Hualien–Taitung

Hualien and Taitung between the Pacific and the Central Mountain Range: Taroko Gorge, the East Rift Valley and the East Coast Highway.

Hualien–Taitung refers to Hualien County and Taitung County in eastern Taiwan, bounded by the Central Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east; it is the island's most spectacular and least developed region. Hualien is known for Taroko National Park (Swallow Grotto, Jiuqudong, Shakadang Trail), Qingshui Cliff, Qixingtan and Dongdamen Night Market. Along the East Coast Highway (Provincial Highway 11) are Shitiping, the Tropic of Cancer marker and Sanxiantai. The East Rift Valley Highway (Provincial Highway 9) passes through Ruisui, Yuli, the daylily fields of Liushidan Mountain in Fuli, the rice paddies along Brown Boulevard in Chishang and the hot-air balloons at Luye Highland. South of Taitung City are Jhihben hot springs and Duoliang Station, Green Island lies offshore, and you can also continue from Taitung to Orchid Island (part of Taiwan's outlying islands). Indigenous Amis, Bunun, Puyuma and other cultures are strongly present. Plan for 4–6 days; take Taiwan Railway from Yilan or Taipei to Hualien, then rent a car or cycle. After the 2024 earthquake, some sections of Taroko are still being repaired, so check what is open before you go. The east is Taiwan's region with the strongest indigenous culture, and the lively Amis Harvest Festival is held every July–August; cycling through the Chishang rice fields and watching the Pacific sunrise from the coastal highway are the most representative Hualien–Taitung experiences.

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