Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Introduction
Dapeng Bay, formerly known as "Biaxing Harbor," "Qieteng Harbor," "Guandi Harbor," and "Nanping Harbor," was referred to as "Datang" during the Japanese occupation. It became significant as a military site for the Japanese army's invasion of Southeast Asia during World War II. In 1949, after the Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan and took over, it was renamed "Dapeng Bay." The bay is formed by the sediment brought into the sea by the Linbian River and Donggang River from upstream, which accumulates to create a sandbar due to ocean currents and monsoon winds. It has an area of 532 hectares, making it Taiwan's largest single-mouth lagoon. To preserve this unique natural lagoon landscape, the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Administration was established in 1997, marking it as the fourth national scenic area under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. In 2000, for the purpose of tourism development, the "Xiaoliuqiu Scenic Area" was incorporated into Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area. Major recreational spots in Dapeng Bay include the Hengchun Peninsula Tourist Service Center, the Qingzhou Coastal Recreation Area, the Dapeng Bay Ocean Leisure Area, and the Coastal Bike Path. Visitors can take yachts around Dapeng Bay to appreciate the mangrove ecosystem and visit "Oyster Shell Island" to explore the legendary oyster farming practices in the waters of Dapeng Bay. Future plans for Dapeng Bay include the construction of a racetrack, international tourist hotels, themed visitor areas, a golf course, and a yacht harbor, aiming to transform Dapeng Bay into an "international water leisure resort."
