Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline

When to go:

The best time to go, they say, is around May when it is not too hot and there are no northeasterly winds or typhoons which can cancel your transportation to the island.
The typhoon season lasts from around June to October. The busy season is during summer break from June to August, during which time it can be hard to book a hostel or airplane ticket. Winter is the less crowded season, but the water will be colder, there will be constant wind (which could cancel transportation), and it will rain more often.

How to get there:

By Plane:
Traveling to Taitung or Hualien by plane is the fastest way to get there. The trip only takes one hour from Taipei, and there are planes that leave daily through Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air. From  Taitung, you can switch to Saily Air, which will take you the rest of the way to Green Island or Orchid Island. A plane ticket to Taitung takes about one hour and costs about 5000 NT per round trip.  You can book discount tickets to Taitung on KKday here. 
By Train:
The train ride from Taipei to Taitung takes 3-4 hours and costs about 800 NT one way. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Bus: Buses leave hourly from Taipei to the East Coast. A bus from Taipei to Hualien now only takes about 2.5 hours. You can book tickets to travel to Taiwan’s East Coast via inter-city bus on Klook here.
​By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 
By Car/Scooter:
From Taipei,  a car ride to Taitung takes about six hours, and a scooter ride takes about eight hours. 
You can rent a scooter on Klook or KKday. Scooter rental is about 300 NT per day. You can check out our scooter rental guide here.
You can also rent a car for about 1500 NT per day. You can rent a car on Qeeq here or Klook here.  You can hire a driver or taxi, and you can charter a car here.
You can check out our car rental guide here.

How to get around Taitung:

Rent a scooter! Unless you are travelling with small children or elderly people you should not need to rent a car. You can rent bicycles but you will not be able to travel as fast. You can also hire a driver to take you on tours.
By scooter: You can rent a scooter from Taitung Station on Klook or KKday. Scooter rental is about 300 NT per day. You can check out our scooter rental guide here.
By car/taxi: You can also rent a car for about 1500 NT per day. You can rent a car on Qeeq here or Klook here.
You can hire a driver or taxi; you can charter a car here.
You can check out our car rental guide here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.

Where to Stay:

Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
Yilan:
We have stayed at and recommend Ying Shih Guest House, a resort in Datong Township near Taipingshan and Fan Fan Hot Spring, and Jiaosi Hotspring Hotel, a hotel with hot springs in each room. We have also stayed at Toucheng Leisure Farm, a recreational farm and experience center in Toucheng (you can book on Agoda here).
Hualien:
We also have stayed at and recommend Dream Taiwan Homestay (Agoda / Booking.com), a high-quality hostel for the money in downtown Hualien, Farglory Hotel (Agoda / Booking.com), right next to Farglory Ocean Park with amazing views of Hualien, and Goldenflower B&B (Agoda / Booking.com) in Yuli right next to Sixty Stone Mountain.
You can find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
Taitung:
We have stayed at and recommend the Papago International Resort in Chishang, which is a five-star hotel with private villas with pools for each room, and Mountain and Ocean B & B in Taimali, which is a quiet and affordable B&B right next to the beach. 

Tours:

There are many tours and activities available on Taiwan’s East Coast such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, Surfing, Speed Boating, Glamping, River tracing, Paragliding, Kayaking, Canoeing, River Tracing, River Rafting, River Tubing, Pack Rafting, Whale Watching, ATV / 4-wheeling, Paintballing, Water Biking, Glamping, Cycling, Ziplining, Horse Riding, and many others, which you canbook through Klook here or KKday here. 

Map:

Please check out a map of places we will cover in this blog below:

 

 

​​Daxi Fishing Port 大溪漁港

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water and Fire Fountain 水火同源

The fire and water spring in Yilan, which I just happened to come across, with fire fueled by natural gas. There is a very similar spring in Guanziling, Tainan which we wrote a blog on here.

Luodong Confucius Temple 羅東孔廟

Luodong Confucius Temple in Yilan County, Taiwan. It is one of the few Confucius temples in Taiwan that has an actual statue of Confucius. Also, I visited right at closing and got locked in. It’s not the first time that’s happened to me.

Li Ze Jian Old Street 利澤簡老街

Lizejian Old Street is an old part of Yilan that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Once it was the center of economic activity for fishermen and merchants. Here you can find red brick houses, an old theater, historic shops, and riverside scenery.

