The “Eastern Taiwan” includes: Yilan County, Hualien County, and Taitung County.
Yilan County (宜蘭縣)
Nestled between the snowy peaks of the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Yilan County offers a blend of coastal scenery, hot springs, and traditional culture. A hub of relaxed Taiwanese living, Yilan is within easy reach from Taipei yet feels like a world apart with its lush rice paddies, winding rivers, and fisherfolk’s villages.
Nature lovers will find endless outdoor activities—from cycling buzzing along the Dongshan River Waterfront Park, to chasing waterfalls in the forested parks of Suao and Shitiping, or soaking in the geothermal warmth at Jiaoxi. Local festivals, like spring’s Cold Spring Festival and the Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, give visitors a window into the region’s playful spirit and community traditions.
Yilan is also a haven for foodies. The county’s vibrant Luodong Night Market is celebrated for its fresh mountain produce, scallion pancakes, and herbal teas. Yilan’s inns and guesthouses proudly showcase local cuisine, whether it’s seafood from the northeast coast, indigenous flavors in the mountains, or farm-to-table harvests from community markets.
Highlights:
Jiaoxi Hot Springs – Public and private baths with healing geothermal waters
Dongshan River Waterfront Park – Scenic cycling and river cruises
Luodong Night Market – A foodie hotspot filled with local delicacies
Suao Cold Springs & Shitiping – Rare geological features and coastal trails
National Center for Traditional Arts – Cultural shows and craft workshops
Hualien County (花蓮縣)
Carved by the rugged peaks of the Central and Coastal Mountain Ranges, Hualien County is Eastern Taiwan’s ultimate nature retreat. Home to Taroko Gorge, this region combines jaw-dropping natural beauty with indigenous Taroko culture, underpinned by a serene yet adventurous vibe.
Taroko National Park—Hualien’s crown jewel—is a vision of marble canyons, flowing rivers, and forested slopes. Visitors can explore dramatic trails like Zhuilu Old Trail and Shakadang, or take gentle strolls to Swallow Grotto and Eternal Spring Shrine. On the coast, Qixingtan Beach’s starglass shores and ocean-hugged cycling paths invite reflective coastal exploration.
In Hualien City and surrounding rural towns, local aboriginal culture remains vibrant. You can sample indigenous cuisine, view tribal dances, and browse artisan crafts. Farm stays and Hanabali tours bring you into the local rhythm, while the relaxed pace of seafront towns like Fengbin and Jici offer hidden beaches and authentic seafood dishes.
Highlights:
Taroko National Park – Dramatic marble cliffs and iconic hiking trails
Qixingtan Beach & Bikeway – Stunning coastal scenery ideal for cycling
Taroko Gorge Scenic Routes – Swallow Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine, etc.
Liyu Lake – Serene paddling and mountain reflections
Pavilion of the Far East (Dongdamen) – Hualien’s cultural tourism hub
Taitung County (台東縣)
Taitung County, stretching along Taiwan’s southeastern coastline, is a cultural tapestry of indigenous traditions, coastal panoramas, and rural charm. Its remote geography has preserved a laid-back lifestyle, rich tribal heritage, and soulful landscapes.
Beaches like Sanxiantai and Shitiping present dramatic rock platforms and surf-friendly cays. Inland, Luye Highland and Cidal Hot Springs invite visitors with rolling grasslands and al fresco soaks. The celebrated Taitung Forest Park, also known as “Blackforest,” offers peaceful trails through lagoons and lakes edged with cabins and bikes.
Taitung bursts into color every summer with the internationally famous Taitung International Balloon Festival, where skies fill with hot air balloons against mountain silhouettes. Tribal villages retain their vibrant cultures—you can watch weaving demonstrations, taste millet wine, and visit craft centers for authentic Paiwan and Amis art. Markets and oceanfront vendors bring fresh catches, offering regional seafood flavors like flying fish and seaweed soup.
Highlights:
Sanxiantai & Slope Line – Island bridge and coastal exploration
Taitung Forest Park (“Blackforest”) – Lakeside bike paths and picnic spots
Luye Highlands – Scenic ridges, tea terraces, and balloon festival views
Cidal or Jhihben Hot Springs – Tropical geothermal soak escapes
Taitung International Balloon Festival – Colorful skies and festive nights