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Taiwan’s Eastern Paradise
Taiwan’s East Coast is a fantastic world of marvelous and scenic beauty, traditions and rustic villages. Spanding along 170 kilometers from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to Xiaoliuqiu Island off the coast of Taitung County in the south, it covers everything from towering mountains to secluded bays and coves and some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Its beautiful and relaxed seashore, the great variety of outdoor activities, the presence of indigenous populations, and the food which has to be tasted, make the East coast inevitable for any tourist going to Taiwan.
Dramatic Landscapes of Taiwan’s East Coast
This region boasts the most varied coastal terrains on the east coast which is by itself its biggest selling point. From the West, the Central Mountain Range rides like a backbone, the Pacific Ocean in the East with breathtaking coastal views and cliff’s edge surf around almost every corner. Some of Taiwan’s tallest mountains extend directly out from the coast here like Sanjian Mountain, the triangular-shaped mountain that reaches into the Pacific south of Hualien. Along the coast are found the ria shore, natural harbors formed with the rusting of river valleys such as Nanbin Park located outside Hualien City.
, on the contrary, has generally flat terrain inland, providing bucolic pictures like the rice fields of Ruisui Township. And such islands as Green Island and Xiaoliuqiu give a tropical highlight with a beach of fine white sand and crystal sea. In terms of the variety of the views the east coast can offer, it is unique: there are mountains, fertile coastal plains, electrifying driving along cliffs and the opportunity of an island tour.
Indigenous Culture
Taiwan’s east coast is also home to a rich aboriginal community that has a long history of inhabiting this island. Three main indigenous peoples that include the Amis, Taroko and the Puyuma used to occupy this area until the latter was later colonized by Han Chinese. Several indigenous people still live here, particularly in Taitung County. Touring an indigenous village shows you the traditional slate and thatched houses, and demonstrations of indigenous skills such as weaving and carving as well as dancing and singing and tasting millet wine in a tribal dance.
The unbelievable is possible: the most proper indigenous experience can be found at Luye Gaotai, a highland plateau sitting south of Taroko Gorge and directly atop the Pacific. It consists of several Amis villages with an opportunity to learn more of the pre-settlers’ way of life focused on millet farming, hunting, and fishing. Or drop by at Nan’ao to visit an extremely well-maintained Puyuma village including a longhouse, aboriginal totems and the remaining community bamboo dwelling. In the cultural hub and county capital, modern indigenous life in Xinying, Taitung is characterized by.
Abundant Nature
The east coast is not only replete with stunning pretty beaches and ocean views; there are stunning natural attractions that it holds. Tourists who love nature might be able to explore all the different terrains in weeks. The most popular hikers camp at Taroko National Park, which is also known as the place. Its Taroko Gorge is a gorge through marble cliffs along the Liwu River and is considered one of Asia’s most striking gorges with some rock faces rising to 3 000m. In addition to the generic gorge there are such masterpieces as Swallow Grotto and Tunnel of Nine Turns and quite a few more, which can be viewed without meeting another tourist.
Qixingtan Beach is located south of Taroko, with terrific mountains as background and a half-moon shaped bay formed offshore by constructed volcanic boulders. Next to it, Xiaoliuqiu Island features tropical fruit plantations and shellfish aquaculture at the foot of green hills with coral reefs offshore. At the same time, relatively low-key fishing villages such as Chenggong Fish Harbor allow you to see fishermen bringing in their daily catch as it was done several thousands of years ago. Or take to the sea yourself—coastal waters here are full of spinner dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and many more, not to mention tropical fish, in anticipation of being spotted.
Add on spectacular waterfalls such as Changchun Falls in Fuli Township, inland valleys carpeted in cherry blossoms in the Spring, caldera lakes like Bihai (Green Lake) and mountain springs that have indigenous folklore attached to them and you are never going to be bored of the natural endowment of the east coast.
Seaside Towns
Beyond raw nature, Taiwan has friendly small towns on the east coast which combine tropics, history, and local gastronomy. Hualien City is the largest transportation center of the county, where Taroko National Park is established. However, let’s not miss some night markets here selling delicious street foods such as peanut ice cream rolls, stinky tofu as well as bubble tea. If people get tired of the natural surroundings, the downtown area offers a more historic flavor in Japanese architecture from 1936. It will also be appropriate to taste special Hualien’s stone tangerines. Besides the renowned attractions you are also suggested to taste Hualien’s stone tangerines.
Only slightly to the south, the beach town of Dulan has the appearance of having been lifted right out of a tropical island brochure, lying right above a palm-studded sandy beach beside the sea amidst towering cliffs of green foliage. Spend time in any of several eco-lodges featuring first-class food and beverages sourced from local certified organic farmers. But, or you can visit Sugar Factory contemporary arts center, which is located in the building of a former sugar mill.
The county seat of Xinying in Taitung County has hot spring resorts for visitors to have their weariness washed away after a day of climbing. And as for riverside Luye Gaotai, with its indigenous villages, and delicious local food, it is also worth a visit. As densely populated and urbanized as the east coast of Taiwan is, Taiting’s small towns enable one to take time, to ‘smell the flowers,’ so to speak, and really appreciate the warm hospitality of the coast.
