Pingtung ◦ Kanding | A Township Filled with the Aroma of Sesame Oil | TAIWAN 368–27

by YU-LING

最後更新/Last Updated:2025-03-19

On a chilly night, nothing comforts me more than a bowl of sesame egg noodles. As I check the seasonings in my kitchen, I notice that I still have half a bottle of sesame oil brought back from Kanding. The mere thought of its rich aroma enveloping me during the winter brings a sense of warmth. Kanding, a region primarily focused on agriculture, cultivates sesame, wax apples, rice, and sugarcane. Due to the locals' dedication to traditional methods, sesame oil has become Kanding’s most iconic specialty.

◦ Pingtung Travel Guide

01|Transportation in Pingtung

🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Car Rentals - Save Up to 10%
🚢 Xiaoliuqiu - Donggang Ferry Ticket

02|Popular Attractions in Pingtung

🎫 National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium Ticket
🎫 Sleepover Experience at National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
🎫 Paradise of Deer Ticket in Kenting
🎫 Tickets for Kenting Luyu Island Capybara Ecological Park
🎫 Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Tickets

03|Things To Do in Pingtung

🚣🏻 Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience in Kenting
🤿 Water Activities at Kenting South Bay
🤿 Liuqiu Snorkeling Tour by Bear Diving in Pingtung
🏔️ Alangyi Hostoric Trail Hiking Day Tour

◦ The History of Kanding

During the Dutch rule, Kanding was home to the Netnee, one of the Fengshan Eight Villages. During the Kangxi period, Han settlers began cultivating land along the Donggang River in Kanding. Their efforts transformed this land into fertile fields, establishing a strong foundation for agricultural prosperity in the region.

In Beiji Temple, there is a stele from the Qianlong era. Its inscription states, "In the Port East area, there is a street called Kanding, bustling with people and diverse trades—a thriving town indeed," which reflects the high population density of that time. Residents thrived in this area, not only because of a stable food supply but also due to its advantageous geography. While nearby towns frequently experienced flooding during the rainy season, Kanding remained secure, located on higher ground than the surrounding regions. Consequently, early settlers from Fujian named this place "Kanding," which means "top of the terrain."

◦ Attractions in Kanding
01|Yixing Sesame Oil Factory

Founded during the late Qing Dynasty, the Yixing Sesame Oil Factory is now in its fifth generation. Renowned for its traditional sesame oil, it is cherished by food enthusiasts, myself included. Ever since I first tried it at a friend’s house five years ago, I have been a loyal customer.

While taking photos, three groups of customers came by. Each group went through the routine seamlessly—ringing the bell, selecting their items from the cabinet, paying, and leaving.

Yixing Sesame Oil Factory

Opening Hours: 0800-1900
No. 83, Zhongzheng Rd., Kanding Township, Pingtung
02|Kanding Ecological Park

At the entrance to Kanding Ecological Park, a retired Taiwan Sugar Corporation locomotive stands as a reminder of the region’s once-thriving sugar industry. Now transformed through ecological greening efforts, the park boasts lush forested areas and a natural pond, allowing visitors to walk along well-maintained wooden boardwalks and enjoy the verdant scenery up close.

Kanding Ecological Park

Located at the intersection of Xingnong Road and Guangming Road in Kanding.
03|Kanding Inclusive Playground

After leaving the Ecological Park, I was immediately drawn to the Inclusive Playground across the street, where a smiling sun greeted us warmly! The playground is filled with planet-themed features, including slides shaped like the sun, Earth, and the moon, which quickly become favorites among children, while adults enjoy riding bicycles nearby. The playground offers equipment with varying levels of difficulty to cater to different age groups, and the active participation of everyone truly brings the concept of inclusivity to life.

Kanding Inclusive Playground

Near Ping 69-1 Township Road
04|Bei Yuan Temple

On my way back to Kaohsiung from Kanding, I caught a glimpse of the intricately designed Bei Yuan Temple. My curiosity sparked, I decided to stop and take a closer look.

Bei Yuan Temple, dedicated to Qingshui Zushi, was originally built in the early Qianlong era, over 270 years ago. Renovated in 1927, it has been well-preserved to this day. I was captivated by the intricate carvings on the roof ridge of the main hall, with each element demanding my attention.

Bei Yuan Temple

No. 61, Jiudian Rd., Kanding Township, Pingtung
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Kanding
01|Yeh's Cold Noodles

The freshly cooked noodles, paired with a sauce that is slowly simmered daily, make Yeh's cold noodles truly exceptional. The chewy noodles not only absorb the rich aroma of the sesame sauce but also carry a hint of sweet and sour flavors from the vegetables and fruits in the sauce. Coupled with a traditional miso meatball soup, I couldn’t help but indulge in bite after bite!

Yeh's Cold Noodles

Opening Hours: 0700-1400, closed on Monday. 
No. 110, Zhongzheng Rd., Kanding Township, Pingtung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan

*All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
*Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.

◦ Other Areas in Pingtung

➤ Linluo | A Village Full of Hakka Charm
➤ Nanzhou | Precious Memories of Taiwan's Sugar Industry

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