Attractions

The unique geological landscape of Xiaoyeliu is a result of inverted sandstone and mudstone layers. After a geological structure change,the gigantic sandstone shale became upside down and covered with coral reef. After years of sea erosion,a unique geological form was developed. Amazing rocky formations are found on the trail,such as shapes of a mushroom,tofu,and coral reef. The geological exhibition hall at the Tourist Service Center provides further information of geological formations and land features unique to the area. The broad grass land of the Jialulan Recreation Area at the north is decorated with art fixtures of primitive-looking driftwood. The area is ideal to gaze into the night sky and listen to nature's concerto of tides.

Romantic evenings can be enjoyed at nearby Tiehua Music Village. The singers give natural and moving performances and there is also an art market to browse; enjoy life at a leisurely pace here while listening to the most beautiful voices in Taiwan.

Around Dulan Fishing Bridge and halfway up the hill, visitors could see a stone with inscriptions of "Qiguan" (A Spectacular View) in red, standing alongside the road. A narrow ditch lies next to the stone and water in the ditch runs upwards against gravity. The site is a famous amazement that always attracts the passersby. In fact, the tilting angle of roadside landscape larger than that of the road surface is the secret behind the illusion.

The 280-hectare Taitung Forest Park at the end of Jhongshan Road is nicknamed “Black Forest”by Taitung residents for its immense dark beefwood trees. In the woods lies a serene lake fed by the gushing spring at the estuary of Beinan Creek,called Pipa (Chinese lute) Lake,because it has the shape of two connected water bodies,a small one and a large one. The scenic Pipa Lake is a habitat of aquatic animals and plants,and by the lake are a viewing platform and a cabin that overlooks the waterfowl. Visitors may enjoy the lake view on either bike routes or slat walks.

The obsolete Sintung Sugar Factory in Dulan Village was revived when a group of art workers moved in. The deserted plants were transformed into studios and showrooms and frequent exhibitions are held. The dormitories were turned into B&B,the warehouse into a characteristic handicraft shop,and the old office into a coffee house. On Saturday nights,live concerts and dances are often presented by local and groups from Thailand,South Korea,Indonesia,Malaysia and Japan.

Formerly,Sanxiantai was a narrow and elongated cape into the ocean. When the neck of the cape was eroded by the tide,the rest of the cape was disconnected with the land and became an island. It is said that three gods,named Li Tieguai,Lu Dongbin and He Xiengu visited here and left three pairs of footprints. The isolated island remained unaffected by human civilization and preserves abundant seashore plant species,and was thus claimed a natural reserve later on. There is also a famous eightarch cross-ocean bridge,a great spot to watch sun rising over the Pacific Ocean.

The Shimen-Changbin Bicycle Trail is built alongside Highway 11. Starting from Shimendong(Shimen Cave) of Fongbin Township,Hwalien County,stretching over Shihtiping Scenic Area and Lano Tribe,and ending at 88km of Highway 11,this 27km-long bicycle trail is accompanied by green coastal range and blue Pacific Ocean. On the way there are famous scenic spots like Changhong Bridge,the Tropic of Cancer and Basiandong (Basian Cave,a visit is recommended). Since the riding distance is relatively long,riding in sections is highly recommended so that riders could fully enjoy each beautiful scenic spot en route. Several wooden scenic pavilions are available to offer scenic views alongside the seashore. Tourists and riders could rest there and enjoy the natural beauty.

Pisirian is a simple Amis tribal village. The name means “goat-herding”. Large driftwood serves as support in the architectural structure of the Pisirian Cultural Center. The thatched roof is matched with irregular white walls. The entire architecture is the embodiment of the Amis culture, with a tropical twist.

In Peinan Site Park, the tranquil lawn and trails lead visitors through the rise and fall of life. It was here in 1980 that many slate coffins were excavated during the construction of a new railway station. The relics salvage act in the following 10 years recovered 1,500 slate coffins and over 20,000 pieces of stoneware, ceramic artifacts and jade mortuary objects in addition to rare adobes and burials, which is the most complete archaeological site in Taiwan. Research shows that Beinan Site used to be a community of Neolithic people 2,000 to 5,000 years ago. It is the largest slate coffins burial complex within Pan-Pacific Ocean and South-East Asia, with each coffin buried in north-south direction toward the sacred Mountain of Dulan. The crescent stone pillar was once the community center. It is now a first-class historic site and a permanent landmark. From the two-story wooden lookout platform, visitors can enjoy a panorama view of Taitung Plain and the Pacific Ocean, and beneath it are three slate coffins excavated on the spot. With the archaeological excavation still in process, visitors can observe the work on site or browse the outcome at the Visitor Center.

A county-administered city, Taitung was previously called Baosang Village, derived from the Amis language "Paposogan", meaning "in the direction of the hill". Once resided by Puyuma and Amis people, the place has a paradisal natural environment and rich content of pre-historical relics.

Rice Noodles under Banyan Tree

Luye Highland is the first place constructed with a fresh image of hot air balloon in Taiwan. It is also a new scenic spot in Taitung. Since 2011, Taiwan International Balloon Fiesta has been annually held from late June to early August. The flying shows of hot air balloon in the early morning and evening are the climax every day. Pilots from different countries navigate colorful balloons to fly. This makes the sky of Taitung in summer full of young and enthusiastic atmosphere.

