Taitung

Sanxiantai (三仙台) is a special scenic area composed of offshore islands and coral reef coastlines, and it is the most famous scenic spot on the east coast of Taiwan. It is open 24 hours a day, so it offers different attractions from sunrise to sunset and into the night, especially on clear days when you can see the so-called ""Taitung Blue."" Every year, a New Year's hot air balloon event is held, and Sanxiantai (三仙台) is the first place on the main island of Taiwan to see the sunrise, making it well worth a visit for those who have never been.

On the island of Sanxiantai (三仙台), there are three huge rocks, which are said to be where the ancient figures Tieguai Li, Lü Dongbin, and He Xiangu once rested, leaving behind three sets of footprints, hence the name Sanxiantai (三仙台). The beautiful coastal scenery and clear skies create a picturesque scene, and visitors can also walk on the planned Sanxiantai (三仙台) Cross-Sea Bridge (currently under construction) to enjoy the stunning ""sea and sky in one color"" view from a high vantage point."

If you’re at home up in the air and think you might enjoy the beautiful green East Rift Valley from the sky, then Luye is a spot not to be missed. Luye Highland is located to the north of the Longtian Community (龍田). It is a big grass slope which, at its highest point, is 350 meters high. Because of the sharp difference in altitude between the bottom and top of the slope, it is a great place for activities in the air. From June to August every year, the Taiwan Balloon Festival is held on this highland, attracting flyers and tourists from all over the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are appreciating the plain protected by mountain ranges, or on the highland enjoying the many colored strange balloons racing to the sky, you will definitely find the view memorable. Every year during the Taiwan Balloon Festival, those people who want to have a ride in a hot air balloon need to arrive very early in the morning to wait in the queue. This is the only place in Taiwan where hot air balloons are legally permitted, hence its popularity. Tourists love to sit in a hot air balloon and fly across the rift valley below, gazing at the east coast in the distance and waiting for the sun to slowly rise in the early summer morning. Something that needs a special reminder is that hot air balloons are very sensitive to heat and quick changes in temperature, meaning that you need to fly in the early morning or the evening.

Besides hot air balloons, Luye Highland is also the perfect place for paragliding. Because of the unique geography of the highland, hot air will naturally rise in the summertime, so paragliders find they can stay in the sky for longer here than elsewhere. If you are not well-prepared for flying, then go to the tourist center and buy a fresh fruit ice pop (春一枝冰棒) instead. Sit on the green grass to enjoy the beautiful view greeting your eyes, and the yummy taste of the ice-cream sweetening your mouth!

Chulu Ranch (初鹿牧場) is the oldest ranch in Taiwan with a history of nearly fifty years. The ranch raises 250 cows of Canadian breeds. Visitors can not only taste the finest fresh milk but also try the famous milk ice bar, ice cream, and cookies made from milk. It is recommended to visit on weekdays for a better travel experience with fewer people.

The ranch covers an area of about 72 hectares and is open for visitors to interact with and feed the animals. It is located only 18 kilometers from Taitung City. The ranch is situated on a flat plateau with an elevation of approximately 200-390 meters. The abundant rainfall and high-quality soil produce excellent pasture, ensuring the happy growth of the cows.

With convenience, reliability, comfort, cost and the passing scenery winning over many budget-conscious travelers, train travel is booming in Taiwan. Among so many train stations out there, the most beautiful one is said to be situated in Taimali Township, Taitung.

Overlooking the spectacular landscape of the Pacific Ocean, Duoliang Station have officially ceased its railway services in 2006 due to low patronage and currently serves as a tourist spot for both local and international visitors. The viewing platform offers a stunning panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding lush greenery. You might see many people standing on the platform, who seem to be waiting for something. Yes, they are waiting for the train that passes by every hour. Photography enthusiasts would love to see a train running along the coast of Pacific Ocean. What a composition!

Instead of waiting for the train under the scorching sun (nothing is going to happen during the hour, anyway), you might want to sneak into Duoliang Elementary School, which was abandoned for years and is now being operated by a driftwood workshop. Artwork dedicated to the aboriginal culture and made from driftwood can be seen all over the place. Or you can choose to grab a cup of coffee from the café and head directly to the viewing platform in front of the school, admiring the breathtaking ocean view without being disturbed by other visitors.

Fugang Geopark (Xiaoyeleo 小野柳) is named for its ever-changing coastal erosion landscape, which resembles the Yehliu on the northern coast. Visitors can come to the camping area (currently temporarily closed) to enjoy camping and five-star bathroom facilities. Outside the tent, they are greeted by the ultimate mountain and sea views of the East Coast. In addition, there are ecological tours, DIY activities, and the annual ""Night Visit to Xiaoyeleo (小野柳)"" event, allowing both adults and children to experience the beauty of Taitung through learning about coastal plants, coastal geology, observing hermit crabs, and stargazing.

You can enjoy the magnificent and unique coastal landscapes without needing a ticket. The geologically sculpted formations include monoclines, honeycomb rocks, turtle array rocks, tofu rocks, and mushroom rocks, as well as a wooded area with a South Pacific atmosphere. Although there is no entrance fee to enter the park, there is a parking fee: 1. Large vehicles: NT$200 on holidays, NT$170 on weekdays. 2. Small vehicles: NT$60 on holidays, NT$50 on weekdays. Additionally, it is recommended to wear cloth shoes when visiting to avoid danger while walking around the ever-changing coastal scenery.

