More than 8.3 million people visited Kenting in 2014, but just over 2 million did so in 2024
PINGTUNG, Taiwan — Pingtung County officials on Wednesday unveiled a NT$50 million (US$1.66 million) pedestrian space improvement project along Kenting Street, the tourist hub that has seen dwindling visitor numbers in recent years.
The project, launched last December, covers 1.41 kilometers from the Dajianshan parking lot on Provincial Highway 26 to the Howard Beach Resort. County public works official Chang Hsiang-chieh (張翔傑) said the effort focused on “people-centered design,” reorganizing lanes, widening pedestrian areas, and improving safety.
Pavement was resurfaced with green strips and colorful geometric patterns, and signage was added to guide vehicles and pedestrians. Police traffic deputy chief Cheng Da-wei (程大維) said 12 temporary parking spaces were introduced on a trial basis to curb chronic problems of double-parking and blocked lanes. Cars and scooters can park for up to 20 minutes during the day, but parking is banned from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. to preserve pedestrian flow and nighttime safety.
Officials describe the improvements as a step toward reshaping Kenting’s image, but questions remain. With international tourism slow to rebound and Taiwan’s domestic travelers increasingly drawn to other destinations, some local businesses doubt whether new sidewalks and stricter parking rules alone will revive the once-booming street.