A small country avenue in Chihshang Township of Taitung County becomes widely popular due to a commercial of Mr. Brown Coffee. It is called a “green road of paradise.” It has vast green rice fields without a wire pole along the roadside. You can truly feel how borderless it is. The avenue has good views for photograph and can bring your mind away from the hustle. Come to experience such pure relief in person.

NMP is the first state archaeological museum in Taiwan. Dedicated to the reservation and study of prehistoric and indigenous culture, it exhibits the relics excavated from Beinan site. NMP consists of two parts, the main building and Beinan Cultural Park. Situated near the right of Kangle Railway Station, the main building and its 10-hectare museum area presents explicit introduction on the prehistoric development of Taiwan’s nature and culture as well as the Austronesian culture. Behind Taitung Railway Station, the 18-hectare Beinan Cultural Park is the first archaeological site park in Taiwan. The museum is a design by American post-modern architect Michael Graves and domestic architect Haigo T.H.Shen. While the huge bronze sundial on Sun Square creates an image of prehistoric culture, the building adopts the Austronesian totem and cultural features for exterior decoration. Different theme exhibition halls lead visitors to understand Taiwan’s natural history through geologic, biologic and anthropic development, Taiwan’s prehistory through archaeological findings, and the aboriginal heritage through Austronesian cultural discoveries. The outdoor area comprises the establishments of a musical fountain, a labyrinth, a children’s playground and a scenic garden.

Jialulan Recreation Area is near the 157.7km point of No.11 Provincial Highway. Here is not far from Siaoyeliou Scenic Area. Formerly as the waste soil site when the air force constructed Jhihhang base airport, it was planned by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration and later developed in ecological engineering methods. Now it has become a quite popular recreation area. Its annually held handicraft marketplace also receives a fervent response. No wonder Jialulan Recreation Area has become both a natural and artistic coast.

Lisong Hot Spring is located near Motian,at the 169.5 km of Southern Cross-Island Highway. The hot spring can only be reached by going down to the valley and crossing the creeks. A tour guide is highly recommended. Lisong Canyon Hot Spring is one of the famous river-based hot springs. Its water gushes out of the holes on stone slopes and even forms a waterfall of hot spring. The stone slope behind the waterfall is washed over time by hot spring water and now possesses a crystal-like texture. With the surroundings of stalactite steles comprised of calcium carbonate and natural landscapes,Lisong Hot Spring is best compared with a fairyland.

It is the utmost joy to bathe in a hot spring in cool autumn or chilly winter. A bath in hot spring water can improve blood circulation,and more attractively,smoothen the skin. Jhihben is best known for hot spring bathing because its water contains weak alkaline carbon,a beautyenhancing ingredient. Hotels here feature different types of pools,such as the nude pool,SPA,hot spring swimming pool and other facilities,attracting nowledgeable visitors with irreplaceable appeal.

After called the most beautiful station, Duoliang Station has attracted more and more tourists, due to the juxtaposition of railway, mountain and ocean. It is actually not difficult to find this station. There is an obvious indicator at 417.5km on No.9 Provincial Highway. Then turn right and go upward.

After this station was abolished, the roads previously connected to the platform have been removed. Now people can only stand on the roof of the station to overlook the Pacific scenery. Even so, its charm still remains. Although this station is not used any more, there are still trains passing. When a train rapidly passes in front into the cave, along with the background of blue ocean, rail fans would definitely be crazy for here.

Also called Yazilan Mountain or Taimali Mountain,Jean-Zen mountain gets its name for the flourishing day lily. Both beautiful and edible,the day lily flower blooms and withers in one day,hence nicknamed "oneday beauty." During harvest in summer,tourists come to the mountain blanketed with golden flowers for "Day Lily Festival." Besides day lilies,the apricot,peach and cherry tree blossoms also take turns to embellish the scenery. Visitors can ascend along the Jialun feeder road and admire the scenic panorama view at the pavilions. It is a 30-minute drive uphill from the entrance across the CPC gas station on Taimali Street,and drivers should be cautious of the afternoon fog.

Situated at the northern estuary of Beinan Creek, Fugang is a major fish distribution center as well as a portal for offshore fishing, whale watching and access to Lanyu and Green Island. Its jetty wall is decorated with mosaic relief of various fish. Green Island and the coastal landscape of Siaoyeliou can be seen on the bank. The harbor also functions as a tourist fish market. Around 8:30am, the area would suddenly bustle with shouts coming from the activity center of the fishermen’s union. At this time, fishermen, who generally leave the shore in early mornings and return at around 7am, are ready to sell their catch for the day and fill the air with vitality. Seafood lovers can purchase fish and have sellers cook and serve the dish on the spot.

Guanshan Township Loop Bike Lane,opened in 1997,was the first tourism bike trail in Taiwan. With a total length of 12 km,it was built along Guanshan Canal and lined with betel nut trees,rice paddies and blooming rapeseeds. The route starts from the Water Park,passes through Guanshan rice fields,water recreation area and the "Hero's Slope," and so on. With different seasonal views,it is one of the most popular destinations for bikers who are attracted by the picturesque scenery of green paddies,golden rapeseed fields and egrets resting upon a water buffalo's back.