Taitung to Hualien on Incredible Eastern Shores

Taitung to Hualien on Incredible Eastern Shores 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Taitung to Hualien on Incredible Eastern Shores

(Day 8)

Taiwan
Taiwan East Coast

The long eastern shores of Taiwan embrace incredible nature to absolutely crave for. We felt inspired to see few individuals cycling their way along the east coast from south to north at their own pace. The road is sealed and smooth, perfect for cycling and long driving sideways coastal panorama. You will find sign boards for bushwalking or nature trails at several nooks. The segment is great for catching glimpses for native wildlife and birdwatching.

It’s a 3-hour (176km) drive from Taitung city to Hualien and if you aren’t in a rush then do stop to witness some of the most beautiful coastlines of this route located on edges of Dulan Forest, Taitung. The best way to explore is on a bicycle, but you might get exhausted if it is a sunny day. Hiring a car is an easier option with more flexibility. The entire East Coast National Scenic Area has several lookouts and trails, but the below are our icepicks of the day.

Xiaoyeliu, Fugang Geopark

Fugang geopark
Xiaoyeliu

You can catch Fugang geopark after a 13 km drive from Taitung City. A short wooden broad walk takes you to the park’s shoreline which constitutes unique set of sandstone formations, also known as Mushroom rocks, Honeycomb rocks, Coral reef and Doufu rocks. You can see Green Island views from here. Xiaoyeliu visitor center features a geology exhibition hall with numerous rock samples from this coastal range. It’s a perfect place to watch tropical marine life and hermit crabs.

Fugang geopark
Fugang geopark

Additional Info: Parking fee is charged as per vehicle size (NT 50-60 for car), you can camp here with some fee (NT 800-1000, includes parking, BBQ, hot-bath) which varies on weekday/weekend. There are plenty of shops selling beach wear, accessories, food, drinks and souvenirs.

Address: No. 500, Songjiang Rd., Taitung County (Xiaoyeliu Visitor Center), Opening hours: 9am-5pm

Jialulan

Jialulan sculptures
Jialulan

An ecologically designed natural yet artistic coastal cliff which annually becomes a market place for handicrafts too. Jialulan is only 1 km from Fugang and easy to spot. It has a wide parking area, shade, lookout bridge and variety of arty sculptures that give generous scope for photography. The elongated ocean panorama here is breathtaking, if you enjoy the sight of ferocious waves bumping into rocks, this is the place for you.

Qili Bridge, Donghe Township

Qili bridge
Qili bridge

As we drove for about 20 more kilometers, we found ourselves crossing an elevated high cliff lookout bridge which also has a café. Certainly, this is the only café in east of Taiwan offering stunning seashore sights. They serve fresh juice and coffee (closed on Wednesdays). There is a trail alongside to climb downstairs for coast but it has been sealed currently. There isn’t a designated parking area, we had to wait until we found a spot.

Address: No. 11號, Qili Bridge, Donghe Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 959

East Coast National Scenic Area

east coast national scenic area
east coast national scenic area

The next 10km drive took us to the designated and well-rounded East Coast National Scenic Area. The region is full of charming spots, nearest to Amis Folk center and Douli beach. You can access water sports, cultural activities, dining and lodging from here. The Torik visitor center is walking distance from the parking space to gather information on activities and pricing if you wish to stay and spend more time here.

Sanxiantai

Taiwan
Sanxiantai

Sanxiantai stretches for about 10 km embracing several islands on the coast of Chenggong Township. A short walk from parking towards seaside brings stunning sights of erudite pebble beach, coastal trails and an iconic footbridge in shape of sea-dragon bonding the coast to its largest island. We spent most of our afternoon here before heading to Hualien.

Many tour operators bid a two-day tour to explore the east coast scenic area covering all above spots, we recommend exploring on your own to cherish independence. The remaining drive to Hualien is another 114km and takes approx. two hours. We managed spending a full day exploring all above spots and still got to reach Hualien, an hour before dusk.

Explore More

Jeju Island

Jeju Island: Top Tips & Travel Guide

Jeju Island: Top Tips & Travel Guide 369 241 Sheetal Khatri

A travel guide to South Korea’s Jeju Island, home to world heritage sites and full of natural wonders, flora and fauna. Jeju Island offers some unique experiences that are worth visiting.

read more
New Zealand

New Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips

New Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri

Full guide, basic information about New Zealand travel in low season. 17D planner for both islands. Unique things to see and do. Weather, Transport, Parking, Cost, food & Stay, Mindful Shopping.

read more

Amazing Lookouts between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake

Amazing Lookouts between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake 369 245 Sheetal Khatri

The Sun Moon Lake in the heart of Taiwan is only a short drive, but why miss some stunning spots on the way. A lot of tourists visiting Taiwan rush towards Sun Moon Lake directly from Taipei leaving out these marvellous jewels on the western slice of Taiwan.

read more
Food NZ

Unexpected Food Surprises Throughout New Zealand

Unexpected Food Surprises Throughout New Zealand 1024 607 Sheetal Khatri

Creative twists, unique combinations and mouth watering kiwi style treats, exploring some delicious and unexpected food surprises in New Zealand’s North and South island.

read more
white seahorse

Things to do in Launceston

Things to do in Launceston 368 278 Sheetal Khatri

Meet seahorses and penguins. Amazing things to do in Tamar Valley & Beauty point in Launceston, Tasmania. Well-known for Tamar Valley region, its vineyards and Cataract George, on-foot trails, carved gardens and a chairlift. It is another vibrant hub for food and wine, nature and ethos.

read more
South Korea

South Korea

South Korea 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

A South Korea travel guide featuring the best and unique things to do in Jeju Island and Seoul. Read all you need to know before planning your trip.

read more
Australia

Australia

Australia 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Browse around some useful information about taking road trips in different regions of Western Australia, Melbourne & Tasmania ultimate travel guides and customised itineraries with lots of pictures in the articles shared here.

read more

Bruny Island Ultimate Adventures

Bruny Island Ultimate Adventures 369 200 Sheetal Khatri

Explore the list of adventures in Tasmania’s exquisitely preserved gem of south east. Things to do in Bruny island, an ecstasy exclusive for couples!! Tours to do and places to see.

read more

Rustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa

Rustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Pulau Ubin is an ideal rustic getaway that is also the last ‘Kampong’ village of Singapore, just a short ride on a bumboat. Ideal for a day’s excursion to indulge into reminiscing rural days.

read more
Summary
Taitung to Hualien on Incredible Eastern Shores
Article Name
Taitung to Hualien on Incredible Eastern Shores
Description
A list of most incredible spots to discover on Taiwan's striking east coast. An ideal self drive route from Taitung to Hualien on prolonged black sand shores to immerse yourself with nature. Top things to do within east coast national scenic area.
Sheetal Khatri
planetunfold.com
planetunfold.com
http://vuv.rtj.mybluehost.me/website_ca77c7f9/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Final-logo-1.png

Leave a Reply