# Eastern Taiwan travel guide (台湾东部)

Taiwan Region · South China, China · 11 places
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/taiwan-region/eastern-taiwan

## The feel of the place

The east coast of Taiwan differs from Taipei, Tainan, Taichung and other cities in that it showcases a more untouched, primal character. Along this long route, you will easily encounter gorges, forests and coastal scenery that contrast with the concrete jungle of the city. Along the way you can also soak in hot springs and browse night markets, and if you have time, enjoy outdoor activities such as climbing Yushan (Jade Mountain). If you simply want to relax, the sunshine, beaches and ocean along the east coast are more than enough. You can also visit the famous Green Island and hum “Green Island Serenade.” Travelling the Taitung Line will give you a very different experience.

### Flight Information

1. Taipei–Hualien and Taipei–Taitung: UNI Air and TransAsia Airways.

2. Taichung–Taitung and Taichung–Hualien: Mandarin Airlines.

3. Taitung–Kaohsiung: Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air.

4. Taitung–Green Island and Taitung–Lanyu and other islands: Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air.

### Rail Information

1. The North-Link Line has 3 daily Tze-Chiang (自强号) express trains between Taipei and Taitung (via Hualien), taking about 6 hours. There are 6 daily Chu-Kuang (莒光号) trains, taking about 7 hours. There are also 3 daily Tze-Chiang trains between Taipei and Hualien, taking about 3 hours, and 4 daily Chu-Kuang trains, taking about 3 hours 45 minutes.

2. The South-Link Line has 3 daily Tze-Chiang trains between Kaohsiung and Taitung, taking about 3 and a half hours. There are also 3 daily Chu-Kuang trains, taking about 3 hours 40 minutes.

### Preparation and Information

### Language

Hualien County is one of the areas in Taiwan with the largest Indigenous populations, with the Amis people the most widely distributed. However, the common language is still Taiwanese-accented Mandarin, so communication should not be a problem.

### Climate and Best Season

The whole route is mild in winter and cool in summer, with spring-like weather year-round. It is suitable for travel in every season.


## Getting there & around

The Taitung Line runs through the entire Taitung region. Apart from Yilan, all areas can be reached by Taiwan Railways. Centred on Hualien Station, the North-Link Line runs north through Yilan to Taipei and the west, while the Hua-Dong Line runs south directly to Taitung and connects with the South-Link Line. Fenglin, Guangfu, Ruisui, Yuli and Fuli are the main stations in the region.


## Things to see

- **Taiwan Traditional Arts Center** (★★★★): Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/taiwan-traditional-arts-center
- **Jimmy Park** (★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours All day; Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jimmy-park
- **Su'ao Cold Spring** (★★★★): Admission Cold spring NT$200; cold spring + hot spring NT$300; Opening hours 9:30–19:30 (June–September); 9:30–15:30 (October–May, Friday to Wednesday); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/su-ao-cold-spring
- **Taroko National Park** (★★★★): Opening hours 8：30—17：00; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/taroko-national-park
- **Qixingtan Scenic Area** (★★★★): Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/qixingtan-scenic-area
- **Qingshui Cliff** (★★★★): Time needed 0.5–1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/qingshui-cliff
- **Ruisui Ranch** (★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours 8：00—18：00; Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/ruisui-ranch
- **Zhiben Hot Springs** (★★★): Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/zhiben-hot-springs
- **Green Island** (★★★★★): Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/green-island
- **Brown Boulevard** (★★★): Admission Free; Time needed 2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/brown-boulevard
- **Orchid Island** (★★★★): Time needed 1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/orchid-island

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 2723–2730. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.