Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area

Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area

The Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area is located along the coastal regions of Hualien and Taitung counties, stretching between the eastern side of the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean. It extends from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to the Xiaoyeliu Scenic Area in the south, boasting a coastline of over 170 kilometers, making it the largest national scenic area in Taiwan. Introducing...

Introduction

The Eastern Coastal Scenic Area features diverse terrain, including coastal terraces, sandy beaches, gravel beaches, rocky shores, offshore islands, capes, marine erosion platforms, erosion gullies, and sea caves. Among its landscapes, Shitiaping, Sanxiantai, and Xiaoyeliu are the most scenic. The Xiuguluan River in Ruisui is famous throughout Taiwan and a popular summer destination. Activities such as rafting, whale watching, and diving can be enjoyed in the area.

This region is also the primary settlement of the Amis indigenous people. Every July and August, various tribes along the coast hold Harvest Festivals, offering the best opportunity to experience Amis culture.

Transportation

Public Transport:

Air Travel:

1. Taipei ↔ Hualien and Taipei ↔ Taitung are served by Uni Air and TransAsia Airways.

2. Taichung ↔ Taitung and Taichung ↔ Hualien are served by Mandarin Airlines.

3. Taitung ↔ Kaohsiung is served by Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air.

4. Taitung ↔ Green Island and Taitung ↔ Orchid Island (Lanyu) are served by Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air.

Road Transport:

Road transport is divided into two main routes — the mountain route and the coastal route. Key highways connecting the north and south include the South-Link Highway, South-Cross Highway, and Su-Hua Highway. Major passenger bus operators include Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, Dingdong Mountain Line, Dingdong Coastal Line, and Hualien Bus.

Railway Transport:

1. The North-Link Railway operates three daily Taroko Express trains between Taipei and Taitung (via Hualien), with a journey time of about

6 hours; there are also six Puyuma Express services, taking around 7 hours. Additionally, there are three daily Taroko Express services between Taipei and Hualien, with a journey time of about 3 hours, and four Puyuma Express services, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

2. The South-Link Railway runs three daily Taroko Express services between Kaohsiung and Taitung, with a journey time of about 3.5 hours;

there are also three Puyuma Express services, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Car Rental:

Car rental shops are available near the train stations in Hualien City and Taitung City. Prices are calculated by the day and vary by vehicle type. Generally, the most affordable option is a manual domestic car at about NT$1,300 per day. Hualien Bus and Dingdong Bus also offer large tour buses for rent.

Self-Drive:

Starting from Taipei:

You can choose either the Northern Cross-Island Highway or the Coastal Highway. After passing through Su'ao,

(1) take Provincial Highway 11 along the coast.

(2) take Provincial Highway 9 to Fengbin Township in Hualien, then connect to Provincial Highway 11.

(1) Take Provincial Highway 11 along the coast.

(2) Take Provincial Highway 9 to Fengbin Township, Hualien, then connect to Provincial Highway 11.

Departing from Kaohsiung:

(1) Take the South Cross-Island Highway, and after reaching Chishang, turn toward Taitung.

(3) Take the South Loop Highway, heading in the direction of Taitung.

Precautions:

1. The East Coast Highway often experiences heavy fog and falling rocks. Please drive carefully.

Phone: East Coast National Scenic Area Administration

089-841520

2. Road condition information: Directorate General of Highways

Phone: (03)9951727; (03)9951665; (03)9953763

3. Broadcast road condition updates: Police Radio Station

Phone: 0800000123