Notes

Exploring Taitung's Cultural Heritage
There are no sights per se, but if you love driving through the forest for hours breathing in the fresh air and not seeing another soul, then it’s great. The main attraction is spotting all kinds of fruit growing in the roadside plantations; papaya and pineapple were in season when we visited. Just after passing the Tropic of Cancer market, you’ll enter Taitung county. The first notable stop is the Baxiandong Archaeological Site (八仙洞), which unfortunately is closed for the time being. In Ji’an Township (吉安鄉), south of Hualien City, highway 11 splits off from highway 9. Just across the Hualien Bridge is the official start of the East Coast National Scenic Area (東部海岸國家風景區) and almost immediately you’ll be driving right along the coast.
When you reach Daren (達人), Highway 9 veers inland and crosses to the west coast in only about 30 minutes, then shoots south to Kenting National Park at the southern tip of Taiwan. This pleasant section on the west coast offers views over small deserted beaches before reaching Hengchun, the southernmost township in Taiwan, which is technically 台東 伴手禮 within Kenting National Park. For some, Taitung City may be the end of their east coast journey. But if you want to extend your trip all the way to the beaches of Kenting National Park at the southern tip of Taiwan, there are two ways to go about it. As much as I love Taitung, the real beauty of the county is in the countryside.

Oolong tea, in particular, is a specialty of the region and is highly regarded for its unique taste and aroma. Visitors can purchase various types of locally grown teas as souvenirs to enjoy a taste of Taitung long after their trip has ended. Souvenirs from Sanxiantai in Taitung, Taiwan play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities in the region. These souvenirs often feature traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship, such as handmade items, local foods, and artisanal products, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the area.
In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you’ll find that it’s home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. Suncake is a flaky pastry with a sweet maltose filling but lately, bakeries have been getting quite creative with their fillings, and you can now find a wide variety of flavors. There are dozens of bakeries throughout the city, but perhaps the most famous is Chia Wia Sina. Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular.
You can explore the area hunting for photo spots, food, coffee, and souvenirs during the day. At night, mini air balloons light up the park, making the evening stroll romantic. Visit this place late afternoon or early evening, so you get to enjoy the changes of day and night sceneries. Its unique artwork makes it a popular photo spot, together with the panoramic ocean and mountain view.

These strange rocks are formed by the alternating deposition of thick sandstone and thin mudstone, creating breathtaking scenery. Although the scale of the scenic spot is not very large, you can basically see it all in about an hour. It is strongly recommended that you come here for a walk, feel the masterpiece of nature, and leave beautiful moments. If you happen to be in Taitung, make sure to visit Amedaya Macaron, a patisserie that offers outstanding macarons. This place stands out among others with its unique and delightful treats. The macarons are exquisitely presented and have a perfect balance of flavors.
Highway 11 runs parallel to Highway 9, but along the coast. There’s no train here, so you’ll need to rent a scooter, charter a car with driver, or rent a car. Taiwan tourist shuttle Bus 8101 runs along the coast as far as Sanxiantai, as does this guided east coast day trip. In this article, I’m going to introduce my favorite things to do in Taitung, based on multiple visits over the last 15 years.

This is a place that everyone Taiwanese citizen must visit. I essentially like about the special exhibition on Who I am, the cultural identity. Interestingly-decorated Japanese restaurant with a variety of set meals and single-order items. Each set meal came with a bowl of soup, rice, seared tuna sashimi, and small sides. Be aware that there is no elevator to the 2nd floor, where the bathrooms are located. The collection of canned and preserved foods is impressive.
No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a soak in these natural wonders. Don’t forget to take some time to explore this gem in Taitung and immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of the Beinan people. Get ready to relax and unwind as you immerse yourself in the rejuvenating hot springs of Zhiben. This small town located in Taitung County is surrounded by lush green mountains and natural hot springs that are famous for their healing properties. One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting the Taitung Night Market. Here, you can sample a wide variety of local delicacies, including seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Take a hike along the Xiaoyeliu Trail, which features towering rock formations and a panoramic view of the coastline. Or, relax and rejuvenate your body and mind at Jhihben Hot Springs. Taitung’s night market is a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

The scenery is magnificent, and at every turn, you’ll see breathtaking landscapes. Hualien is a compact city on the east coast of Taiwan but the city is full of good eats. Not only can you find delicious traditional Taiwanese food in Hualien but you can also find a few specialties that are unique to the region. From Chinese cuisine to Aboriginal specialties, the best food in Hualien can be found everywhere in the city. Taitung offers some of the most beautiful vistas in TaiwanTaitung 台東, Chinese for “East Taiwan”, is in the Southeastern corner of Formosa.
You can go with your own car and drive to the main attractions or take a train to Hualien and then take one of the scenic buses that will take you to the main sights. SourceLocated in Changbin Township, Basian cave, originally, was a huge sea cave, with time and because of crustal uplift, it turned into several smaller caves, raised above sea level. The cave is called the Goddess cave by the Amis people, who believed the caves were uplifted because of the killing of a beautiful lady. Travel tip– Before any international trip, make sure toget travel insuranceand checkvisa requirements. With favorites like Taitung Night Market, Railway Art Village, and Haibin Park, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees.

If you stay in Hualien for a few days, you can easily try many of these local specialties in the city centre. Before trying some of the best food in Hualien, check out my Hualien itinerary if it is your first time in the city. The locals in the Calavi ( 查拉密) community, though, hope that the influx of visitors might attract some of those who moved out of the village to come back.
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