Qixingkeng Scenic Area Introduction
On the Hengchun Peninsula, there is a place surrounded by barren land covered with yellowish sand, but little bursts of orange flames can be seen sporadically, flickering with the wind—sometimes flaring up, sometimes snuffed out, swaying left and right like a fire dance performance. During the daytime, these small flames cannot compete with the brightness of the sun and are not particularly noticeable, but when night falls, it is their time to shine. This is known as "Fire Spouting," a fascinating natural phenomenon. Fire Spouting is located about five kilometers outside Hengchun Town, in the geological formation of the Kenting mudstone layer, which has many natural cracks that allow natural gas to escape to the surface through these fissures. Once ignited, many flames are formed; interestingly, since the natural gas escapes wherever there are cracks, these flames seem to wander around as if they had legs. Originally, the Fire Spouting site was not located in its current place; it was moved to the present location after the CPC Corporation explored for oil and gas by drilling wells. Spring and winter are the dry seasons in Hengchun Peninsula, with little rain that makes it difficult for the mudstone cracks to be blocked, thus increasing the intensity of the fire spouting phenomenon. In contrast, summer and autumn are rainy seasons, and the rain makes the sandy soil muddy, blocking the rock fissures, which causes the flames to have fewer opportunities to shine, leading to a sparser appearance. However, this remains a unique sight in Pingtung, and in 1996, it was designated as the "Fire Spouting Special Scenic Area," complete with explanatory signs, pedestrian walkways, and parking facilities. At night, the Fire Spouting scenic area often attracts many tourists. Although they may not know each other, gathering around the flames—some sitting, others standing or chatting—creates a warm scene, perhaps accentuated by the surrounding darkness, where the light becomes a source of warmth for the heart.
