houwan usually prepare dishes to order, with the day's catch served directly. Prices average 30-50% higher than the main street, but the freshness and portion sizes are worth it. Many travelers spend entire evenings at Houwan homestays, eating seafood while stargazing.
Price Range: Seafood dishes NT$300-600/person (shared meal), homestay NT$1,500-3,000/night
4. Maobitou Park—High-Angle Lights & Sunset Views
Location: Maobitou, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
If you're not interested in main street parties, Maobitou Park lights up its trails and observation platforms during the Lantern Festival, offering a different experience from daytime. Come in the evening to watch the sunset first, then when the lights turn on after dark, you'll have a view of the entire South Bay coastline. There are a few small eateries in the park serving simple tea and snacks. The crowd here is noticeably older—travelers who want photos and quiet scenery appreciation will enjoy it more.
Price Range: Free admission, tea NT$60-100
5. Watersports Resort Area—Daytime Adventure + Night Lights
Location: Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
If your reason for visiting Kenting during Lunar New Year is to play, you can enjoy water activities here during the day (banana boat NT$300-500, wakeboarding NT$1,200+, snorkeling package NT$800-1,500). At night, the resort also lights up landscape lighting, creating a resort evening atmosphere. Many resorts offer "daytime activities + dinner" package deals during the Lantern Festival—great value.
Price Range: Water activities NT$300-1,500, dinner NT$500-800/person
Practical Information
How to Get There
About 2 hours from Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport; about 5.5 hours from Taipei; about 4 hours from Taichung. For buses, it's about 1.5 hours from Kaohsiung to Kenting (NT$350). There are few bus trips from Taipei to Kenting, so it's recommended to transfer in Kaohsiung. During Lunar New Year, it's advised to book tickets in advance—southbound highways often experience traffic jams from the second to fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
Budget Estimate
Average daily spending NT$1,500-2,500 (accommodation not included): dining NT$600-1,000, drinks/entertainment NT$300-600, activities/tickets NT$200-500, miscellaneous NT$200-400. For accommodation, hostels NT$800-1,200/night, homestays NT$1,500-2,500/night, resort hotels NT$3,500-6,000/night.
Operating Hours
The main street is open all day, with vendors usually busiest from 5 PM to midnight. Bars typically operate from 6 PM to 2 or 3 AM. Beach parties start after dark, usually busiest from 8 PM to 11 PM. Restaurants typically serve lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, dinner from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Best time to visit is during the Lunar New Year period (first to seventh day of the Lunar New Year), with peak hours from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Travel Tips
Scam Warnings
Some bars on the main street have "minimum spend requirements" or "hidden fees—ask before entering. Mobile vendors at beach parties typically cost 20-30% more than on the main street. Accommodation prices doubling during Lunar New Year is normal, but they drop significantly after the fourth day.
Safety Reminders
The beach is crowded at night—don't leave valuables on the sand, keep them at your homestay or in the car. Don't drive or ride scooters after drinking—there are several taxi stands on the main street. Swimming at the beach should be during the day—water activities are not recommended at night during the Lantern Festival.
Local Tips
Don't spend all your time on the main street—the homestay areas in Houwan and South Bay are the soul of Kenting. The third to fourth day has the most people and highest prices—starting from the fifth day, crowds drop by half for a better experience. Rent a scooter with friends to explore the island (scooter rental NT$300-400/day)—much more interesting than sticking to the main street.