Outdoor Adventures
Extremely sportive, the east coast offers an immense choice of activities to be done outdoors. Begin your trek in Taroko National Park strolling along the marble-cliff Taroko Gorge lined with mighty waterfalls, suspension bridges and vantage points. Past the point of being safe or comfortable there are the more challenging day hikes: 28K Taroko Gorge Trail, or the climb of 3,742 meters (Nanhu Mountain, also known as the ‘Roof of Taiwan’ for the adventurous hiking fanatics. Or gazing at scenic highways such as the Su-Hua Highway where the roadway hugs the steep walls of Taiwan’s northeast corner. Other activities that are also prominent in the area include; Rock climbing, rafting and kayaking.
However, nature thrills are not limited further south either. Continue the moto east coast route through the provincial highways 11 and 9; Shitiping offers snorkeling clear offshore reefs or try river rafting over Xiuguluan river near Ruisui. Zipline over the Pacific at Dashuishi Beach just north of town, or go whitewater rafting through the Liyu River Gorge with a Taimali Township guide.
Tandem paragliding is possible nearby Chong On or try out surfing, dolphins watching, deep sea fishing or something like that starting from the marvelous sea port of Chenggong. Tropical coral reefs for scuba diving are still intact near Xiaoliuqiu while Green Island underwater represents the earliest known Pacific shipwreck of the 17th century. Historically an area for fishermen, the east coast provides thrills and spills in on-shore and off-shore activities.
Check Out: Penghu Islands: Exploring Taiwan’s Hidden Archipelago Gem.
Local Delicacies on Taiwan’s East Coast
From here one will not miss a meal because there is so much to do in Taiwan’s east region. Fortunately, plenty of exotic dishes are prepared for rather voracious guests in this region. The Hualien Stone Tangerines were developed from seeds planted by Japanese immigrants. These sweet citrus fruits are seedless, grown near the rocks surrounding the city and are perfect sources of vitamins. Another fruit we do recommend is durian – the thorny looking fruit with a resembling spiked yellow interior beneath the skin. The texture is creamy-like to the surprise of visitors; it is either the food of the gods or stinky feet! Immerse mango strips in coconut oil and fry them to satisfy the sweet lovers as well.
For the more filling, indigenous cooking in Taitung County involves the millet from the local farm produced with meat and vegetables which is sometimes boiled on hot stones then roasted over fire. Taste real tribal cuisine at an Amis Folk Village Company. Or have stir-fried beef, stewed rats, smoked pigeon with rice filled in bamboo tubes with soy bean, and steamed rice balls on sugar cane. Taitung is equally blessed with rich coastal seafood such as dried mullet roe, stewed octopus and fresh sea urchin eggs during the proper season. Include craft beer made from indigenous pepper berries, hot springs resorts to take a caloric workout after and you have their east coast food tour.
From exotic landscapes and fascinating indigenous tribes to excellent activity options on and alongside water, weird and charming seaside towns and amazing local food, every traveler is sure to find something to love in Taiwan’s east coast. Overflowing with nature and historical discovery it offers the trip of a lifetime, no matter if you have several days or several weeks to explore this incredible coastal area.
Conclusion
That goes from Taroko Gorge to the tropical offshore island; The east coast of Taiwan is a magnificent collage of incredibly diverse geography that surprises the eye at every turn. Primitive tribes have always inhabited this area and can still be found today enjoying their art, creations, and foods. Coastal enclaves, meadows of picturesque and wild indigenous forests await the discovery of the mysteries of nature by tourists. And everything from climbing a mountain to scuba diving the live thriving coral reefs will excite even the most experienced adrenaline junkie.
Beautifully equipped with irresistible indigenous beauty, heart-pounding action amenities, and an immense variety of local Taiwanese delights ranging from hot springs to cold beer awaiting a lost traveler ready and willing to explode with happiness within this phenomenal eastern Taiwan’s shoreline.
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FAQs
When is the best time to travel to the east coast of Taiwan?
The best time is spring and autumn from March / May and September / November when the temperature is as warm as 20-30 degrees Celsius and frequency of rainfall is comparatively low. There are both summers and rainy, hot sometimes, and autumns, while winters are mild but good for hot springs. Cherry blossom occur during March to April , summer also has chance of fireflies good for night hike.
Where is the most beautiful beach on the east coast?
Taroko National Park is taken to be the gem of the east coast because of the marble gorge; however, the steep cliffs of the Su-Hua Highway and the Qixingtan of Hualien County are no less enchanting. Choiser down, Xiaoliuqiu Island and East Rift Valley region looks good too showing the farm yonder. All together, almost all the coastline lays scenery good enough to be postcard in every new formed mile.
What kind of lodges are there on the east coast?
Luxury accommodation can be found in Hualien City while there are several eco lodges, homestay accommodations in Hualien’s outskirts, especially indigenous villages. The range of accommodations begins with the cliff-side fishermens cottages, minimally contemporary design suites, grass-topped palm-thatch cottages and tents, and dorm-style guest houses as well as hot springs, campgrounds and so on, all offering spectacular natural surroundings. First-class lovers of high class accommodation and people on a strict low budget will be able to get accommodated.
