Chuhuo Special Scenic Area Introduction
On the Hengchun Peninsula, there is a place where the surroundings are barren, covered only with muddy yellow sand, yet bursts of orange-red flames jut out intermittently. They flicker with the wind, sometimes blazing brightly, sometimes extinguishing, swaying left and right like a fire dance performance. During the day, these small flames can't compete with the brightness of the sun and appear rather unremarkable. However, when night falls, it's their time to shine. This is known as "Fire Coming Out," a fascinating sight. Fire Coming Out is located about five kilometers outside Hengchun City and lies in the Kenting mudstone formation, characterized by numerous natural fissures. This allows natural gas from underground to escape through the cracks, igniting into many flames. Interestingly, because natural gas emerges wherever there are gaps, these flames appear to roam as if they had legs. Initially, the Fire Coming Out site was not located here; it was moved to the present location after China Petroleum Corporation conducted oil and gas exploration and drilling. Spring and winter are the dry seasons in the Hengchun Peninsula, with little rainfall, which makes it difficult for the fissures to be blocked, resulting in a more vigorous fire phenomenon. In contrast, summer and autumn are the rainy seasons, causing the sandy soil to become muddy and blocking the fissures, leading to fewer visible flames. Nevertheless, this is a unique attraction in Pingtung, and in 1996, it was specifically designated as the "Fire Coming Out Special Scenic Area." The park is equipped with information signs, walkways, and parking facilities. At night, the Fire Coming Out scenic area often attracts many visitors. Although they may not know each other, they gather around the flames, sitting, standing, or chatting, creating a warm scene. Perhaps it is the surrounding darkness that makes this light a source of warmth for the heart.
