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Stone Umbrella

Stone Umbrella is on the Huadong coastal highway between Chenggong Township (成功鄉)and Changbin Township (長濱鄉), at the 102 kilometer mark of Highway 11. Famous as an unusual rock formation which stretches out approximately one kilometer into the sea, the shape of the stones on the beach looks like an umbrella, giving it the name of “Stone Umbrella”. This rock has been formed over centuries by wave erosion, such that a hard coral cap is now perched on a narrower column of softer stone. The striking rock formation that results is a popular spot among photographers, eager to catch sight of the many moods of Stone Umbrella. Indeed, the whole area around here is great for photography, especially as the scenery is typical of the east of Taiwan, and very special indeed. Complex caves nearby, formed by a long history of wave erosion, are also very much worth a visit. Although it is called “Stone Umbrella”, others say it looks more like a mushroom, or even an elephant trunk! What do you think? Come here to enjoy the rugged beauty of Taiwan’s east coast, and argue with your companions about the real identity of this perplexing rock!

Phone

+886-89-841520

Address

Chenggong Township, Taitung County 961, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Business hours

16:00 - 15:59

Nearby

Baqi

When traveling on the Hualien-Taitung Highway, you must not miss the magnificent sea views. Baqi Gazebo (芭崎眺望台), located on the coastal highway, is a high vantage point where you can overlook the beautiful expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the few places, besides Qixingtan in Hualien, where you can truly appreciate the unique coastal scenery.

Situated on the main road, Provincial Highway 11, connecting the Hualien and Taitung regions, Baqi Gazebo (芭崎眺望台) not only serves as an observation platform but also functions as a rest area. Here, you can find various snacks and drinks for sale, as well as restrooms and a small parking lot. Visiting this spot is like experiencing another way to enjoy the sea views.

Below the observation platform, there is a 100-meter-long wooden pathway with a small shaded platform for resting and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere amidst the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers.

Attractions

Baxian Cave

Currently, only the Baxian Cave (八仙洞) is open for visitation, and the trail is closed.

Baxian Cave (八仙洞) in Taitung is a remarkable creation of nature, with the most spectacular feature being the Lingyan Cave, the largest sea-eroded cave in the park. Located far from the sea, the enormous cave reaches up to several meters high, and the sound of the waves crashing inside is truly awe-inspiring. It is a must-see attraction in Changbin, Taitung.

In addition to its natural beauty, this site is also an important prehistoric archaeological site, where rich artifacts from the Old Stone Age have been discovered. Named the ""Changbin Culture,"" it is the oldest known prehistoric cultural site in Taiwan. In front of the cave is the vast sea, with a pebble beach featuring various colored pebbles. The geology here is also unique, with igneous rocks from the coastal mountain range, metamorphic rocks such as andesite and schist from the Central Mountain Range, and plenty of slate.

Attractions

Fanshuliao

Fanshuliao (蕃薯寮) is a scenic spot with a bridge called "No. 18" accross 70 meters deep and 50meters wide valley. It is said that in the past for local aboringinal young people, if someone want to be a chief in the tribe, he must use a bamboo pole to do pole jumpinp over the valley. A lot of younger people fail and die in the valley. Their bamboo pole was left and form a bamboo forest down to the valley.

Standing on the bridge, you can see the basin on the west and steep gorge on the east. Obviously, the lovely gorge of Fanshuliao is no match for magnificent Taroko Gorge. However, the contrast scene on both side is worthy a visit in east coast.

Attractions

Jichi

While most of the beach is coral or shingle, Jichi Beach is one of the few sandy beach in east coast. Therefore, it is regarded as the best surfing place for beginners and private surfing lesson are held here (starting from Hualien city). One of the interesting thing is that you may see buffalos hangling out near the beach, enjoying their grass meal all day long.

Beside the beach there is a hill at the south, a 20 minutes walk leads up to the top and commands great view of Pacific Ocean and Jichi Beach. In addition, Jichi Beach poessess camping facility with affordable price. Enjoying a camping tour and BBQ dinner at summer night would be an unforgottable experience in east coast.

ActivityAttractions

Henan Temple

Located in the Yanliao Village of Hualien, Henan Temple is a well-known Taoist monastery blessed with spell-casting landscape and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The design reduces the form and color to a minimum and takes full advantage of its magnificent natural surroundings, striving to create an uplifting spiritual place for those in quest of serenity and tranquility. A 15-meter-tall statue of Guanyin stands behind the temple and serves as a lighthouse for fishing boats in the area when the sun goes down.

Henan Temple adopts modern methods such as arts and multimedia to spread Buddhism through literature, music, photography and painting, making it a lot easier for people to fully understand the real essence of dharma. Neither fancy wood and stone carvings nor exquisite relief works can be seen at the temple, but a gift from Mongolia will fascinate you: a traditional yurt carrying a 300-kilogram felt cover. You will also find a two-story-tall stalactite weighing 1.6 tons standing lofty within the garden. Imagine yourself look out over the tranquil view of the Pacific Ocean with Sanskrit chanting in your ears, the peace of mind will then follow you like a shadow.

Attractions

Chenggong Aquarium of Clownfish

Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean on the east, Taitung boasts an abundance of marine resources, and in the Chenggong Township lies the biggest aquarium dedicated to clownfish in Taiwan. Watch your little one's eyes light up as he/she catches a glimpse of these little clownfish, closer than they've ever seen before. Now, let’s go find Nemo in Taitung!

The aquarium was formerly the government-run Taitung Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, and nowadays it is home to many different clownfish and marine species of all the oceans. Children can roll up their sleeves and have a unique, hands-on encounter at the touch pool, where they get to meet sea cucumbers and feel between a sea star’s arms. The aquarium offers the once in a lifetime experience at the very reasonable price of TWD150, and these amazing underwater sights are guaranteed to amaze your whole family regardless of age.

Attractions