Hengchun

In 1662, the Chinese military leader Koxinga defeated the Dutch East India Company and seized control of Taiwan. While the primary battles were not centered on Hengchun itself, the conquest had lasting implications for the entire island, including the Hengchun Peninsula. This event marked the end of 38 years of Dutch colonial rule over Taiwan and the beginning of Chinese control, shaping Taiwan's subsequent history.

The Rover incident began on March 12, 1867, when the American merchant ship Rover was wrecked off the coast of Taiwan. The crew made their way to shore near Hengchun, where they were attacked by locals. This incident led to a punitive expedition by the United States Navy and further complications in U.S.-Taiwan relations of the time. It marked one of the earliest encounters between Americans and the people of southern Taiwan.

In 1871, the Mudan Incident occurred when sixty-six shipwrecked Ryukyuans were killed by aboriginal Paiwan people in southern Taiwan near Hengchun. In retaliation, Japan launched an expedition in 1874 to Taiwan, which landed near Hengchun, marking the first overseas deployment of the Imperial Japanese Army. Japan used this incident to establish a claim on Taiwan and demonstrated its intentions in Asia.

Kenting National Park, located in the southern tip of Taiwan near Hengchun, was established as Taiwan's first national park on January 26, 1972. It is renowned for its tropical climate, beautiful coral reefs, and rich ecological biodiversity. The park covers an area of over 300 square kilometers, including the Hengchun Peninsula and surrounding sea areas, and has become a major tourist attraction.

In August 2000, the wetlands around the town of Hengchun were declared as National Important Wetlands by the government of Taiwan. The wetlands serve as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, playing a significant role in the biodiversity of the Hengchun Peninsula. The declaration was part of efforts to protect and preserve Taiwan's natural ecosystems and showcase the environmental significance of the Hengchun area.

The third nuclear power plant in Taiwan, located near Hengchun, became fully operational on June 15, 2001. Known as the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, it consists of two reactors and supplies a significant portion of southern Taiwan's electricity. The plant has been a point of contention due to safety and environmental concerns, reflecting the ongoing debate over nuclear energy in Taiwan.

On December 26, 2006, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck off the southern coast of Taiwan near Hengchun. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings in Hengchun and nearby areas, disrupted telecommunications, and resulted in two deaths. It also affected undersea cables, causing widespread disruption to internet services across Asia. This event highlighted the seismic activity in the region and the need for improved infrastructure resilience.

Though not directly in Hengchun, the Suhua Highway improvement, completed in October 2008, drastically improved transportation in Taiwan, including access to the Hengchun Peninsula. The project addressed the safety and reliability of transportation routes to the south, facilitating tourism and local economies. Hengchun benefited from the increased tourism traffic, aiding in economic growth and regional connectivity.

In September 2015, the restoration and reconstruction of the old town walls of Hengchun were completed. The Hengchun Old Town walls, originally built during the Qing Dynasty, are among the best-preserved city walls in Taiwan. This restoration project aimed to preserve an important part of Taiwan's cultural heritage and boost local tourism, allowing visitors to explore the history and architecture of the region.

In June 2021, new species were discovered during research conducted at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium near Hengchun. The discoveries included several previously unknown species of marine life, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of the region's marine ecosystems. The museum plays a pivotal role in marine biology research and conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of preserving oceanic environments.