Travel blog
East Coast of Taiwan is home to several world-class scenic attractions. (Part 1)
East Coast of Taiwan is home to several world-class scenic attractions.
In 1590, Portuguese sailors passed by the eastern coast of Taiwan and were so moved by the grandeur of what they saw that they named this land "Formosa," the beautiful island.
Since that time, the majestic views of East Coast have come to represent Taiwan.
In the following, I will tell you the best spots to discover the beautiful coast as a native for 30 years.
“Must go” spots showing in Red/ “Should go” spots showing in Purple
Suggest Travel Type:
Family ✭✭✭✭✭ Perfect for parents travel with young kids.
Company trip ✭✭✭✭✭
Friends ✭✭✭✭✩
Couple ✭✭✭✩✩
Single ✭✩✩✩✩
Graduation trip ✭✭✭✩✩
Attractions in Hualien
▎Hualien - Qingshui Cliff (清水斷崖)
The magnificent area around Qingshui Cliff has been designated as one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan.
Qingshui Cliff is the only place in Taroko National Park where you can witness the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean.
The cliff is more than 1,000 meters high and drops almost vertically into the sea. The highway snakes along its curving face more than 20 kilometers, with the sheer cliff rising on one side and a sheer drop to the ocean on the other.
Indeed, the color of the cliffs, together with those of the Pacific coastline and blue sky impress all who visit here. Chongde Beach and its pebble coast complements the natural mosaic of colors that paint Qingshui Cliff above.
▎Hualien - Taroko - Shakadang Trail (太魯閣 砂卡礑步道)
The Shakadang Trail, also known as “Mysterious Valley Trail” is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water strewn with imposing marble boulders.
Like Lushui Trail, Shakadang Trail is suitable for all ages and definitely worth a visit if you adore natural landscapes. The entrance to the trail is located at the exit of Shakadang Tunnel and includes a parking lot and bathroom facilities.
▎Hualien - Taroko - Xiao Zhui Lu Trail (太魯閣 小錐麓步道)
Xiaozhuilu (Little Zhuilu) Trail is on the slope next to the lower reaches of the Liwu River outside Shakadang Tunnel. Xiaozhuilu Trail was built by Taroko National Park Headquarters. Taking Xiaozhuilu Trail from Taroko Terrace, the entrance to Shakadang Trail can be directly reached and then Shakadang Trail walked on.
The entrance to Xiaozhuilu Trail is at the eastern end ventilation opening of Shakadang Tunnel; setting off from Taroko Terrace, enter Shakadang Tunnel and walk along the pedestrian path on the left side of the tunnel and, after about 330 meters, the eastern ventilation opening will be reached; the entrance to the trail is at the other end of the ventilation opening.
▎Hualien - Taroko - Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou Trail) (太魯閣 燕子口步道)
Starting at Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) on the Central Cross-Island Highway, the Liwu River Gorge narrows until Cimu Bridge in the west. This is the most popular section of the gorge, and visitors can take the Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail from Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) to Jinheng Bridge, enjoying views of the gorge, potholes in the rock, springs, and the “Indian Chieftain” rock.
The Swallow Grotto(Yanzikou), named after the many swallows that forge and play among the rocks, formed over tens of thousands of years. Over millenia, the Liwu river sculpted marble masterpieces such as the Indian Chieftain Rock, and many hollows and potholes that pockmark the grotto. Resembling sparrows’ nests, these unique formations lent further inspiration for this grotto’s name.
▎Hualien - Taroko - Eternal Spring Shrine (太魯閣 長春祠)
In 1987 the cliff by the rivers collapse and destroyed the pavilion next to the Eternal Spring Shine. After 10 years it was restored and is now open to the public again. that the back of the Eternal Spring Shine there are stairs leading to Guanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, Bell Tower (the highest point), and across a suspension bridge to Changuang Temple (Zen monastery).
The river valley next to the Changuang Temple has a bottle gourd shape, and it is named thereafter as Bottle Gourd Valley (Hu-lu Gu). The trail is a 1.3km leisurely walk will take 50 minutes to an hour for the entire loop. The trail is quite steep and visitors should stay off the trail on rainy days.Start it from the Changuang Temple will be less strenuous.
▎Restaurants in Hualien - Lanlan Seafood Restaurant (藍藍海鮮無菜單餐廳)
Located next to Taroko archway, Lanlan Seafood Restaurant is a local famous restaurant, busy all the year.
It offer omakase cuisine, depends on what kind of seafood they get everyday.
▎Hualien Acommodation - VIEW-OCEAN HOTEL (海傳海景民宿)
View-Ocean hotel is located in the center of Hualien. The left side of hotel is the famous Nanbin Park, the right side is the North Beach Ecological Park.
With spacious room, beautiful landscape and complete travel function, it’s really unique!
The swallows flew over the sky accompanied by thousands of clouds. The beauty of nature is different for each season and weather. Sunrise, sunset, moonlight and stars, they are all in your sight.