Zhiben Hot Spring in Taitung dates back to the Japanese Colonial Era and is now a world-class tourism resource. As one of the eight wonders in Taiwan, Zhiben Hot Spring is a sodium bicarbonate spring that provides innumerable benefits to the skin and to general health through sweating out toxins and conditioning.

With a neutral pH of 7.0 to 7.4, Zhiben Hot Spring will help improve your complexion and boost your metabolism. The naturally occurring mineral properties of hot spring water is known to promote incredible health and beauty benefits, as well as encourage relaxation of the body and mind. These hot soaks will always leave you with soft and silky skin. Due to its early development, the area is incredibly abundant in hot spring resorts to cater to every budget. Larger resorts usually offers packages that include hands-on experiences or aboriginal delicacies, while the smaller independent ones are perfect for those not planning to stay for the night but still wishing to wash away all their fatigue by soaking up in the hot spring. Besides the hot spring, there are also a significant number to attractions worth a visit such as Zhiben Forest Recreation Area and Baiyu Waterfall — both are easily accessible and can be enjoyed in a short amount of time.

Taitung Seashore Park (台東海濱公園) is a park that combines pathways, theaters, plazas, spring landscapes, and public art. It also features a bicycle path that runs along the Pacific Ocean and through the park. During the day, cycling in the open sea and sky, visitors can admire the Moon-viewing Bridge, Baosang Pavilion, and the Palau Men's Club within the park. The most captivating sight is the lighting of the international landmark in the evening, where the bamboo-decorated pathway and egg-shaped pavilions transform into a beautiful and colorful spectacle.

The park is adorned with many art installations made from driftwood or marine elements, echoing the nearby Pacific Ocean. Walking or cycling in the park is particularly refreshing, and the most famous framed landscape art is a popular spot for photography. Standing leisurely on the park's large grassland is the Palau Men's Club, a traditional building with a thatched roof and architectural style donated by Palau. If time allows, visitors can also explore the nearby Taitung Forest Park and admire the fairy-tale-like Pipa Lake, as the bike paths of the two parks are connected.

Taiwan’s aboriginal people are renowned for having beautiful singing voices, so it used to be with disappointment that visitors to Taitung left without an opportunity to listen. But Tiehua Music Village has changed everything. Situated on the east coast of Taiwan, the recent redevelopment of the vilalge has given energy to the music and entertainment scene in eastern Taiwan, providing a platform for traditional indigenous music. Occasionally also featuring local and regional acts from all over Asia, locals and foreigners gather here early in the afternoon from Thursday to Sunday to settle in for an evening of entertainment. Among the acts to have performed here are Chang Chen-yue (張震嶽), Maggie Chiang (江美琪) and the Aboriginal singer Samingad (紀曉君).

During the day, the area is suitable for strolling around. Visitors can enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, especially at Tiehua Market, where you can buy organic vegetables, handmade soap and local handicrafts between 2pm-10pm from Tuesday to Sunday. After dark, a colourful street of lanterns lights your way for an after-dinner stroll around the market. But when you hear the sound of the ringing of a bell, accompanied by the shout “class begins!” you might like to find a place, indoors or outdoors, to settle down for the commencement of a romantic evening. As you relax to the beautiful live music before you, maybe with a bottle of the local speciality millet wine (known as xiaomijiu, 小米酒) in your hand, you somehow get the sense that you’re hearing the real voice of Taiwan.

Taimali is the place to come if you love the yellow of flowers, the yellow of the sunrise and the yellow of sand. Flowers? The daylily flowers (金針花) that turn the mountain slopes at Taimali a bright yellow flowers during the August/September summer holidays are renowned. Sunrise? Because of its high altitude, and its sea-facing aspect, those who stay in the accommodation on the top of the mountain only need to step outside to find themselves in the perfect position to see a beautiful sunrise. Indeed, the original Paiwan name for this place means “where the sun rises”. Sand? Taimali is also known for its beach! Palm-studded, with green mountains as a backdrop, it is truly a wonderful place to spend a day. (But be aware, this is absolutely not a swimming beach- the crashing surf and strong undertows hidden beneath the expansive waters of the Pacific Ocean can be deadly!) Stretching approximately two to three kilometers, Taimali Beach if little frequented, making it the perfect place for a solitary or romantic stroll. If you are interested in Taiwan’s traditional indigenous culture, come here during the Harvest Festival in August, when aboriginal skills of living off the land are on show. But come any time of the year to enjoy beautiful Taimali, the town renowned for its views of the east coast, mountains and the Taitung plain.

A stone’s throw from the center of Taitung City, Taitung Forest Park is home to a dark forest of beefwood and three tranquil lakes. Locals and visitors alike often come here to cycle across beautiful landscapes as there is a very well-established bike trail running through the park.

A bike rental station can be found at the entrance of the park. The park itself is massive, which make cycling the best way to move around. Within the scenic park, three beautiful lakes boasts three different ambiances. The fairy-like Pipa Lake (琵琶湖) is a precious wetland where hordes of native freshwater fish can be seen frolicking in the crystal clear water and a complete ecosystem of waterbirds and plants is accordingly created. The man-made Flowing Lake (活水湖) is a popular venue for all kinds of water-related competitions; the lake is connected with the ocean, with the Pacific Ocean swooshing in and out of it, hence the name. Egret Lake (鷺鷥湖) is a renovated swamp where a significant number of white egrets come in to roost. All in all, every lake has its own character but is all worth a visit.