Dongshan Old Street 冬山老街

Dongshan Old Street, located in Dongshan Township, dates back to the early Japanese colonial period. It developed as a local commercial hub due to its proximity to the Dongshan River, which facilitated trade and transportation. The street features a mix of Baroque-style facades and traditional Taiwanese architecture, reflecting the blend of cultural influences during its peak. Today, it stands as a quiet historical site with some shops and restaurants, offering visitors a nostalgic atmosphere and a glimpse into the township’s past.

 

 

 

Su’Ao’s Neipi Beach in the Nanfangao area (Yilan County) is perhaps the most beautiful beach in northeast Taiwan. It is known for its romantic atmosphere and large waves, which attract surfers from all around. Popular activities here include surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and watching the sunrise. ​(read more)

If you are looking for car rentals in Yilan, you can also search Klook here or KKDay here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​

 

Hualien 花蓮

 

Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. It includes a breathtaking coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including cliffs thousands of meters high, marble gorges, fertile valleys, and a large section of Taiwan’s central mountain range. Hualien is simply a must-stop location on your trip to Taiwan.
Check out our full guide to Hualien here.

Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園

 

If you only have a few days in Taiwan and you want to go somewhere outside of Taipei, you should definitely go to Taroko National Park. On an island full of mountains, rain forests, beaches, and abounding natural beauty, Taroko might just take the top spot as the most beautiful scenic area in Taiwan. 
You can check out our full guide to Taroko National Park here.

Taroko Gorge 太魯閣

 

If you only have a few days in Taiwan and you want to go somewhere outside of Taipei, you should definitely go to Taroko Gorge. On an island full of mountains, rain forests, beaches, and abounding natural beauty, Taroko Gorge might just take the top spot as the most beautiful scenic area in Taiwan…(read more)

Jingpu Tropic of Cancer Monument 靜浦北迴歸線界標

 

The Jingpu Tropic of Cancer Monument is a special geological marker along the road on the coast of Hualien County and is a must stop for a selfie.  There are also some fruit stands and shops nearby. It is  a beautiful and unique monument to commemorate your journey around the island…(read more)

​Shitiping 石梯坪

 

Shitiping Geopark along Taiwan’s east coast, literally means Stone Step Plain, because it looks like a bunch of stone steps. Some special geological forces have created this rock that resembles a bunch of stone steps on the east coast of Taiwan. Did I mention that there are stone steps? It is still a beautiful and unique stretch of coastline…(read more)

You can book snorkeling, SUP, or diving experience and more on Klook here or KKday here. 

 

Here you can see rice fields right next to the ocean in Hualien, with Shitiping in the background. Rice fields sitting right next to the ocean are actually a common sight along the East Coast here.

Shihmen Recreation Area 花蓮石門洞

 

Shihmen Recreation Area (aka March Cave, Mochi Cave, Shimen, or Shimendong) is a unique geological area on the coast of Hualien County (not to be confused with Shimen in New Taipei). It is famous for its large, car-shaped cave. It is still a beautiful and unique stretch of coastline…(read more)

Dawan Recreation Area 大灣遊憩區

 

Further down the road, we made it to Dawan Rest area, another beautiful place along the coast. 

Qinbuzhizi Old Trail 親不知子海上古道

 

Then we came to Qinbuzhizi Old Trail along the coast, which is an abandoned section of the Suhua Highway that has been converted into a trail and museum. Here you can soak in amazing views from Hualien’s rugged coast. 

​You can book a tour of Qinbuzhi on KKday here. 

Jiqi Beach 磯崎海水浴場

 

Jiqi Beach in Fengbin Township of Hualien County is one of the best surfing spots in Taiwan. This is one of the few sandy beaches on the east coast between Hualien and Taitung. It is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for an exquisite and less crowded beach…(read more)

Fanshuliao Canyon 蕃薯寮峽谷

 

Fanshuliao in Hualien is the most unique-looking canyon on the East Coast, and is a popular river tracing spot. The canyon is over 100 meters deep, and metal steps have been hammered into the canyon wall for those brave enough to walk down them…(read more)

Baqi Rest Area 芭崎休息區

 

Baqi Rest Stop along Coastal Highway 11 in Hualien has some of the best views of the East Coast, right alongside the road. The rest stop also includes hiking trails, a restaurant, a gift shop, bathrooms, viewing platforms, and covered seating areas…(read more)

Dongshan 東山

 

