Taiwan's wildest, most beautiful coast: marble cliffs plunging into the Pacific, indigenous craft towns, and a highway made for slow driving. A guide to Hualien and the east coast.
Taiwan's east coast is the side most travellers miss, and the one that stays with those who do not. Shielded from the rest of the island by the central mountains, Hualien and the coast road south are a different country: marble cliffs dropping sheer into a cobalt Pacific, rice valleys between the ranges, and the living culture of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. It is the island's great drive.
Base in Hualien city, hire a car, and give the coast at least two days - one for Taroko Gorge inland (covered in its own guide), and one for the highway south.
The Qingshui Cliffs
Just north of Hualien, the Suhua Highway clings to the Qingshui Cliffs - one of the highest coastal cliffs in the world, where the mountains fall more than 800 metres straight into the sea. There are marked overlooks to pull in and a beach walk at Chongde for the view from below. Come early; the light is best in the morning and the cliffs catch cloud by afternoon.
South along the coast
- Highway 11 - the coastal route south, hugging the Pacific past black-sand beaches and fishing harbours.
- Highway 9 (East Rift Valley) - the inland alternative, through rice terraces and hot-spring towns.
- Indigenous villages - Amis and other communities along the coast, with craft, music and millet cuisine.
- Dongdamen Night Market - back in Hualien city, the place to end the day on local seafood and mochi.
On the east coast the mountains run straight into the sea, the towns thin out, and the drive becomes the destination.
Where to stay
Silks Place Taroko is the singular choice for the gorge - the only resort inside the national park. On the coast, Farglory Hotel sits above its own marina with sweeping Pacific views, while Parkview anchors Hualien city near the night market. Compare them below, each with live rates for your dates.
関連 高雄・海岸コレクション
