Taitung

On Taiwan's rugged southeast coast, Taitung feels a world away from Taipei's urban buzz. This laid-back city is the gateway to the East Rift Valley, indigenous culture, and some of the island's most spectacular natural scenery. With a slower pace, a vibrant aboriginal arts scene, and a coastline that drops into the deep blue Pacific, Taitung rewards travellers who linger.

Highlights & What to See

• Chihshang Township – Cycle through the picture-perfect rice paddies of Chihshang, where the famous Brown's Path (Bulao Bulào) winds past emerald fields with the Coastal Mountain Range as a backdrop. It's a slice of rural Taiwan at its most idyllic.
• Sanxiantai – This dramatic volcanic headland is linked to the mainland by a striking eight-arch bridge. Walk across to explore tide pools, sea-eroded rock formations, and the iconic cross-shaped lighthouse.
• Dulan – A bohemian coastal village that has become a haven for artists and surfers. Visit the Dulan Sugar Factory art space, catch a wave at Dulan Beach, and soak up the creative, laid-back vibe.
• East Rift Valley National Scenic Area – The valley between the Central and Coastal mountain ranges is a tapestry of hot springs, tea plantations, and aboriginal villages. Don't miss the stunning Luye Highlands for hot-air ballooning (seasonal) and the serene Wuling Green Tunnel.
• National Museum of Prehistory – One of Taiwan's best museums, with fascinating exhibits on the island's prehistoric cultures, including the mysterious Peinan site with its jade artifacts and stone coffins.
• Taitung Forest Park – A vast urban park with lakes, boardwalks, and cycling trails. Rent a bike and explore the peaceful bamboo groves and the man-made Pipa Lake.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote at least three full days to Taitung. Use day one to explore the city: cycle through the Forest Park, visit the Prehistory Museum, and wander the Tiehua Music Village for live aboriginal music in the evening. Day two, head north along the coast to Sanxiantai and Dulan, then loop inland through the East Rift Valley on day three, stopping at Chihshang and Luye. If you have more time, add a day for a hot-spring soak at Zhiben or a boat trip to Green Island (Ludao) for snorkelling and the famous seawater hot springs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hualien – Two hours north by train or car, Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most dramatic natural wonders. Combine Taitung with Hualien for a classic east-coast itinerary.
• Green Island (Ludao) – A volcanic island off Taitung's coast, known for its coral reefs, snorkelling, and the unique Zhaori Saltwater Hot Springs. Ferries run daily from Fugang Fishing Port.
• Orchid Island (Lanyu) – Home to the Tao (Yami) indigenous people, this island offers a deep dive into traditional culture, with distinctive underground houses and a pristine coastline. Ferries and flights are available from Taitung.
• Kenting National Park – Three hours south by car, Kenting offers white-sand beaches and a lively night market. It's a popular detour for sun-seekers heading back toward the west coast.
• Yuli – A small town in the East Rift Valley, known for its hot springs and as a starting point for the scenic Yuli to Chihshang bike path along old railway tunnels.

Please check official sources for current details.