Dongshan Mountain above the east coast in Hualien provides amazing 360-degree views of Hualien City, the central mountain range, and the east coast. You can also find Farglory’s Hotel and Fargolry Ocean Park here. It is worth a visit if you have time…(read more)

Shanling Haowangjiao Hostel 山嶺好望角民宿

 

Shanling Haowangjiao Hostel in Hualien is a small hostel on top of a mountain above the east coast in Hualien. It provides amazing 360-degree views of Hualien City, the central mountain range, and the East Coast, as well as a bunch of themed props to take selfies with. It is worth a visit if you have time…(read more)

Hualien Nanbin Park 花蓮南濱公園

 

Hualien’s Nanbin Park is one of the most accessible beach locations in Hualien. It also features a night market, a large grassy park, and a bike path to enjoy the oceanside views. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Hualien…(read more)

Qixingtan 七星潭

 

Qixingtan is the best beach in Hualien City. It is a few kilometers long and also features a long grassy park next to it. It is famous for its oval-shaped stones, which tourists like to stack together. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Hualien…(read more)

Dongdamen Night Market 東大門夜市

 

Hualien‘s Dongdamen Night Market is the largest night market in Eastern Taiwan. It is actually four-night markets in one. The night market lies on the spot of a former train station and is also connected to the beach via a pedestrian bridge. Popular delicacies here include fried chicken, shish kabab, coffin bread, and braised duck head…(read more)

Hualien Old Railroad Pedestrian Area 花蓮舊鐵道行人徒步區

 

Hualien’s old railway pedestrian area in the middle of the city has taken a 1.8 km old railway line and transformed it into a pedestrian shopping district, much like an old street or night market. It is a worthwhile stroll on your next visit to Hualien…(read more)

 

Hake Art Village 吉安好客藝術村

 

You can also visit Haka Art Village, which includes art exhibitions and a flea market. This is also the site of an old Shinto shrine. 

Meilunshan 美崙山

 

When in Hualien, you can also check out Meilunshan Park, which sits on a hill overlooking the city on the east side. It doesn’t offer the most spectacular views, but it is a nice place for a stroll. 

 

Gongzheng Buns 公正包子

 

Gongzheng Buns in Hualien has perhaps the best Xiaolongbao’s in all of Taiwan for the unbeatable price of 50 NT for a ream of 10! There are usually huge lines here, even in the pouring rain. Well worth the wait. 

 

 

Qingshui Cliffs 清水斷崖

 

The Qingshui Cliffs in Taroko National Park on the coast of Hualien are some of the most spectacular geological features in the country and the world. The tallest peak on the cliffs is 2,408 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, and drops straight into the Pacific Ocean. It is a spectacular sight to behold.
For our full blog on the Qingshui Cliffs, click here. 

You can book a SUP or kayak experience at Qingshui Cliffs and more on Klook here and KKday here. ​
Sadly, due to a recent earthquake, the Qingshui Cliff lookout area is closed. 

Sixty Stone Mountain (aka Liushidan Mountain) is a beautiful flower and mountain landscape on the eastern flank of the eastern rift valley in Hualien County. The annual Daylily flower blooms and amazing views of the Eastern Rift Valley attract thousands of tourists each summer. Some of the most picturesque and beautiful views anywhere in Taiwan can be seen from this mountain…(read more)

Farglory Ocean Park 遠雄海洋公園

Farglory Ocean Park is the theme park with the best view in Taiwan and the largest and best theme park and aquarium in Eastern Taiwan. It includes live dolphin, seal, and mermaid shows, and also includes a gondola and theme park. There is so much to do here it will take you more than a day to enjoy it all.
You can buy tickets to the park for a discount on Klook here or KKday here.

We recommend Farglory Hotel, right next to Farglory Ocean Park, with amazing views of Hualien

Taitung 台東

 

Taitung has some of the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan, two amazing offshore islands, a striking coastline, deep mountains, and most of all it is bursting with unique aboriginal culture, with Indigenous people making up over one-third of the population. It is an unmissable stop on your next trip to Taiwan. Here we have compiled our full guide to Taitung County. 
Check out our full guide to Taitung here.

You can find more tours of Taiwan’s East Coast on Klook here or KKday here. 

​Please note that this blog is still a work in progress and more locations will be added soon. 
For the most recent blogs, check out our tab for Eastern Taiwan 東部 here.

