TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Pingtung County Government will host an international surfing competition in October that showcases top athletes and southern Taiwan’s coastal culture.

The 2025 Taiwan Pingtung Jialeshuei APSS Asia Tour Taiwan will run Oct. 22–26 at the Jialeshuei scenic area in Manzhou Township. A pre-event press conference themed “City Beach Party” was held Thursday in Taipei to build momentum for the event.

The Transportation and Tourism Department said this year marks the first time Jialeshuei has been included as an official stop on the APSS Asia Tour. Partnering with the Asian Surf Co. (ASC) and the Taiwan Ocean Recreation and Sports Association (TORSA), organizers aim to attract surfers from around the world to compete in southern Taiwan.

Officials said Jialeshuei blends sport, culture, and tourism, and that becoming an official tour stop puts Pingtung on the international stage. The county invited visitors to come in October to compete, explore, or watch the event.

At the press conference, three rising Taiwanese surfers discussed their connections to Jialeshuei.

Liu Ming-jang (劉明讓) spoke about his path from a “little grom” to international competition, noting Jialeshuei has been a key break in his growth. He also shared his experience facing world-class athletes at the ISA Junior Championships.

Chen Sheng-yang (陳昇暘) recalled his national Open Men’s Shortboard title. As last year’s champion, he views Jialeshuei as the starting point for his push onto the international stage.

Local Pingtung surfer Yu Chia-chi (尤佳琦), who began surfing at age nine, said Jialeshuei is both his hometown and training ground, as well as the starting point for his efforts to promote surfing culture.

In addition to competition, the APSS stop will feature events themed around ocean, community, ecology, culture, music, sustainability, and water sports. Highlights include surfing workshops, marine-debris upcycling DIY activities, SUP races with pets, costume surfing contests, local markets, and indigenous music performances.

Pingtung County Government welcomes visitors from across Taiwan and around the world to join the festivities and experience the region’s surf culture.

For more updates, follow Pingtung GO Play and Pingtung GO Transport on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and download the Pingtung GO Fun APP (Google Play, Apple Store) and Pingtung Bus (Google Play, Apple Store) apps for the latest event information.