Taiwan's version of the Sahara Desert #Jiupeng Desert-Manzhou Township, Pingtung County

#SeptemberDestinations2025 Tucked away in Jiupeng Village, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, lies a unique landscape that stands out from Taiwan's subtropical landscape: the Jiupeng Desert. While not a true desert, it's a unique landscape comprised of vast sandy beaches and wind-blown dunes. Known as the "Taiwan Sahara" for its scale and grandeur, it attracts many travelers seeking thrills and unique experiences. The formation of the Jiupeng Desert is closely tied to the local geography. The Jiupeng River's estuary meets the Pacific coastline. Over time, silt from the upper reaches of the Jiupeng River has been washed and deposited at its estuary. Every year, during the northeast monsoon, strong winds carry this fine sand inland, creating this undulating landscape of dunes stretching for kilometers. These dunes constantly change shape with wind direction and the seasons, presenting a dynamic natural beauty. Jiupeng Desert is best known for its thrilling dune racing. Local operators offer four-wheel drive off-road vehicles (ATVs), led by professional drivers, for visitors to race across the dunes. The vehicles swoop down steep sand slopes or race across the beach at high speed, sending clouds of dust and an adrenaline-pumping thrill that's undeniably addictive. For adventurous and thrill-seeking travelers, this extreme sport is a must-see. Jiupeng Desert is not only a place for fun, but also a perfect place to understand the forces of nature and the dynamics of the terrain. If you've grown tired of the azure seas and skies of Kenting, Jiupeng Desert offers a completely different experience from Hengchun.