You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here. ​

Green Island 綠島

Green Island White Terror Memorial Park 白色恐怖綠島紀念園區

 

Zhaori Hot Springs 朝日溫泉

 

 

 

The Baxian Caves (aka Baxiandong) on the east coast in Taitung County have the earliest evidence of humans living in Taiwan, including stone tools dating back to over 30,000 years ago. In recent times the caves were converted into Taiwan folk religion temples, but now all of the 30 caves in the area have been reclaimed by the government to preserve this important archaeological site. The area is now open to the public, and there are trails and a large park in front of the caves…read more

Sanxiantai 三仙台 (Platform of the Three Immortals)

 

Chenggong Sea of Flowers 成功花海

 

Donghe Buns 東河包子

 

If you keep going north, you’ll come to Donghe, another small town on the coast. This place is famous for its steamed bun shop: Donghe Baozi (東和包子). The buns are huge, delicious, and reasonably priced.

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Custard Apple 釋迦 (Shì jiā)

 

 

 

Dulan is a quiet coastal town just 20 km north of Taitung City. It has become a major surfing destination as well, especially for foreigners. Some would even say that it is the coolest beach hangout in Taiwan! There is no public transportation to Dulan other than by bus, so do not expect large crowds. It is for sure one of Taiwan’s most beautiful and uncrowded seasside destinations…read more

Water Running Up 水往上流

 

 

Little Yehliu (aka Xiaoyeliu) Geopark is a unique geological area on the coast of Taitung City. It bears the same name as Yeliu Geopark (famous for the Queen’s Head Rock), because the rocks look similar to its more famous namesake. However Little Yehliu is much smaller as the name suggests, and its rock formations are less spectacular. Despite this, it is still a beautiful and unique stretch of coastline…read more

Taitung White House 臺東阿伯小白屋

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taitung Sugar Factory 臺東糖廠

Taitung’s Japanese Era sugar factory has now been converted into a museum and art space, and is definitely worth a visit if you come to Taitung.

Dawu Rainbow Village 大武彩虹村

Dawu Rainbow Village in Taitung is a row of houses painted in rainbow colors along the East Coast. It is a beautiful place to stop and take selfies along the East Coast.

Alangyi Historic Trail 阿塱壹古道

There is an area of pristine beach near the end of the East Coast highway in Nantian Township of Taitung County. The only way to travel further south from here is on foot via the Alangyi Historic Trail.

Beinan Archaeological Site 卑南遺址

The Beinan Archaeological site in Taitung is full of other similar monoliths dating back roughly 3500 years ago. If you are interested in stone-age archaeology in Taiwan, this is the place to go.

Green Water Lake (Lushuihu / Huoshuihu) 活水湖 / 綠水湖

Green Water Lake (Lushuihu / Huoshuihu) in Taitung City, is one of the best places to practice outdoor water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and swimming.

Kenting 墾丁

 

 

 

 

Longpan Park 龍盤公園

 

 

 

Manzhou Beach is a small, sandy beach on the southeast coast of Kenting National Park. It features golden sand and warm year-round temperatures. Seasonal winds also mean there are usually waves here to surf on. Due to its remote location and lack of facilities, usually it is devoid of people…(read more)

 

Gangkou Suspension Bridge 港口吊橋

 

 

 

Most Southern Point in Taiwan 台灣最南點

 

Taiwan’s southernmost point looks like this and is mainly just coral rock.

 

Places and activities we missed:

Chinan National Forest Recreation Area
Surfing
Paragliding
SUP / Paddle Boarding
Kayaking
Canoeing
River Tracing
River Rafting
Whale Watching
Snorkeling 
Diving
ATV / 4-wheeling
Paintballing
Farm Dream Estates Zoo
Water Biking
Oyster Harvesting
Shrimp Harvesting
Indigenous Experience
Glamping
Cycling
Ziplining
Chulu Ranch 初鹿牧場
Yuan Sen Garden 原生應用植物園
SUPing / Paddle Boarding
Surfing 衝浪
Speed Boating 
Glamping 豪華露營
River tracing 朔溪
Paiwan Culture DIY Experience 排灣族文化體驗
Pilot Training Experience
Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area 知本國家森林遊樂區 
Dapo Pool 大坡池
…and many many more. Get out there and explore for yourself!
You can find more tours of Taitung on Klook here or KKday here. 

Check out our guide to Taiwan’s East Rift Valley here.
You can also check out our full guide to Yilan here, full guide to Hualien here, our guide to Taitung here, our guide to Pingtung here, and our guide to Kenting here.
You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here. ​