Pingtung｜Dapeng Bay & Binwan Pier——Using the clouds in the sky as sails, sail along the lagoon all the way to Haikou 🌊⛵️

#SeptemberDestinations2025

Dapeng Bay is Pingtung's most cozy seaside living room. From Binwan Pier, board a boat and gaze at the tides beneath the cross-sea bridge. The sky resembles a long, white sail, and the lake is a polished blue—perfect for spending the afternoon in the breeze.

• Name: Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area | Binwan Pier
• Location: Donggang Township, Pingtung County (National Highway 3 → Expressway 88 → Provincial Highway 17)
• Admission: Most areas are free; parking fees, boat tours, and water activities are subject to operator notification.
• Recommended Stay: 2–4 hours (a stroll and a cruise or bike ride)
• Suitable for: Families, couples, drivers, and cyclists

Dapeng Bay Background and History (Abridged Version)

Dapeng Bay, formerly known as the Donggang Inland Sea, is a lagoon separated by sandbars and connected to the open sea only by an inlet. In its early years, it was primarily used for fishing, salt production, and port transit. Later, while preserving the natural landscape, it was comprehensively developed into a National Scenic Area, integrating a cross-sea bridge, a bayside pier, lake cruises, a water sports base, and a cycling tour. On one side, it offers a geography lesson on salt and tidal changes, while on the other, it provides a welcoming and relaxing space for everyday enjoyment. The bridge opens and closes at set times, creating a ceremonial "sea theater" (actual times subject to official announcements).

The lagoon's surface is calm, with clouds above and the silhouettes of ships below. This harmonious contrast of blue is the defining characteristic of Dapeng Bay.

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My Lakeside Walking Route (Step-by-Step Guided by Photos)

① Bayside Pier → Observation Deck
The white arched building and the long embankment are the most recognizable landmarks. First, ascend to the deck to watch the clouds sweep across the sky like a brush, casting a silky sheen on the water. Here, I'll take the cover shot first, with the horizon low and two-thirds of the sky visible, to create a clearer blue.

② Lakeside Trail → Looking Up from Under the Bridge
Walk slowly along the lakeside trail, occasionally spotting fiddler crabs. Once you reach the foot of the cross-sea bridge, its steel structure feels like a tensile line. The wind blows beneath the bridge, and every breath feels like the ocean.

③ Choose between a Lake Cruise or a SUP (Supporting Upgrade)
• Relaxing: Take a lake cruise from the Marina Pier (prices subject to on-site announcements) and listen to a guide share stories about tides, bridges, and oyster shells.
• In the water: Choose a SUP or canoe (reservations required). The lagoon's waters are stable, allowing even beginners to find their rhythm.

Returning to shore, the afternoon light is at its most beautiful, with cloud shadows moving across the lake. No filters are needed for photos.

④ Ending at Dusk: The wind paints the sky a milky blue.
The sun sets behind the distant embankment, and the lake turns from blue to gray-purple. The blue hues are incredibly soothing. At this time, standing about one-third of the way along the embankment, your silhouettes will tell a story.

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10 Reasons I Recommend Dapeng Bay & Binwan Pier
1. Absolutely Amazing Views: The lagoon stretches out in a straight line, and the layers of clouds and water are incredibly clear.
2. Free Entry: Most areas are free of charge, making it a great place to visit on a whim.
3. Lots of Activities: Boat tours, SUPs, canoes, and kite/water skiing facilities (varies by season and registration).
4. Perfect Cycling: The gentle bike path around the bay is perfect for families.
5. A Geography Classroom: The lagoon, sandbars, and tidal changes—one trip will give you a glimpse into the world.
6. Perfect for Photography: The bridge, pier, embankment, and boat shadows—foreground elements are easy to spot.
7. Perfect Sunsets & Blues: Come in the afternoon and stay until the blues turn blue to capture the changing light.
8. Convenient Dining: Numerous restaurants are available around the pier and in downtown Donggang, so you don't have to travel far for seafood. 9. Nearby attractions: Fuwan Chocolate, Linbian Wetlands, and the Xiaoliuqiu ferry service are all within a half-hour drive.
10. Dramatic scenery year-round: Summer clouds are dramatic, autumn and winter are transparent; even cloudy skies offer a low-saturation quality.

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Super Practical Tips (Avoidance Checklist)⚠️
• The sun is strong: bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and 500–1000ml of water; in winter, mountain winds can be strong, so bring a light jacket.
• Water Safety: When using a SUP or canoe, always wear a life jacket and cooperate with the instructor; avoid trespassing under bridges or in waterways.
• Bridge Opening and Closing: Bridges are occasionally opened at fixed times; please refer to official announcements.
• Cycling Tips: Cycling clockwise; upwind sections are more stable; children should use safety flags.
• Take your trash with you: Strong winds can easily blow light objects into the water.

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Photography Cheat Sheet (You Can Take Great Photos Even on Your Phone) 📸
• Make the Sky the Star: Lower the horizon by 1/3; use an EV of −0.3 to preserve cloud patterns.
• Foreground Anchor: Place a levee, railing, pier post, or boat in the corner of the frame for a more stable composition.
• Silhouette: Use a blue tone for 5–10 minutes, positioning the person on the levee line looking up at the clouds for a truly dramatic shot.
• Lines of the Bridge: Shoot from above with a wide-angle shot, making the bridge look like an arrow, guiding the eye toward the sky.

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Food Review | A Sweet Respite in the Middle of Your Trip (with Address)

Fu Wan Chocolate (Donggang Flagship/Workshop Showcase)
Address: No. 100, Dapeng Road, Donggang Township, Pingtung County
Recommended: Single Origin Chocolate #1: PingTung 62% and 100% Cocoa + Hot Cocoa Drink
My experience: The 62% version has a hint of brown sugar and dried fruit, leaving a clean sweetness; the 100% sugar-free version is not harsh, with a refreshingly bitter aftertaste of tropical fruit. After spending an afternoon enjoying the breeze by the lake, it was the perfect place to recharge my batteries and refresh my spirits. 🍫

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Half-Day & Full-Day Itineraries

Half-Day Version
Walk along the bay → Cruise (or SUP) → Watch the sunset from the Dapeng Bay Bridge → Dinner in Donggang

Fujian Version
Morning: Watch migratory birds at the wetlands → Lunch: Donggang seafood → Walk and cruise along the Dapeng Bay Bay → Enjoy dessert at Fuwan Chocolate → Enjoy the blues at dusk by the bridge → Accommodation in Pingtung City / Donggang

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My real travel experience

That day, the clouds seemed like a long, soft, white cape, combed by the wind. They stretched across the lake all the way to the distant embankment. I sat on the embankment, listening to the lapping of water against the pillars as the wind washed away the heat from my body. By the time the sky turns blue, only a few lights and the shadows of boats remain at the pier—Dapeng Bay, devoid of noise, yet profoundly quiet. 😊

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Conclusion

If you're looking for a place in Pingtung where you can stroll, swim, and gaze at the clouds and water in one uninterrupted shot, Dapeng Bay and Binwan Pier should be on your itinerary: free, easy to get to, packed with activities, and stunning blues. Bring water and sunscreen, and leave a long afternoon for it, letting the wind wash away all the noise of your journey.

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Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area | Binwan Pier | Dapeng Bay Cross-Sea Bridge | Fuwan Chocolate (No. 100, Dapeng Road, Donggang Township, Pingtung County) | Linbian Wetland | Donggang Pier (Xiaoliuqiu Ferry)

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