Eastern Taiwan Attractions Guide / 东台湾景点推荐
Eastern Taiwan is the island's wild side: hot-spring valleys in Yilan, the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge in Hualien, and Taitung's Pacific coastline of surf towns, rice-field art, and summer balloon festivals. The east moves at a slower pace — plan fewer stops, longer stays, and leave room for the scenery to surprise you.
Yilan
- Jiaoxi Hot Springs – One of Taiwan's rare plains hot springs; soak in public bathhouses or the free outdoor foot-bath park in the town center.
- National Center for Traditional Arts – Riverside park of restored old streets, craft workshops, and folk performances in Wujie.
- Luodong Night Market – Yilan's most famous night market; the mutton herbal soup and peanut ice-cream roll are local legends.
- Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area – Mountain forest of giant cypress, the Bong Bong narrow-gauge train, and the Jiuzhize hot springs.
- Wufengchi Waterfalls (Jiaoxi) – Three-tiered waterfall a short hike above Jiaoxi town, at its best after rain.
- Toucheng & Waiao Beach – Surf town on the northeast coast with black-sand beach, paragliding from the headland, and the Lanyang Museum's striking architecture.
Hualien
- Taroko Gorge – Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonder: 19 km of marble-walled canyon carved by the Liwu River, with the Tunnel of Nine Turns and Swallow Grotto trails.
- Qixingtan Beach – Crescent bay of smooth pebbles north of Hualien city; come at dawn for the sunrise over the Pacific.
- East Rift Valley (Huadong Zonggu) – The long valley between the Central and Coastal ranges, dotted with Liyu Lake, Matai'an Wetlands, and dairy farms.
- Qingshui Cliff – The 1,000-meter marble cliffs plunging straight into the Pacific along the Suhua Highway — best viewed from the Chongde rest area.
- Mugua River Gorge (Emerald Valley) – Turquoise river canyon with suspension bridges and riverside trails, a favorite for summer wading.
- Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park – Old wine factory turned art park of galleries, markets, and craft-beer bars in the city center.
Taitung
- Sansiantai – The iconic eight-arched bridge to the offshore islets, sea-eroded potholes, and some of Taiwan's best sunrise views.
- Mr. Brown Avenue (Bolong Dadao) – The famous tree-lined rice-paddy road in Chishang, named after the coffee ad filmed here; rent a bike and ride it end to end.
- Taiwan International Balloon Festival – Every summer in Luye Gaotai, dozens of hot-air balloons rise over the valley at dawn and dusk.
- Sanxiantai to Jinzun Coastline – Surf beaches and sea caves along the East Coast Highway, including the wind-carved Xiaoyeliu.
- Chihpen (Zhiben) Hot Springs – Alkaline carbonate springs in a forested valley south of the city, with resort hotels and public baths.
- Tiehua Music Village – Nightly indigenous-music performances and weekend craft markets in a converted railway warehouse by the old station.
Practical Tips
Best season: September to November has the clearest skies and calmest seas. Summer brings the balloon festival and whale watching (April–October from Hualien's harbor). Avoid the east during typhoon season peaks (July–September) when the Suhua Highway and South-Link rail can be disrupted. Transport: TRA express trains from Taipei reach Yilan in 1 hour, Hualien in about 2 hours, and Taitung in 3.5–4 hours — book reserved seats ahead on weekends. Renting a scooter or car is almost essential in Hualien and Taitung for the coastal sights. The East Coast Highway (Route 11) and Rift Valley Highway (Route 9) are both spectacular drives.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Taroko Gorge safe to visit after earthquakes?
A: Taroko has been affected by major earthquakes and typhoons in recent years, with some trails and road sections closed for repair. Always check the Taroko National Park headquarters' latest announcements before going, and heed all closure signs.
Q: How do I get from Hualien to Taitung?
A: The TRA coastal route takes about 2 hours; the Rift Valley route about 2.5. Many travelers split the journey with an overnight in Ruisui or Guanshan to enjoy the valley properly.
Sources
- Tourism Administration, R.O.C. (Taiwan): https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
- Taroko National Park: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en
- East Coast National Scenic Area: https://www.eastcoast-nsa.gov.tw/en